Pragmatic Talks

Why do founders, CEOs, and product leaders wait too long before asking for help with a failing software project?

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, Wiktor Żołnowski talks with Wojtek Kniżewski about what really happens when software projects start going off track - and why companies often delay the decision to bring in outside support.

They discuss internal tech teams, external software vendors, ignored warning signs, audits before project takeover, and the real cost of waiting too long before asking for help.

This conversation is for founders, CEOs, CTOs, product managers, and decision-makers who feel that their digital product is not moving in the right direction, but are not yet sure whether the problem is technical, organizational, or strategic.

Pragmatic Talks is a podcast for people who want to understand how digital products are really built, scaled, fixed, and grown.

No fluff. No buzzwords. Just honest conversations.

Learn more about Pragmatic Coders:

https://www.pragmaticcoders.com/?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=pragmatic_talks_failing_software_projects&utm_content=learn_more_pragmatic_coders

Download our Product Health Checklist:

https://www.pragmaticcoders.com/resources/product-health-checklist?utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=podcast_description&utm_campaign=pragmatic_talks_failing_software_projects&utm_content=product_health_checklist

Download our Technical Health Checklist:

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00:00:00 Intro

00:00:35 Meet Wojtek

00:01:23 Who asks for help?

00:02:35 Internal teams vs vendors

00:04:27 Why changing vendors is hard

00:07:03 Audit before takeover

00:08:57 When the client is the problem

00:09:45 Who makes the decision?

00:11:33 Common project problems

00:13:40 Interim managers and chaos

00:17:17 Why companies ask for help too late

00:19:01 Feedback without blame

00:21:21 Why companies keep bad vendors

00:24:33 Early warning signs

00:27:23 Product and technical checklists

00:29:20 Fears around project transfer

00:31:12 How Pragmatic Coders helps

00:33:39 Take the first step

00:35:36 The real cost of waiting

00:36:20 Final advice

00:37:10 Outro

How can a Product Manager use Gemini CLI in real product work?

Check out how AI can be used to manage product context, automate everyday PM tasks, and support better product decisions - without hype or overengineering.

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, Wiktor Żołnowski talks with Dariusz Mozgowoj about applying this approach in real product teams and day-to-day product work.

Dariusz walks through his real workflow, showing how he uses Gemini CLI to:

- manage and structure product context (vision, strategy, personas, decisions),

- avoid common AI mistakes such as overloading the model with too much context,

- automate repetitive PM tasks like risk analysis and user story creation,- generate user stories and acceptance criteria faster, then review them instead of writing from scratch,

- integrate AI output with existing tools like Jira,

- reclaim time for strategic thinking and meaningful conversations with clients and teams.

This episode makes it clear that AI does not make product managers obsolete - it makes good product managers more effective when used consciously and pragmatically.

Note: this is not an audio-only episode. We strongly recommend not just listening, but also watching the video, as we actively show the terminal, Gemini CLI commands, and the interface used in real product work. Without the visual part, you may miss a significant portion of the context and practical value.

This podcast is brought to you by Pragmatic Coders. We’re here to become the world’s most effective software company.

Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticcoders.com

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, we explore the rise of AI Wrapper Apps — lightweight products built on top of large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. Together with Dariusz Tarasek, Product Owner at Pragmatic Coders, we discuss how these small but powerful apps are changing the way digital products are built and monetized.You’ll learn what an AI Wrapper really is, how developers and entrepreneurs turn existing AI APIs into real businesses, and why user experience, validation, and speed to market now matter more than pure coding. We break down the economics behind wrapper apps, their role in modern AI startups, and the thin line between a smart AI product and a scam.💡 Whether you’re a founder, product manager, or engineer, this episode gives you a pragmatic view of how to:– Build your first AI wrapper using existing LLMs– Validate product ideas before coding– Monetize AI apps through real user problems– Avoid common traps of hype-driven “get rich quick” trends– Understand how big players (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic) influence the AI wrapper ecosystem🚀 Keywords covered:AI Wrapper Apps, building AI products, AI startups, LLM applications, product management, Pragmatic Coders, no-code AI tools, OpenAI API, ChatGPT products, digital product development, micro-SaaS, AI business models.🎧 Pragmatic Talks is a podcast by Pragmatic Coders — a digital product development company that helps startups and enterprises build, launch, and scale AI-powered software with real business impact.We combine product strategy, UX design, and advanced software engineering to help innovators turn ideas into successful digital products.Our motto: “We’re here to become the world’s most effective software company.”🌐 Learn more at www.pragmaticcoders.com

Are we on the brink of a new paradigm in software development, or has the change already begun? In this episode, Wiktor Żołnowski takes us on a journey through the evolution of creating software—from the rigid days of punch cards to the dynamic challenges of today.

Join us as we explore the revolutions that shaped modern IT, including the rise of Agile and Scrum, and look ahead to the powerful forces of Artificial Intelligence and hyper-personalization that are reshaping the industry right now.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• A brief history of software development, from the 1960s to today's frameworks.

• Why Agile and Scrum revolutionized IT and what challenges they face now.

• How Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally changing development and project management.

• The rise of hyper-personalization and tailoring software to individual user needs.

• The future of IT: exploring the changing roles for developers and UX specialists.

Tune in to understand the challenges and opportunities we face in this new era of software development.

How do you ensure your team's projects deliver real business value instead of just wasting time and resources? In this episode, we welcome back the brilliant Gojko Adzic to discuss Impact Mapping – a powerful strategic planning technique he helped develop.

Originally created to prevent common pitfalls in IT projects, Impact Mapping has become a vital tool for any team focused on making a tangible impact. Gojko shares practical examples and explains how this method helps align efforts with business goals by focusing on measurable changes in user behavior.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The origins and core idea behind Impact Mapping.

• A step-by-step guide on how the technique works.

• Common mistakes teams make and how to avoid them.

• Practical, real-world examples of Impact Mapping in action.

• How to apply these principles in fields beyond software development.

• What to do when you can't figure out how to influence user behavior.

• Techniques that perfectly complement Impact Mapping for even better results.

Tune in to discover how to make better decisions, eliminate waste, and ensure your team's hard work truly matters.

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, we are joined by Jim Benson, the inventor of Lean Coffee. Jim shares the story behind the Lean Coffee, a tool that has become a global phenomenon in the world of agile and project management. Discover how a simple coffee meeting turned into a revolutionary way to conduct productive, focused discussions without the need for a strict agenda. We delve into the structure of Lean Coffee, its unexpected viral success, and why it has become an essential tool for teams worldwide. Jim also discusses how Lean Coffee can flatten hierarchies, encourage open dialogue, and help organizations make better decisions faster. Whether you're new to Lean Coffee or a seasoned user, this episode offers valuable insights into how this tool can transform your meetings and drive better outcomes. Key Topics: - The creation and evolution of Lean Coffee - The structure and methodology behind Lean Coffee - How Lean Coffee promotes open communication and flattens hierarchies - Real-world examples of Lean Coffee in action - Tips for implementing Lean Coffee in your own teams Links: - Jim Benson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbenson/ - Lean Coffee Website: https://leancoffee.org/

Welcome to another episode of Pragmatic Talks, recorded at the ACE Conference in Krakow 2024! Today, we're thrilled to have Büşra Coşkuner as our guest. Büşra is a renowned expert in product development and project management, dedicated to helping product people make decisions based on data, evidence, and insights. In this engaging episode, Büşra shares her extensive knowledge on prioritization and decision-making in product development. She delves into the intricacies of choosing what features and requirements to develop first and how to ensure these choices align with both customer needs and business goals. Whether you're a product manager or a startup founder, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you steer your product towards success. Key Takeaways: - Understanding Product Lifecycle: Learn how product maturity influences decision-making and prioritization. - Customer-Centric Approach: Discover the importance of starting with the customer's goals and behaviors. - Hypothesis-Driven Development: Explore the power of hypotheses and experiments in validating product decisions. - Balancing Impact and Risk: Gain insights on how to prioritize impactful and risky product features. - Effective Measurement: Understand how to connect product success to business success through metrics and impact mapping. Join us as we uncover the secrets to building successful products with Büşra Coşkuner! Links: Connect with Büşra Coşkuner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/busra-coskuner/ Visit Büşra's website: https://www.busra.co Check out Büşra's Matcha business: harumatcha.ch

In today's episode of Pragmatic Talks, we are joined by the highly esteemed Gojko Adzic, a renowned author, consultant, and trainer in the software development community. Gojko, a multiple award winner, is known for his influential book "Specification by Example," which has significantly shaped modern development practices. In this engaging discussion, we delve into the practical aspects of "Specification by Example" and its profound impact on reducing misunderstandings in complex domains. Gojko shares his insights on the evolving landscape of software development, the critical role of automation, and the future potential of AI in supporting development processes. In this episode, you will learn: - The practical application of "Specification by Example" - How to reduce misunderstandings in complex domains - The evolving landscape of software development - The critical role of automation and its limits - The potential future of AI in development processes Key Topics: - Specification by Example and its practical aspects - Misunderstandings in complex domains and how to mitigate them - The changing face of software development - Automation: what's essential and what's overkill - The role of AI in shaping the future of development Links: - Gojko Adzic on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gojko/ - Gojko.net https://gojko.net/ - Specification by Example Book https://www.amazon.com/Specification-Example-Successful-Delivering-Software/dp/1617290084

Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, recorded live at the ACE! 2024 Agile Software Development & Product Management Conference. This year’s event, held on June 13-14, 2024, in Kraków at the Multikino venue, is the largest of its kind in Central Europe, merging Agile Software Development with Product Design & Management. Today, we’re joined by Jim Benson, a pioneer in Lean and Agile methodologies and the creator of Personal Kanban. Jim will share his expertise on team building, effective communication, and the impact of remote work on team dynamics. In this episode, Jim shares his insights on what it truly means to work in a team, how to transform a group of individuals into a cohesive unit, and the essential elements of effective communication within high-performing teams. Whether you're a startup founder, project manager, or part of a dynamic team, this episode is packed with valuable advice and real-world examples. In this episode, you will learn: 🔹 What distinguishes a group from a true team? 🔹 How to transform individuals into a cohesive team and overcome common obstacles. 🔹 How should communication flow within a high-performing team? 🔹 The impact of remote work on teamwork and how to maintain team cohesion in a virtual environment. Thank you for listening! Stay tuned for more insightful episodes recorded live at ACE! 2024, featuring expert speakers and innovative discussions on Agile and Product Management.

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, we're joined by Jarek Pilarczyk, a Operating Partner and visionary entrepreneur. Our conversation delves deep into Jarek’s transition from tech entrepreneur to a seasoned investor and the innovative strategies he employs at his venture capital firm to nurture and scale up-and-coming startups. Highlights of the conversation include:

🔹 From Startup Founder to VC Visionary Jarek shares his journey from founding multiple tech companies, recognized by Forbes Diamonds and the Financial Times, to becoming a key player in the venture capital space. He discusses how his background in IT and expertise in intelligent transportation and smart cities has shaped his approach to investing. Jarek emphasizes the importance of understanding both the technology and the market needs, ensuring investments are not just technologically sound but also market-ready. 🔹 Supporting Startup Growth Beyond Funding Learn about the critical role Jarek plays in supporting startups post-investment. It's not just about financial backing—Jarek provides strategic mentorship and access to an extensive network, helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses. He discusses how being actively involved can drive a startup’s growth and help refine their vision and strategy. 🔹 What Makes a Startup Attractive to Investors? Jarek breaks down the key factors he considers when evaluating startups for potential investment. This includes the team's passion, the innovation's scalability, and the potential market impact. Hear Jarek explain how these elements combine to make a startup stand out in the competitive VC landscape. Thanks for watching! 0:00 - Welcome to Pragmatic Talks 2:39 - Introducing Jarek Pilarczyk: The Journey from Entrepreneur to VC 5:44 - Jarek's First Investment: The Launchpad Startup 7:05 - Deciding Factors: What Jarek Looks for in a Startup 9:52 - Investment Phases: Exploring the Stages Jarek Invests In 10:54 - Angel vs. Venture Capital: Understanding the Distinctions 16:57 - Exploring Roles: The Dynamics of GP and LP in Venture Capital 19:36 - Inside the Venture: A Look at Jarek's Current VC Firm 27:49 - Investment-Worthy Teams: The Anatomy of a Successful Startup 41:21 - The Next Steps: Post-Investment Actions for Startups 46:19 - Growth Strategies: Their Importance in Startup Investments 51:58 - Startup Trends: A Review of the Past Few Years 54:44 - Valuing a Startup: How Jarek Determines Investment Stakes 1:01:12 - Co-Investors: When and How to Engage Them 1:04:39 - The Investor's Role Post-Investment 1:11:14 - Founders' Approach: Engaging with Angels and VCs 1:12:53 - DIY Investing: Tips for Personal Startup Investments 1:20:01 - The Future of VC: AI's Role and Beyond 1:23:58 - Next Big Trends: Future Investment Opportunities in Tech 1:26:39 - Education and Entrepreneurship: Is Europe Doing Enough? 1:28:34 - Why Venture Capital? Jarek's Motivation Explained

The best employees aren’t just the most qualified—they’re the ones who fit your company culture and perform well in their roles. Welcome to the second episode of our “How to Hire Top Talents” series! In the first part, we discussed crafting a compelling job offer. Now, we’re diving into the recruitment process itself. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How to design an efficient recruitment process - How to filter and select candidates effectively - Conducting phone screen interviews - Technical tasks (optional for junior roles) - Assessing technical skills and cultural fit - Making the recruitment process scalable - Standardizing the recruitment process for consistency and efficiency Drawing from over ten years of experience at Pragmatic Coders, we’ll share insights and strategies that have helped us successfully hire top talents. Thanks for listening! 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - Designing an efficient recruitment process 2:44 - CV Selection 4:12 - Phone/Screen Call 5:57 - Technical Task (optional for junior roles) 6:49 - Technical Check 7:47 - Culture Check 8:51 - Standardizing the recruitment process 10:26 - Conclusion 11:20 - Outro

Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, which kicks off a series of exciting discussions with speakers from the upcoming ACE! Agile Software Development & Product Management Conference. Taking place on June 13-14, 2024, in Kraków at the Multikino venue, this year’s event is the largest of its kind in Central Europe, merging Agile Software Development with Product Design & Management. In today’s episode, we sit down with Paul Klipp, a seasoned expert in Agile methodologies, to give you a preview of what’s to come: 🔹 Conference Insights: Paul shares exclusive insights into the themes and sessions planned for ACE! He discusses the evolution of Agile practices and how they are shaping the future of product development. 🔹 Speaker Sneak Peek: Get a sneak peek into some of the industry-leading speakers and their topics that will be featured at the conference. Paul highlights how these talks can transform your understanding and application of Agile methodologies. 🔹 Why Attend?: Apart from learning cutting-edge techniques, the conference offers numerous networking opportunities like Dinner with Strangers, Agile Coaching Corner, and Product & Design Café. It’s a chance to make lasting connections with practitioners from around the world. 🔹 Exclusive Discount: Sign up now for ACE! and use the code 2d0c72a4685c3df8 to receive a special discount on your registration. Don't miss this opportunity to save on joining us at this impactful event. For more details and to register for the conference, visit https://aceconf.com/home Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, we welcome Tony Kelly and Jakub Dobosz, who have been instrumental in shaping the innovative blockchain startup, Common Wealth. This discussion delves deep into the unique structure of Common Wealth, a community-driven venture capital platform leveraging blockchain technology to democratize investment opportunities. Highlights of the conversation include: 🔹 Being user-centric was essential in Common Wealth success from day one The technological innovations and user-centric approach differentiate Common Wealth in the blockchain space. Combining the best elements from Web2 and Web3 worlds makes the blockchain products exceptional. It's not only about protocols and technologies. Primarily, someone needs to use this technology, and those individuals are not always technology experts. Focusing on a user-centric approach, where the community is involved throughout the entire product development cycle, not only aids in marketing but also provides numerous opportunities to learn about user behaviors and plan future development based on that. At the end of the day, you will discover how many various user groups are interested in your blockchain product, and you might be surprised that many of them are not experienced blockchain users. To build a successful blockchain product, you need to learn about and address all of your users' groups' needs and goals. As a result, Common Wealth is already rated as one of the “smoothest to use” blockchain products on the market. 🔹 Bringing the best team onboard, aiming high and work for social good is a secret sauce The Common Wealth team consists of the best of the best. Decades of experience in product development, gamification, marketing, investment, and finance combined bring exceptional results. The founders of Common Wealth aimed high from day one. Sometimes, even for them, the goals that had been set were very ambitious and aspirational. Realizing “how huge” their goals were, was both motivating and, at times, daunting. Developing such a complex and multi-dimensional product requires a lot of work, and when promises about deadlines are made, it can be very stressful as well. At the end of the day, the social impact the solution is already making and how it is changing regular people's lives are rewarding all the difficulties. When a woman from Africa shares that she never expected to be an investor in a startup investment fund, and how it has already changed her life, you, as a founder and team member, know that your effort matters. 🔹 What is Common Wealth? Common Wealth challenges the regular VC funds' status quo by opening early-stage startup investment opportunities to people worldwide, regardless of their income or status. Thanks to its decentralized structure, combined with community-led marketing efforts and gamification, it is designed to be successful from day one. 👉 Learn more about Common Wealth at https://joincommonwealth.xyz/ Tune in to this enlightening discussion to understand how the Common Wealth is reshaping the landscape of venture capital through technology and community governance. 🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

The best employee isn't just the one who is the most qualified, but someone who learns quickly, whose skills match their position, and most importantly, the one who fits your company culture. This is the first episode of the “How to Hire Top Talents” series, where you'll learn how to attract the best employees for your company, including: - Where To Find Candidates - The Right Position Naming - How To Define Position Requirements - Crafting Job Description - How To Define Salary Range - Highlighting Additional Job Benefits 🔔 Remember to subscribe to Pragmatic Talks and ring the notification bell to stay up to date on our latest episodes. 🎙️ Prefer podcast platforms? Listen to this episode on:

🛑 YouTube: https://youtu.be/YqkCcIPEQ1s 🟢 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/41HyGdl 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zxUPyo 👋 Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/Pragmatic_Talks And don’t miss out on more resources and insights from Pragmatic Coders to help grow your business! 👉 Visit our website: https://bit.ly/3URMQIw 👉 Follow us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/pragmatic_twitter 👉 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/pragmatic_linkedin Thanks for watching!

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Where To Find Candidates

03:27 The Right Position Naming

05:57 How To Define Position Requirements

08:35 Crafting Job Description

09:43 How To Define Salary Range

11:01 Highlighting Additional Job Benefits

12:10 Outro