Clearing the decks for launch – REWORK

With the launch of Basecamp 5 approaching, 37signals co-founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson discuss what happens inside their company when it enters “launch mode.” They talk about temporarily shifting priorities, the difference between routine operations and launch periods, and why putting lower-priority tasks on hold is often necessary to make meaningful progress. Plus, Jason and David share their favorite aspects of the newest version of Basecamp.

*Key Takeaways*

00:00 – Episode preview
00:31 – Pausing processes and the power of “not now”
04:14 – Moving quickly and deciding to just build it
09:25 – Pressing pause on routines to stay focused on the goal
12:25 – Staying flexible while working through the chaos
15:03 – What life after launch will look like
22:45 – Jason and David share their favorite Basecamp 5 updates

*Links and Resources*

Record or upload a video question for Jason and David — https://www.37signals.com/podcastquestion

Watch The REWORK podcast on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwo5Hcps5IkBBAv1-_HPOMvC4Rn1p8lsQ

Basecamp is the no-nonsense project management system. Sign up for free at https://www.basecamp.com 

HEY is a fresh take on email. Sign up for a 30-day free trial – https://www.hey.com/

Fizzy is a modern spin on kanban. Try it for free at https://www.fizzy.do

Books by 37signals – https://37signals.com/books

The REWORK podcast – https://37signals.com/podcast/

Jason Fried on X – https://x.com/jasonfried

David Heinemeier Hansson on X – https://x.com/dhh

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website https://www.37signals.com/

Leave us a video question at www.37signals.com/podcastquestion or send an email to rework@37signals.com, and we might answer it on a future episode.