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November 14, 2024 • 1hr 17min
Becoming an AI PM | Aman Khan (Arize AI, ex-Spotify, Apple, Cruise)
Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career
Aman Khan is Director of Product at Arize AI, an observability platform for AI engineers at companies like Uber, Instacart, and Discord. He has intentionally stayed an individual contributor throughout his PM career, focusing on building AI products at companies like Spotify, Cruise, Zipline and Apple. This episode explores how to get into AI product management, how to thrive as an AI PM, and how to succeed as a long-term IC PM.
Becoming an AI PM | Aman Khan (Arize AI, ex-Spotify, Apple, Cruise)
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Key Takeaways
- Three types of AI Product Managers:
- AI Platform PMs - Building tools for AI engineers
- AI Product PMs - Core product centered around AI technology
- AI-Powered PMs - Using AI tools to be more productive
- Breaking into AI PM roles:
- Build a foundation in AI/ML fundamentals
- Create a portfolio of AI product prototypes
- Let curiosity drive learning and experimentation
- Keys to thriving as an IC PM:
- Bring high energy to meetings and work
- Embrace "wandering" vs waiting for direction
- Use AI tools to amplify signal through noise
- Focus on having fun while solving problems
Introduction
Aman Khan is Director of Product at Arize AI, an observability platform for AI engineers at companies like Uber, Instacart, and Discord. He has intentionally stayed an individual contributor throughout his PM career, focusing on building AI products at companies like Spotify, Cruise, Zipline and Apple. This episode explores how to get into AI product management, how to thrive as an AI PM, and how to succeed as a long-term IC PM.
Topics Discussed
Understanding AI Product Management Roles (06:16)
Aman breaks down three distinct types of AI product management roles:
- AI Platform PMs: Build tools for AI engineers to understand model performance and impact
- AI Product PMs: Core product experience enabled by AI models (e.g., ChatGPT, NotebookLM)
- AI-Powered PMs: Utilize AI technology to enhance existing products and experiences
Getting Started as an AI Product Manager (13:29)
Aman shares advice for breaking into AI product management:
- Focus on customer problems first: "You really want to be in love with the problem"
- Build foundation knowledge: Learn AI/ML basics through resources like Andrej Karpathy's videos
- Stay curious: Experiment with new tools and technologies
- Create prototypes: Build working examples to demonstrate capabilities
Building a Portfolio and Standing Out (18:14)
Key strategies for differentiating yourself as an AI PM candidate:
- Create practical demonstrations: Build actual products using AI tools
- Show problem-solving ability: Focus on real customer needs
- Demonstrate curiosity: Stay current with AI developments
- Build technical foundation: Understand AI/ML fundamentals
Why Product Management is Not Dead (22:31)
Contrary to concerns about AI replacing PMs, Aman argues PMs are more valuable than ever:
- Problem identification: PMs crucial for finding right problems to solve
- Clear articulation: Ability to communicate requirements to AI tools
- Quality judgment: Evaluating what works in the market
- Strategic thinking: Determining how to best apply AI capabilities
How to Thrive as an AI Product Manager (28:56)
Key differentiators for top AI PMs:
- Avoid copying existing solutions: Don't just build another chatbot
- Focus on unique interfaces: Design experiences specific to problems
- Question assumptions: Challenge conventional approaches
- Balance automation: Don't remove all human elements
Finding Good Ideas That Are AI-Oriented (35:42)
Strategies for identifying valuable AI applications:
- Measure impact: Define metrics for AI initiatives
- Enable experimentation: Run hackathons and prototypes
- Study user experience: Analyze successful AI products
- Focus on customer value: Solve real problems vs forcing AI
Be Careful Not to Automate Away Every Customer Experience (39:27)
Important considerations when implementing AI:
- Maintain human elements: Example of Betty Crocker cake mix requiring eggs
- Enable user control: Like Waymo allowing music/AC control
- Consider engagement: The "IKEA effect" of participation
- Balance automation: Focus on reducing friction vs eliminating interaction
What Separates Top 5% AI PMs (42:53)
Characteristics of exceptional AI product managers:
- Balance delivery and innovation: "You have to be able to walk and chew gum"
- Create space for experimentation: Enable team exploration
- Accept failure: Learn from unsuccessful attempts
- Stay customer-focused: Solve real problems vs chasing AI trends
Key Habits for Long-Term IC Success (46:55)
Essential practices for thriving as an individual contributor:
- Maintain high energy: Bring positive energy to meetings and work
- "Wander" vs wait: Actively explore possibilities
- Amplify signal: Use AI tools to process information
- Have fun: Enjoy the process of building and learning
The Importance of Energy in Meetings (52:48)
How energy impacts team dynamics:
- Set the tone: Energy can break down barriers
- Show engagement: Demonstrate full commitment
- Build culture: Influence team atmosphere
- Lead by example: Inspire others through attitude
Wandering vs. Waiting (57:00)
The importance of active exploration:
- Embrace uncertainty: Accept feeling unsure about direction
- Keep exploring: Continue testing and learning
- Trust the process: Solutions emerge through iteration
- Lead discovery: Guide team through uncertainty
Amplifying Signal Through AI Tools (1:01:41)
Using AI to process information:
- Analyze conversations: Process meeting transcripts
- Identify patterns: Extract common themes
- Scale insights: Process more information
- Enhance decision-making: Better signal through noise
Just Have Fun (1:03:18)
The importance of enjoying the work:
- Maintain perspective: Don't take everything too seriously
- Stay curious: Keep learning and exploring
- Build enthusiasm: Energy is contagious
- Embrace journey: Focus on process vs just outcomes
Conclusion
The conversation with Aman Khan provides valuable insights into thriving as an AI product manager and long-term IC. Key themes include the importance of maintaining high energy, actively exploring possibilities vs waiting for direction, and using AI tools to amplify capabilities while staying focused on solving real customer problems. Success in AI product management comes from combining technical understanding with strong product sense and the ability to identify unique opportunities beyond simply copying existing solutions.
