DEV Community: David Ohnstad

Leadership Development Programs Fail: The 30-Day Window

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:17:32 +0000

Most companies send newly promoted executives to a two-day offsite, then expect transformation. Three months later, they're managing exactly like before—just with larger teams and worse results. The problem isn't the program. It's what happens in the first 30 days after.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

AI ROI in Enterprise: When Implementation Outpaces Measurement

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:17:11 +0000

Eight months into production, an AI anomaly detection system was delivering sophisticated features—but nobody could prove its business value. A CFO's simple question revealed a critical gap in how enterprises measure AI success.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Gooseberry Falls Late Summer: Why September Beats July

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:16:51 +0000

September transforms Gooseberry Falls State Park entirely. The parking lot clears by mid-morning, iconic photo spots sit empty for minutes at a time, and late-summer water levels expose basalt formations hidden during peak season. Back-to-school means Minnesota's most crowded trails finally feel like wilderness again.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Data Product Management Myths: What Actually Matters

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:16:31 +0000

A Fortune 500 hiring manager rejected three data PMs who shipped eight-figure products—because they couldn't write SQL. David Ohnstad exposes the gap between what companies think they need and what actually builds successful data products.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Pocket-Hole Joinery: When to Use It (and When Not To)

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:16:10 +0000

Pocket-hole jigs are everywhere in beginner content, but forum debates split predictably: half say use it for everything, half reject it entirely. Neither is right. The real answer depends on understanding when pocket holes actually work and when they'll fail your project.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

First-Time Manager Guide: Build Support Systems That Prevent 67% Failure Rate

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:15:50 +0000

Two equally qualified managers promoted the same day. Six months later, one thrived while the other lost team members and missed targets. The difference wasn't talent—it was infrastructure. Discover the support system framework that separates successful transitions from costly failures.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Enterprise AI ROI: Why Adoption Metrics Miss the Mark

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:15:29 +0000

SAP's Q2 2026 AI release shipped impressive features, but three months later a CFO asked the question that kills most initiatives: 'What did we actually get for that spend?' Adoption metrics don't answer it.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Minnesota Outdoor Experiences: Beyond the Boundary Waters

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:15:09 +0000

September transforms Minnesota into an overlooked adventure season. David Ohnstad reveals why the best outdoor experiences don't require wilderness permits or weekend-long escapes—just smart planning and local knowledge.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Non-Technical PMs Build Better Data Products

David Ohnstad — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:14:48 +0000

The best data product managers aren't always the ones who can write SQL. David Ohnstad reveals why hiring non-technical PMs often yields better outcomes than promoting engineers into management—and what hiring managers are getting wrong.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Nick Offerman’s Woodworking Advice: What’s Missing

David Ohnstad — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:27:46 +0000

Nick Offerman’s five-step woodworking plan inspires but oversimplifies. David Ohnstad exposes the critical gap between good-sounding advice and actionable guidance that actually gets beginners started in the workshop.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Gen Z Manager Problems: Fix Your Leadership Development Pipeline

David Ohnstad — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:27:26 +0000

A 28-year-old engineering manager was afraid to ask strategic questions after just eight months leading a team. She wasn’t alone. Discover why your organization’s failure to develop emerging leaders is creating a crisis—and how to fix it.

Originally published on David Ohnstad

Why Enterprise AI Projects Fail After POC Success

David Ohnstad — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:27:06 +0000

We celebrated our ML proof-of-concept like shipping a product. 94% accuracy. Board demo. Six months later: nobody used it. Forrester’s data shows this is the norm—61% of enterprise AI pilots succeed, then stall. Here’s why pilots and production are fundamentally different problems.

Originally published on David Ohnstad