VP of AI Product Growth at Dropbox Shares Essential Advice for Product Managers in the Age of AI

Morgan Brown, currently the VP of product and growth for AI products at Dropbox, shares his insights and advice for product managers navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). With a career spanning various tech giants like Facebook, Instagram, and Shopify, Brown brings a wealth of experience to the table. Spending Time with New Tools Brown emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience with the latest AI tools. Unlike the past when product ideas were primarily conceptual, today’s product managers have the unique opportunity to prototype and test ideas quickly. This shift allows them to validate assumptions and gain a deeper understanding of what works and what doesn’t in a tangible, real-world setting. For instance, instead of writing extensive documentation, product managers can now build minimal viable products (MVPs) to explore new concepts and user interactions. Leveraging AI as a Thought Partner According to Brown, the true potential of AI lies not in automating tasks but in augmenting human creativity and innovation. He encourages product managers to view AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement. For example, when brainstorming ways to differentiate a product, Brown uses AI to generate additional ideas beyond what his team initially comes up with. By forming a "council of LLMs" (large language models) like Dropbox’s Dash, Anthropic’s Claude, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, he aims to enhance his immediate thinking capacity and explore a broader range of possibilities. Understanding the Basics A foundational understanding of AI and its technical underpinnings is crucial for product managers. Knowing how different components of an AI system interact can provide valuable insights into what is feasible and innovative. Brown warns against treating AI as a black box; product managers should understand the underlying mechanisms to fully harness its capabilities and identify new value propositions. This knowledge enables them to communicate effectively with technical teams and stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards shared goals. Adapting to the Rapid Pace The tech industry is known for its rapid changes, and the AI revolution is no exception. Product managers must adapt to this accelerated pace by continuously learning and updating their skills. Traditional performance and roadmap cycles are becoming obsolete, and agility is key. Brown suggests creating a system of ongoing learning and adaptation within teams to stay ahead of the curve. This includes regular updates on the latest AI advancements and fostering a culture where innovation is encouraged and old practices are reconsidered. Focusing on Deep Work Product managers often find themselves buried in administrative tasks, which can detract from the creative and strategic work that is essential for innovation. Brown advocates for automating routine tasks to free up more time for "deep work." This type of focused, distraction-free thinking allows product managers to delve into complex problems, explore creative solutions, and develop new ideas. By creating a conducive environment for deep work, companies can significantly increase their capacity for innovation and product development. Industry Insight and Evaluation Industry insiders agree that Brown’s advice is invaluable in the current tech climate. The ability to quickly prototype and test ideas is revolutionizing product development, making it faster and more iterative. Leveraging AI as a thought partner is seen as a game-changer, enhancing human creativity and innovation. However, some experts caution that while AI can augment decision-making, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment and empathy that human product managers bring to the table. Dropbox, known for its cloud storage and file-sharing services, has been increasingly integrating AI into its products to enhance user experiences and drive growth. Under Brown’s leadership, the company has launched several AI-driven features, including intelligent search and content recommendation tools, positioning itself at the forefront of AI integration in productivity software. In conclusion, the AI revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for product managers to innovate and create. By embracing new tools, forming collaborative partnerships with AI, understanding the basics, adapting to the fast-paced environment, and focusing on deep work, product managers can stay ahead and drive meaningful change in their organizations.