Building One with Tomer Cohen: Episode 5 Summary – More Questions with Noah Weiss
In Episode 5 of Building One, hosted by Tomer Cohen, Noah Weiss, the former Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Slack, returns for a lighter session featuring a series of rapid-fire questions. This episode delves into Noah's personal preferences, favorite products, visionary ideas, recommended resources, and career advice, providing listeners with valuable insights from a seasoned product leader.
1. Favorite Slack Features
Quick Switcher (Command K)
Noah shares his enthusiasm for Slack's Quick Switcher, accessible via Command K, highlighting its efficiency and versatility.
Noah Weiss [00:55]: "My personal favorite feature is what we call the Quick Switcher which is when you hit command K in Slack it's like searches. You type and you just type in and it's incredibly fast. It's all client side of like type in anything and you'll get back people, channels, files, whatever it might be immediately."
He notes that this design pattern has been widely adopted across SaaS products, emphasizing its effectiveness.
Custom Sidebar Sections
Noah also emphasizes the underutilized Custom Sections in Slack's sidebar, which allow users to organize their workspace according to personal priorities rather than last interaction.
Noah Weiss [01:45]: "You can create an unlimited number of sections. Each of those sections is collapsible. You can sort them in different ways by alphabetical or recency or even ML based and then you can change notification settings based on those sections as well."
He criticizes Slack for not adequately promoting this feature, which can significantly enhance user productivity.
2. Favorite Non-Software Products
Balancing his tech-centric career, Noah shares his top picks in the baby gear category, inspired by his experience as a father to a five-month-old daughter.
Guava Travel Pack 'n Play Crib Bassinet
A compact, versatile travel solution that transforms into a backpack, ideal for on-the-go parents.
Nanit Nest Camera
An AI-enabled camera that provides peace of mind by tracking and monitoring the baby seamlessly.
Uppababy Stroller System
A modular stroller system that allows easy swapping of components, praised for its thoughtful and simple design.
Noah Weiss [02:27]: "It's honestly just incredible how simply it's been designed where everything just swaps in and out, clicks in and out."
These products highlight Noah's appreciation for thoughtful design and practicality in everyday items.
3. Dream Product: Advanced Self-Driving Cars
When asked about a product that doesn't exist yet, Noah expresses a strong desire for self-driving cars that can operate flawlessly under any condition, eliminating the need for human drivers.
Noah Weiss [03:42]: "Something that feels like it's been on the verge of existing for 10 years but probably is going to take another 20 or 30 is actually self-driving cars that can work under any condition and don't have to go 25 miles per hour in San Francisco."
He acknowledges the current technological limitations, particularly in complex urban environments like Manhattan, and remains cautiously optimistic about future advancements.
4. Favorite Sources for Insights and Learning
Noah recommends a diverse array of resources that keep him informed and inspired in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
News and Analysis
- Techmeme: A daily aggregator providing a comprehensive overview of industry happenings.
- Ben Thompson’s Stratechery: Renowned for its deep industry analysis.
Newsletters and Communities
- Lenny’s Product Newsletter: Offers product-specific insights alongside a supportive community and podcast.
Podcasts
- Invest Like the Best: Despite its finance-sounding name, it delivers profound interviews with business and technology leaders.
Books
- The Innovator's Dilemma
- Radical Candor (on Leadership)
- Creative Selection (on Design)
Noah Weiss [04:38]: "I think it's cliched to say, but I think it's the best kind of meta industry analysis from Ben Thompson."
These resources reflect Noah’s commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends.
5. Career Advice for Aspiring Product Managers
Drawing from his experiences, Noah offers thoughtful guidance for his daughter and others aiming to pursue a career in product management.
Focus on Critical Thinking and Creativity
He stresses the importance of developing skills that foster critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to build and execute ideas.
Noah Weiss [05:46]: "Product manager to me is more of a role than it is a domain. So you can turn into that role in almost any domain."
Interdisciplinary Learning
Encourages an interdisciplinary approach, combining passions with varied coursework to find a unique niche.
Passion-Driven Pathways
Advises exploring different internships and fields to discover what genuinely excites and energizes, ensuring that work feels fulfilling rather than burdensome.
Noah Weiss [05:46]: "Find the domains you're passionate about, do a real mix of type of coursework, don't be overly myopic in what you focus on and figure out what energizes you."
This holistic approach aims to prepare aspiring product managers for diverse and dynamic roles across industries.
Conclusion
Episode 5 of Building One with Noah Weiss offers a blend of personal insights and professional wisdom. From favorite Slack features that enhance productivity to innovative ideas for future products, Noah provides a comprehensive look into the mind of a successful product leader. His recommendations on resources and career advice are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in the realm of product development. Listeners are encouraged to apply these insights to their own journeys, fostering curiosity and creativity in their professional endeavors.
Tune in next week as Tomer interviews Alexandria Street, the CPO of mental telehealth startup Cerebral.