How AI will change the PM role in companies

Key Concepts:

• Software World Order Rewriting
• Product Managers (PMs)
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• Developer Roles
• Organizational Chart Transformation

The Changing Role of Product Managers (PMs)

The speaker posits that the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) will fundamentally alter the software development landscape, specifically impacting the role of Product Managers (PMs). The core argument is that PMs, who currently focus on the minutiae of product experience and often rely on developers to implement their vision, will gain the ability to directly implement changes themselves.

Current State: PMs as Communicators and Persuaders

Currently, PMs are described as individuals who possess a deep understanding of what constitutes a great product experience, often down to the "pixel level." Their role involves translating this understanding into actionable tasks for developers, often requiring them to "harangue" developers to ensure the product aligns with their vision. This process involves writing Jira tickets and waiting for developers to execute them.

Future State: PMs as Direct Implementers

The speaker envisions a future where PMs can directly implement changes using LLMs. Instead of solely writing Jira tickets, they will be able to "write code" (presumably through LLM interfaces) to directly modify the product. This shift will free developers to focus on more intellectually challenging tasks that LLMs are not well-suited for.

Impact on Organizational Structure

The speaker emphasizes that the current organizational charts of software companies do not reflect this impending shift. He argues that the "winners" in the future will be those companies that adapt their organizational structure to empower PMs with direct implementation capabilities. This implies a potential flattening of hierarchies and a greater emphasis on PMs as direct contributors to the codebase.

Notable Quotes:

• "The entire software World Order is going to get Rewritten here."
• "PMS are are the people that really understand like to the pixel level like what matters into making a great product experience."
• "PMS they're going to be writing quote quote unquote instead of just writing a jur ticket and waiting for a developer to do it."
• "What blew my mind is it's it's not reflected in the org charts of all the software companies in the world right now that is going to completely change."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The speaker believes that LLMs will empower PMs to directly implement product changes, fundamentally altering the software development process and organizational structures. Companies that recognize and adapt to this shift will be the "winners" in the future. The key takeaway is that the traditional role of PMs as communicators and persuaders will evolve into one of direct implementation, leading to a more agile and efficient development process.