Tomer Cohen is the Chief Product Officer at LinkedIn, responsible for overseeing all teams that create and develop LinkedIn’s products and experiences. His role spans product development, design, business development, content creation, and customer operations. Prior to becoming CPO, Tomer led LinkedIn’s mobile team and played a pivotal role in transforming the LinkedIn feed, shifting it from a promotional tool to a more engaging, knowledge-driven platform that professionals use regularly.

Tomer’s approach to product development is deeply rooted in creating value by focusing on AI. He emphasizes how AI is integral to LinkedIn’s operations, describing it as the “ultimate matchmaker” that connects people with relevant opportunities and content. Rather than merely seeing AI as a trendy tool, he pushed LinkedIn to integrate it as a foundational element of their strategy. Tomer played a crucial role in unifying the AI team within LinkedIn, ensuring that AI became central to product decisions, training, and the overall user experience.

One of Tomer’s key principles is the belief that clarity of thought and execution is vital for effective leadership. He frequently uses the phrase, “We might be wrong, but we are not confused,” which signifies the importance of aligning teams toward clear goals, even when uncertainties exist. For him, having clarity in both problem-solving and implementation is essential for successful product development. He encourages teams to be clear about their objectives, which ensures that efforts are focused and aligned with broader organizational goals.

Another significant aspect of Tomer’s leadership is his focus on setting ambitious goals. He believes in setting high targets and working backward from those to achieve success. This approach was particularly evident when LinkedIn revamped its feed, shifting from a simple activity feed to a platform for meaningful content sharing. Tomer worked to realign internal teams and metrics to focus on professional relevance rather than volume, creating a space where users could share knowledge and engage with valuable content.

Tomer’s philosophy extends beyond just product development. He emphasizes the importance of personal conviction and passion in one’s career. For him, success comes from pursuing areas that inspire excitement and a sense of purpose. His own career trajectory, which saw him rise rapidly through the ranks at LinkedIn, reflects this mindset. He believes that building impactful products requires deep belief and enthusiasm in the potential of what one is creating. He encourages others to find roles where they can make a meaningful difference, rather than simply chasing titles or prestige.

In addition to his work with AI and product strategy, Tomer also highlights the significance of learning from great people and mentors. Throughout his career, he has drawn inspiration and guidance from those around him, using their insights to help shape his leadership style and approach. He stresses the value of surrounding oneself with talented individuals who can challenge and inspire growth.

Tomer is a proponent of fostering a culture where experimentation and innovation are encouraged. He believes that allowing teams the freedom to explore creative ideas is essential for discovering new solutions. This philosophy was evident when he led LinkedIn’s shift to an AI-first approach. By giving teams room to experiment and push boundaries, LinkedIn was able to develop innovative features and improve user engagement.

Finally, Tomer’s leadership is characterized by his focus on driving impact. He encourages product teams to focus on making meaningful changes that enhance the user experience and add value to the platform. Whether it’s through AI integration, transforming the LinkedIn feed, or empowering users with new tools, his leadership has been instrumental in shaping LinkedIn into the platform it is today. His commitment to clarity, ambition, and continuous learning has set a strong foundation for LinkedIn’s ongoing growth and success.

Tune in to Lenny's Podcast for an engaging chat with Tomer Cohen.