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

2026-04-26 · Source: Lenny's Newsletter · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Software Development & Engineering, Project & Product Management · Depth: Intermediate, extended

Summary

Max Shoney, Head of Product at Notion, discusses the evolving landscape of product development in the AI era, emphasizing that agency now surpasses traditional skills. He highlights how AI has made the initial 10% of any project "free," enabling rapid prototyping and exploration. Notion's design and product teams are increasingly moving from Figma to code-first prototyping, using LLM-friendly playgrounds to accelerate development and foster a deeper understanding of the underlying material. Shoney also touches on the concept of "malleable software," advocating for tools that users can adapt to their needs rather than being confined by corporate designs. He believes the "SaaS apocalypse" is exaggerated, as the "as a service" aspect of maintenance and specialized expertise remains crucial, and predicts an acceleration of "software eating the world" as AI lowers development costs.

Key takeaway

For Product Managers and Entrepreneurs navigating the AI-driven shift, focus on cultivating agency within your teams and yourself. Encourage code-first prototyping to foster a deeper understanding of the underlying technology, and relentlessly iterate on a single, exceptionally good core feature rather than continuously adding more. Your ability to adapt and empower teams to "change things" will be more critical than ever for building successful, durable products.

Key insights

Agency and a deep understanding of the medium are paramount for product success in the AI-driven software landscape.

Principles

• The first 10% of any project is now free with AI.
• Great products have one tiny, exceptionally good core.
• Taste is developed through iterative practice and feedback.

Method

Designers and PMs should prototype in code using LLM-friendly playgrounds to deeply understand agent loops and the material they are designing with, rather than relying solely on static design tools.

In practice

• Drive your product "like it's stolen" to foster agency.
• Focus on increasing "shots on goal" through rapid experimentation.
• Consolidate automation primitives into a naked robotic core.

Topics

• Agency Cultivation
• AI Product Development
• Code-First Prototyping
• Malleable Software
• SaaS Industry Evolution

Best for: Product Manager, Entrepreneur, AI Product Manager, Director of AI/ML, Software Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Lenny's Newsletter.