Veteran tech investor Keith Rabois says the product manager role in tech 'makes no sense' in the era of AI (www.businessinsider.com)

In a recent episode of "Lenny's Podcast," tech investor Keith Rabois, managing director at Khosla Ventures, argued that the traditional product manager (PM) role in technology is becoming obsolete due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Rabois highlighted how AI tools, such as those from startups like Lovable, allow for "vibe coding," enabling users to create applications with simple prompts. This evolution reduces the need for extensive coordination roles and long-term planning—key aspects of the product manager's responsibilities—making these positions less relevant in the fast-paced tech environment. Rabois emphasized that as AI capabilities grow, the emphasis for tech professionals should shift towards thinking like CEOs, focusing on understanding what to build and why. This shift necessitates a reorganization of tech teams, favoring those that can swiftly identify and act on emerging opportunities without the need for traditional coordination layers. The implication is clear: to thrive in an AI-driven landscape, companies must adapt quickly and creatively, pivoting towards agile structures that leverage the ease of product creation enabled by AI advancements.