Why most product strategies aren't strategies
OKRs, frameworks, buzzwords - and the one step everyone skips.
ReadOlcay Chasan
Interim Product Leader
For digital products in regulated environments
From running project to launch in 6-12 months
talk to me10+ products launched
55 -person team managed
€200k cost savings
ex-Accenture Manager
We have six months, then we lose the market.
Three project leads left, the project is stuck.
The CEO has 5 bullet points - how does that become a product?
When to call me
The project is running, but nobody can say whether it holds
Verified against evidence, not against status reports. It ends with a decision: keep building, rebuild or stop. And a baseline you can measure progress against from then on.
The deadline is set, the team is not
I build it and steer the vendors. By handover it runs without me.
The project has stalled
Crisis intervention. I take over until delivery resumes, instead of analysing why it stopped.
Hardware and software need to come together
IoT from edge to cloud, including CE and RoHS. I steer both sides and the vendors in between.
Certification must not surprise you at the end
Regulatory requirements built in from day 1, not checked shortly before launch.
Results
Health Tech
Gematik-Compliant Health Apps
Health Tech Startup, 6 months, 2023-2024
- Launched in 6 months, on schedule
- 2 apps launched, 4.5★ App Store
- Team scaled 1→10 in 8 weeks
- CardLink: 12% → 58% activation
Industrial IoT
Edge-to-Cloud IoT Platform
Building Automation, 55-person team, 2018-2019
- Crisis project stabilized and delivered
- 55 people, 3 vendors coordinated
- €200k cost savings through cloud optimization
- CE and RoHS certification achieved
Connected Products
Connected Bike Services
Premium bicycle manufacturer, 10 months, 2021-2022
- 12.5% service cost reduction
- 50,000+ connected bikes, 98.7% uptime
- Launched in 3 markets (DE, UK, US)
What clients say
“Olcay developed two complex apps from scratch. He has a remarkable ability to zoom in on critical details while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective. His preparation is always impeccable - whether for team meetings, stakeholder discussions, or presentations. Beyond his project contributions, he generously shared his expertise in Product Ownership frameworks, mentoring other POs in our organization.”
Anastasia Morozova
Head of Product, GEDISA · Healthcare
“Olcay successfully built two apps from the ground up. Through his structured, reliable approach and high quality standards, he consistently delivered first-class results. With his open and positive attitude, he created an outstanding team atmosphere. His contribution was decisive for the success of the apps.”
Björn Behrendt
CTO, GEDISA · Healthcare
“The fundamentals of how product management and software development work together that I learned from him are still central to my work and my team today. He helped us overcome organizational hurdles and establish sustainable product management. I would work with him again anytime.”
Rolf C. Zipf
CEO, Rindus · Scale-up
“His sharp mind ensured that our backlog was always prioritized with an eye toward maximizing business value. Olcay fostered a remarkably productive team atmosphere - professional yet highly accessible. A standout Product Owner who I would recommend without hesitation.”
Pavlos Giannakis
Test Automation Engineer · Insurance
About
I come from management consulting - Accenture, codecentric, adesso. Large organizations, tight deadlines, complex stakeholders. That's where I learned to deliver under pressure and scale teams that actually work.
In 2019 I went independent because one thing fascinates me: maximum creative ownership. At the beginning there's nothing but an idea, at the end a product in the App Store. I shape that journey - from the first diagnosis to handing over to a team that runs on its own.
Especially in health tech, I find this work deeply meaningful. At GEDISA, every team member gave 120% because the product helps people. That's the difference between a project and a mission.
“I believe you that you believe in it.”- CEO, GEDISA
Frequently asked questions
I need someone now - how quickly can you start?
Usually within 2-4 weeks. In crisis situations, even faster.
Are you a consultant or operational?
Operational. I don't deliver decks, I take responsibility. I decide, manage teams and vendors, and deliver results. If you're looking for someone who advises, I'm not the right fit.
We're not in a regulated environment - does that still work?
Yes. Regulatory is my differentiator, not my prerequisite. I ship products with or without Gematik or CE.
What does it cost?
I work project-based with a clear scope and end. No hourly billing, but a defined outcome. We'll clarify details in the initial conversation.
How does the onboarding work?
Initial conversation, then a viability check: three to four weeks, verified against evidence rather than status reports. It ends with a decision, keep building, rebuild or stop, and the first step is already done. If the direction holds, I take over execution.
When does a collaboration not make sense?
If you're looking for someone who just executes without decision-making authority. If the product is already on the market and needs optimization. Or if you want pure consulting without implementation.
Let's talk
Your project is running, the deadline is set, and you no longer believe the status report. Half an hour is enough to find out whether I am the right fit.
talk to me