Replace Predictable Roadmaps with Quantum Leaps, Extreme Dogfooding, and AI-Powered Micro-Prompts
The Best Product Reads for 06/03/25
Replace Predictable Roadmaps with Quantum Leaps, Extreme Dogfooding, and AI-Powered Micro-Prompts The Best Product Reads for 06/03/25
What if your product backlog vanished overnight—would your product become better or worse?
Instead of traditional linear roadmaps, companies are testing quantum superposition, running parallel product realities to accelerate insight cycles. Uber's Chief Product Officer is side-hustling as his own delivery guy, using extreme dogfooding to tear down friction points at the source. Meanwhile at Meta, micro-prompting has met iterative checkpoints, unraveling complex AI into precise evaluative steps, while ephemeral teams replace committees to turbocharge execution on critical initiatives.
Ready to ditch convention and rebuild your strategy from unexpected angles?
Foundations
I asked 40 product leaders ‘What is Discovery?’ Here’s what they said
Embed lean DVF experiments to reduce risk and validate core assumptions.
Transition from one-off to continuous, dual-track discovery for sustained clarity.
Transform vague discovery into measurable learning outcomes via structured customer research.
Breakthrough takeaway: Launch every product with pre-coded discovery experiments to de-risk before development.
Why Uber’s CPO delivers food on weekends | Sachin Kansal | Lenny's Newsletter
Use extreme dogfooding: integrate personal product trials with detailed, screenshot-backed reports to drive fixes and embed them into team OKRs.
Embrace a 'ship, ship, ship' approach: reduce decision latency through rapid iterations and reversible choices.
Focus on controllable inputs: align metrics and proactive fixes to drive outcomes.
Breakthrough takeaway: Start a regular self-testing cycle and immediately act on friction points to transform your product strategy.
🤔 Dear Lewis, why is my team leaving? |
Structure one-on-ones by identifying three precise growth areas for each team member.
Adopt a CLEAR framework to transform tough feedback into actionable development.
Replace general praise with direct critique that uncovers hidden performance gaps.
Breakthrough takeaway: Initiate explicit, structured feedback sessions today to turbocharge team performance.
AI
Complete AI Course on Prompting, Evals, RAG, and Fine-Tuning | Adam Loving (Meta) | Behind the Craft by Peter Yang
Transform complex prompts into iterative micro-prompts with tailored evaluation checkpoints.
Leverage RAG and vector databases to provide dynamic, context-rich inputs for AI.
Use few-shot examples and step-by-step breakdowns to fine-tune LLM responses.
Breakthrough takeaway: Rebuild your prompt strategy into sequential, evaluative micro-prompts for immediate performance gains.
The exact AI playbook (using MCPs, custom GPTs, Granola) that saved ElevenLabs $100k+ and helps them ship daily | Luke Harries (Head of Growth) | Lenny's Newsletter
Leverage custom GPTs and prompt engineering to automate content creation, including rapid case study generation.
Build an in-house AI translation system to eliminate outsourcing costs and accelerate localization.
Integrate MCP frameworks to connect AI assistants with messaging platforms for engagement. Breakthrough takeaway: Deploy AI pipelines and MCP integrations immediately to transform marketing workflows.
How do AI coding agents work? | Department of Product
Shift engineering focus by offloading repetitive tasks to AI coding agents, freeing resources for high-impact user value.
Redefine your backlog: prioritize user benefit over resource constraints as AI scales engineering throughput.
Integrate AI tools directly into your workflow to reduce feature bloat.
Breakthrough takeaway: Automate routine engineering tasks with AI now to transform backlog strategy and boost product impact.
Strategy
Ephemeral taskforce
Replace static committees with temporary, cross-functional taskforces for high-impact initiatives.
Select members with both expertise and authority to ensure rapid, accountable execution.
Craft a concise strategic brief to align objectives and track progress.
Breakthrough takeaway: Launch a mission-specific, empowered taskforce for your next project now.
Building the Next Internet- Where Crypto Meets AI
Leverage quantum superposition: run simultaneous product experiments to speed insight cycles.
Apply entanglement thinking: model interdependent features and risks dynamically for agile prioritization.
Embed quantum algorithm literacy: host focused workshops to ignite unconventional, breakthrough innovation across teams.
Breakthrough takeaway: Launch a parallel testing framework immediately to iterate product features concurrently.
All Stock Deals: Your Company, As Currency | Mostly metrics
Leverage forward revenue multiples as tactical benchmarks, treating high-growth projections like premium currency to recalibrate product priorities.
Transform product investments into dynamic value trades, integrating market-based growth forecasts into your roadmap decisions.
Insist on agile, data-driven valuation approaches that mirror all-stock deal metrics.
Breakthrough takeaway: Embed forward revenue multiple metrics into every product decision today.