
How to Run Product Hackathons
Why do some hackathons make real progress and others just fade away? Maybe it’s not about the coding, or the ideas, or even the demos, but how you think about the problem first. Here’s how to run yours the right way
Insights and advice from the deeper layers of product leadership
Why do some hackathons make real progress and others just fade away? Maybe it’s not about the coding, or the ideas, or even the demos, but how you think about the problem first. Here’s how to run yours the right way
You won’t see it coming. Most don’t. But what if being blindsided isn’t the real problem? What if the difference lies in how ready you were before it even began? Preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to be ready for the worst.
Before you start hiring a product leader, take a step back and think about what you need. What really matters is knowing which traits your team needs most right now. There’s no one perfect type, though. Every strong leader is a mix. Which mix is right for you?
What if not everyone has to be your customer? Many teams cast a wide net, but end up misaligned and overwhelmed. Could saying “no” be the turning point – the moment real strategy begins? Let’s see how focusing on the right audience can bring clarity, momentum, and progress.
Many people think that creating a good process will automatically lead to better teams, better products, or big change across a company. But that’s not how real transformation works. It’s not about following rules – it’s about discovering what works, then writing it down. Here’s how.
We’ve all had that post-call feeling: “That went well!” But did we actually learn anything? Talking to customers is essential, whether you’re exploring product-market fit or just staying close to the market. But to get real value, just meeting them isn’t enough. Here’s a quick guide to help you avoid the common traps and get better insights.
You sprint through a chaotic quarter. You ship. You scramble. You plan. Now the dust settles… so you run a retro. But here’s the catch: if you’re only asking, “Did we follow the plan?” – you’re missing the real story.
Your CEO wants answers now: features, timelines, the whole deal. But strategy takes time. How do you stay calm, strategic, and effective under pressure? Here’s a five-step approach I’ve found works when the heat is on.
Product-market fit in B2B isn’t something you can just feel your way into – you’ve got to measure your way there, even if your numbers are small. And honestly, it’s not about fancy dashboards; It’s about noticing real signals. Are people leaning in? Are deals moving forward? That’s what matters. Pirate Metrics helps you track this, even across long sales cycles and complex buyer journeys. Let’s take a look at how to apply it.
Product managers need to be creative. But I often see them do it wrong (especially in interviews) or believe that “they don’t have it,” so they can’t move up the ladder to the next level. Creativity has many forms, and your product career requires some more than others. Here are some dos and don’ts.
Since the world has gradually emerged from the COVID crisis, businesses are rethinking their direction. With ongoing changes—tech booms, recessions, and geopolitical events—the need to adapt quickly has only grown stronger. Strategy isn’t static; it’s a continuous process that demands rapid adaptation. Here’s how to do it quickly and effectively.
Just like blending life into work brings balance, strategy work must blend into daily tasks. Start with these simple practices to build clarity, alignment, and smarter decisions every day.
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