🫡 Takeoff #22: FREE PM guide, crazy vs. charisma, acing interview processes and much more...
Takeoff, our weekly newsletter started off as a small initiative. However, with your support, we’re planning to take it to the next level in 2023. Stay tuned!
🤔 What’s new at Airtribe
As this year is coming to an end, we wanted to create something exceptional and informative for aspiring Product Managers out there. Therefore, we are excited to offer a wide range of resources to help you learn, grow, and get more clarity on Product Management.
Our Resource Hub is designed to provide you with the information you need to stay up-to-date on Product Management.
👊 Who do you think wins in a fight, crazy or charisma?
This analogy and question were asked by a very infamous investor Masayoshi Son of Adam Neuman in a meeting. Adam, one of the most controversial guys in silicon valley and the founder of tech behemoth “WeWork” answered “crazy one” and there was no coming back. He left the meeting with billions of dollars in his pocket.
You must be thinking why we’re bringing up this instance.
Today, we want to touch upon some of the most highlighted aspects of the startup world - craziness and charisma!
In the startup world, it is not uncommon for founders to have bold and ambitious visions. Risk-taking and innovative thinking can be key ingredients in the success of a startup. While some founders may be perceived as " too crazy" due to their unconventional ideas or willingness to take risks, we believe that you need that little bit of craziness to differentiate and make a mark in this universe.
Many factors can contribute to the downfall of a company, and the behaviour of the founder can certainly play a role in this. Most people attribute Adam’s crazy or sketchy actions to the downfall of WeWork. Craziness is acceptable but acting “too crazy and delusional” can damage the reputation and financial stability of the company, and ultimately lead to its downfall.
Let’s come to charisma. We believe it all started with Steve Jobs and his famous trait of being charismatic and getting things done. There is no denying that charismatic founders can often be attractive to investors. Their charm and confidence can inspire confidence in their vision and ability to execute it. Charismatic founders may also be able to effectively communicate their ideas and persuade others to invest in their company. Charisma may help you raise loads of money from investors but charisma alone is not enough to ensure the success of a company.
In some cases, charismatic founders may be more focused on promoting their brand or gaining attention, rather than on the long-term success and sustainability of the company. This type of behaviour can be detrimental to the business, as it can distract from the core mission and goals of the company, and lead to poor decision-making.
We believe that Balance is the key. Whether a founder identifies as crazy or charismatic, the company’s interest must always come first. If this means that they have to tone down their behaviour then that’s what should be done.
What do you think? Let us know!
👩💼 Ace the interview process
"Don't be afraid to ask questions. It shows that you're interested and engaged. And don't be afraid to admit if you don't know something – it's better to be honest and ask for help than to pretend you know something you don't."
~ Mark Zuckerberg
Today, we would like to share some tips and tricks which could help you nail the interview process!
We went to our co-founder, Navneet Sharma, and asked him about some of the traits he always looks for in a candidate. Here’s what he said:
Self-awareness: It should come out well when they talk about themselves
Curiosity: The ability to ask good and tough questions
Attitude: The right attitude to succeed in a company where the unknowns outweigh the knowns
🏢 Straight from Airtribe’s HQ
How did you start your journey as a UX researcher?
I started my journey from being an academic researcher into the industry. After completing my master's in Agriculture Extension Education, my brother (who’s a UX Architect) introduced and motivated me to venture into the design industry. I’ve just started my journey but I have a long way to go. All I know is that I’m a curious person who loves to learn new things so I am trying to flow with the tide.
What do you think is the most important trait one should possess as a UX researcher?
I strongly believe empathy is the most important trait a UX Researcher should possess as it not only helps to understand the users but also provides a sense of perspective to look beyond the surface.
📖 An interesting article for your tranquil Saturday evening
Bob Iger vs. Bob Chapek: Inside the Disney Coup
In this article, learn how Bob Iger succeeded Bob Chapek again who he had handpicked few years ago to lead the entertainment giant, Disney.
🧐 Food for thought
💫 A recent discovery we found fascinating
This week, we came across an insight about empathy playing a substantial role in product design. The author believes that empathy is an essential starting point for a delightful design!
✨ Signing off with some wisdom
“Beware of those who seek constant crowds; they are nothing alone.”
~ Charles Bukowski
We would like to thank you for being such a great reader this year.
We promise to deliver more insightful content for you in 2023 that will help you grow in your career.
Happy New Year!🎆