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

AI is fundamentally reshaping product development by enabling designers and product managers to prototype directly in code, fostering a deeper understanding of the medium. Success in this evolving landscape hinges on personal agency—the recognition that the world is malleable and that individuals can effect change regardless of traditional skill barriers. While AI accelerates the creation of software, the most enduring products are built around a tiny, exceptionally functional core rather than an endless accumulation of features. Despite the rise of AI-driven tools, the need for specialized, reliable "as-a-service" software persists, as businesses prioritize maintenance and focus over the burden of building everything from scratch. Ultimately, the most effective teams are those that treat software as a garden, continuously tending to it while maintaining a clear, user-centric vision.