Guest: Sanchan Saxena - VP of Product at Coinbase. Sanchan has a rich background in product management, having held leadership roles at Airbnb, Instagram, and Microsoft, where he drove significant product innovations and growth. Key Takeaways: Intentionality in Product Development: Start with a clear vision of the ideal product experience and work backwards, rather than relying solely on data and A/B testing. Crisis Management: During crises, like Airbnb's COVID-19 challenges, focus on short planning cycles, unify teams under a single mission, and maintain transparent communication. Hiring for Content Over Process: Prioritize hiring individuals who understand the core content and strategy of the product over those who excel in process management. Decision-Making Frameworks: At Coinbase, the DRI (Directly Responsible Individual) model empowers individuals to make informed decisions swiftly, reducing bureaucratic delays. Thriving in Ambiguity: Success in Web 3.0 requires embracing uncertainty and focusing on long-term potential rather than current constraints. Topics Covered: Product development at Airbnb and Coinbase, crisis management during COVID-19, intentionality in product vision, hiring strategies, decision-making processes, thriving in Web 3.0 environments.
“Things start to materialize when you actually take steps to do something.”
“You got to learn the art and the science of product management early on in your career.”
“Process is not the answer. Content is the answer.”
