Why I Built This
Michael Heinrichs · Founder of Advizo
A few years ago, I became a software engineering manager. Like most first-time managers, I received no meaningful training. Nobody prepared me for the the shift from peer to manager, unclear expectations, the pressure to deliver without time to dig into the details, or what to do when someone on my team wasn't performing.
Some things went well. I cared about my team and worked hard to help them succeed. But in other areas, I struggled from day one. I felt overwhelmed and exhausted. I was irritable in ways I didn't recognize as myself. My private life started to suffer.
After two years, I made the decision to step down. Not because I failed — but because the job was costing me my health, and I wasn't willing to keep paying that price without better preparation.
That experience stayed with me. Looking back, I know I could have handled a number of situations differently. I just didn't know better.
About a year later, I had gotten good at using AI — not just posting a quick question on ChatGPT, but working through difficult topics in depth, step by step. One evening, I thought about my time as a manager again — the situations I wished I'd handled better, the conversations I dreaded. And I realized I could build something useful: a tool that gives first-time managers the kind of specific, practical guidance I never had.
That's how Advizo started. I'm a software engineer by training — I hold a degree in computer science (Diplom-Informatiker) from Universität Dortmund — and I've spent my career building software across industries — gaming, automotive, insurance, and others — at companies ranging from small startups to large multinationals. I've worked as an engineer, Scrum Master, technical lead, and product manager. I know how to build things. And now I know why this particular thing needs to exist.
I'm not done with management. I plan to go back — better prepared. Building Advizo is part of that preparation. I went through this, I'm still working on getting better at it, and I built something for people in the same position.
How Articles Are Created
Every article on the Advizo blog starts with a real management scenario — the kind of situation first-time managers actually face. I discuss the scenario with one of Advizo's own advisors, then use AI to help turn that conversation into a structured article. I review every draft, add my own experience where it's relevant, and make sure the final result is accurate and practical.
Articles cite their sources and link to further reading where appropriate. When new information calls for it, I update published content rather than letting it go stale.
How Advizo Works
Each of Advizo's five advisors is AI-powered, with a specialized focus area — difficult conversations, performance issues, team conflict, delegation, or the new manager transition. Every advisor draws on established management frameworks — models like SBI, Radical Candor, and situational leadership that have been developed and tested by researchers and practitioners over decades. The advisors don't give generic tips. They ask about your situation, then offer specific, practical guidance tailored to what you're dealing with.
Your conversations are encrypted and never used to train AI models. For full details, see the privacy policy.
How Advizo makes money
Advizo offers a free tier with two conversations per month and a Pro subscription for $29 per month. That's it. No ads, no sponsored content, no selling of user data.
Get in Touch
I built Advizo for people like me — and like you, if you're here. If you have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello, I'd like to hear from you.
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If you're a first-time manager figuring things out right now, Advizo is here when you need it.