Cory

Mihika Kapoor (@mihikapoor) is a superstar PM at @Figma where she’s known as the go-to person for leading new 0-to-1 products. She was an early PM on FigJam, is currently leading a new (undisclosed) product that’s launching at Figma's Config conference this year, and is beloved by everyone who works with her. In our conversation, we discuss: 🔸 Advice for taking ideas from 0 to 1 at larger companies 🔸 How to craft a compelling vision 🔸 How to tactically communicate your vision 🔸 The importance of vulnerability and feedback 🔸 Advice for building a strong team culture 🔸 Pivoting priorities with grace and enthusiasm 🔸 AI and its impact on PMs 🔸 Much more Listen now 👇 YouTube: youtu.be/uDq6_CPaRjM Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7Ibt1l… Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vis… Key takeaways: 1. Putting ideas out there, even if they are wrong, can lead to better solutions and more productive discussions. It’s not just about having a great idea or building a prototype; it’s about actively engaging and rallying others around that idea to create momentum and excitement. Whether it’s pitching ideas at events like hackathons or simply asking colleagues for assistance, the key is to not let perceived limitations hold you back from pursuing your vision. 2. Mihika likens the role of a 0-to-1 team within a large company to that of Hestia in Greek mythology, who is the “keeper of the hearth.” It is Hestia’s job to always keep the hearth burning, even while other gods go out on separate quests. This means always keeping the 0-to-1 project alive and helping it spread to others, mostly through setting vision and building hype. 3. To set the vision for a new idea, ask: “If I and my team do our job correctly, what does the world look like?” Then convey the pain point, solution, and proof in a format that can “show, not tell” stakeholders what you’re doing. For example, use prototypes, Figma mock-ups, and customer testimonials. 4. Internal hackathons are a great way to encourage innovation. Figma has a Maker Week where the entire company—including technical and non-technical employees—goes on pause for a week to work on ambitious ideas. Maker Week and other internal hackathons have led to many successful Figma products, including Jambot and Figma’s entire widget platform. 5. Figma implements a fun “hot seat” tradition, where each person takes turns being in the hot seat for a set amount of time. During their turn, the person can be asked anything by the other members of the group. By understanding what motivates each team member and building strong relationships, collaboration becomes more effective, leading to a more enjoyable work environment and ultimately better outcomes for the product or project. The key is to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels open to sharing. 6. Make time for fun! “Play” is one of Figma’s core values, and Mihika makes a concerted effort to have enjoyable team gatherings. When people have fun together, they get to know each other more deeply and can feel more appreciated within the group. One tradition Mihika’s team uses is “The Figgies.” The team gathers to give out absurd awards for things like “most likely to go their entire career without writing a PRD.”