a16z Podcast | How Founders Hire a VP of Product

TL;DR

Hiring a VP of Product Management is an emotional process for founders, and this podcast episode discusses the challenges and considerations involved in finding the right fit for this important role.

Transcript

hi and welcome to the a 16z podcast i'm caroline horn and in this episode we talked about how founders hire a VP of Product Management a lot of founders tell us that this can be the most emotional role to hire I often say it's like letting someone hold your baby for the first time so in this conversation based on an event held last year we talked a... Read More

Key Insights

• 💄 Hiring a VP of Product Management is an emotional process for founders, as this role involves handing over the product vision and decision-making responsibilities.
• 🥺 A good VP of Product should possess a combination of engineering, design, and diplomatic skills, along with the ability to build and lead great teams.
• 🪡 The scope of product management should be defined in relation to the company's product strategy and the needs of various stakeholders.
• 🥺 The product organization should be structured around a clear product strategy, with product unit leads playing a crucial role.
• 🪡 Hiring a VP of PM should depend on the stage of the company's growth and the need for explicit strategy formulation and leadership.
• 🤗 It is important to establish a strong working relationship between the CEO and the VP of PM, with open communication and trust.
• 👤 Onboarding the VP of PM should involve a thorough understanding of the product, its users, and the company culture.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some key qualities to look for in a VP of Product Management?

A good VP of Product should have the brain of an engineer, the heart of a designer, and the diplomatic skills to manage various stakeholders. They should also be able to build great teams and have strong leadership and analytical skills.

Q: How can founders determine the scope of product management in their organization?

Founders should define a clear product strategy and shape the product organization based on this strategy. They should consider different stakeholders and teams within the company to ensure that product management supports all functions.

Q: When is the right time to hire a VP of PM?

Typically, when a company reaches a stage of around 23 to 30 engineers, it becomes necessary to hire a VP of Product Management. This stage indicates the need for more explicit strategy formulation and leadership in managing a growing team.

Q: Is it better to hire a VP of PM internally or externally?

There is no right answer to this question. It depends on the specific needs and dynamics of the company. Some prefer to promote someone internally who already understands the product and company culture, while others may benefit from the fresh perspective and experience of an external candidate.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The conversation focuses on the high-level philosophies of product management and the importance of building a great team when hiring a VP of Product.

• The panel discusses the scope of product management and the need for clear product strategies and organization structures.

• The conversation also touches on when it is appropriate to hire a VP of PM and the importance of product market fit in determining the need for this role.