Over the years, I’ve used just about every product management tool available—Jira, Trello, Outlook, Mural, and many more. Each tool has its strengths, but as they evolve to cater to a broader audience, they often become more rigid and less adaptable. In trying to be everything to everyone, these tools end up imposing their own constraints. Instead of empowering users to work in the ways that suit them best, they force us to change how we work to fit the tool’s design and limitations. I remember, almost a decade ago, engaging with the Jira development team, advocating for a Kanban board that truly aligns with Kanban principles. Despite their efforts, that vision still hasn’t been fully realized. However, my approach to these tools has recently shifted. Over the last year, I’ve immersed myself in understanding AI and how it can transform my daily work. This journey is reshaping my perspective on product management tools and unlocking new possibilities.
The Reality of Rethinking Tools with AI
If you had told me a year ago that I would be walking down the road, speaking with my AI—my partner, my collaborator—and creating user stories while taking my dog for a walk, I wouldn’t have believed it. But here I am, doing exactly that, and the stories I’m coming up with are better than the ones I used to painstakingly craft at my desk. This isn’t a glimpse into the future; it’s my current reality. I could also be in the middle of making dinner, mulling over a blog idea, and by the time the pasta is ready, that blog is already live on LinkedIn—without moving from the kitchen. This kind of seamless integration of work and life is something I never thought possible until now.
Exploring New Capabilities with AI
Traditional product management tools like Jira, Trello, and Outlook have long shaped our workflows, setting the standard for how teams organize and execute their work. While they offer structure and reliability, they lack the flexibility needed to fully adapt to unique or evolving needs. AI, however, is introducing capabilities that go far beyond these limitations. Instead of just managing tasks or projects, AI empowers us to redesign our approach entirely—from generating user stories dynamically to automating backlog updates and making data-driven decisions in real-time. This level of adaptability opens up a new world of possibilities where the tools we use can continuously evolve alongside our thinking and strategies.
Learning Through Experimentation
Embracing AI hasn’t been a smooth path—there’s been plenty of trial and error. One early realization was that AI isn’t designed to write an entire novel or even a full chapter at once; it works best in manageable chunks. That was a significant shift in thinking for me. I had to stop viewing AI as a direct replacement for human effort and start seeing it as a collaborator that excels in breaking down complex tasks and handling them with remarkable efficiency.
This process of experimenting has taught me to approach AI differently. Rather than forcing AI into existing processes, I started to ask, “How can I work with AI to completely redesign how I approach my tasks?” This shift in mindset has opened doors to possibilities I hadn’t previously considered.
Building a New Ecosystem for the Full Product Development Journey
Right now, my focus is on using AI and automation to drive the entire product development journey—from ideation to delivery. The idea is to create an AI-driven “ecosystem” that supports every phase of product development in a way that is dynamic and adaptable. This ecosystem is not tied to any one tool but is a collection of AI-enhanced workflows that work together seamlessly.
For example, I’ve set up AI-driven workflows that automatically generate user stories, update backlogs, and even suggest new features as data comes in. It’s a fully integrated system that adapts in real-time, enabling rapid iterations and more informed decision-making. This approach has allowed me to work more effectively as a solo product manager, making the most of my time and focus without being bogged down by the rigid processes of traditional tools.
I’m currently building this ecosystem and would love to have some help test-driving it. If anyone is interested in exploring a new way of thinking about product development—one that is flexible, adaptable, and driven by AI—I’d love to hear from you.
Addressing Future Challenges: Multi-Team Collaboration
While I’ve made great strides in redefining my own product development process, I know there are still challenges to tackle, especially when it comes to scaling this approach for multi-team collaboration. Coordinating across multiple teams brings complexities that require careful thought and planning. This is something I see as a challenge for the future, and I’m eager to explore how AI could help solve it. But for now, my focus remains on refining the single-team, full-cycle product development ecosystem I am building.
Shifting the Mindset: Focusing on “How” Over “What”
This transformation isn’t just about adopting a new toolset; it’s about adopting a new mindset. It’s about moving from “What am I doing?” to “How am I doing it?” For most of us, the focus has always been on deliverables—the final product, the completed task. But with AI, the emphasis shifts to understanding and optimizing the process itself.
AI has helped me become more aware of my own work habits. By analyzing my daily routines with AI, I’ve been able to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. It’s not about replacing my judgment or creativity; it’s about using AI to enhance them, allowing me to work smarter and more effectively.
Join My Beta: Help Test AI-Driven Vision and Strategy Definition
AI is transforming how I approach product development, and I’m not just talking theory—I’m actively building an AI-driven ecosystem right now. AI isn’t just a tool; it’s become a true partner that amplifies my thinking, accelerates my productivity, and opens up new avenues for innovation. This is not about AI replacing creativity; it’s about enhancing it.
At this moment, I’m focused on using AI to redefine how we approach Vision and Strategy in product management. I’m launching a beta to test new AI-driven methods for defining product visions and strategies, and I need your help. If you are passionate about product development and want to explore cutting-edge AI-driven techniques, I want you to join me.
This is not a casual chat—it’s a call to action. I’m looking for participants who are ready to dive in, provide feedback, and collaborate in real-time. Together, we’ll experiment with new ways to define and refine product visions and strategies using AI. If you’re ready to break away from traditional methods and be part of something innovative, reach out to me now. Let’s shape the future of product development together with AI as our partner.
