In early 2026, I dedicated 10.5 hours over three days to YearCompass for reflection and planning. Previously dissatisfied with the tool, I found renewed value this year, gaining insights about managing ambitions and emphasizing gratitude, humility, and joy. They aim to write more and share experiences through my blog. … More Setting Intentions for 2026: Lessons Learned from YearCompass
Happy New Year! 🎉🥳🍀 I’d like to reflect about a post by Shreyas from last year for 2026 that got my attention: You can keep chasing 100s of frameworks, mental models, tactics, playbooks, success stories, tools, and templates throughout your career, and yet the fundamental capability that will unleash your product mastery across domains and … More Self-Awareness: The Product Skill Nobody Teaches
As I get older, mortality and life expectancy have become more significant to me. Recently, I came across a graphic that resonated deeply with me, highlighting that in 2011, four-fifths of the population could expect to live beyond 73 years and every second person survived up to the age of 84. While these are positive … More Memento Mori: Reflections on Mortality and Making the Most of Life
What a start in 2019 with reflecting 2018. I evolved my way of journaling the last 3 years a lot and this year with a 12+ hours reflection of 2018. I had some one-on-ones since then about the output and findings trying to become a better version of me. One of my main drivers is … More Retrospective 2018 – about Learning and Journaling
Vacation is a great time. I love traveling and experiences with other cultures as all this comes with a huge enrichment out of my daily work and life. Walt Disney As Disneyland might sound trashy or childish to some readers, it is absolutely worth a trip, especially to have a look behind the scenes and … More About Imagineering, Completion and Professionalism – while not sharing everything you know
After one week without my washing machine, I finally repaired it on Saturday. Because of this journey, I’ve decided to write an off-topic post about it. It was tremendously easy to repair it and I’d like to avoid early replacements of washing machines, due to uneconomical decisions. Model: Miele Prisma W850 Manufactured: 10.08.2000 The problem: … More Miele Prisma W850 repaired – no need to buy a new washing machine now
This week I’ve read a post from Vala Afshar that remind me again of good behaviors for a culture change: how can I help? what do you think? your work matters I trust you and our team I appreciate your commitment thank you for working hard I was wrong, I am sorry your career path is … More Be a good example. Treat others like you’d like to be treated. Be kind.
Since the last presentation at the German developer day in Frankfurt, I shared some learnings about having a common understanding for agile transitions. This lead me to the idea to write down an overview and understanding of the role of product owners. I’ve read so much and work so long in this role, that the … More The Product Owner Overview as an Ultimative Mindmap
This year I’m very thankful about new learnings and deepen existing ones. Due to the fact of working in a new job I gained some enrichments which I’d like to write down and share my experiences. Some of them might be obvious and well known to you, I like them to reframe attitude. Try to … More Twenty Thoughts For 2018 And Beyond
This week I had several discussions and hypothesis about German tech culture and pioneering, which make me to write them down on my Sunday thoughts for further discussion. Those thoughts are around now for many years now and is nothing really new. Why German tech companies need a change? The scale of tech winners by @BenedictEvans … More Seven Hypothesis of German Tech Culture and Challenging the Status Quo
Personal Blog of Patrick Sauerwein 