Think Like Amazon

Steve Huynh, an 18-year Amazon veteran and content creator behind A Life Engineered, joins to discuss the pitfalls of the 'Think Big' mindset. He argues that real innovation starts by challenging existing assumptions rather than simply scaling up. The conversation dives into the principles that guide decision-making at Amazon, the power of clear communication, and the importance of living authentically. Huynh encourages listeners to question traditional approaches and find true opportunities for transformation in both their careers and personal lives.

What if Amazon’s innovation edge came not from big ideas, but from writing them down? In this episode, Jorge sits down with Marcelo Calbucci, former Amazon Director and author of The PRFAQ Framework, to unpack the writing-first approach Amazon uses to launch new products. They explore why the PRFAQ (Press Release + FAQ) is more than a document. It’s a mindset that drives clarity, focus, and customer obsession. Whether you're building a product, navigating your Amazon career, or leading a team still stuck in PowerPoint, this episode is packed with practical insights. You’ll learn how to make writing less intimidating, how to start your first PRFAQ, and even how to use the framework to shape your own career. Mentioned in the episode: – Marcelo Calbucci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelocalbucci/ – The PRFAQ Framework Book: https://www.theprfaq.com/

What does it mean to lead with purpose, without quitting your job? In this episode, Jorge sits down with Luis Caballero, former Amazon leader and current VP of Marketing Strategy & Analytics at HelloFresh. Luis shares how launching an internal podcast helped him grow as a marketer, why he took on the role of President of “Latinos at Amazon,” and how Amazon’s “single-threaded leadership” model shaped his career. From leading technical teams as a non-technical person to finding purpose through side initiatives, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on growth, ownership, and impact. Mentioned in the episode: Luis Caballero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisalbertocaballero/ "The Good Enough Job” book https://www.amazon.com/Good-Enough-Job-Reclaiming-Life/dp/059353896X 

Justin Maner, a former Director at Amazon Devices, brings his experience to the table as he dives into crucial leadership insights. He emphasizes how earning trust can be systematic, vital for effective leadership. The discussion also covers the importance of long-term results by prioritizing team cohesion and customer obsession that transcends mere data. Maner shares how ownership levels impact leadership and the role of embracing hard truths for progress. Prepare to rethink your approach to leadership and innovation!

Tyler Wallis spent seven years at Amazon, leading teams in Consumer Electronics, Home Improvement, and Marketing for Amazon Canada. In that same time, he scaled from intern to team leader. After Amazon, Tyler founded TripleLine, an agency helping “better-for-you” CPG brands scale profitably on Amazon, and launched this podcast (Think Like Amazon) to share insights on applying Amazon’s leadership principles beyond the company. In this episode, it was now Jorge’s turn to interview Tyler, as he shares his journey from corporate leader to entrepreneur, reflecting on key lessons and practical takeaways:How Amazon’s Ownership principle shaped his career, including driving to Canada to gather critical data firsthand.The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship and how Amazon’s principles guide his business approach.Why being a generalist prepared him for entrepreneurship’s diverse challenges.Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including building a diverse skill set within your current role. Whether you're curious about Amazon’s culture, entrepreneurship, or scaling a business, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Mentioned in the episode:Tyler’s LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tylermwallis/Learn more about Triple Line: https://triplelinebrands.com/Profit and Purpose Podcast: www.profitandpurpose.show/ Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/think-like-amazon-podcast

Jorge Pando, a former Amazon executive with extensive experience in leadership and the architect behind the 'Effective at Amazon' program, shares his journey from Peru to corporate success. He discusses how the principle of 'Learn and Be Curious' shaped his diverse role transitions and drove impactful initiatives. Jorge stresses the importance of balancing personal passion with career demands, highlights continuous learning for workplace productivity, and underscores how side projects can enhance your professional brand. His insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow in their career.

Ronak spent over 9 years at Amazon, where he led large businesses across Fulfillment, Ultra-fast delivery, Real Estate, Process Improvement, and Last Mile Delivery. Ronak was also the youngest Regional Director in Amazon history, with placement into Amazon’s highest volume, most critical region of fulfillment. After nearly a decade with the company, Ronak left Amazon to join Odeko as Chief Supply Chain Officer.  In this episode, Ronak shares how his career in operations leadership quickly unfolded and the leadership principles that helped him achieve success in the programs, centers, and regions he led. You’ll hear Ronak share how Deliver Results rounded out his perspective on maximizing the collective impact of Amazon’s leadership principles, how leadership transparency helped him turn around a 2,800-employee site, and how, with the right focus and motivation, leaders can help their teams operate at a high level, whether at Amazon or in any business arena.   Ronak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronak-patel-nashville/ Follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-like-amazon-podcast/

Jennifer spent over 16 years at Amazon across various roles that included Financial Analyst, Product Manager, Head of Vendor Management, and Category Leader. During this time, Jennifer’s teams helped create new input metrics and ask questions to evolve Amazon’s use of data in the quest for operational excellence. Jennifer has since taken this ability to lead through data and questioning to launch a marketplace service for BuildDirect Technologies and consult various consumer brands in their Amazon and e-commerce negotiations and growth strategies.  In this episode, Jennifer shares context behind her career journey and how she used preceding roles to prepare for later leadership roles as Amazon director and executive at Build Direct. She also shared practical examples from her experience asking questions and identifying data to improve business operations.  You’ll also hear Jennifer share: ·        How increased transparency into variable product costs quickly clarified needed actions·        Why Dive Deep is such a fundamental principle for managing a P&L and marketplace business·        How listening to key customer anecdotes helped create a better assortment strategy in the Watches category·        How leaders can apply the Dive Deep principle when moving to a completely new business·        How to improve negotiations with the right use of questions and data  Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-arthur-460768/Jennifer’s email: jennifer@jmaconsultingco.comFollow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-like-amazon-podcast/

In part two of this 2-episode special with Steve Frazier, a former 20-year Amazon VP, we pick up in talking about how to use data, focus on inputs, and exercise strong judgement in prioritizing your team’s attention in a scaling business. You’ll hear Steve share: ·        Why businesses should focus on operational performance reviews, even on day 1·        The 2 magical metrics that helped Amazon stay focused on the right actions as it scaled·        The litmus test for a leader to know they have their team focused on the right inputs·        Why Amazon focuses on the smallest defects in performance·        Learning from both successes and failures·        How being a reporter for The Wall Street Journal helped shape Steve’s approach in business Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfrazier/Follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-like-amazon-podcast/

Steve spent over 20 years as a VP at Amazon where he launched multiple businesses and led organizations around the globe. During his Amazon career, Steve spent time as the country manager for Amazon UK and Amazon China, in addition to roles leading North American Retail expansion and the rollout of international consumer programs.  In this first installment of our two-episode conversation with Steve, we discuss Amazon’s approach to expanding businesses internationally and what it was like to lead international teams during Amazon’s earlier years. Steve shares how Amazon prioritized efforts to launch internationally, including a few mistakes made along the way and the mental models that ultimately led to Amazon’s international success.  You’ll also hear Steve share:  ·        How to manage risk and capital expenditure when setting the pace for international expansion·        When to copy past models vs. create a localized strategy·        The four decision buckets that need should be covered when launching a new country, and the relative Importance of getting each category right·        A few costly mistakes, and how Amazon learned from these experiences·        How to adapt a launch strategy in step with the growing product or service offering of your business·        Practices for disseminating learning during a launch in order to de-risk future market launches   Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sfrazier/ Follow us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-like-amazon-podcast/