Startups thrive on visionary founders who are deeply committed to their ideas. They identify gaps in the market, see opportunities others don’t, and possess the relentless drive to bring something new into the world. However, for all the traits that make them successful, founders are also susceptible to what tennis commentators might call “unforced errors”—avoidable […]
Generative AI has come a long way in a relatively short time from its early applications, focusing primarily on non-use case-specific text generation and data interpretation. As AI permeates more industries, the demand for more sophisticated and visually-driven data representation is becoming essential. While valuable, managers and analysts realize that raw data or text-based outputs […]
I first read about the servant leadership model in the 1990s, and it made a lasting impact on me. I was a young advertising executive with too much ambition and ego and not really a clue how to lead others other than through sheer will. While leadership models constantly evolve, servant leadership is a timeless […]
In most larger companies, middle management is the linchpin that holds organizational elements together and drives execution. However, these crucial roles can sometimes become points of friction, impeding the attainment of strategic goals, which leads to them being targets of criticism by leadership, employees, and shareholders. Interestingly, the fault doesn’t lie with the middle managers […]
Authors note: This is a revised post from a January 2024 article. I corrected a citation. Data-driven decision-making has been heralded as a silver bullet by management to better decisions, but cognitive heuristics and biases often cloud human judgment even with data, leading to suboptimal outcomes. With our immense amount of data, our brains use […]
Scaling a company is one of entrepreneurship’s most exhilarating and challenging phases. Having navigated this journey multiple times, I’ve distilled the crucial focus areas founders and CEOs must prioritize. These five pillars are foundational to scaling up and doing so sustainably and strategically. 1. Strategic Vision and Alignment As a CEO, your foremost responsibility is to […]
As a CEO, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you cannot simply assume things will get done. Assumptions can lead to missed deadlines, unmet goals, and, ultimately, a failure to achieve the company’s strategic vision. However, there’s a fine line between ensuring accountability and becoming a micromanager. This is where the […]
Running a business is hard, but maintaining a consistent and effective operating rhythm can be the difference between success and stagnation. An operating rhythm refers to the regular cadence of activities and processes that drive a company forward, ensuring alignment, accountability, and agility. Here’s why it’s essential and how to build one. Why an Operating […]
Executives are under pressure to make quick decisions, navigate complex challenges, and drive their organizations forward. Running a company is getting more challenging. Between fast-paced technological advances, especially AI, hyper-competitive markets, and rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics, executives must make critical decisions faster than ever or face falling behind. However, even the most seasoned leaders can […]
From its origins as a device to pitch script ideas to its now customary place in business and networking introductions, the elevator pitch is used to sell something—your company, a product, a script, a business plan, or yourself. With business moving faster than ever and the never-ending distraction from smartphones, the elevator pitch has never […]
Unforced Errors in Startups: How Founders Trip Themselves Up 
The Next Step for Generative AI: Specific Use Case Data Visualization 
Servant Leadership: Getting Back to Its Roots 