Your team is busy. Nothing's getting done. Here's why.
They told me I’d be fine in 72 hours. It took 3 years. Two prescription pills triggered a brain injury that turned my world sideways. Doctors called it a rare side effect. They said the symptoms would fade once the drugs were out of my system. They were wrong. Progress during my recovery came unpredictably: […]
October 11, 2025·Andrea Michalek
The team that changed how I lead
I used to preach that solo work was the future. Then I built a team I’d stake my career on, and it changed how I see leadership forever. Every leader’s real job is this: Build the best team you’ve ever been a part of. Anything less is falling short. So the question becomes: What would […]
October 4, 2025·Andrea Michalek
(Re)discovering joy in leadership
I built my career on grit and strategy. But the biggest breakthroughs came when joy was in the room, and my team actually enjoyed the climb. Early in my leadership journey, I championed 3 principles: That third one? I'd completely lost sight of it. This weekend, reconnecting with old friends reminded me: the best conversations happen […]
September 20, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Natural Authority: The Leadership Skill No One Taught You
Ever feel like you’re doing great work but still not getting noticed? You’re not alone, and the fix isn’t a new title. It’s something deeper. I once had a mentee who wanted a promotion and a bigger team. I asked why. What about his current role wasn’t satisfying? Was it the pay? What was driving […]
August 2, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Think you’re helping by having the answers? Think again.
Most product leaders think their job is to have answers. It’s not. Your real job is to ask better questions: the kind that unlock ideas your team hasn’t thought of yet. You’ll hear some version of ‘test your ideas’ from entrepreneurs, scientists, and product leaders alike. It can come in many forms: Different voices. Same […]
July 26, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Would they work with you again?
The most valuable asset I’ve built in my career? Not a product. Not IP. Not revenue. It’s a network of people who still want to work with me again. Years ago, I posted that I want to create an environment where I’d be proud to have my family come to work for me. My brother […]
July 19, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Why fast-moving teams aren’t rushing
Why some teams ship game-changing features in six weeks while others stall for six months. I’ve been obsessing over a question lately: Why do some teams move impossibly fast while others grind through endless cycles? I’ve worked with teams at every stage: early startups, high-growth scaleups, and mature product orgs. What separates the fast from […]
July 12, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Why your team feels chaotic (even when you're shipping)
You don’t need more time, you need better rhythm. Your product team has all the necessary meetings, and yet you’re always scrambling. 1:1 meetings only happen when you can find the time. Strategic thinking gets pushed aside by urgent requests. You’re shipping, sure. But it feels chaotic and disconnected from the customer. And deep down, […]
June 25, 2025·Andrea Michalek
5 questions that reveal what's killing your team's momentum
Today, I’m giving you diagnostic tools to assess whether your current rhythms are actually working or secretly undermining your team’s effectiveness. Is Your Rhythm Working?5 Critical Questions Most teams think they have good rhythm because they have regular meetings. But having meetings and having effective rhythm are completely different things. Use these questions to assess […]
June 14, 2025·Andrea Michalek
Has your team got rhythm? The kind that leads to success?
Nothing screams 'successful team' like a well-oiled rhythm. But how do you create it? Having led numerous teams that excelled in delivering products throughout my career, I want to share the structure that will help you get a solid start. 👇 First and foremost, as a leader, it is important to think through what needs […]
January 11, 2024·Andrea Michalek
How I Finally Stopped Choosing Between Meaning and Money
Having a career plan that you can refer to, and work towards can frame your daily challenges, help evaluate new opportunities, and give you a greater sense of purpose in your work life. Background This framework was designed when I was on a long plane ride sitting next to two other passengers who were loudly […]
January 1, 2023·Andrea Michalek
8 Quick Wins to Up Your Leadership Game
Failures of leadership are bad for both the leader, their employees, and the company. Luckily there are skills that leaders can improve on, that yield immediate benefits. To improve your leadership skills, do a survey of these 8 areas, and see what quick wins you can get. Jot down a few notes on ways to […]
December 31, 2022·Andrea Michalek