PodcastInsight

Gokul Rajaram on designing your product development process, when and how to hire your first PM, a playbook for hiring leaders, getting ahead in you career, how to get started angel investing, more

with Gokul Rajaram · Jun 2022

Join winners, not just winning moments

Being the top person at a mediocre company is worse than being a junior at a category leader. The brand halo, talent quality, network effects, and learning from winners compound throughout your career in ways that far exceed title or immediate seniority.
Share on X

Related

Connected ideas

Ideas from across Lenny's archive that connect to this one

The Power of Performance Reviews: Use This System to Become a Better Manager 🤝

Jul 2019

Strengths compound more than weaknesses shrink

An individual will have just as much impact (if not more) on an organization if they flex what they are really good at, instead of just trying to improve on areas they're struggling with. Research shows focusing on strengths is much more effective than obsessing over weaknesses.

Insightnewsletter
68%

Gokul Rajaram on designing your product development process, when and how to hire your first PM, a playbook for hiring leaders, getting ahead in you career, how to get started angel investing, more

Jun 2022

Serendipity requires visibility and generosity

Great careers aren't built linearly through promotions, but through knowing many people, doing great work, and being open to unexpected opportunities. The key is staying visible across your organization, helping others without immediate expectation of return, and building a reservoir of goodwill that compounds over time.

Insightpodcast
68%

This Week #1: Must reads on growth, what PMs should focus on when joining a new team, and the value of an MBA

Sep 2019

Experience beats credentials for PM advancement

When hiring for lead PM or director roles, nothing beats experience doing the actual job. An MBA is rarely worth it if you already have a PM position—there are better ways to accelerate your career through mentorship, working on diverse products, and switching to stronger teams.

Insightnewsletter
67%

Gokul Rajaram on designing your product development process, when and how to hire your first PM, a playbook for hiring leaders, getting ahead in you career, how to get started angel investing, more

Jun 2022

Hire lieutenants from best-in-class companies

Don't hire the head of function from competitor companies—instead, identify the best-in-class companies at that function in your space and hire their lieutenants and up-and-coming leaders. Build an org chart, spend time on LinkedIn, and systematically source from proven talent pipelines.

Insightpodcast
66%

What Buddhism Taught Me About Product Management

Jun 2019

Level 5 leaders prioritize cause over ego

The most effective leaders—what Jim Collins calls Level 5 Leaders—have ambition first and foremost for the organization and its purpose, not themselves. When you deflect credit and give opportunities to team members, the team's efficacy actually strengthens.

Insightnewsletter
65%

Avid does this with your books

Import your highlights, and we'll find the connections you've been missing.