Author: Aye Stephen, MBA

  • “You already had me at hello”: What PMs can learn from Jerry Maguire

    “You already had me at hello”: What PMs can learn from Jerry Maguire

    “Show me the money!” – Rod Tidwell Though Tom Cruise is certainly not without criticism, Jerry Maguire remains one of my all-time favorite films and, arguably, Cruise’s finest performance (yes—even better than Maverick in Top Gun). Rod Tidwell’s iconic line, “Show me the money!” isn’t just about monetary reward; in the film, it symbolizes the…

  • The Best Sources of News for Product Managers in the Digital Age

    The Best Sources of News for Product Managers in the Digital Age

    Staying updated with the latest trends, insights, and innovations is crucial for product managers navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. With an abundance of online resources, it can be overwhelming to identify the best sources of news. Here’s a curated list of the top platforms that provide valuable content for product managers, from blogs and newsletters…

  • The Cost of Delay in Product Management: Prioritizing for Maximum Impact

    The Cost of Delay in Product Management: Prioritizing for Maximum Impact

    In the world of product management, making the right decisions about what to build and when can make or break a product’s success. With limited resources and endless opportunities, how do you decide which features, projects, or initiatives to prioritize? Enter the Cost of Delay (CoD) model—a powerful framework that helps product managers quantify the…

  • How to Master Pricing for Innovative Products

    How to Master Pricing for Innovative Products

    Pricing is one of the most critical—and daunting—decisions product managers face, especially when launching an innovative product. Unlike incremental updates or existing solutions, groundbreaking products often lack clear benchmarks, making pricing a high-stakes balancing act. Charge too much, and adoption stalls; charge too little, and you leave money (and credibility) on the table. So how…

  • What Product Managers Can Learn from Elon Musk

    What Product Managers Can Learn from Elon Musk

    —And What to Be Cautious About Elon Musk is one of the most polarizing figures in modern business. As the mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and Twitter (now X), he has become a symbol of relentless innovation and ambitious vision. His approach to product management offers valuable lessons, but his outspoken political views and their…

  • Hybrid Work: Orga Consult Podcast [German]

    Hybrid Work: Orga Consult Podcast [German]

    In this insightful podcast episode, Christian Rieckmann, an experienced organizational development expert from ORGA Consult, and myself explore the challenges and opportunities of hybrid work. We discuss how organizations can effectively adapt to this evolving model, balancing flexibility with productivity and employee engagement. From fostering collaboration across remote and in-office teams to cultivating a strong…

  • The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong Product Leads and Managers: Lessons from Visionary Innovators

    The Hidden Costs of Hiring the Wrong Product Leads and Managers: Lessons from Visionary Innovators

    As a product executive, you quickly realize that hiring decisions for product leads and managers are among the most impactful choices you’ll make. These individuals are not only responsible for shaping the product roadmap but also for influencing the company’s culture and execution. A single misstep in hiring can lead to wasted resources, missed opportunities,…

  • Mastering Product Management with Coursera: The Top 5 Courses for Every Career Stage

    Mastering Product Management with Coursera: The Top 5 Courses for Every Career Stage

    In the dynamic field of product management, continuous learning is essential to staying ahead of the curve. Whether you’re just starting as a product manager, stepping into a product lead role, or strategizing at the executive level, Coursera offers a wealth of courses to sharpen your skills and expand your perspective. As someone who has…

  • Make or Buy Decisions for Product Executives: Strategic Approaches and the Role of M&A in Portfolio Management

    Make or Buy Decisions for Product Executives: Strategic Approaches and the Role of M&A in Portfolio Management

    As a product executive, navigating the complexities of strategic decisions is a daily task. Among these, the classic “make or buy” dilemma holds significant weight. This decision impacts not just immediate product roadmaps but also long-term growth, scalability, and competitive positioning. An essential component of this strategic landscape is portfolio management through mergers and acquisitions…

  • Product Management vs 90s Grunge Rock: Grit, Authenticity, and Disruption

    Product Management vs 90s Grunge Rock: Grit, Authenticity, and Disruption

    In the 1990s, bands from Seattle exploded onto the scene with a style that quickly was referred to as grunge music, challenging the status quo of rock music. It was loud, messy, and raw, yet resonated deeply with the Zeitgeist of angst and lack of perspective of Generation X. At its core, grunge embodied rebellion,…