In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the bright (and sometimes blinding) power of the North Star Metric — that one metric to rule them all.

We break down what makes a good NSM, why it’s more than just a number, and how companies like Airbnb use it to align teams, guide product development, and avoid the trap of vanity metrics. You’ll learn how to identify your own NSM, connect it to long-term outcomes, and troubleshoot when things get fuzzy (spoiler: they will).

Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to speak CEO fluently, this episode helps you bring clarity to strategy — and strategy to metrics.