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Author: Aye Stephen, MBA

Aye Stephen is a product leader with two decades of experience across product management, strategy, and organizational leadership. He has held senior roles in product leadership, most recently as Chief Product Officer at one of Europe's leading eCommerce ERP platforms. Known for building high-performing teams in complex, fast-moving environments, he brings deep expertise in agile product development and organizational change. Stephen holds an MBA from Goethe Business School Frankfurt and an M.A. in American Studies and Media Science from Philipps University Marburg.
Dark editorial illustration of a product manager progressing through structured learning toward senior leadership

Mastering Product Management with Coursera: The Top 5 Courses for Every Career Stage

Posted on November 17, 2024February 10, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

In the dynamic field of product management, continuous learning is essential to staying ahead of the curve. Whether you’re just starting as a product manager, stepping into a product lead role, or strategizing at the executive level, Coursera offers a wealth of courses to sharpen your skills and expand your perspective. As someone who has…

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Dark editorial illustration of a product executive weighing build vs. buy strategy alongside M&A portfolio decisions

Make or Buy Decisions for Product Executives: Strategic Approaches and the Role of M&A in Portfolio Management

Posted on November 3, 2024February 10, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

As a product executive, navigating the complexities of strategic decisions is a daily task. Among these, the classic “make or buy” dilemma holds significant weight. This decision impacts not just immediate product roadmaps but also long-term growth, scalability, and competitive positioning. An essential component of this strategic landscape is portfolio management through mergers and acquisitions…

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Dark editorial illustration contrasting the raw grit of 90s grunge rock with disruptive and authentic product thinking

Product Management vs 90s Grunge Rock: Grit, Authenticity, and Disruption

Posted on October 21, 2024February 18, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

In the 1990s, bands from Seattle exploded onto the scene with a style that quickly was referred to as grunge music, challenging the status quo of rock music. It was loud, messy, and raw, yet resonated deeply with the Zeitgeist of angst and lack of perspective of Generation X. At its core, grunge embodied rebellion,…

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Dark editorial illustration of Ferdinand Piëch as a visionary automotive product leader — lessons for modern product managers

Ferdinand Piëch – What Can PMs Learn from One of Germany’s Most Visionary Leaders?

Posted on October 2, 2024February 10, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

When we think of exceptional business achievements, product vision, or innovation, we often consider names like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, or Elon Musk. However, we tend to forget that outstanding products were created even before the digital era. One industry that has been significantly affected by the disruptive power of digital business models is the…

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Dark editorial illustration of a seasoned professional evaluating an MBA program as a mid-career investment

MBA After 40 – Part 2: FAQ

Posted on September 28, 2024February 10, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

In the first part of MBA After 40 we have talked about why it can be useful to consider an MBA program even as a seasoned manager or IC. In the second part I want to give you some answers and my own experiences to some general questions or consideration that might come up before…

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Dark editorial illustration of Jim Collins' Level 5 Leadership model — humility and professional will driving organizational excellence

Do you have what it takes to lift a company from good to great?

Posted on September 22, 2024February 10, 2026 by Aye Stephen, MBA

In the world of business, leadership styles are as diverse as the companies and organizations they influence. From visionary leaders to charismatic influencers, each style has its place. However, in his groundbreaking book Good to Great, Jim Collins introduced a leadership model that challenges conventional thinking: Level 5 Leadership. What makes this concept unique is…

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