The rise of fractional executives has provided key talent lifelines to companies that need to fill gaps in leadership or guide strategic initiatives that otherwise may not have been able to due to budget or other constraints. Consultants and interim executives also fill some of this gap. While these roles share the common goal of […]
Whatever your fears of machines vs. humans may be, AI is here to stay, so learning how to leverage it will be critical to our careers and business success. The key to generative AI (ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.) is the ability to ask effective questions. The precision and quality of the questions we pose to AI […]
Text contentThe B2B (Business-to-Business) marketing and sales landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. In recent years, a pivotal shift towards committee-based sourcing and procurement has become increasingly prominent. This evolution reflects the growing complexity of business needs and the collaborative nature of modern enterprises. Unlike traditional models, where decisions were often centralized, today’s B2B marketing […]
Selling B2B (Business-to-Business) is complex, and the emergence of committee-based decision-making makes it even more challenging and increases sales cycle times. Unlike traditional B2B sales processes, where individual executives or small teams often make decisions, the committee-based approach involves a group of stakeholders, each bringing their unique perspectives and requirements to the table. This approach […]
The TOWS Matrix is an important tool for formulating business strategy, providing a framework for analyzing external opportunities and threats concerning internal strengths and weaknesses. This article is aimed at graduate business strategy students and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of strategic planning tools. Understanding the TOWS Matrix The TOWS Matrix, developed by […]
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have been a hot topic in business and boardrooms for the last ten years, but it has not always been embraced openly. Most recently, DEI has received significant pushback from some and has become politically charged. This is an unfortunate trend because diversity and inclusion are not just moral imperatives […]
The terms “layoff” (laid off) and “firing” (fired) are often used interchangeably, yet they represent fundamentally different situations. Understanding these differences is crucial for managers, as each scenario demands a distinct approach and mindset. Defining the Terms Layoff: A layoff is typically a business-driven decision, often due to financial strains, restructuring, or changes in market […]
The terms “goals” and “objectives” are often used interchangeably. However, they are fundamentally different, and understanding their distinction is pivotal for any successful strategy. This article aims to demystify these concepts, highlighting their differences and their critical role in achieving strategic success. Defining Goals and Objectives Goals are broad, overarching aspirations that an individual, team, […]
In the hyper-competitive business world, a company’s core competencies are like the building blocks of strategic execution guiding it toward success and sustainable competitive advantages. The concept of core competencies, introduced by C.K. Prahalad and Gary Hamel in their 1990 Harvard Business Review article, has become a cornerstone in strategic management and business development. This […]
In the corporate world, the roles of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are crucial strategic roles that work closely but are fundamentally distinct. While CFOs are the stewards of financial health, focusing on costs, efficiencies, and financial reporting, CEOs are the visionaries charting the course for a company’s future. This distinction […]
The 50/50/50 Model: A Practical B2B Growth System 
Porter’s Generic Competitive Strategies—Why Competitive Strategy Still Matters 