From Brian

Uncensored advice about product development and building a high-growth software company from Brian de Haaff, co-founder and CEO at Aha!

Collection916 articles
Stop bringing your whole self to work
December 16, 2025

Stop bringing your whole self to work

See why effective leadership requires emotional regulation, not oversharing — and how your mood shapes the team.

Be more strategic every day with 'little s' strategy
December 2, 2025

Be more strategic every day with 'little s' strategy

Learn the difference between big "S" strategy and everyday little "s" strategy — plus why ignoring small daily decisions can weaken your long-term success.

The new product manager in the era of role consolidation
November 18, 2025

The new product manager in the era of role consolidation

The shift from narrow specialist to full-stack product builder is already happening. Some teams are developing these capabilities now. Others are waiting for certainty.…

The rise of aggressive-passive behavior
November 5, 2025

The rise of aggressive-passive behavior

You have probably seen passive-aggressive behavior at work. But chances are you have experienced aggressive-passive teammates, too. Find out what this is — and how to…

Stop apologizing and start presenting with confidence
October 21, 2025

Stop apologizing and start presenting with confidence

Discover nine practical public speaking tips to own the room, engage your audience, and deliver memorable presentations.

Did he just say: 'Forget writing requirements, just use AI'?
September 30, 2025

Did he just say: 'Forget writing requirements, just use AI'?

AI can speed builds — but not replace discovery or clear requirements. Learn the pitfalls of calls to “just use AI” and rebuttals to help teams build what customers…

Stop trying to be a mentor
September 16, 2025

Stop trying to be a mentor

Mentorship seems like a badge of honor — but is it actually helping anyone? This post challenges the idea that everyone should mentor and makes the case for focusing on…

Your execs might not have an AI strategy
August 12, 2025

Your execs might not have an AI strategy

Many leaders claim an AI strategy, but lack clarity. Getting the most benefit out of AI means going back to the basics and grounding your strategy in reality.

Is AI why we are seeing so many layoffs?
July 22, 2025

Is AI why we are seeing so many layoffs?

It is not so simple as "AI is replacing people and taking all the tech jobs." AI investments are expensive, and markets are stalled. Companies do not want to be left…

The best product managers ask customers for their money
July 8, 2025

The best product managers ask customers for their money

A product is only real when someone is willing to pay. This blog explores how to lead early customer conversations by staying grounded in current value and asking for…

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