From Brian

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

Collection901 articles
The software revolution, part II: AI agents are writing the code
March 10, 2025
The software revolution, part II: AI agents are writing the code

AI is rewriting the rules of software development. Learn how product teams must adapt and why strategic decision-making matters more than ever.

Stop listening and speak first in meetings
February 10, 2025
Stop listening and speak first in meetings

These five tactics will help you gain the confidence to speak up in meetings. Presenting your views strategically helps you raise your visibility at work, build trust…

The secret exec battle behind RTO mandates
January 13, 2025
The secret exec battle behind RTO mandates

If your company has announced an RTO mandate or you sense one percolating, you are likely wondering how you got here. Remote work reversals are management challenges…

I am never too busy for you
December 9, 2024
I am never too busy for you

Super busy? Calendar overload? Brian de Haaff, Aha! co-founder and CEO, shares four questions leaders can use to prioritize the most impactful work and engage deeply…

Who cares what they think of your product plans?
November 4, 2024
Who cares what they think of your product plans?

Product plans are always under pressure, pushed and pulled by internal and external forces. Brian de Haaff reveals how the best product managers make decisions with…

Strategy should not be so hard
October 16, 2024
Strategy should not be so hard

Strategy is not a list of hunches, priorities, or tactics. When people feel that strategy is just too hard, that usually means it has failed — because they were not…

The Minimum Tolerable Process
September 30, 2024
The Minimum Tolerable Process

What is the Minimum Tolerable Process? Many product managers are bogged down in too much process or spinning out from too little. At Aha! we think it is time to approach…

Is The Aha! Framework right for you? Use this new checklist.
September 16, 2024
Is The Aha! Framework right for you? Use this new checklist.

Imagine what your product team could achieve by removing unnecessary overhead and focusing on what is most essential. Follow these 10 steps to adopt The Aha! Framework.

How many process meetings should a product manager attend?
September 9, 2024
How many process meetings should a product manager attend?

Agile methodologies and product development frameworks help people make informed decisions and collaborate efficiently. But process pedantry never leads to anything…

The VP of sales would not stop asking me this
August 7, 2024
The VP of sales would not stop asking me this

Asking and answering questions is core to a product manager's job. Explain the 'why,' create an internal knowledge base, and encourage teammates to self-serve.

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