Recently, I talked to a friend who is making the exciting transition from Quality Assurance to Product. To help her hit the ground running, I curated a list of essential reading and viewing materials that have shaped my own product thinking. Whether you're new to product or looking to sharpen your skills, these resources offer invaluable insights into building great products, understanding users, and driving growth.
The Reading List
Paul Graham's Essays
Paul Graham's essays are a goldmine for anyone interested in startups, technology, and product thinking. As a product person, you'll learn how to think independently, spot opportunities, and understand what makes products succeed.
Startup School
Startup School by Y Combinator is a free online program that covers the fundamentals of building a startup. It's a great way to learn about product-market fit, user feedback, and the iterative process of product development.
Michael Seibel's Blog
Michael Seibel, Managing Director at Y Combinator, shares practical advice on building products, fundraising, and startup leadership. His content is direct and actionable—perfect for new product managers.
Dalton & Michael: Startup Advice Playlist
This YouTube playlist features Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel discussing real-world startup challenges. You'll gain perspective on product strategy, prioritization, and the realities of building something from scratch.
Paul Graham - Do Things that Don't Scale (MOST IMPORTANT)
If you read only one thing, make it this. This essay explains why doing unscalable things early on is crucial for product success. It teaches you to focus on users, iterate quickly, and build a strong foundation.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI: Make Something People Want
Sam Altman distills the essence of product management: building things people actually want. This talk is a must-watch for understanding user-centric product development.
Paul Graham - Startup = Growth
This essay dives into the importance of growth for startups and products. It helps product managers understand the metrics and mindset needed to drive sustainable growth.
NFX - AI Is Like Water
NFX explores how AI is transforming products and industries. This article is a great primer on thinking about AI as a foundational technology and how to leverage it in your product strategy.
Crafting Quality that Endures (Karri Saarinen, Linear) | Figma
Karri Saarinen shares how Linear builds products with enduring quality. This talk is full of practical tips on maintaining high standards and creating products that last.