This Week’s Game-Changers in Product & Strategy

Hi everyone!

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, where we’re diving into some inspiring developments across product management, tech strategy, and AI-driven growth. From Index’s powerful new planning tool to Burberry’s virtual try-on feature and Riveter’s game-changing corporate strategy platform, there’s plenty here to spark fresh ideas. Thank you for joining me on this journey—let’s explore how these innovations can fuel growth and drive real impact.

Enjoy, and thanks for your attention!

P.S. Do check out my original writing on my weekly personal newsletter.

1. Index: Powerful planning for Product Management

Woke this morning to the news that Index, a new powerful planning tool that works with Linear is out today.

Check it out here

2. Twenty one reflections on software engineering and tech (after 15 years)

Miko Pawlikowski ??? shared this great post yesterday on a 'hard-hitting list from my friend Owain Lewis.' The ones that resonate with me:

1. Good code won’t fix bad products

Engineers spending a long time cleaning up code and reducing tech debt doesn't grow or retain customers. It's expensive and ultimately comes down to too much empowerment and not enough responsibility.

2. "What if we do nothing?" is a must-ask

Or rather, "what if we don't do this?" when looking at a new feature or costly improvement. Just because it sounds right, doesn't mean it is.

17. Estimates are guesses, not promises

This final one really helps speed up sprint planning sessions! Estimates are guesses, but you can become a better guesser by looking at past performance (with tools like Index and Linear!)

3. Burberry virtual scarf try-on

Partnering with WANNA | 3D & AR Experiences , Burberry have released a virtual scarf try-on to excite customers and bridge the gap between looking and buying. Check out the experience for yourself.

Read more here

4. Corporate strategy by Riveter

Riveter (YC F24) is building a copilot for corporate strategy. They help growth-stage companies like Gusto accelerate strategic decision-making with deep market insights and analysis. No $1M+ McKinsey contract needed.

Riveter helps by:

• Presenting organised, structured data that includes all metrics from a company’s 10-Ks, Investor Day decks, etc.
• Calculating common KPIs like ACV, Rule of 40, CAC payback, Gross Margins, and more.-
• Slicing data by segments like reportable segments, geo, and customer size.
• Peter, their AI analyst can quickly find answers across companies’ public docs and Riveter’s data.

Check it out here

5. Fuel product growth with AI-driven ideas

Interested in how this tool develops. Sprig AI generates specific and actionable product suggestions to achieve your goals. Always know what to build next and help your business drive revenue, retention, and user satisfaction.

See more here

Like that? Well, if you want to check out some of my original writing, you should sign up to my weekly personal newsletter.

-Ross