Why Brian Chesky and James Dyson Are the New Archetypes for Product Leaders

The Impact of Design Thinking at the Executive Level

I've spent the last half-decade diving deep into the worlds of product design, product management, and business leadership through "The Way of Product" podcast. Across more than 100 interviews—featuring guests from individual contributors to C-suite executives—I've garnered numerous insights. But one stands out as particularly illuminating: The misconception that a VP or Chief Product Officer is merely an "upgraded" Product Manager.

Rethinking the Product Executive

Many people consider "Product" to be shorthand for "Product Manager," a perspective I find not only narrow but also misleading. The assumption that only product management can contribute vision to an organization is an unfounded one, limiting both growth and innovation.

The Expansive Scope of Leadership

Leaders at the executive level have a vastly expanded scope of responsibility that extends beyond product management. Their role often encompasses diverse disciplines, including, significantly, product design. These leaders are charged with the high-stakes task of setting the overarching product vision for the entire organization. Prioritizing one discipline over another risks team cohesion and the very integrity of that vision.

Design Leadership in Action

Executives like Brian Chesky of Airbnb and James Dyson of Dyson Ltd. offer compelling examples. Both come from design backgrounds and demonstrate how design-led leadership can drive transformative products while generating substantial free cash flow. Their achievements prove that design thinking and strategic vision are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, deeply complementary.

A Broader Career Horizon for Designers

For those in the design sector contemplating their career paths, the title of CPO or VP of Product should not be dismissed as unreachable. Success in these roles isn't confined to one’s ability in product management alone. It's about the agility to lead across various disciplines—be it design, data science, product management, and research. It's about having a cohesive, compelling vision that serves as the North Star, guiding a diverse team toward significant impact.

So, let’s broaden our perspectives. Let's recognize that the role of a product executive is not confined to a single discipline but is a multidimensional role at the intersection of vision, leadership, and execution.

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