Michigan Software Labs

We’re proud to see Mark Johnson recognized once again among Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan.

Mark’s impact goes well beyond his role at Michigan Software Labs. He’s known for bringing people together and helping business leaders think boldly about innovation and community. Congrats, Mark!

Chasing your competitors’ features is a losing game.

The digital products that win long-term are built by leaders who relentlessly solve real problems for real customers, rather than reacting to what’s trending. Teams that “run their own race” stay focused and deliver value where it counts. They solve the right problems instead of chasing trends.

When has focusing on your customers (instead of competitors) made the biggest difference for your product?

Some teams are pulling back on AI, not because the tech isn’t useful, but because the risks feel too high. We’ve been following stories of law firms where AI outputs weren’t reviewed or sensitive data wasn’t protected.

This is a reminder that AI success depends on trust, governance, and building processes where human oversight is a priority.

In our work, we see the best results when teams ask "How do we use AI responsibly to create real value?” What would make you confident rolling out AI inside your organization?

What’s more important in digital strategy: choosing the right technology or defining the right problem? When you identify your business pain point first, you’ll build momentum quickly and avoid wasted investment.

We’ve had many conversations with leaders lately who are juggling disconnected tools and shifting priorities or who feel pressure to modernize, but don’t know where to start. Sometimes they have a bold idea and are ready to take a big step forward, but want to make sure they do it right.

These are challenges rooted in a desire to do what’s best for your organization, coupled with the emotional weight of making a significant shift.

If your team is navigating digital change, what’s been the hardest part of knowing where to start?