https://impromptbru.com/ Ideas as they brew. en CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-software/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-software/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-4-levels-of-reading/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-4-levels-of-reading/ Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT As presented by Mike Schmitz: https://impromptbru.com/notebook/nice-goals/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/nice-goals/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Near-term: focus on immediate actions (smaller planning window). Input based: focus on the process, rather than a distant outcome. Controllable: focus on things that are within our control Energizing: focus on what brings us joy (play, power, people). https://impromptbru.com/notebook/smart-goals/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/smart-goals/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Specific Measurable Assignable Relevant Time-bound. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-power-of-outskilling/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-power-of-outskilling/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT There's a reason oak trees survive storms that topple pines. While the pine shoots straight up, racing impressively toward the sky, the oak seems to have more measured growth. Part of the answer, it turns out, is in the root systems. While the pine sends a root down in search of nutrients to sustain the quick growth, the oak spreads its roots sideways, building a foundation that can weather whatever comes. I find this lesson has helped shape the way I think about my professional endeavors, also. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/three-regulatory-mistakes-that-cost-diagnostics-companies-months-and-how-to-think-differently/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/three-regulatory-mistakes-that-cost-diagnostics-companies-months-and-how-to-think-differently/ Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT To the outside observer there might not look like there is a big difference between research and clinical laboratories. They both have hard floors, wipeable countertops, and the smell of ethanol and bleach can sometimes be in the air. However if we look at what these labs value, the story changes. Translational (research) labs trade in one currency - possibility. Clinical labs trade in another - reliability. In this context, regulation isn't just a hurdle; it's the exchange rate that determines whether your innovation can be recognized in the clinical world. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-ux-blind-spots-that-kill-diagnostic-products-why-the-elephant-in-the-lab-isn-t-what-you-think/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-ux-blind-spots-that-kill-diagnostic-products-why-the-elephant-in-the-lab-isn-t-what-you-think/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT There is an ancient parable that tells of several blind men encountering an elephant for the first time. One touches the trunk and declares it's a snake. Another feels the leg and insists it's a tree. A third grasps the tail and argues it's a rope. Each man experiences a real part of the elephant, yet none sees the whole. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-constraints/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-constraints/ Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic I recently read a an article called Smart People Dont Chase Goals; They Create Limits by Joan Westenberg that opened my eyes to the value of considering constraints as a method to better define a problem space and aim creativity. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/par-du-monde-how-we-can-enrich-the-world-by-trading-goals-for-constraints/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/par-du-monde-how-we-can-enrich-the-world-by-trading-goals-for-constraints/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT I am the type of person who enjoys reading personal productivity books in my spare time. It is a means of self examination which allows me to better understand myself and strive for more. Recently I have been reading Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. For those who haven't read it, there are 4 weeks worth of daily 'meditations' which each share an idea for contemplation. By it's nature some resonate more than others. However, I want to tie my thoughts about Burkeman's freeing notion that we might as well give hard problems a shot to a recent blog post I read on embracing constraints. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-travel/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-travel/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/what-are-blind-spot-revealer-cards/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/what-are-blind-spot-revealer-cards/ Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT I recently came up with a list of questions that I wanted to share to help inspire people to challenge their product focused beliefs. Rather than publish the list, I have created a series of cards. The cards are based on some thinking I did about how to make the process of uncovering organizational bias toward the products we create. I wrote about that here: Between Worlds — Using Liminal Thinking to Bridge Science and Clinical Utility. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/breadcrumbs-of-proof/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/breadcrumbs-of-proof/ Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT On episode 147: Good Productivity of the Time and Attention Podcast, Chris Bailey shares a quote and interesting idea. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/setapp-apps-i-use/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/setapp-apps-i-use/ Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-ai-and-collaboration/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-ai-and-collaboration/ Thu, 08 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT I've been thinking a lot lately about why generative AI has become such a compelling tool for so many of us. I have spent significant time considering my own thoughts and feelings as well as those of my friends. The use of generative AI has exploded in many areas of life, and we are currently living in the midst of an era of AI experimentation. However, what I'd actually like to discuss is the observation that the way many people interact with AI tends to mimic certain aspects of human collaboration, and I am wondering where to draw healthy lines. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/productivity-debt/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/productivity-debt/ Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT This is the idea that we start out each day owing the world some level of 'productivity'. We start the day in debt that we need to try to pay off. If we don't get 'enough' done, then we feel bad about ourselves. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/maximizing-your-aacr-experience-a-product-manager-s-perspective/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/maximizing-your-aacr-experience-a-product-manager-s-perspective/ Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT AACR is currently in full swing, and I find myself reminiscing about past conferences while navigating my current job search. The American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting represents one of the premier gatherings for oncology professionals, and for commercial product leaders, it's a goldmine of insights, connections, and opportunities. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-artificial-intelligence/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-artificial-intelligence/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-product-management/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-product-management/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/character-traits/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/character-traits/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/personal-interests/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/personal-interests/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/professional-interests/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/professional-interests/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/products-for-science-series-belief-mapping-workshop-sneak-peak/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/products-for-science-series-belief-mapping-workshop-sneak-peak/ Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://impromptbru.com/notebook/between-worlds-using-liminal-thinking-to-bridge-science-and-clinical-utility/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/between-worlds-using-liminal-thinking-to-bridge-science-and-clinical-utility/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT Diagnostics businesses face a critical transition when scaling from startup to sustainable growth. These organizations—typically with fewer than a couple hundred employees—often struggle with a fundamental disconnect between scientific advancement and practical application in clinical settings. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-anxiety-worry-overwhelm/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-anxiety-worry-overwhelm/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT Topic %% !Personal Reflection on Anxiety & Worry & Overwhelm https://impromptbru.com/notebook/thinking-about-craftsman-and-passion-mindsets/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/thinking-about-craftsman-and-passion-mindsets/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT In "So Good They Can't Ignore You", Cal Newport spends time debunking the common advice that you should 'follow your passion'. Cal claims that this is bad advice, and I am inclined to agree. Cal offers an alternative way of thinking, something he calls the craftsman mindset, where you focus on being "so good they can't ignore you"—terminology he borrows from Steve Martin, the prolific comedian. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-coffee/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-coffee/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic I typically order fresh coffee from Trade Coffee. Trade maintains a network of roasters who deliver coffee which is significantly fresher than what you can buy in the grocery store. Fresh roasted coffee contains CO2, which is a byproduct of the roasting process. Just roasted coffee can actually adversely affect the brew. Excess dissolved CO2 can add an overly acidic taste to coffee. As coffee sits, it naturally degases and oxidation can start to change the flavors of the coffee. It is for this reason that getting access to fresh, whole beans, is so important. I got into fresh coffee during the Covid19 Pandemic when I started to order Blue Bottle Coffee. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/psychological-safety/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/psychological-safety/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://impromptbru.com/notebook/scarf-model/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/scarf-model/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT I came across this model in my reading of Liminal Thinking. While it isn't a perfect model, I definitely think it goes a long way to thinking about another when in an interaction. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/beliefs-facts/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/beliefs-facts/ Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT As I begin, it occurs to me that no one has ever asked me to define the term belief. However, if I had to define it, I probably would have said an idea that I keep in my mind about my thoughts and feelings on a given topic. In Liminal Thinking, Dave Gray defines it this way: https://impromptbru.com/notebook/paradox-of-choice/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/paradox-of-choice/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT I recently needed to make a decision about tires, and I was paralyzed by all the options. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs/ Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT "Put on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you" is an often uttered phase. There are over 101,000 commercial flights per day globally, so this simple advice is given a lot. However, so many of us don't apply it in our everyday lives. The advice is hinting at something deeper. Specifically, we need to meet your own basic needs before you try to do more. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/high-fidelity-and-high-expertise-information-for-product-development/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/high-fidelity-and-high-expertise-information-for-product-development/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT Information is all around us. As much as we might try to absorb everything, we need to make choices in what information we consume and how we use that information. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/what-is-the-most-important-thing/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/what-is-the-most-important-thing/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT With many different variables, and hundreds of possible permutations, what is the most important thing? If you are clear on what is most important, it makes it easier to assess the options and move ahead with the work that matters. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/becoming-a-good-active-listener/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/becoming-a-good-active-listener/ Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT In a variety of contexts, it is important to be able to be a good listener. I want to be at my best when listening to family and friends. Likewise, in a professional context, it is important to listen to customers, and colleagues alike. Internalizing others struggles helps you to empathize with them and offer genuine help where possible. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/choosing-v-deciding/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/choosing-v-deciding/ Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT There is a difference between making a choice and making a decision. Decision-making is a process. If you don't follow the process, the choice you've made was most likely an unconscious choice, driven by default behaviors. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-story-of-henry-kissinger-expecting-the-best/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/the-story-of-henry-kissinger-expecting-the-best/ Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have heard several times the story of Henry Kissinger's high stanards and expecting the best. Most recently I read about it in Shane Parrish's book: Clear Thinking. I thought it was about time to paraphrase the story, so I internalize it and share my thoughts. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-confidence-assertiveness/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-confidence-assertiveness/ Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/don-t-leave-me-hanging-wall-art/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/don-t-leave-me-hanging-wall-art/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT A small laminated piece of wall art I keep hanging around which reminds me of an important lesson in leadership. It relates to a great quote from Booker T. Washington: There are two ways of exerting one's strength – one in pushing down, the other in pulling up. My goal is to always be uplifting! https://impromptbru.com/notebook/love-to-win-or-hate-to-lose/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/love-to-win-or-hate-to-lose/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT Do I love to win or hate to lose? I was recently asked this question as a part of a job interview. The interviewer had prefaced the question by saying, please simply answer this question, no explanation necessary. I thought for a moment and gave my response. After the interview, I decided to dig into this question to understand a bit more about the motivation for this question. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/a-productive-visit/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/a-productive-visit/ Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Here are some helpful steps from Kourosh: https://impromptbru.com/notebook/local-philadelphia-roasteries-i-d-like-to-check-out/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/local-philadelphia-roasteries-i-d-like-to-check-out/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Just compiling a list of local roasters I'd like to check out https://impromptbru.com/notebook/agile-product-ownership-in-a-nutshell/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/agile-product-ownership-in-a-nutshell/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Course Material for Scrum Product Owner Training – Agile Pain Relief # My Takeaways: https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-assay-development/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-assay-development/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-business/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-business/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-if-staining/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-if-staining/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-scrum/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/on-scrum/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Topic https://impromptbru.com/notebook/scrum-product-owner-training-agile-pain-relief/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/scrum-product-owner-training-agile-pain-relief/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT This is a great accredited program offered by Mark Levison at Agile Pain Relief • CSPO. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/how-to-add-a-dataview-query-to-obsidian-publish/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/how-to-add-a-dataview-query-to-obsidian-publish/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT Dataview is not supported within Obsidian Publish. However, there is a way to add a table which is updated along with your site through the use of Templater. I wouldn't say this is THE definitive guide to doing this, but offers some tips based on what I found useful in implementing on my site. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/impromptbru-change-log/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/impromptbru-change-log/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have created an ImproptBrü Testing Page to see how the changes I make to CSS/JS will effect various interface elements. https://impromptbru.com/notebook/improptbru-testing-page/ https://impromptbru.com/notebook/improptbru-testing-page/ Tue, 18 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT THIS IS CAPITOL TEXT This Is Title Case Text this is lowercase text