What do I read as a Data PM? A guide for any Data PM to pick up some good content!
Hi there,
For this issue of The Data PM Gazette, I wanted to share my favorite substacks/newsletters that keep me updated as a Data PM. As things are changing rapidly in the market, it’s a lot to keep up, so I will surface some really good reads from time to time, but I wanted to share some of my favorite sources too so that in case you want to read them as well, feel free to subscribe.
But, Richa, why read, don’t you listen to podcasts?
Nope, I don’t. I used to be big on them, but I realized, podcasts tend to run in the background, and reading is more engaging and I register more. And, I don’t like short-form writing as well because I feel most short-form writing lacks context, so I found my solace in newsletters, substacks, that are lengthy and engaging enough to feel I have materially consumed some good information.
Why these newsletters?
Well, it’s simple, I try to make sure that I cover all my circles :)
These newsletters might not be the most read newsletters, but they work for me because they are filling in these circles for me. Now, I don’t read each edition, every time, but these keep me updated overall. And, if ever I want to revisit a specific topic, these substacks definitely give me a starting point.
Your list of useful sources can be VERY different. It could be a subset of these, or overlap a bit. But, I would say, it’s more important to read each week than actually fixating on reading every substack or completing each issue rigorously. So, start with what appeals the most and come back to this issue whenever you want to shift focus.
1. Data + Machine Learning + AI
There are sub-categories to this bucket, but I do make an effort to read a lot about the industry in general, which means covering Data Products, but also industry news, and learning Data Engineering, ML, and AI concepts consistently.
A. Data Products
#1 by Eric Weber
It is a one-stop shop for a lot of Data Products content, and my inspiration, so definitely subscribe.
#2 by Sven Balnojan
Sven writes two, and I read both. Tdpt talks about topical issues in the world of data, discusses acquisitions, as well as business aspects of data, and data team processes. All that can help you build better data products.
B. Data Engineering / Platform
#1 by Ben Rogojan
Ben has one of the biggest communities out there for Data Engineering. From discussing case studies to technologies to how data teams operate, Ben does a great job at covering all things data engineering.
He also has a YouTube channel too, if you prefer watching over reading.
#2 by Sven Balnojan
This one is focussed on all important things Data Engineering and Analytics only, and has a very concise format to get all Data Engineering news.
C. Data/ML news
#1 by the Shipyard team
If you want some top links related to data, curated well, this is your newsletter.
#2 by Carlos
Another one, but with a lot more links and a topical discussion right on top.
#3 Data News by Christophe Blefari
This newsletter is more focused on more opinionated pieces published in the world of Modern Data Stack! His mid-2023 round-up is a good resource to catch up on.
D. Artificial Intelligence
#1 by Charlie Guo
If you had to read one newsletter on AI, this should be it because it has tutorials and news across industries. As the caption reads, “There’s so much happening right now, but it’s not always clear what you could or should be doing with AI. That’s what Artificial Ignorance is for.”
Most other newsletters in section C will also cover a lot of AI news, so I am keeping this section small.
SPECIAL MENTION: Data Analysis Journal by Olga Berkezovsky
This is an overall good resource to learn all things data analysis, product analytics, machine learning, etc.
2. Product Management
Another category of newsletters that I read (and not as they come out) is “PM newsletters” as they cover a lot of experience of other leaders, but also help you train your business, user experience, and technology muscles.
#1 by Lenny Rachitsky
Of course, this list is incomplete without Lenny’s newsletter. His archive is a great place to start if you are new to product management. Plus, you get to keep up with how other leaders across other teams/companies are doing/handling challenges.
#2 by Ami Vora
Ami is a product leader at WhatsApp who talks candidly and shares learning both on “hard skills” and “soft skills” of product management. One of the most relatable content out there. Also, love each representative drawing :)
#3 by Aakash Gupta (Paid!)
This one deep dive not just into product strategies, but also into business outlooks, and focuses on the “growth” side of product management. Most articles might not be free to read.
#4 by Justin
All the tech concepts are explained in detail and with simplicity. But, not all editions are free, but most are!!
3. Business
The third category is very easy to cover for me. Because it’s just 2 newsletters.
#1 Morning Brew!
Just the best, keeps you fully updated.
#2 by Work Bench
And since I work mostly in the sector, I keep a close eye on using the Enterprise Weekly newsletter.
That’s all! What do you read? What should I read too? Drop your comments :D
Signing off,
Richa
Chief Data Obsessor @ The Data PM Gazette
Thank you for the kind words Richa!