Ideas and insights

65 posts
Do we even need a moat?

Do we even need a moat?

A technical moat is often seen as a product's defensive edge, but does every product really need one? For AI products, the choice between building proprietary tech or leveraging existing solutions like OpenAI is complex. True value lies in solving customer problems—not just in owning the technology.

A company's first steps in AI

A company's first steps in AI

Many product companies are eager to leverage tools like ChatGPT. But how do you go from experimenting to running in production? Let's explore choosing the right large language model (LLM) to understand hosting options, ensuring an efficient and sustainable AI implementation.

Social cohesion in remote companies: how to build solid connections and a collaborative culture from afar?

Social cohesion in remote companies: how to build solid connections and a collaborative culture from afar?

Today's digital age may seem hyper-connected, but remote work often lacks genuine human connection. We’ve created a culture of cohesion using dedicated bonding, safe spaces, and custom tools to ensure no one feels isolated.

On being an "expert"

On being an "expert"

Being an expert isn't about always having answers. It's about balancing confidence and humility, knowing when to admit you don't know, and valuing collaboration. True expertise grows through listening, learning, and contributing meaningfully, not just knowing everything.

Things we do in our first weeks as Fractional CTO

Things we do in our first weeks as Fractional CTO

A fractional CTO can transform a company by addressing urgent technical issues while developing a long-term strategy. Beyond firefighting, a fractional CTO focuses on building a sustainable, self-sufficient team that can thrive independently after their involvement ends. This is how to get started.

Scaling the A team

Scaling the A team

In recent audits, I've noticed a less obvious pattern: overly talented start-up teams. While smart, experienced teams thrive early on, they struggle to scale. Scaling requires structure, documentation, and room to grow talent in-house.

Then it clicked: 3 things that helped me manage stress and anxiety when becoming a squad lead

Then it clicked: 3 things that helped me manage stress and anxiety when becoming a squad lead

Learn how to navigate the challenges of becoming a squad leader as an introverted senior engineer. Discover strategies for effective 1-1s. Overcome the anxiety of leadership by focusing on clarity, communication and creating an inclusive atmosphere where your team can thrive.

The fate of being too early

The fate of being too early

Strava's new AI-driven Athlete Intelligence brought me back to Addapp, the startup I co-founded nearly a decade ago. We used data from devices like Apple Watch to offer insights, like how your run affected your sleep, using traditional data science. Being ahead of time is not always good.

What is a retrospective, and how to run one

What is a retrospective, and how to run one

Reflecting on work through retrospectives helps software teams improve by identifying what went well and what didn’t. This promotes continuous growth, stronger collaboration, and better performance. Creating action plans from these insights leads to higher-quality results and a more cohesive team.

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