Gatekeepers with purpose

By Ali Vahed

 Product Managers, let’s talk gatekeeping! 🛑


With the rise of AI-assisted software development, Vibe coding, or low-code and no-code platforms, it has never been easier to push features fast, even if it means compromising quality or authenticity.

But just because we can release more, it doesn’t mean we should!

Speed is great, but not if we’re just shooting in the dark. In some markets (hello, AI tools!), users are already overwhelmed by the constant flood of new features and beta updates. They're still adapting to one change when the next one drops!

As PMs, we need to embrace our role as "gatekeepers with purpose". It’s not enough to chase ROI, RICE scores, create quick wins, or beat competitors to market. We need to know our customers, understand the market, influence the team and ask the tough question: Is this worth shipping right now?

Sometimes, restraint is the real innovation! 💡





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