Culture Document Feedback - Focus on PMF Over Morale Programs
Situation
Gave negative feedback on culture document. Called morale initiatives (swag, customer presentations) rearranging deck chairs on Titanic. Only endorsed product training to build product-led company. Identified redundant work (H1 planning already happening) and premature planning (5-year plan).
Reasoning
Finding product-market fit is the real driver of morale at startup stage, not swag or programs. Resources should focus on core business problem. Detailed long-term planning is counterproductive when still seeking PMF.
Additional Context
Document was created per Bjorn request. Critical H1 2026 revenue planning already underway with Jordan, Greg, Ben.
People Involved
Mariah Rippee, Bjorn Hovland
Source
reflection
AI Confidence
74%
Outcome
Provided clear feedback to Mariah that I'm confident was well understood. In doing so I also learned that she is not fully understanding the direction she is getting from Bjorn, or reasons for it. This is something I could follow up with Bjorn regarding.
Recorded on December 28, 2025
Decision ID: e7b03e88-1dc2-4642-afb6-4e1f3469b47f