One of the benefits of being a consultant is that you get to see lots of clients try to do something similar over and over again. You develop a sense of what works and what doesn’t. You build mental patterns and algorithms that guide the advice you provide. As a strategy consultant, I’ve seen a lot of strategy developed and lots of companies …
The Problem with Strategic Planning
Life often resembles a tragic-comedy, especially when we cling to antiquated rituals we all recognize as ineffective. Even though we readily admit their flaws, these ancient rituals can become deeply ingrained in the status quo. We repeat them without question, as if adhering to the old showbiz saying, "the show must go on." The ancient …
The 10x Strategy System
Entrepreneurs, like gamblers, make bets every day. They risk their money on labor, product development, advertising, rent, etc., hoping their bets will pay off handsomely. Most of the time, you win a little or lose a little, but sometimes you can win big.However, there is one big difference between the gamblers and the entrepreneur. The gambler …
The Path to Success: 10 Lessons from 150+ Startups
Today, I'm sharing some wisdom about success from 5,000+ ideas, 150+ startups, 50 IPOs/M&A exits, and, perhaps most notably, 60 failures. Bill Gross, the visionary founder behind Idealab, shared this wisdom at a recent conference. Bill has navigated the rollercoaster of innovation over the past 50 years. IMHO, Bill is a brilliant Luck …
Breathing Life Into Strategy
Hey Luck Hackers, In today’s newsletter, I'm revisiting the iconic showdown between Nokia and Apple in the smartphone arena. But this isn't just a story of technological triumphs and missteps. It’s a tale that challenges the simplistic notion of Apple’s brilliance and Nokia’s folly. I'm going to share a story of the triumph of enaction over …
Managing Your Priorities
In a post last week, I asked people to comment on the flawed logic embedded in what's come to be called the Eisenhower Matrix. It should be noted that President Eisenhower probably never used the Eisenhower Matrix, but it has become a favorite for productivity pundits and time management gurus who promote the matrix as a way to help you …
The Essential Skill Every Leader Needs, But Many Lack
Hi Luck Hackers, Today, I want to discuss an essential leadership skill that can make or break your career or your company. It's a story we've all seen before. A qualified candidate is ready to be promoted, but it never seems to happen. They never seem to make it to the top. The thing is that many potential leaders spend most of their …
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The True Purpose of Strategy
Some people, particularly those who view business as primarily a value-generating entity, will argue that the core aim of strategy is to create value. Meanwhile, ask a marketing expert, and they'll likely make a strong case for strategy being all about differentiation – carving out a unique market position to stand out from the competition. These …
Your Customer: The First Competitor and Collaborator in Business
Every business, whether it's a startup launching a novel product or a well-established firm, faces a multitude of competitors. But have you ever considered your customers as your very first competitors? This may sound counterintuitive, but understanding this paradoxical concept can provide profound insights into business dynamics and competitive …
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Enactive Leadership – A New Paradigm for Leading Organizations
Picture an orchestra. Each musician is a master in their own right, holding an instrument unique from the others. There is a rhythm in their breaths, a cadence in their postures, all in anticipation of what's to come. Now, picture the conductor stepping onto the stage. The baton rises, and with a simple wave, the beautiful symphony begins. The …
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