15 Jan 2026
1h 26m

How to show up in any room with a low heart rate: Silicon Valley’s missing etiquette playbook | Sam Lessin

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Lenny's Podcast: Product | Career | Growth

The podcast explores the importance of etiquette for founders and professionals, particularly in building trust and projecting confidence. Sam Lessin, partner at Slow Ventures and former VP of Product at Facebook, argues that mastering etiquette can provide a competitive edge. He emphasizes the need to approach social interactions with an abundance mindset, focusing on building relationships rather than transactional networking. Practical tips include being punctual, offering genuine compliments, and demonstrating respect towards everyone, including assistants. Lessin also touches on the nuances of dress codes, dining etiquette, and communication, advocating for subtle signals of effort and awareness. The conversation also covers AI's role in business, with Lessin expressing skepticism towards AI-first startups.

Outlines

Part 1: The Philosophy of Etiquette

Part 2: First Impressions and Social Basics

Part 3: Mastering Conversations

Part 4: Professional Presence and Appearance

Part 5: Dining and Tipping Etiquette

Part 6: Social Dynamics and Humor

Part 7: Scheduling and Digital Communication

Part 8: Meeting Conduct and Summary

Part 9: AI, Contrarian Views, and Lightning Round

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