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My favorite weekly finds

🛠️ Tools

• Can I Use LLM – Quickly check which language models your computer can run locally, based on your hardware specs.

• Use Brainnote as an AI thought organizer to summarize your ideas in seconds

• Eleven Labs – The most popular voice AI model now offers speech-to-text transcription at just $0.40 per hour.

• Phi-4 by Microsoft – A small but powerful AI model that processes speech, vision, and text directly on your device.

• Emdash – A Slack & Zoom alternative that captures and organizes your team's video meetings and chat conversations—so you can instantly find any info.

• Fab’s Analyst Agent – Your personal AI data nerd that works with your approved datasets to deliver insights you can actually trust. No more Excel-induced headaches.

📰 Intelligent Insights

• Ethan Mollick simplifies AI’s chaos into three levers: pre-training (scale), post-training, and reasoning—breaking down where each big model actually shines. TL;DR: AI isn’t just “bigger is better.”

• Nobel economist Daron Acemoglu thinks we’re speeding at 200 mph in the wrong direction, prioritizing automation instead of AI that actually enhances human potential.

• Ed Zitron just dropped the ultimate doom-and-gloom analysis on the GenAI industry. If you enjoy hot takes with a side of schadenfreude, this one’s for you.

• Coracle + University of Hertfordshire are building an offline AI tutor for UK prisoners—because everyone deserves a good education, even if WiFi is off the table. Surprisingly wholesome.

👀 ICYMI

• Stop Building 'Faster Horses' (learn more)

• Help Your Company Speak ‘Strategy’ (learn more)

• What Does “Fast” Really Mean? Startup Speed Explained (Learn more)

Deep Dive: Fail Smarter, Winning Through Mistakes

Why should I care?

Back in 2006, even with my Technology degree, I craved a new challenge. I wasn’t deep in data science, so I opted for an MBA to learn more about management and the business side.

Before that, I thought success was just luck—a chaotic jungle of hidden forces.

Then my “Foundations of Strategy” class came along.

It wasn’t a planned choice, just a good fit for my schedule, but it flipped my perspective.

I picked up a fresh language: market forces, differentiation, competitive advantage, and segmentation.

I learned that real strategic decisions beat pure chance.

I soon switched from R&D to product management, a move that changed everything.

In today’s tech scene—think Google—we use agile and lean startup methods to nail product-market fit.

Failing isn’t a setback; it’s proof you’re challenging the market. If you’re not failing, you might be staying too safe.

Remember: master the language of strategy, make bold decisions, and learn from every misstep.

Ready to dive deeper? Keep reading.

Don’t Go Blind

Many PMs believe constant trial is the path to success, but random tests won’t cut it.

The “spray and pray” approach—like firing without a clear aim—wastes money and time on ideas misaligned with your goals.

Instead, focus your efforts.

Just like launching a product at Apple, every experiment should move you toward success.

Because targeted tests save resources and drive real progress.

Map Out Your Happy Path

Before you jump in, define what success looks like—be it a sale, a happy customer, or more users. There are many ways to win, but focus on one clear route. It’s hard enough to nail one.

Pick the easiest path and tell its story step by step. Make sure it’s clear and logical, then test the flow.

For example, if you’re starting an ice cream stand in a busy hiking area:

• Set up at the end of a popular trail.

• After a long hike, people are tired and need a break.

• Kids get hungry and ask for a treat.

• Parents, eager to keep the fun going, agree.

• Soon, both kids and parents are buying ice cream.

Do this for your own product - Because a clear path saves you time and money, ensuring every move drives you toward your goal.