In an environment where capital is constrained, timelines are compressed, and growth expectations remain high, organizations are revisiting the tools they rely on to deliver results. One lever that remains consistently undervalued, yet increasingly essential, is strategic partnerships. Strategic partnerships are structured, long-term collaborations between two or more organizations that align around shared goals and […]
Category: Business
When OpenAI announced “Buy it in ChatGPT” it quietly changed how online shopping works. Users can now ask ChatGPT to find, compare, and buy products directly without visiting a website. Etsy was the first to join, and soon after, more than a million Shopify sellers followed. That was surprising. Shopify built its brand around helping […]
Throughout this series we’ve explored a wide range of entrepreneurial skills: pitching, sales, stakeholder management, and team building. But as a solo founder, I want to highlight another critical capability: resilience. Embracing uncertainty and overcoming personal barriers is a defining trait of successful founders. In this article, I share how I manage high-uncertainty situations and […]
Today’s users are bombarded with information and digital noise. In this environment, context isn’t a nice to have, it’s essential. At the core of effective digital experiences is a concept every product leader should understand: the context window. It’s a design principle that determines how your product communicates, adapts, and delivers value to the user in […]
So far in this series, we’ve explored a wide range of startup fundamentals – from securing angel investment to cultivating leadership and building high-performing teams. These tools help founders maximise the potential of their seed funding, but this money will eventually run out. The critical question then becomes: how can you strategically position your project […]
In the previous article, we discussed the qualities that create strong team synergies and the attributes to look for when recruiting talent for a founding team. Now, let’s explore how a Winning Tribe can operate effectively and be led to success. A Story About Procrastination When I first became a team leader, I learned some […]
In the previous article, we discussed the three key ingredients of a winning tribe: exceptional people, strong team culture, and focused leadership. Over the past four years I have led multiple teams through various challenges, working with individuals who brought a wide range of attributes to the table. When recruiting the first group of founders, […]
We often think of entrepreneurs as lone geniuses, grinding away on breakthrough ideas. But there’s a reason why top accelerators like YC and EF rarely accept solo founders. A single person simply can’t wear all the hats a successful venture demands. Trying to go it alone risks burnout, dilutes your efforts, and blinds you to […]
Your personal brand will distinguish you from hundreds of other qualified career candidates. In today’s competitive MBA market, a stellar academic record and internship pedigree are only the starting line. How you present yourself on paper, online, and in conversation will also shape how you are perceived. Crafting a cohesive brand ensures that recruiters recognize […]
So far, we have discussed: How to map your ecosystem’s network How to craft and deliver a compelling vision, and How to navigate the funding landscape for early-stage startups We often underestimate the role of support networks on the path towards success. Stakeholders aren’t just passive observers, they are the lifeblood of your project. They […]
Startups are complex ventures. They require technical solutions, research, innovation, and teamwork. Yet pitching a compelling vision only becomes a business when there is money behind it. While self-financing options such as personal loans or bootstrapping the business are available, they place the entire financial risk on the founder. For this reason, most entrepreneurs seek external […]
So far, we have discussed how to map your ecosystem’s network to identify and research key stakeholders, and how senior allies can help your ideas reach the right ears. The next step is ensuring you arrive at each meeting well prepared, so you don’t squander the unique opportunities ahead. It is not just about having […]
In the previous article, we discussed how to balance the dynamics between a young founder with a vision and a senior stakeholder. Now that we understand how to establish our vision, the next question becomes: who should you talk to first? Every university has a range of internal funding mechanisms across real estate, operations, and […]
Tracking and reporting performance metrics can enable in-house strategy teams to assess their effectiveness and ability to contribute meaningfully to the business. The challenge is that identifying the right metrics can be challenging. While there are numerous ways to measure performance, not all metrics accurately capture strategy’s contribution or resonate with stakeholders. A running joke […]
I was recently invited to do a TEDx talk at Lancaster University where I shared my journey leading and creating community green spaces. After the conference, several excited attendees came over and asked me, “How did you do it?”. They wanted to know more about how I managed to secure support and £50k funding from […]
The workforce is shifting with Generation Z, often called “the restless generation”. Attrition rates are higher than ever, driven by increased job mobility combined with lack of job satisfaction, rigid workplace policies, disappointing pay, and unclear career progression. 1. Lack of Job Satisfaction According to a 2022 Gallup Poll, “54% of Gen Z employees … […]
What makes you memorable in a sea of equally qualified young professionals? The answer lies in cultivating a brand that reflects your unique strengths, helps you build a network that supports your career trajectory, and clearly communicates your value to your target audience. This isn’t about creating a facade or simply chasing trends — it’s […]
Branding is the backbone of marketing, yet the strategies for Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) contexts vary substantially. Differences arise from the nature of the target audience, decision-making process, and the communication style they require. For aspiring marketing and business development professionals, understanding the distinctions between the two is critical for crafting effective, high-impact strategies […]
In the world of competitive strategy, companies are often laser-focused on their direct competitors. They track market share, pricing, and innovation trends, all in an effort to stay one step ahead. But while they’re busy battling familiar rivals, a hidden threat often goes unnoticed: substitutes. Substitutes rarely announce themselves with fanfare. They appear quietly, from […]
Welcome to the third and last article in this introductory series on Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT)! In this article, we will focus on pursuing balance in life from a CTRT perspective. As a quick recap: In the first article, we highlighted that achieving balance in life is all about meeting 5 basic needs, […]
For decades, first-mover advantage has been a prized concept in business strategy. The idea is simple: be the first to enter a market, capture customer loyalty, and build an insurmountable lead over competitors. From Amazon’s early dominance in online retail to Uber’s disruption of traditional taxi services, being the first to market has long been seen […]
Last week’s article introduced Glasser’s Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT) and the 5 basic needs that we each continuously try to satisfy by realising pictures in our Quality World. This second article will focus on an unfortunately common phenomenon at work: frustration. We’ve all heard about, or maybe even lived through, endlessly frustrating workplace […]
In a previous article, we explored what it means to pursue balance in life as a management consultant. In this series of 3 articles, we will do a deep dive into this topic, drawing on Glasser’s Choice Theory and Reality Therapy (CTRT). Consider this first article a primer on key CTRT concepts that will serve […]
Imagine spending months crafting a detailed, data-driven strategy, only to watch it gather dust on a shelf. This scenario plays out far too often in the corporate world. In a rapidly shifting business landscape, with advances like AI, quantum computing, advanced robotics, blockchain, and gene editing, spending valuable time and resources developing a strategically useless […]
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through data-driven product development. By leveraging insights gained from data analytics, companies can make smarter decisions, create products that better meet customer needs, and ultimately stay ahead of the competition. This article will […]
In the fast-paced world of business, the instinct to outcompete rivals is second nature. For decades, companies have battled fiercely for market share, customer loyalty, and technological breakthroughs. But today, a new competitive strategy is emerging — one that’s reshaping industries and redefining how businesses grow. Welcome to the era of co-opetition, where companies don’t […]
In today’s fast-paced business environment, successful product development demands more than just great ideas and cutting-edge technology. It requires collaboration, agility, and a deep understanding of the customer. Cross-functional teams have emerged as a powerful model for fostering innovation and efficiency in product development, allowing companies to break down silos, improve communication, and leverage diverse […]
Have you ever dreamed about starting your own consulting business some day? Consultants are entrepreneurial by nature, leading many of them to jump out of the corporate world to startups or other new ventures. And due to their business acumen and connections, they are often successful. Maybe you are a current management consultant who plans […]
In today’s fast-paced, customer-centric marketplace, developing successful products requires more than just technical skills and innovation — it demands a deep understanding of users’ needs and a creative approach to problem-solving. Design thinking, a human-centered methodology that focuses on empathy, collaboration, and iteration, has become a powerful tool for product development. By placing the user […]
One of the hardest challenges I have faced is communicating a product vision to others. Without a common vision, you can never truly lead a team. I overcame this challenge by leaning on a framework introduced to me by a mentor—a tool that has unlocked numerous hackathon finals. There’s no better way to spend your […]
In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, where infinite choices are just a click away, brand loyalty is no longer a given. Consumers are no longer swayed by just a great product, but seek more than that, craving authenticity and a genuine connection to the brand. These shifting consumer priorities have created a loyalty crisis, in which brands […]
I had the privilege of joining a unicorn startup that was eventually acquired by a multinational company. Many people, including myself, have been surprised by the professional experience you can gain from startups as a mid-twenties professional. While luck played a significant role in my positive experience, I also spent considerable time evaluating whether the […]
In today’s business landscape, sustainability is no longer a niche concern; it’s a core component of corporate strategy. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics have emerged as critical tools for companies to measure and communicate their sustainability efforts. These metrics are increasingly influencing business decision-making and thus shaping corporate reputation in a way that impacts […]
In an era where environmental consciousness is increasingly becoming a priority, companies worldwide are rethinking their supply chain strategies to minimize their environmental footprint. A sustainable supply chain is no longer just a corporate social responsibility initiative, it’s a crucial element of modern business strategy that can drive long-term value creation and organizational resilience. This […]
In today’s competitive business landscape, companies are increasingly recognizing that employee well-being is not just a perk but a strategic imperative. Prioritizing the mental health, work-life balance, and overall well-being of employees can have a profound impact on business performance. This article explores the growing emphasis on employee well-being, initiatives companies are implementing to support […]
As a strategy consultant at various firms, including most recently at Strategy&, I would have argued that success as a manager means “leading a team to solve complex problems and deliver the best client outcomes”. While these goals remain important, my perspective on management has evolved since then. As I transitioned from external consulting to […]
In today’s competitive business landscape, traditional sales and marketing-driven approaches are increasingly giving way to a new paradigm: Product Led Growth (PLG). PLG is a strategy that places the product at the center of customer acquisition, revenue growth, and market expansion, and is rapidly gaining traction among startups and established companies alike. In this article, […]
In my journey from university to the professional world, I, like many of my peers, initially gravitated towards the allure of prestigious roles in consulting or finance. These fields promise versatility, growth opportunities, and the potential for exciting career transitions. However, what my undergraduate business program failed to emphasize was the often-overlooked world of startups—particularly small businesses that operate outside […]
In many companies, an innovation team is allowed to pursue its own agenda and imagine itself to be a separate island from the rest of the company. The results are always disappointing: a lot of creative ideas, but a failure to deliver meaningful growth. The root problem is the disconnect between strategy and innovation. To […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global economy, businesses face a myriad of challenges that demand resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning. Economic uncertainties, recessions, and unforeseen disruptions can shake the foundations of even the most robust enterprises. Navigating these economic challenges requires a proactive approach that combines strategic foresight and a commitment to innovation. In […]
Hundreds of articles have been written on strategy, each with an author that presents a unique perspective from years of paradigm-shaking experience. Some even “reinvent the wheel” by rejecting past concepts altogether and introducing an entirely new way of thinking about strategy. After reading the most important of these articles, I have concluded that most […]
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of technology, the role of a software designer not only requires technical acumen but also a deep understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. In this article, we will delve into five attributes that are required to become an outstanding software designer. 1. Prioritizing End Users […]
One of the most common problems business leaders face is how to price a product. From entrepreneurs putting a new product on the market to executives at a public company revamping a product line, effective pricing is a key pillar of any successful sales and marketing strategy. Moreover, there are many misconceptions about pricing, with […]
In the previous article, I introduced the concepts of boss and lead management, and it seems clear-cut that the latter is superior and preferable. In this article, I explore why managers might struggle to implement lead management and fall back into the bad habits of boss management. Scenario – The Tardy Employee Consider a classic […]
No one likes a tyrannical, controlling, and disempowering boss. A heavily top-down approach might have worked in the past but this style of boss management is increasingly ineffective and alienating to employees. In the modern workplace, the best managers have instead embraced a more empowering and collaborative method known as lead management. While most companies […]
Strategy is arguably one of the most overused words in the English language. Most people that use it have no idea what the word means. Yet, being strategic is one of the highest-valued skills in business. Hundreds of professors have dedicated their lives to studying strategy, and consultants are paid fortunes to develop and implement […]
Stepping into a room filled with consultants hailing from diverse corners of the world, a vibrant tapestry of perspectives unfolds before you. Their differences aren’t just acknowledged – they’re celebrated. This scene encapsulates a shifting paradigm in management consulting, where the ascendancy of cultural diversity and inclusion is shaping our collective approach to the challenges […]
In the ever-evolving world of software development companies strive to deliver the best possible user experience to ensure that products meet the needs and expectations of customers. One of the most valuable tools that businesses can employ to reliably satisfy customer needs is A/B testing. A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a powerful […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, enterprises face the challenge of charting a clear path towards success and sustainable growth. For instance, when the retail giant, Walmart, faced stalling sales due to stiff competition from e-commerce platforms, it was challenging to formulate a roadmap into the future. Navigating through uncertainty and making strategic decisions requires a […]
When people talk about having an impact in the world, they are usually thinking about serving at a food kitchen or administering vaccines in Africa. Usually, these ideas are not associated with business or making money in general, which are often characterized as selfish. This idea likely stems from the history of philanthropy, which was […]