Author: Aye Stephen, MBA

  • 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,…

  • Ferdinand Piëch – What Can PMs Learn from One of Germany’s Most Visionary Leaders?

    Ferdinand Piëch – What Can PMs Learn from One of Germany’s Most Visionary Leaders?

    When we think of exceptional business achievements, product vision, or innovation, we often consider names like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, or Elon Musk. However, we tend to forget that outstanding products were created even before the digital era. One industry that has been significantly affected by the disruptive power of digital business models is the…

  • MBA After 40 – Part 2: FAQ

    MBA After 40 – Part 2: FAQ

    In the first part of MBA After 40 we have talked about why it can be useful to consider an MBA program even as a seasoned manager or IC. In the second part I want to give you some answers and my own experiences to some general questions or consideration that might come up before…

  • Do you have what it takes to lift a company from good to great?

    Do you have what it takes to lift a company from good to great?

    In the world of business, leadership styles are as diverse as the companies and organizations they influence. From visionary leaders to charismatic influencers, each style has its place. However, in his groundbreaking book Good to Great, Jim Collins introduced a leadership model that challenges conventional thinking: Level 5 Leadership. What makes this concept unique is…

  • The Importance of Leadership in Shaping Corporate Culture

    The Importance of Leadership in Shaping Corporate Culture

    In today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving business landscape, corporate culture has emerged as one of the most critical factors influencing organizational success. It is the intangible essence that defines how a company operates, how employees engage, and how customers perceive its brand. At the heart of corporate culture is leadership—without effective leadership, even the most…