Deals rarely die at the negotiating table. They die in due diligence weeks after the handshake, after the letter of intent is signed, and after the owner has already started planning what life looks like on the other side. In most cases, the cause isn’t price. It’s operational gaps the buyer uncovers that the owner … Read more
There’s a company in California with a unique approach to leadership that seems to be bearing results: Morning Star. Morning Star produces over two million tons of tomato products each year, from tomato sauce and ketchup to diced, whole peeled, and crushed canned tomatoes. But what really sets the company apart is its unusual corporate … Read more
When Devon first started as a marketing manager at Carter Software Company, he noticed a need for more communication between teams that hindered productivity and output. The sales department often promised clients features and timelines the engineering team couldn’t deliver. Frustrated engineers would then blame marketing for overpromising without checking in with them first. To … Read more
When Netflix launched in the late 1990s, it disrupted the movie rental industry by offering a DVD-by-mail subscription service without late fees. It was a novel idea that found an eager customer base. In the early years, Netflix aggressively invested in optimizing its DVD rental operations. They refined the movie recommendation algorithm, expanded their distribution … Read more
Abraham Lincoln’s presidency (1861-1865) stands as one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Thrust into leadership at the onset of the Civil War, Lincoln faced a nation literally tearing itself apart. The conflict between the Union and the Confederacy tested not only the fabric of American democracy but also Lincoln’s leadership abilities in … Read more
As an entrepreneur, you’ve probably heard the sobering statistic that 9 out of 10 startups fail. While this number can be intimidating, it doesn’t have to be your destiny. By understanding the common pitfalls and implementing smart strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of success. “Make something people want.” – Paul Graham, co-founder of … Read more
Hitting a slump in your business can feel like a punch to the gut, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the line. Running a small business is a rollercoaster ride. There are exciting highs and also inevitable dips. If you’re experiencing a slump in your business, now is not a time to … Read more
While the sudden shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic garnered a lot of attention, another emerging trend is the rise of “fractional” or part-time employment for specialized roles and executive-level positions. A new report from the McKinsey Global Institute highlights how the pandemic accelerated workforce trends like automation and e-commerce adoption. This is likely to … Read more
Socks. They’re a basic necessity, but let’s be honest, they can also be a source of frustration. Bunching, slipping, and constant wear-and-tear are all too common. David Heath and Randy Goldberg experienced this while volunteering at a homeless shelter in New York City. They noticed the homeless often lacked proper footwear, including socks. But the … Read more
The Drunk’s Guide to Business Failure There’s an old story about a drunk stumbling through a dark alley, desperately searching for his lost keys. He shines his flashlight around, peering intently at the ground, muttering to himself. Finally, a policeman approaches and asks, “What seems to be the trouble?” “I lost my keys!” the drunk … Read more