The power of focus and adaptability

The Best Product Management Reads for Monday 2/10/25

When focus becomes a superpower and AI emerges as a game-changer, innovation is inevitable.

Brandon Sanderson’s niche-centric approach within Dragonsteel Books exemplifies the productivity boost that comes from minimizing distractions in creative work, as highlighted by Cal Newport. This aligns with the changing landscapes in programming and engineering roles, where adaptability to AI can create new avenues for career growth, as Tom Tunguz suggests. Meanwhile, Ben Thompson’s analysis of Deep Research shows the elegance of tech-supported efficiency in research, but not necessarily innovation.

Dive into the intricacies of focus, adaptability, and strategic growth.

Foundations

Let Brandon Cook

• Sanderson’s company, Dragonsteel Books, is organized to allow him to focus on his high-value writing skills by minimizing distractions and administrative tasks.
• Such a focused approach is rare in knowledge work, despite its potential to enhance productivity in roles like programming and engineering.
• The prevalence of digital communication fosters a culture of constant distraction, impeding similar focused environments elsewhere.

Actionable takeaway: Consider implementing systems that prioritize minimizing distractions for employees with high-value skills to boost productivity and output.

AI

AI Impact Curves

• Junior engineers may see job changes from AI, but effective use of AI offers growth opportunities.
• Senior staff gain increased leverage and output, benefiting from AI advancements.
• Adaptability, not just seniority, determines AI’s impact across roles and industries.

Actionable takeaway: Enhance AI skills to broaden career growth and improve organizational value, irrespective of rank.

Deep Research and Knowledge Value

• Deep Research by OpenAI conducts complex, multi-step research efficiently, akin to an independent worker completing tasks with minimal oversight.
• The tool synthesizes vast online data, enhancing the ability to produce comprehensive reports rapidly but does not generate new knowledge.
• Deep Research’s value is compared to a reliable but not groundbreaking research assistant, useful in specific scenarios like interview preparation.

Actionable takeaway: Consider employing Deep Research for efficient synthesis of existing data, particularly for time-sensitive or labor-intensive research tasks.

Strategy

AdamantWare SL to Acquire Swivel Secure Limited, a Global Leader in Authentication Solution Technologies | Big Technology

• AdamantWare SL to acquire Swivel Secure Limited, enhancing its cybersecurity portfolio with Swivel’s authentication technologies by spring 2025.
• The acquisition strengthens AdamantWare’s global market position, leveraging Swivel Secure’s established presence in various regions.
• Swivel Secure will operate as a standalone brand, maintaining innovation and customer focus under new ownership.

Actionable takeaway: Businesses should prepare for enhanced authentication solutions from AdamantWare, integrating Swivel Secure’s technology in upcoming offerings.

How Upwork CFO Erica Gessert Drove 20 Points of EBITDA Growth in Just 3 Quarters | Mostly metrics

• Erica Gessert focused on adaptable forecasting models to navigate economic changes effectively.
• Upwork emphasized balancing growth with profitability through strategic customer acquisition and network effects.
• Investment in AI and R&D helped Upwork boost their EBITDA by 20 points in three quarters.

Actionable takeaway: Leverage adaptable models and strategic investments in AI to drive significant growth in profitability.