I’m sharing some thoughts after a deep conversation about this space.

AI is fundamentally changing how we think about building products. With the cost of intelligence and reasoning dropping dramatically, we’re seeing opportunities to integrate sophisticated AI capabilities into products of all sizes. It’s not just about having a chatbot anymore – it’s about embedding intelligence throughout the user experience.

But here’s what we discussed last night: as AI capabilities expand, the true differentiator for products isn’t going to be which one has the “best” AI. What will differentiate your product will be your ability to deeply understand your users and iterate rapidly based on their needs.

I’m seeing this play out in my current role at Spice Sage, where we’re exploring AI for personalized recipe recommendations. The technology is impressive, but what really moves the needle is how quickly we can incorporate user feedback and adapt our features to match actual cooking habits and preferences.

Read that last sentence again. “What really moves the needle is how quickly we can incorporate user feedback and adapt our features to match [insert customer preferences].” In Marty Cagan’s book Transformed, he posits a core principle, which he outlines as Small, Frequent, Uncoupled Releases. “The smaller the release increment, the faster you can ensure the quality of the new capability. If you are serious about taking care of your customers, you will need to invest in your ability to deliver very frequent, very small releases.”

This shift is reshaping the skills that will matter most for product managers. I contend that while AI excels at processing data and generating options, it struggles with the uniquely human abilities that make great PMs:

– Creative problem-solving that connects seemingly unrelated dots

– Genuine empathy that helps us understand the emotional journey of our users

– Leadership that inspires teams to rally around a shared vision

– Strategic prioritization that balances competing needs

– Active listening that uncovers the problems behind the problems

The future belongs to product managers who can bridge the gap between AI capabilities and human needs. It’s less about being the smartest person in the room and more about being the most emotionally intelligent and adaptable.

What’s your take on this? How are you thinking about integrating AI into your product strategy while maintaining that crucial human element?

#ProductManagement #AI #Innovation #Leadership #FutureOfWork