The Product Growth Guy 🚀 | Helping you land your next job + succeed in your career | Newsletter Writer and Podcast Host

TL;DR: I write a newsletter for product managers, product leaders, and aspiring product managers. I focus on actionable and deep tips to improve your career.

The Longer Version:

After a long career in PM - rising to VP of Product at a Unicorn - I have made the shift to writing about it.

In particular, I write about product growth. That is, the art of growing via your product. 

This means I also talk a lot about product-led growth (PLG), the SaaS B2B motion.

My newsletter doesn't just focus on growth though. 

I also break down technology, product management, product leadership, and how to get a PM job. 

It's all the things that make for a great use of your learning & development budget. 

Or even personal spend. 

The math is pretty great. 
↳ $150 for an annual subscription
↳ $211K average PM salary in the US
↳ 0-10% average range of raises offered

If the newsletter helps you get a 0.07% better raise, it pays itself. 
That's 1/142th of your raise range.

It's a pretty smart investment for every level of PM.

http://www.news.aakashg.com

Aakash Gupta

Here's your free Product Management MBA:

(Better than any $165K course.)

I've published 200+ deep dives and 100+ newsletters. Here's the best of everything into one complete curriculum for product management. 

15 courses, 112 classes, 1 PM MBA:

📚 CORE CURRICULUM (Required for All Students)

PM 101: Product Management Foundations
↳ From the basics of PM teams to key deliverables
↳ Start with Marty Cagan to be Inspired: https://lnkd.in/eb5hbA28

PM 201: Product Strategy
↳ The core skill for every PM
↳ Start with the 2025 playbook: https://lnkd.in/e8EUQHAW

PM 301: Product Discovery 
↳ The foundation of building what users actually want 
↳ Start with legend Teresa Torres: https://lnkd.in/ezV6YF8N
 
🎯 SPECIALIZATION TRACKS
 
B2B 401: B2B Product & Pricing 
↳ Master SaaS pricing, packaging, and positioning 
↳ Start with B2B SaaS Pricing: https://lnkd.in/dXmJ9TAY
 
DESIGN 401: Product Design 
↳ From design systems to wireframes to working with designers 
↳ Start with Design Systems: https://lnkd.in/eENpfV9A
 
STARTUP 401: Building Startups 
↳ Learn from the best founders
↳ Start with Eric Simons from Bolt: https://lnkd.in/eKZtzVD5
 
🚀 GROWTH DEPARTMENT
 
GROWTH 301: Growth Fundamentals 
↳ Activation, onboarding, expansion, and flywheels 
↳ Start with Activation: https://lnkd.in/ef8sBydx
 
GROWTH 401: Growth Systems 
↳ Build the right experimentation culture
↳ Scaled experimentation programs: https://lnkd.in/etAGf7Nu
 
GROWTH 402: Company Case Studies 
↳ How the hottest companies grow 
↳ Start with Cursor: https://lnkd.in/eq8xvCAK
 
GROWTH 403: PLG & GTM 
↳ Tactical go-to-market and product launch playbooks 
↳ Start with Product Launches: https://lnkd.in/eB7s6umA
 
👔 LEADERSHIP DEPARTMENT
 
EXEC 401: Product Leadership 
↳ Grow into a leader
↳ Start with Empowerment: https://lnkd.in/d_uR5bGJ
 
💼 CAREER DEPARTMENT
 
CAREER 301: Interview Mastery 
↳ Learn every type 
↳ PM Interview Guide: https://lnkd.in/e8WkHDbK
 
CAREER 401: Job Search Systems 
↳ The key mechanics 
↳ How to Get Interviews: https://lnkd.in/eqn5Eqq6
 
CAREER 402: Big Tech & High Comp 
↳ Get $700K+ PM roles 
↳ Google's PM Interview: https://lnkd.in/ezAHYXhV
 
CAREER 403: Career Acceleration 
↳ Going the next level 
↳ Start with Satish's journey: https://lnkd.in/epwZ3Dfw
 
🎓 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete 12+ courses
2. Implement them in your work
3. Come back and show me proof

Why spend $ on an MBA or cert when you have this?

All episodes + direct links: https://lnkd.in/euGGNj57

AI + Product Management 🚀 | Helping you land your next job + succeed in your career

I got a Google AI PM to demo her entire AI tool stack.

It's 6 major tools:

Marily Nika, Ph.D joined the podcast for a second time (her first episode is my 7th most popular ever).

This team, she live demoed all 6 tools in her stack.

Watch Now: https://lnkd.in/eWukygbk

Available Everywhere:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eyt7agKj
Apple: https://lnkd.in/eVZf64gB
 
✍️ Here were my favorite takeaways:
 
1. Marily's stack is 6 power tools. Google AI Studio for prototyping, Opal for mini apps, Notebook LM for learning, Perplexity for user research, ChatGPT for PRDs, and Fireflies for meetings. That's it. No tool hopping.
   
2. Prototype before writing PRDs. Marily builds a working app in AI Studio first, then brings engineers in to debate the actual thing. Saves weeks of back-and-forth on documents. PRDs are now for complex cross-functional work only.
   
3. Notebook LM learned a 4-hour video in 15 minutes. Marily had an interview the next day. She uploaded the job description and a 4-hour investor relations video. It gave her 15 key points. She memorized them and crushed the interview.
   
4. Perplexity's Reddit filter is your secret weapon. Turn off web search, turn on discussions and opinions. Ask "would young professionals be interested in a fitness ring?" Get 20+ Reddit sources instantly. Know what users actually want.
   
5. Marily's PRD generator has 10,000+ users. She trained a ChatGPT custom GPT with her voice and old PRDs. It asks probing questions before generating. Gets PRDs done in days instead of weeks. She's not embarrassed to use AI at work.
   
6. Tool selection has 4 rules. Does it save 10x time (not 2x)? Does it work across contexts? Does it work with your company's limitations? Does it compound over time? If not all 4, delete it.
   
7. "Be like a crab" for AI PM roles. Move adjacent to your experience. Hearing aids → AirPods PM. ESPN journalism → Meta sports AI PM. Don't ignore your past experience. It's your competitive advantage.

🏆 Thanks to our sponsors:

1. Maven: Get a 15% discount off Marily's courses with code AAKASHxMAVEN - https://maven.com/x/aakash
   
2. Jira Product Discovery: Move discovery and roadmapping out of spreadsheets - https://lnkd.in/ecr-6F7w
   
3. Vanta: Automate compliance across 35+ frameworks - http://vanta.com/aakash
   
4. Mobbin: Discover real-world design inspiration - http://mobbin.com/aakash
   
5. Product Faculty: Get $500 off the AI PM Certification with code AAKASH25 - https://lnkd.in/eZ2uUySG

🤖 You'll have to watch the ep for the live demos! 

What should we cover in our third ep?

Business Insider picked up the podcast!

"Be like crabs"

That's the insight from Marily Nika, Ph.D, Google AI PM.

🔗: https://lnkd.in/guACSAtK

If you want to shift into an AI PM role, don't make all the jumps at once. To AI. Into PM. 

That's too many jumps. 

She says more here: https://lnkd.in/g6PQNnux

You want to move progressively adjacent:

1/ Learn AI fundamentals
🔗: https://lnkd.in/e6zyYugs

2/ Learn AI prototyping
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eJujDhBV

3/ Understand AI evals
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eGbzWMxf

4/ Write AI PRDs
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eMu59p_z

5/ Develop AI strategy
🔗: https://lnkd.in/egemMhMF

6/ Build AI products right
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eDGmsvZ5

8/ Learn how to interview
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eZZ_vvQc

9/ Build your portfolio
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eT3RvQiM

10/ Learn how to apply
🔗: https://lnkd.in/eEpKEQWM

That's the roadmap.
And why the episode has 200K+ views on X.

For my coaching: https://www.landpmjob.com/
For my next update: https://lnkd.in/gp2cCv8K

Be like a crab!

Will the ChatGPT app store be the next big App Store? 

Here's how to take advantage of this opportunity:
 
I brought on Colin Matthews to discuss the opportunity and how to build ChatGPT apps that get distribution. 
 
🎬 Watch Now: https://lnkd.in/gSzuSR9q
 
Available Everywhere
 
Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eyt7agKj
Apple: https://lnkd.in/eVZf64gB
 
✍️ Here were my favorite takeaways:
 
1. 900M Weekly Users - ChatGPT's user base is more than the entire population of Europe. Even a small percentage discovering your app is meaningful distribution.

2. 26% Higher Conversion - Users from AI sources convert 26% higher than traditional search. By the time someone asks ChatGPT to book a hotel, they're ready to act.

3. Three Types of Potential Apps to Build - Utility apps (self-contained tools), Integration apps (connect to your APIs), Complex apps (full experiences). Start with utility to learn.

4. Follow Target's Pattern - You can't checkout in ChatGPT. But you can build a cart. Then pop users to Target.com to finish. Use ChatGPT for discovery, your product for transactions.

5. Use Streaming to unlock Distribution - Apps that stream responses feel instant. ChatGPT is more likely to surface them. Enable in your manifest, implement server-sent events.

6. Smart Trigger Phrases - Define trigger phrases in your manifest. When ChatGPT detects them, it surfaces your app - even if user hasn't installed it. This is how organic discovery works.

7. Proactive Surfacing Beats Search - Most powerful distribution is ChatGPT analyzing requests and surfacing relevant apps inline. Not users searching for apps.

8. Lead Gen Model Wins - Many apps won't monetize directly. They'll use ChatGPT as top-of-funnel. Acquire high-intent users, own relationship after handoff, avoid platform fees.

9. Build When You Have APIs - If you have good APIs, building ChatGPT app is mostly frontend work. Not building new backend. Building new interface to existing capabilities.

10. Don't Build for Non-AI Users - If target customers aren't using ChatGPT, building app is premature. Meet users where they are today, not where you think they'll be in 3 years.

Watch the full episode for the step-by-step on how to build ChatGPT apps.
 
🏆 Thanks to our sponsors:
 
1. Colin's ChatGPT Apps Course: Next cohort starts February 13th on Maven - https://bit.ly/4qd2ryx  

2. Vanta: Automate compliance, Get $1,000 with my link: https://lnkd.in/eQkkTZhT  

3. Land PM Job: 12-week experience to master getting a PM job - https://www.landpmjob.com/  

4. Naya One: Accelerate AI adoption in financial services - https://nayaone.com/  

5. Mobbin: The world's largest mobile & web design library - Get 20% off: https://lnkd.in/ewpCc7mz
 
Will you be building a ChatGPT App? 👇

Helping you succeed in your career + land your next job

OTM Furniture Installations

Warehouse Operations Manager

Pablo Designs

Manages logistics and warehousing operations, ensuring seamless integration of processes, personnel policies, and inventory management. Elevates warehouse staff performance through coaching and strategic performance evaluations. Collaborates at a high level with the Operations, Sales, and Design divisions to optimize product launches and inventory optimization. Oversees international and domestic shipping operations, establishing influential relationships with global carriers, and ensuring operational excellence through robust quality assurance and comprehensive shipment analytics. Spearheads facilities and office operations to maintain an environment of excellence and safety.

Inventory & Logistics Manager

Impossible Foods

Manage order processing workflow for customers. Drive resolution of customer-related issues with internal/external business partners. Manage day-to-day 3PL performance related to order fulfillment accuracy. Identify opportunities and lead implementation of supply chain changes with key customers. Spearhead initiatives with 3PLs, including onboarding of new customers, new product introduction readiness and order fulfillment optimization.

Manager, Customer Operations

CS Operations Analyst

RITE AID

Ecommerce Consultant

Madison Reed

Macy's

Manage the development and execution of continuous improvement projects for vendor and product onboarding operations in the Vendor Direct Fulfillment (VDF) Dropship Division. Build and lead a team to execute on business area objectives provided by VDF Directors and VP.  Coach team members and provide feedback to enhance skills, knowledge and work performance.  Provide escalation support to internal and external partners for the most highly complex issues. Analyze trends in operational data to identify root causes present solutions to VDF Directors and VP.  Collaborate with departments across the organization to investigate and implement solutions to vendor and stakeholder issues.

Operations Manager

Responsible for the vendor onboarding process in the Vendor Direct Fulfillment (VDF) Dropship Division. Validated information collected from merchants and vendors and submitted request to Accounts Payable. Built and maintained strong relationships with internal partners and vendors in support of timely vendor and product launches.  Produced ad-hoc reports for VDF directors, VP, and Senior Leadership members via datasheets and presentations. Reported weekly progress on integrations on to merchant organization and operational counterparts across the country. Researched and analyzed site data on products and made recommendations to merchants to improve conversion rate and sales.

Assistant Merchandise Manager

Cost Plus World Market

Assisted e-Commerce Operations Manager with remote management of three eCommerce Distribution Centers.  Addressed and resolved all online order exceptions within 24 hours and reported progress to key stakeholders. Oversaw inventory levels in all eCommerce distribution centers and partnered with Merchant, Inventory Management, Loss Prevention, and Finance Departments to address discrepancies.  Responsible for the accurate and timely reconciliation of shipments to eCommerce DC’s.  Identified supply chain bottlenecks and develop process improvements with eCommerce Manager. Authored and distributed SOP’s and train associates and monitor process improvements.

eCommerce Operations Analyst

Walmart eCommerce

Reviewed and approved suppliers’ return contracts for wholesale and drop ship channels.  Partnered with buyers and suppliers to reach amicable agreement terms for eCommerce Division.   Analyzed inventory reports from third-party liquidators and addressed exceptions promptly with stakeholders and key partners.  Filed carrier claims for lost or damaged merchandise.   Analyzed Return Center KPIs, reported inefficiencies weekly. tracked WOW improvements

Senior Specialist- Contractor Reverse Logistics

Responsible for placement of purchase orders for all product categories for eCommerce Division. Managed systemic placement of rush orders with suppliers on a daily basis. Addressed and resolved all day-to-day ordering exceptions in all product categories for company.

Senior Specialist - Supply Chain Planning

The Sak

eCommerce Operations contractor/consultant.

Independent Contractor/Consultant

Managed Order Management operations for eCommerce, Retail Store, Catalog and International customer segments.  Responsible for managing and correcting order/delivery exceptions in a timely manner.  Provide customer service for end consumers as well as wholesale customers. Distribute content and images to eCommerce customers.  Train temporary contractors/employees.

eCommerce Operations

Walmart.com

Managed a portfolio of high-revenue accounts for order fulfillment network in the Electronics and Home Goods departments to ensure on-time, accurate and damage-free delivery of customer orders.  Maintained collaborative customer-focused relationships with Wal-Mart Distribution Centers, Third-Party Logistics  (3PL) providers and Drop Ship Vendor (DSV) fulfillment partners.  Facilitated distributor integration projects with EDI, Transportation and Merchandising Departments to improve  operational performance and support marketing campaigns.  Addressed critical issues and order exceptions with distributors and/or internal departments to mitigate impact to customer shopping experience.  Evaluate fulfillment partner performance on weekly basis and implement long-term solutions to improve service levels. Reviewed and approved fulfillment partner invoices and investigate discrepancies.

Fufillment Account Manager

Worked directly with inventory planners to place purchase orders for Wal-Mart DC and 3PL providers in the Baby, Toys and Home departments.  Addressed and communicated supplier replenishment issues to planning departments and performed system modifications on purchase orders. Assisted suppliers with transportation routing compliance and traced supplier shipments.

Inbound Supply Coordinator

I am an innovative and strategic business leader with extensive experience in operations management, material distribution, and inventory management for e-commerce, tech, and retail companies.  Colleagues and customers know me for solving complex issues and creating simple yet profitable solutions. Often collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, finance, UX designers, and operations to create and implement new policies, systems, and procedures.  Working for start-ups as well as Fortune 500 companies has given me a unique proficiency in process and systems design with end-to-end knowledge of customer-focused supply chain management practices.  Learning, teaching, and continuous improvement are elements that inspire me to lead teams to drive results.

Core Competencies:
•	eCommerce Operations Management
•	Project Management
•	Process & Performance Improvement
•	Inventory Control
•	Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Analysis & Support
•	Vendor Integrations and Support
•	Customer & Employee Training

Interested in networking and full-time opportunities. Please contact me through LinkedIn.

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Aakash Gupta

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The Battle

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Hector Estrada

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Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Aakash Gupta's LinkedIn Performance

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