Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Pfeffer, a renowned professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Business and author of 16 books on power, shares his insights on harnessing influence for career advancement. He outlines his seven essential rules of power, emphasizing effective networking and building a personal brand without feeling cringe-worthy. Pfeffer explores the tradeoffs of wielding power, how an open mindset can unlock opportunities, and the importance of authentic connections in professional growth—backed by compelling stories and practical strategies.

Uri Levine, co-founder of Waze and a serial entrepreneur, shares invaluable insights for startup success. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on problems over solutions to resonate with customers. Levine discusses the iterative process of achieving product-market fit and the critical roles of decisive hiring and effective storytelling in fundraising. He stresses that understanding user behavior is key to product development and highlights the necessity of adapting through challenges, showcasing the dynamic journey of building impactful startups.

Cameron Adams, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Canva, shares insights from the company’s remarkable journey. He discusses why Canva has no managers, choosing coaching over traditional hierarchy, and promotes the idea of 'giving away your Legos' for better collaboration. Cameron reflects on the importance of a delightful user experience that delayed their MVP launch and reveals their innovative three-pillar framework for integrating AI. He also highlights Canva's shift to serve larger enterprises while maintaining a focus on creativity and collaboration.

Matt Dixon, a world-renowned sales expert and author of bestsellers like 'The Challenger Sale' and 'The JOLT Effect,' dives into customer indecision, a major hurdle in sales. He reveals that 40% to 60% of qualified opportunities are lost due to this indecision. The conversation introduces the 'JOLT' method to tackle hesitance and emphasizes the nuanced 'pings and echoes' technique to identify issues early. Dixon shares practical applications from his research on 2.5 million sales conversations, redefining strategies for closing deals.

Bangaly Kaba, Director of Product at YouTube and former growth leader at Facebook and Instagram, shares vital insights for tech professionals. He discusses a framework for making strategic career choices that prioritize impact over compensation. The concept of 'understand work' emphasizes grasping user needs before product execution for better outcomes. Bangaly also highlights the strategy of targeting 'adjacent users' for growth, backed by lessons from his rich experience in the tech industry.

Kenneth Berger, the first product manager at Slack and an executive coach, shares insights on overcoming barriers to asking for what you want. He discusses the importance of honest communication in achieving personal and professional goals. Kenneth introduces techniques like the 'dream behind the complaint' to uncover desires and emphasizes that hearing 'no' is part of the process. He also reflects on his experiences with rejection and the need for emotional regulation in navigating professional relationships. Embrace fear and cultivate joy for true motivation!

Jag Duggal, Chief Product Officer at Nubank, shares insights from his impressive career at leading tech companies. He discusses how Nubank cultivates a passionate user base through word-of-mouth growth and innovative strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being 'fundamentally different' rather than just 'incrementally better.' Jag also delves into measuring customer love, strategic clarity in product management, and Nubank's vision for an AI-driven banking future, making it a captivating exploration of modern fintech.

In this engaging discussion, Vikrama Dhiman, Head of Product at Gojek, shares his wealth of experience in product management across Asia. He reveals the traits that define successful product managers and introduces the 3 W’s framework for career growth. Vikrama explores the importance of collaboration and the Four A’s for leveling up in the field. He emphasizes the value of pushing back effectively and highlights common pitfalls that can hinder PM careers, offering insightful advice for those looking to transition into product management.

Hamilton Helmer, a world-renowned expert on business strategy and author of "7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy," dives deep into the essence of competitive advantage. He discusses the essential powers startups should cultivate and debunks common myths about business strengths. Helmer distinguishes between moats and true powers, highlights how AI reshapes competitive barriers, and offers practical strategies for all levels of leadership to harness these insights for growth and success.

In this engaging conversation, Annie Duke, a former pro poker player and author of "Thinking in Bets" and "Quit," shares her insights on decision-making. She discusses lessons learned from Daniel Kahneman, the power of pre-mortems, and effective strategies like the nominal group technique. Annie emphasizes the complexities of quitting wisely, using real-world examples to illustrate her points. She also highlights the importance of inclusivity and structured processes for crafting better decisions in both personal and professional contexts.