Why most product builds fail before a single line of code

The single biggest predictor of product success? It’s not engineering excellence, it’s product ownership.

Too many teams dive into development with conviction—but without clarity. And when vision isn’t paired with user-driven feedback, the result is wasted cycles, missed targets, and features no one asked for.

In this republished article, The Art of Strategic Product Building, MISSION+’s Ned shares what separates strategic builds from costly experiments. It starts with embedding feedback loops at every stage—from wireframe to release. It relies on owners who prioritize with conviction. And it succeeds through small, iterative delivery—not grand unveilings.

From avoiding the "build trap" to leveraging Vietnam’s booming tech talent ecosystem, this article serves as a field guide for founders, product leaders, and anyone looking to build the right thing, not just build fast.

For practical tools and hard-won lessons from decades of product leadership, read the full piece here: The Art of Strategic Product Building