In a recent LinkedIn post, Sachin Rekhi explores the fundamental shifts occurring in the Product Manager (PM) role, particularly in the context of the AI revolution. Drawing on insights from Nikhyl Singhal, creator of a leading Chief Product Officer community, Rekhi highlights five key realities that product leaders must navigate to remain relevant and effective.
Rekhi emphasizes a significant transformation in the core responsibilities of a PM. He notes the diminishing importance of the ‘information mover’ archetype, which was prevalent during periods of low-interest rates (ZIRP), and the ascendance of the ‘product builder’.
“During ZIRP times, the PM role largely became that of an information mover – coordinating amongst stakeholders, executive management, and communication. But that role is now disappearing in favor of product builders – the original craft of building great products that solve problems for our customers. You will not survive long-term in the product role unless you can successfully make this transition.”
This transition, according to Rekhi, is not merely a suggestion but a necessity for long-term survival in the product profession. The focus is shifting back to the fundamental craft of creating impactful products that genuinely address customer needs.
The New Vectors for Scaling and Automation
Rekhi further delves into how the advent of AI is reshaping organizational scaling and the essential skills required for product management. He points out that traditional methods of scaling, which relied heavily on increasing headcount, are becoming less effective.
Scaling Through Software, Not Just People
Instead, Rekhi, citing Singhal’s observations, suggests that AI introduces a new paradigm for scaling: through software and intelligent agents. This shift diminishes the relative value of traditional people management skills.
“So much of traditional organizational design is predicated on the notion that the only way to scale the work is by hiring more people. But what AI is teaching us is that we can now scale in an entirely different way: through software and agents. Given this new scaling vector, the skill of people management is rapidly devaluing.”
This observation implies a strategic re-evaluation of organizational structures and the skills that drive growth. The ability to leverage AI and software for scaling is becoming paramount.
AI as the Core Skill for Product Roles
The integration of AI is not just a scaling tool but is becoming the core skill set for modern PMs. Rekhi argues that product professionals must develop a systems-thinking approach to leverage AI for automating various aspects of their work.
“You need the ability to think like a systems thinker and build agents to automate every single aspect of the traditional product role. Everything from customer discovery to prototyping to status reports. The pace that is expected of you is no longer possible without such extreme AI automation.”
This highlights the urgent need for PMs to embrace AI tools and methodologies to meet the accelerated pace of product development and iteration.
The Enduring Importance of Judgment and the Joy of Building
Despite the rapid advancements and automation enabled by AI, Rekhi underscores that human judgment remains critical. The ability to discern what is truly valuable to build is a skill that AI cannot replicate.
Judgment: The Unshortcuttable Skill
As Rekhi explains, the ease of building with AI tools does not negate the need for strategic decision-making. Prioritizing features that align with customer needs, integrate seamlessly with the existing product, and offer a competitive advantage is essential to avoid creating diluted offerings.
“While it’s now faster than ever to build, we can’t simply build every feature request without ending up with a diluted product that isn’t great for anyone. So we need to apply our judgment to decide what is actually worth building by prioritizing what will meet customer needs, fit cohesively with the existing solution, and help us differentiate meaningfully from the competition. There is no shortcut for developing this judgment.”
This emphasizes that while AI can accelerate the ‘how,’ human product leaders must continue to guide the ‘what’ and ‘why’.
Renewed Enthusiasm for the Role
Finally, Rekhi touches upon the positive emotional impact of this evolution. He suggests that PMs who successfully adapt to the ‘product builder’ role, leveraging AI and focusing on genuine creation, are finding renewed satisfaction and enjoyment in their work.
In conclusion, Sachin Rekhi’s analysis, presented on LinkedIn, offers a compelling outlook on the future of product management, emphasizing the imperative for adaptation, the strategic use of AI, and the enduring value of experienced judgment.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Sachin Rekhi on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →