Lenny's Reads

Discover the essential framework for becoming an impactful 'manager of managers.' Learn why skip leads are vital for scaling product teams and how to effectively support struggling managers. Dive into practical tips, like the 'API endpoint' trick to lead through layers and a simple 2x2 strategy for knowing when to intervene. Explore how to match team members to projects and establish powerful first-week habits that set new leaders on the path to success. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for navigating leadership dynamics!

The product job market is experiencing a significant shift as layoffs slow down after tough years. Key roles in tech are bouncing back, with major investments from Big Tech promising new hiring opportunities. AI-related positions are booming, particularly in the Bay Area, where the landscape remains competitive. The rise of remote-friendly jobs is changing the hiring scene, and emerging trends are reshaping how product managers work. Discover which companies are leading the charge for product managers and AI-focused roles!

Unlock the secrets of negotiating compensation like a pro! Discover why the key is showcasing value rather than tactics. Learn a five-step framework that has transformed the earnings of many in the field. Hear intriguing stories of product leaders who achieved remarkable salary increases. Get insights on building support and leveraging complex situations. Plus, explore a fascinating case where chaos led to a jaw-dropping $1.4 million offer. This guide could change how you approach your next salary discussion!

Discover how AI agents can transform product management by automating tedious tasks. Learn the six key behaviors that differentiate agents from standard tools. Explore strategies to identify low-risk tasks for automation and a five-question checklist to ensure safety and effectiveness. Gain insights on managing costs, preventing AI hallucinations, and securing data. Plus, hear techniques for evolving your AI agent from novice to trusted partner, and what's next for AI in product management!

I dive into the latest compensation data for product managers across the US, UK, Europe, and Canada, unpacking trends, surprising gaps, and strategies for maximizing your earnings as a PM.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why senior ICs often out-earn managers, and how to pick the right path• How moving to a Tier 1 city can supercharge your salary• Cash versus equity: how to think about your comp tradeoffs• The career levels where PM salaries really take off• Why CPOs are cashing in like never before• How far behind UK and European PM salaries actually are• How to game your comp strategy based on your goalsReferenced:• Pave: https://www.pave.com/• Levels.fyi: https://www.levels.fyi/Read the newsletter:https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-much-product-managers-make-inSubscribe to Lenny’s Newsletter:https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribeSubscribe:• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lennysreads• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lennys-reads/id1810314693• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0IIunA06qMtrcQLfypTooj?nd=1&dlsi=ab893d56bd4a4050• Substack: https://lennysreads.com/Follow Lenny:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/• Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@lennyspodcastAbout:Welcome to Lenny’s Reads, where every week you’ll find a fresh audio version of my newsletter about building product, driving growth, and accelerating your career, read to you by the soothing voice of Lennybot. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

Explore the future of tech tools shaped by insights from over 6,500 professionals. Discover why AI assistants like ChatGPT are becoming essential. Find out how Linear is challenging Jira and why Notion is emerging as a strong contender across various categories. Learn about the dominance of Figma in design workflows and Canva's rise. Uncover the evolving roles of Slack and Notion in CRM and support, plus why developers prefer AI-native coding tools. Dive into three meta-trends reshaping tech stacks: bundling, craft, and mix-and-match flexibility.

Discover how Y Combinator shifted focus from consumer startups to the lucrative B2B software sector. Explore the new bets being placed and what they reveal about the future of startups. Learn why solo founders face tougher entry into YC, and why US startups continue to dominate its most successful ventures. Uncover the reasons behind the impressive longevity of YC-backed companies, and the growing emphasis on AI technologies shaping the incubator's strategic direction.

Discover why most product strategies flop and how to bridge vision with execution. Learn about the five Strategy Blocks that transform vague ideas into actionable plans. Hear how companies like Meta and Headspace used this framework for success. Gain insights on aligning stakeholders quickly and maintaining a balance between structure and creativity in strategic development. The importance of team dynamics and morale in navigating the landscape of product strategy is also explored.

If you’re a premium subscriberAdd the private feed to your podcast app at add.lennysreads.comMany of you have told me that you’d prefer to listen to this newsletter instead of read it. I’m excited to share that now you can.Introducing Lenny’s Reads: an audio podcast edition of Lenny’s Newsletter. Every newsletter post will now be transformed into an audio podcast, read to you by the soothing voice of Lennybot. Our goal is to ship an audio version of each post 48 hours after it goes live. If you’re a paid subscriber, you’ll get the full post. If you’re a free subscriber, you’ll get the free preview.We’re excited to hear what you think!Subscribe: YouTube | Apple | SpotifyFollow Lenny: Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe