Why cultivating agency matters more than cultivating skills in the AI era | Max Schoening (Head of Product, Notion)

05/03/26
Source: Lenny’s Newsletter by Lenny Rachitsky. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Max Schoening on AI-Driven Product Leadership and Innovation

Max Schoening, head of product at Notion, excels in integrating AI into product design and development, driving innovation across teams. He emphasizes agency over skills as key to thriving in evolving tech landscapes. Schoening’s insights reveal how the first 10% of projects becoming “free” reshapes product development strategies. His “tiny core” theory highlights the power of simple yet transformative product features.

Optimixed’s Overview: How Max Schoening is Shaping the Future of AI-Enhanced Product Development

Max Schoening’s Impact on Modern Product Management

Max Schoening’s career spans leadership roles at Google, GitHub, Heroku, and currently Notion, where he pioneers the fusion of AI technologies with product design and management. His approach empowers designers and product managers to prototype rapidly, ship smarter code, and adopt AI tools effectively.

Key Principles from Max Schoening’s Approach

  • Agency Over Skills: Success hinges more on the ability to act and adapt than on static skills, especially in AI-driven environments.
  • First 10% “Free” Concept: Early project stages are increasingly accelerated by AI, allowing teams to test and iterate faster than ever.
  • Tiny Core Theory: Great products revolve around small but powerful features that redefine user experience, such as iPhone multitouch or Notion blocks.

Insights on Software Quality and Industry Trends

Despite an explosion in software volume, Schoening notes a persistent gap in quality, which presents ripe opportunities for innovation. He also challenges narratives like the “SaaSpocalypse,” suggesting the market remains robust and evolving.

Broader Influence and Resources

Max’s thought leadership extends into various domains, linking to influential figures, frameworks, and technologies that shape the future of AI and product design. His work encourages embracing AI not just as a tool but as a transformational force in software development.