What makes a what are the elements of value for a company? Its people? Definitely. Its products? Absolutely. Its patents? Very likely. But these are the obvious, high-level answers for anyone with a rudimentary understanding of how business (and the economy) works. But it’s the more nuanced elements of value that can make or break […]
The 5 Key Ingredients To Building A Thriving Business
During my 20 years in private equity in New York, I learned quite a few lessons about what makes a thriving business and its people tick — for better or for worse. Some are driven by dollars and cents; some are motivated by a people-first philosophy that puts human beings at the center of decision-making. […]
Tools and techniques to love this February and beyond
Where would we be as solutions-focused experts without a few favorite tools and techniques we can depend on, even during the most challenging engagements and ever-shifting workplace environments? With the lightning speed of innovation these days, not to mention skill sets required to stay on course, this month I wanted to share a few ideas—in […]
The year of specialized work and continued recalibration
What better way to kick off 2021 than with some age-old wisdom from the most outstanding figure in medicine, Hippocrates: “Persons in whom a crisis takes place pass the night preceding the paroxysm (spasm) uncomfortably, but the succeeding night generally more comfortably.” In other words, if last year was the “uncomfortable paroxysm” then this year should […]
REDIRECTED How will people’s behavior change post-pandemic?
If someone asked who do you depend on to drive your business, how would you answer? The sales team? Marketers? R&D? Customer service? Contractors? In a mid-Covid world—as businesses continue to adjust to changing work environments, behaviors, and expectations—it is more critical than ever to pause and assess key drivers for future success. In other words: what actually matters. According […]
In 2021 Focus on Healthy Communication, Collaboration, and Inclusivity
Despite all the uncertainty and disruption still lingering from last year, 2021 offers ample opportunities for companies to refocus on what matters most: healthy communication and collaboration, an inclusive workplace culture, and ultimately greater productivity. While companies need to understand what will be different in the post-COVID era, they should also remember what will stay […]
REDIRECTED How to identify key value drivers for your business
In working closely with founders and CEOs during various points of their “company growth journey,” what I’ve learned is—no matter your size or industry—creating value should be the foremost priority. Why? Because the ability to do so is a company’s greatest asset. Ultimately, the question leaders need to answer is “What is actually driving value?” Beyond that, […]
REDIRECTED The Evolution of Sales and Marketing into a Growth Engine
For small and early-stage companies, sales growth is essential: it is a leading indicator of future performance and represents the most important measure of value accretion. However, the marketing and sales practices employed by many organizations today result in a failure to meet growth objectives. And while CEOs continue to rank sales growth as a top priority, many are dissatisfied with the results. So […]
How Pandemic-Era Managers Can Level Up By Using Collaboration Tools
Effective managers are capable of articulating their company’s values and a clear set of concrete goals, while also maintaining a commitment to diversity and open communication. These principles will help companies move from a rigidly hierarchical dynamic in which workers feel disconnected from their jobs to one in which they feel like stakeholders and partners […]
REDIRECTED Part Two: How To Avoid Hiring the Wrong Person When You are Growing Fast
Last week, I wrote about the fact that when you’re poised for growth and moving fast, putting the right people in place is just as important as developing a business strategy. However, you’d be surprised how many leaders underestimate the importance of finding the right fit. In addition the first common mistake I see— treating talent acquisition as tactical […]
REDIRECTED Part One: How To Avoid Hiring the Wrong Person When You are Growing Fast
When you’re poised for growth and moving fast, putting the right people in place is just as important as developing a business strategy. But hiring the wrong person or third-party resource can be more detrimental than leaving the seat open. HR agencies estimate the cost of a bad hire can range from 40% of salary for entry level […]
Resources To Solve Operations Challenges in Distribution Industry
In the distribution industry, operational agility and strategic foresight are keys to modern commerce. Businesses face challenges such as optimizing distribution center operations and managing international supply chains, each of which requires a tailored strategy to remain competitive. This blog post delves into five critical operational challenges within the sector, highlighting how specialized expertise can […]
Growth Strategy Resources for Construction & Engineering Industry
In the construction and engineering industry, companies face operational challenges that span from strategic market analysis to optimizing manufacturing processes. Each one presents a unique obstacle as well as an opportunity for growth. Working with third-party experts who have a nuanced understanding of the industry can give your PE firm, portfolio company or private or […]
Efficient Operations Resources for Food & Beverage Industry
In the food and beverage industry, operational challenges are as diverse as the products on the shelves. From the maintenance of specialized equipment to the strategic expansion into new markets, companies within this sector can always find ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and optimize processes. These challenges present significant opportunities for growth and improvement […]
