– Noam Lovinsky credits his professional growth at YouTube to being layered under a supportive manager.
– Lovinsky believes that project managers should prioritize the team’s needs above their own careers and be self-critical.
– Being honest, advocating for what’s best for the team, and potentially negotiating oneself out of a job can lead to positive outcomes in the long run.
Noam Lovinsky, the Chief Product Officer at Grammarly, believes that being “layered” under a new manager can lead to growth and positive outcomes in the right circumstances. He credits his professional development at YouTube to being layered under a supportive manager. Lovinsky emphasizes that project managers should prioritize the team’s needs over their own career goals and be self-critical in their approach.
During his time at YouTube, Lovinsky was initially struggling while working directly under the CEO, Salar Kamangar. He found support and guidance from his colleagues, reflecting on his position in the company and suggesting to Kamangar that he should report to someone else. This led to a reorganization of the product team, with Lovinsky being layered under a different manager, Hunter Walk, which proved to be a beneficial decision for his growth and development.
Lovinsky learned valuable lessons during his time at YouTube, emphasizing the importance of being self-critical and advocating for what is best for the team, even if it means risking your own position. He believes that good organizations reward individuals who prioritize the team’s needs and make decisions based on what is best for the overall success and productivity of the team. Lovinsky’s experience at YouTube and subsequent roles at Thumbtack and Facebook have shaped his understanding of effective project management and leadership skills.