Ready to start a startup? | Shreyas Doshi (Former PM leader at Stripe, Twitter, Google)
I'm joined by product leader turned founder Shreyas Doshi to discuss the founder's journey and when starting a company might be the right move for you. We challenge common startup wisdom and explore why traditional career advice often misses the mark for aspiring founders.Key topics:Which PMs are secretly great founder materialRed flags: when founding isn't for youThe right time to start your companyKey skills that set you up for successThriving in ambiguityDebunking the "venture scale or bust" mindsetThe counterintuitive way to avoid burnoutMuch moreReferenced:4 questions Shreyas wished he’d asked himself sooner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atS060bNpE0&t=698sAvoiding burnout for high achievers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Iwymgai-ZMCrafting a compelling career story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Reh9wTUIYc&t=928sImproving your product sense: https://maven.com/shreyas-doshi/product-senseIs my next job at a startup or big tech?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H59CRHQ6va0&t=2053sManaging your PM career in 2025 and beyond: https://maven.com/shreyas-doshi/product-management-career?utm_source=lennyNikhyl’s career advice highlights at Lenny’s Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rujK7HvD6es&t=124sStage of Company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H59CRHQ6va0&t=2053sWhere to find Shreyas:Twitter/XLinkedInYouTubeWhere to find Nikhyl:Twitter/XLinkedInFind The Skip:WebsiteSubstackYouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsTikTokDon't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at nikhyl@skip.communityTimestamps(00:00) Teaser: Why average PMs can make great founders(01:17) Introduction(02:34) The essential first step before founding(06:21) Successful founder traits(10:48) Managing at scale vs managing uncertainty(18:25) Thriving in ambiguity(21:29) Red flags: when founding isn't for you(23:34) The surprising link between average PMs and founding success(25:51) Building better product sense(29:35) The right time to start your company(37:03) Beyond venture scale: rethinking startup success(44:26) A guide to avoiding burnout(49:23) The real truth about big tech working hours(52:27) Why taking a "demotion" might be a good move(58:45) Learn more: Shreyas' Product Sense course(63:15) Key takeaways(65:22) Get in touch with Nikhyl This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theskip.substack.com