Brian Tolkin, Head of Product @Opendoor: How to Hire the Best Product Teams
20Product
Feb 7, 2025
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Brian Tolkin is the Head of Product @ Opendoor where he has spent the last 6 years and is responsible for product strategy and product and design teams. Before Opendoor, Brian spent an incredible 5 years at Uber through their wildest growth periods.
In Today’s Episode with Brian Tolkin:
03:53 Brian's Journey at Uber: Launching China Pool
05:07 Product Lessons from Uber's China Launch
08:22 The Role of a PM in a Pre vs. Post AI World
10:16 Product Development Process in an AI World
17:43 The Importance of Simplification in Product Management
19:21 OKRs and Prioritization in Product Management
23:12 The Importance of Feedback Loops in Product Development
23:38 Evaluating Product Changes: User Adaptation vs. Bad Decisions
25:00 Balancing Gut Instinct and Data in Product Leadership
25:38 The Role of Simplicity in Product Design
27:02 Consensus vs. Dictatorial Product Leadership
27:54 Hiring for True Product Teams
31:33 Effective Sprint Management
37:23 The Value of Long-Term Commitment in Companies
38:39 Quickfire Round: Insights and Advice
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