For a CEO, leading a sub-$100M business is not a junior version of leading a $500M one – it’s a completely different animal altogether. The difference isn’t just in the simplicity of smaller companies-fewer product lines, leaner teams, and more straightforward go-to-market strategies – it’s in the kind of leadership that drives success.The biggest shift I’ve observed? Who I’m actually
Business Management
Unlocking Growth: The Business Case for Hiring a Fractional CMO
Successful small and mid-sized business owners know how to wear a lot of hats and how to quickly switch between gathering information, synthesizing data and making a quick decision. One minute, you’re reviewing numbers with your CFO, the next you’re managing a line change, then deciding on a new hire. However, marketing is different, it’s a nuanced function that works…
Ops Is How Innovation Thrives
Navigating Innovation During Turbulence
Economic downturns present a critical juncture for businesses, forcing a reevaluation of innovation strategies. While knee-jerk reactions often lean towards defensive budget cuts, a more strategic approach is essential to navigate the uncertainty and emerge stronger.
In reaction to an economic shock many companies react defensively, implementing across-the-board budget cuts. They cut R&D budgets, freeze hiring, delay product launches, and…
Leaders F-Up Innovation By Believing Users Will Tell You What They Want
When it comes to innovation, it might seem simple—just ask consumers what they want and how much they’re willing to pay, right? But the reality is far more complex. Consumers often don’t know exactly what they want, and even when they do, they might not share their true feelings, especially when money is involved. Leaders can f-up innovation by misunderstanding…
Chasing Unicorns Over a Cliff: The Hidden Costs of Pursuing Breakthrough Innovation
I recently consulted for a company that had achieved remarkable success through thoughtful incremental innovation. By steadily growing market share, improving profitability, and building a loyal customer base, they established a profitable and growing business. Their approach was simple yet powerful: deliver differentiated products that were highly valued by customers, consistently optimize efficiency, and gradually expand their market presence. This…
Money Can Be the Fastest Way to Zero
In the world of business, cash is king—or so the adage goes. But for many leaders, an influx of capital – whether through loans or equity injections – doesn’t improve or save their company, rather it accelerates their demise. When you’re tired of the time and effort of being scrappy, spending money becomes the easiest, fastest and simplest solution to…
How Leaders F-Up Innovation
When it comes to innovation, most tools, processes and frameworks are prescriptive. They promise, in essence, if you’d just do it right, you’ll always be successful. Somehow despite this, 75% of companies still report that their innovation efforts are not meeting their expectations, 60% of product launches continue to fail and 50% of innovation projects are abandoned.
Having studied at…
Embracing AI in Innovation
AI Will Transform Innovation
There is no doubt that AI will transform how innovators work, collaborate, and innovate. It will shape innovation itself both in terms of what is created and how it is practiced. AI is creating transformative opportunities for innovation leaders who must adapt quickly or risk being left behind.
AI’s Impact
Innovation leaders will be impacted by…