Welcome to an inside look at Duolingo! This episode dives into the heart of what makes Duolingo tick, drawing from key principles and practices outlined in the Duolingo handbook.Here's a taste of what's covered:
The Mission and Culture: Discover Duolingo's mission to provide the best education in the world and make it universally accessible, shaped by a unique culture born from experimentation and a passion for learning.
Core Principles: Explore the five key principles that guide Duolingo's decisions and operations. These principles aren't just aspirational but are lessons learned through experience.
Taking the Long View: Learn why Duolingo prioritizes long-term user retention over short-term gains, focusing on building a "forever product". This includes making strategic decisions about advertising, investing in teaching quality, and setting proficiency standards.
The Green Machine: Understand Duolingo's unique approach to building things, emphasizing staffing with great people, defining success, setting guardrails, building feedback loops, executing with urgency, and doubling down on what works
Making It Fun: Discover how Duolingo uses gamification, design, and a quirky brand to make learning enjoyable and engaging7.... The discussion also highlights the importance of characters like Duo in creating an emotional connection with learners.
Shipping It: Find out how Duolingo maintains a rapid pace of experimentation and improvement, shipping new versions of its apps weekly and running hundreds of experiments10. The episode also covers the concept of "clock speed" and the importance of ruthless prioritization.
Show, Don't Tell: Learn how Duolingo emphasizes data-driven decision-making and clear communication, prioritizing results over opinions. The episode also touches on the use of TL;DRs and prototypes.
Raising the Bar: Explore Duolingo's commitment to excellence in all areas, from product and design to hiring and culture18.... This includes maintaining high standards for quality, assigning ownership, and giving candid feedback
This episode is powered by Google’s NotebookLM, which helped us aggregate insights and structure this conversation. And if you’re curious to go deeper, check out The Duolingo Handbook directly — handbook.duolingo.com
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from consulting to product management—and find your dream role along the way?
In this episode, I sit down with Mridula Kidiyur, now a Product Manager at Walmart, to explore her inspiring career journey from India to New York, her eight years at a Big Four consulting firm, and how she discovered her passion for technology-driven impact. From navigating career pivots to finding her footing in product management, Mridula shares the challenges, lessons, and wins that shaped her path.
What You’ll Learn
👉 The art of career transitions: How Mridula identified her passion for product management and successfully pivoted from consulting.
👉 Stakeholder management: Tips on building strong cross-functional relationships and driving alignment across diverse teams.
👉 Decision-making lessons: Why chasing job titles isn’t enough and how to determine where your true passion lies.
👉 Insights on product vs. program management: The key differences and why owning outcomes matters in product roles.
Why Listen?
This conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating a career pivot, aspiring to break into product management, or looking to thrive in high-stakes roles. Mridula’s story is proof that finding your passion and honing relationship-building skills can lead to a fulfilling career.
About Mridula:
An immigrant-turned-product leader, Mridula started her career in financial consulting before taking the leap into the technology world. Now at Walmart, she’s helping define and deliver impactful solutions for consumers while staying grounded in her passion for technology and empathetic leadership.
Connect with Mridula:
Find her on LinkedIn (Mridula Kidiyur) to learn more about her work and career journey!
In this special episode, I sit down with the remarkable Abhishek Shanbhag, a 13-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Bizzlearn, a pioneering financial literacy platform for kids. Dialing in from Ashburn, Virginia, Abhishek shares his inspiring journey of starting Bizzlearn, which aims to educate children aged 10 to 14 about finance through a gamified learning experience.
Listen as Abhishek discusses his early entrepreneurial ventures, the motivation behind creating Bizzlearn, and how he balances school, sports, and running a company. He also talks about his consistent LinkedIn presence, his aspirations to stay in the field of entrepreneurship, and his admiration for iconic figures like Warren Buffett.
This episode is filled with insights on leadership, time management, and the importance of financial education for young minds. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation with one of the youngest CEOs making a significant impact in the world of finance.
Connect with Abhishek on LinkedIn
In this episode, we delve into Priyanka Upadhyay's inspiring journey from Engineer to Product Manager and currently a Product Coach @Stanford and Founder of a Coaching & Training business, Product-with-Pri.
Uncover the often-overlooked PM skill gaps and learn Priyanka's proven methods for closing them. From her early days grappling with the complexities of electrical engineering to her pivotal move to the U.S. and the realization of her Silicon Valley aspirations, Priyanka's story is a testament to the power of determination and strategic career planning.
Discover:
Whether you're contemplating a leap into product management or seeking to elevate your existing PM career, this episode with Priyanka offers a roadmap filled with practical tips, motivational advice, and the insider knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of tech.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachpri
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProductwithPri/
Book a free 1:1 call with Coach Pri to discuss your career or leadership challenges - https://www.criya.site/productwithpri/p/1dc4074c-62fb-4b91-8f52-a68e61f15c6d
Subscribe to Priyanka's Newsletter
https://productwithpri.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Ever wondered what it takes to transition from business analyst to engineering to leading the charge as a product manager? Meet Ameya Joshi, our latest guest on "The Hustle Chapters," who shares his 15-year journey from coding to customer-centric product management.
Here is what we discussed:
Ameya's transition, highlighting his evolution from a business analyst to a seasoned PM over 15 years.
Connect with Ameya on LinkedIn
Schedule a chat: Ameya on Calendly
If you are not able to see link: https://calendly.com/talk-to-ameya/chat-with-ameya
Welcome, Hustlers, to another empowering episode of The Hustle Chapters, where we uncover the stories behind the innovators shaping our future. Today, I'm thrilled to present the story of Khelan Modi. Dive deep with me into Khelan's transformative journey from aspiring architect to a Product Manager at Microsoft, revealing the passion, pivots, and insights that define success in the tech landscape.
The Pivot from Architect to Technologist: Discover how a single course and sibling advice shifted Khelan's career aspirations from architecture to technology, leading him to the exciting world of computer science and product management.
Internship Insights: Khelan shares pivotal experiences from his internships at Walmart and Microsoft, where he embraced product management roles, uncovering his knack for bridging the gap between technical challenges and innovative solutions.
The Essence of Product Management: Learn about the thrill and challenges of being a PM, where every day is a quest to solve complex problems without a predefined path, requiring a blend of creativity, technical understanding, and strategic vision.
The Future of Product Management: Khelan discusses the evolving landscape of product management, emphasizing the need for a balance between specialized knowledge and soft skills, and cautioning against chasing the PM title for the wrong reasons.
Advice for Aspiring PMs: Get actionable advice from Khelan on how starting small side projects can be a game-changer for aspiring PMs, offering hands-on experience with defining visions, prioritizing features, and understanding user needs.
Join us in this exhilarating episode of 'The Hustle Chapters' as we delve into the mind of Bosky Mukherjee, a trailblazer with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry and the visionary behind PMDojo (pmdojo.me)
Here's the sneak peak of this episode:
Bosky Mukherjee's journey is not just about technology and leadership; it's a beacon of inspiration for anyone looking to make a mark in the product world. Tune in, absorb, and get ready to transform your hustle with wisdom from one of the best in the business!
Connect with Bosky: linkedin.com/in/bosky
Find PMDojo here: www.pmdojo.me
I would love to hear your feedback or if you have a story to share, please reach out to me: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Manoj Suryadevara, a seasoned Product Management expert from Walmart, to dissect the 3 fundamental pillars of successful product management: Strategy, Execution, and Leadership.
Manoj, with his wealth of experience, takes us through each pillar, sharing real-world examples and actionable insights. Learn how a well-crafted strategy forms the backbone of product development, the nuances of efficient execution, and the critical role of leadership in steering products to success.
This episode is not just a conversation but a masterclass, offering invaluable lessons for both budding and experienced product managers. We'll also delve into how these pillars interplay in complex tech environments and their impact on customer-centric product development.
Manoj’s journey exemplifies the transformation from a technical role to a product visionary, making this a must-listen for anyone aspiring to excel in the Product Management domain. Tune in to gain a holistic understanding of what it takes to build and grow impactful products in today's fast-paced tech landscape.
Join us for a quick 15-minute journey with Prashant Mahajan, the Founder of Zeda.io, as he shares his incredible transition from Chemical Engineering to becoming a Product Manager-Turned Founder. In this insightful episode, you'll discover:
If you're looking to unlock the secrets to a successful career transformation, gain inspiration, or find practical advice for your professional journey, this episode is a must-listen.
Click play now to embark on this insightful 15-minute adventure with Prashant Mahajan.
Connect with Prashant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashantmahajan31
Try Zeda: https://zeda.io
Connect with me to join as a Guest Speaker or for sharing your feedback: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
In this captivating episode of The Hustle Chapters, we delve into an extraordinary journey with Jaspinder Singh, the founder of S30.
Join us as he shares his incredible transformation from a career in the Indian Army to a successful path in Software Engineering. Discover the insights and strategies he's developed at S30 to prepare students for the challenging world of FAANMG Software Engineering and Data role interviews.
What is S30?
S30 is a platform that trains students and working professionals with end-to-end recruitment support including networking with alumni, Resume and LinkedIn profile preparation.
We unravel the remarkable origin story of S30, a game-changer in the realm of DS & Algo interview preparation. Discover what makes S30 truly unique as we delve into their exceptional approach, where success metrics are defined not by the number of enrollees, but by the incredible success rate of students landing tech jobs, with a staggering 60% securing positions at FAANMG companies every year.
Join us as we explore S30's innovative methodology that structures the learning of Data Structures and Algorithms in a way that sets them apart. You'll gain a profound understanding of how they've cracked the code to preparing students for the most coveted positions in tech.
But that's not all – this episode takes a glimpse into the future of software engineering and interviews. We emphasize that problem-solving skills remain at the forefront, enduring the test of time even in the face of AI and evolving technology.
Prepare to be inspired and informed as we embark on this enlightening journey into the heart of tech interview preparation, with S30 as our guide. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and knowledge, a must-listen for anyone aspiring to thrive in the ever-evolving world of software engineering and tech interviews.
Use "THEHUSTLECHAPTERS" coupon code to get $100 discount when you apply to S30: https://www.thes30.com/apply
Reach out to Jaspinder at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaspindersingh1
Join us in this riveting episode as Anshu Gautam, a tech trailblazer with 16 years of Engineering experience and currently a Software Engineering Leader @ Microsoft, shares her remarkable journey from Software Engineer to visionary Tech Leader. Discover the secrets to engineering excellence and the top 3 qualities that set high-growth engineers apart. Plus, explore the transformative power of AI in the workplace with insights into collaboration rather than competition.
If you're looking for career-related guidance, don't miss the chance to connect with Anshu, a certified coach, for personalized advice and mentorship. Get ready to elevate your tech game and career aspirations!
Find Anshu:
criya.site/anshugautam
linkedin.com/in/gautam-anshu
Reach out to me for feedback or queries - linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Embark on a journey of unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of dreams in this awe-inspiring episode. Meet Bharath Raju, a recent graduate who defied the odds to claim his seat as a Technical Product Manager at JP Morgan. His story begins in India, where he nurtured aspirations that transcended borders.
Join us as we trace Bharath's transformational odyssey through internships at tech titans Amazon and Tesla in the United States. Discover the powerful impact of mentorship and the serendipitous encounters that enriched his path.
The heart of this episode lies in Bharath's interview preparation strategies, a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring professionals. His motivational journey illuminates the power of persistence and the belief that dreams are never too audacious to chase.
If you seek to fuel your determination, find direction amidst uncertainty, and turn aspirations into achievements, his narrative is a testament to the incredible heights that hard work and perseverance can reach. Tune in now and harness the motivation to script your own success story.
Connect with Bharath: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharathrajukb
In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Prerit Uppal, Principal Product Manager at Adobe and LinkedIn's Top Product Management Voice & Leadership Voice.
With a remarkable career that began as a Software Developer at eBay and later as an APM at Yahoo, Prerit has become a trusted Product Mentor to Aspiring and New Product Managers. In this captivating conversation, Prerit shares his personal journey and sheds light on how the future of product management is evolving. Discover the strategies and techniques he relies on to make critical decisions in his work, and gain valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of product management.
Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career in the field, this episode will provide you with actionable takeaways and a fresh perspective on Decision-Making in the Tech and Business world.
Connect with Prerit - https://www.criya.site/prerituppal
Connect with me - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
In this groundbreaking episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of Shreeshiv Patel, a Master's Graduate in Computer Science from Arizona State University who defied societal norms and chose an unconventional path. Instead of joining the 99% and pursuing a traditional career, Shreeshiv followed his entrepreneurial instincts and founded his own company, "OnlyReferrals."
Join me as I sit down with Shreeshiv to uncover the fascinating tale of how he turned his vision into reality, creating a platform that seamlessly connects both students and employees. He shares the challenges he faced as a startup founder, painting a vivid picture of the rollercoaster ride that comes with building something from scratch.
Throughout our conversation, Shreeshiv provides invaluable insights into the mindset and realities of the startup world, debunking the myths and shedding light on the untold stories. From the countless decisions that must be made to the relentless pursuit of success, his experiences offer a unique perspective that will leave you inspired and motivated.
Don't miss this captivating episode, where we break down the barriers and explore the remarkable journey of an entrepreneur who dared to chart his own course. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the excitement, struggles, and triumphs that come with defying the norm and carving your own path to success.
Shreeshiv Patel: linkedin.com/in/shreeshiv
Company: www.futureforte.co
Queries?
Write to thehustlechapters@gmail.com or connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Join us for an engaging and enlightening interview as we sit down with Ketaki Vaidya, a seasoned AI Product Manager, in this episode of our podcast. Together, we delve into the fascinating world of Product Management, shedding light on various aspects that will inspire and empower both aspiring and experienced PMs.
In this conversation, Ketaki shares her insights on the importance of product sense and debunks common misconceptions surrounding the role of a Product Manager. We explore the challenges faced by PMs in today's fast-paced and ever-changing landscape, where a lack of defined metrics often leaves them feeling lost. Ketaki offers practical advice and strategies for navigating this ambiguity, helping PMs find their way amidst the uncertainties.
One of the key focal points of our discussion is the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Product Management. Ketaki shares her expertise on how AI is reshaping the industry, enabling PMs to leverage advanced technologies and tools to drive product innovation and success. We explore the key differences between a core Product Manager and an AI Product Manager, uncovering the unique skill sets and considerations required for each role.
Whether you're a product enthusiast, an aspiring Product Manager, or an industry professional seeking to expand your knowledge, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration. Join us as we explore the intriguing world of Product Management, demystify the influence of AI, and unlock the secrets to making impactful decisions.
Tune in to this episode with Ketaki Vaidya, titled "AI as a Game Changer: Revolutionizing Product Management and Decision Making" and get ready to gain invaluable insights that will elevate your understanding and practice of Product Management to new heights.
Queries?
Write to thehustlechapters@gmail.com
Join us on an exhilarating journey as we delve into the fascinating world of Product Management. In this episode, we unravel the story of Rudra Roy Choudhury, a brilliant researcher and a O-1 Extraordinary Ability VISA recipient, who took an unexpected leap into the role of a Product Manager (PM). Discover why Rudra decided to venture beyond his research work and embrace the challenges and rewards of this dynamic field.
🚀 Why Rudra decided to become a PM beyond his research work?
🤝 What are some key decisions you have to make as a PM?
🤯 One secret to solve misalignment between stakeholders and customers?
🏄♂️ PM role is evolving and if you want to stay ahead, one immediate action item to help new PMs and Aspiring PMs?
As a PM, Rudra had to make critical decisions that shaped the destiny of his product. Dive into the depths of his experiences as we explore key decisions that every PM faces. From prioritizing feature development to managing resources and timelines, Rudra reveals the pivotal choices that can make or break a product's success.
Misalignment between stakeholders and customers can be a perplexing challenge, but fear not! Our podcast unveils a secret weapon to solve this conundrum. Tune in to unravel the power of effective communication and collaboration, enabling PMs to bridge the gap and align the goals and expectations of stakeholders and customers.
Don't miss this enlightening episode as we explore the multifaceted world of product management, unearthing hidden gems of wisdom, and offering valuable insights to help you thrive in this ever-evolving field. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your potential as we embark on this thrilling adventure together!
Setup 1:1 with Rudra: https://www.criya.site/rudra at Criya
Connect with Rudra on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudravaswata-roychoudhury/
Queries or Feedback?
Please reach out to me at my LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Write to us thehustlechapters@gmail.com
In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Ho, Co-Founder and Chief Academic Officer of Edily Learning, to discuss the importance of Education among kids but this time in an engaging way. Learning becomes fun when kids understand why and when it's helpful. Johnathon shares his personal journey from Math Teacher to Entrepreneur, and how his decisions along the way led him to where he is today. We also dive into some of the key insights he's gained about how kids learn things, and the future of education in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Whether you're an educator, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and education, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways. So tune in and join the conversation!
Connect with Jonathan: linkedin.com/in/hojonathan13
Check out Edily Learning: edily.io
Queries or Feedback?
Say Hi to me at my LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
You can also write an email to thehustlechapters@gmail.com
Interested in sharing your story with us?
Please schedule - topmate.io/thehustlechapters
Welcome to "The Hustle Chapters," the podcast where we explore the Science of Decision-Making in Technology and Business. In this episode, we sit down with Philipp Kachura, a seasoned technologist and product designer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Join us as we dive into Philipp's journey through the world of technology and design, exploring the evolution of products and design experience over the past 15 years.
From the rise of Wordpress, mobile devices to the emergence of Product Designing experience, Philipp shares his insights on the biggest trends and breakthroughs that have shaped the industry. But we don't just look to the past - we also explore the future of technology and design, discussing the latest developments and emerging trends that are set to revolutionize the industry. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the world of technology and design, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the exciting world of technology and design with Philipp Kachura on "Designing the Future."
Connect with Philipp Kachura
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philka
Queries or Would like to connect?
Ping me on LinkedIn: Phani Sai Ram Munipalli
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Write feedback to thehustlechapters@gmail.com
In this episode, we speak with Avinoam Zelenko, a B2B SaaS product leader with 14 years of experience, currently working as a Senior Product Manager at LinkedIn Feed. Avinoam shares his insights on decision-making in the world of B2B SaaS, and how he started his product journey. We discuss his approach to decision-making, and the challenges he has faced as a product leader.
Whether you're just starting out in Product Management or looking to take your skills to the next level, this episode is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration. As a career coach, Avinoam is well-versed in helping others navigate the challenges of Product Management. He shares his insights on the skills and qualities that make a successful Product Leader, and offers practical tips for those looking to advance their careers in this field.
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Product Management with Avinoam Zelenko, a true expert in the field.
You can book a 1:1 session with Avinoam on Criya
https://www.criya.site/avinoam
Guest's LinkedIn: Avinoam Zelenko
Link: linkedin.com/in/avinoamzelenko
Host's LinkedIn: Phani Sai Ram Munipalli
Link: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Find me on Bento: bento.me/iamphanisairam
Email: thehustlechapters@gmail.com
Are you interested in landing a Software Engineer job at top tech companies? Tune in without further ado. In this episode, we dive into the world of algorithms and data structures. From mastering complex problems to acing technical interviews, we explore the power of problem-solving with DSA and algorithms. Our guest speaker: Riti Kumari shares her experience and expertise on how to crack top companies, prepare for technical interviews, and practice on various platforms like Leetcode, HackerRank etc..
Tune in to learn from Riti Kumari's story and take your problem-solving skills to the next level!
Guest's LinkedIn: Riti Kumari
Link: linkedin.com/in/riti2409
Riti Kumari's GitHub: github.com/riti2409
Host's LinkedIn: Phani Sai Ram Munipalli
Link: linkedin.com/in/iamphanisairam
Find me on Bento: bento.me/iamphanisairam