Learning Brief — 2026-07-28

What we covered

• AI news: Instacart Leverages AI to Tackle Tech Debt
• PM news: Anthropic's AI-Driven Software Development Shift
• PM learning: Transforming Product Management with AI: Lessons from Anthropic

Mental model

Embrace AI as a co-pilot in product development to enhance efficiency and focus on strategic decision-making.

Summary

Instacart's CTO, Anirban Kundu, shared at VB Transform 2026 that AI has transformed their approach to engineering by allowing the company to minimize tech debt. He emphasized that many repetitive tasks currently handled by engineers could be automated, freeing up resources for more strategic work. This shift in mindset raises questions about how traditional engineering roles can adapt in an AI-driven landscape.

Recently, Anthropic, a leading AI lab, shared some fascinating insights into how their software development processes are evolving. They’ve introduced an extensive reliance on AI for code reviews and testing, marking a significant shift in their engineering practices. This is not just about automating tasks; it’s about redefining roles within product teams to leverage AI effectively. With this change, teams are seeing a boost in efficiency, as AI handles repetitive review tasks, allowing engineers to focus on more complex problem-solving and innovation.

What’s particularly interesting for product managers is the structure of these teams. Anthropic promotes the ‘two-pizza team’ approach, meaning teams are kept small enough that they can be fed with two pizzas. This model encourages agility and fosters direct communication, which is crucial in fast-paced environments. As PMs, this highlights the importance of team dynamics and how they can influence product outcomes. The integration of AI in their processes also raises questions about how PMs can harness similar tools in their workflows. Imagine having AI assist in gathering user feedback analysis or even drafting specifications based on previous iterations.

This shift in Anthropic's approach is a reminder that as product managers, we must stay ahead of technological advancements and be willing to adapt our strategies. By understanding how others are leveraging AI in their development processes, PMs can find new ways to enhance their products and streamline workflows, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Here’s the thing: the way we build software is changing dramatically, and if you’re a senior product manager aiming for that next level, understanding these shifts is essential. Recently, I came across insights from Anthropic, an AI lab that’s rethinking its software development processes, and it offers a fresh perspective on how we can adapt as product managers. What that means in practice is that AI is no longer just an add-on; it’s becoming integral to how we manage product development from start to finish. One of the key takeaways is the increasing role of AI in code review and testing. Imagine reducing the time spent on these repetitive tasks and reallocating that time toward strategic thinking or user research. The move here is to start exploring how AI tools can streamline your workflows and bring efficiencies into your teams, allowing you to focus on what really matters: delivering value to your users. Think of it like having a co-pilot that handles the routine, giving you more bandwidth to navigate complex product challenges. Another interesting shift is the concept of two-pizza teams – small, agile teams that can move quickly and innovate without the bloat of bureaucracy. This aligns perfectly with the agile methodologies we often advocate for, but it also raises the question: how can we empower our teams to be more autonomous? Consider how you can create an environment where your team feels empowered to make decisions without needing constant sign-offs. That’s where real innovation happens. Now, as you head into your week, I challenge you to identify one area in your current processes where AI could play a role. Whether it’s automating a reporting task or using AI tools for testing, take a concrete step towards integrating these technologies into your workflow. This not only enhances efficiency but also positions you as a forward-thinking leader in product management. Embrace the change, and you’ll be better prepared for the future of product development.