Effective communication with stakeholders — whether they are investors, customers, or employees — is critical for any founder’s success. To illustrate this, let’s journey back 54 years to an IBM manufacturing research facility in East Fishkill, New York. Back then, IBM was a leading manufacturer of integrated circuits (ICs), the backbone of modern computing. The…
In the realm of nature, the Venus flytrap is an extraordinary example of precision and discernment. Sir David Attenborough, in a BBC episode, revealed the fascinating behavior of this carnivorous plant. Its unique feeding mechanism offers profound insights for business leaders and founders striving to master the art of strategic decision-making.
Nature’s Remarkable Teacher: The Venus…
When you bring top talent on board, it’s natural to expect exceptional results. But even the best talent may face challenges if foundational elements are overlooked. Let’s explore two critical lessons for founders, inspired by the experience of Ron Johnson, who transformed Apple retail with groundbreaking innovations like the Apple Genius Bar, but faced setbacks…
One of the most frequent questions I receive from startup founders is, “What’s the number one piece of advice you would give me?” My answer always revolves around a fundamental principle: the most important thing for any startup, business, or company is to hire the best people.
While this sounds simple, executing it is far from…
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own business, there’s no better time than now—2024. While some may view the current low funding cycles as a barrier to launching a startup, this period can actually be a golden opportunity for aspiring founders to take the plunge and develop their ideas without the intense pressure that…
In the digital age, we often hear about poor customer service experiences, especially on social media. However, I recently had an exceptional experience with Automattic, the company led by the original creator of the WordPress blogging platform. This experience provides valuable insights for technology startup founders on how to truly delight customers and build lasting…
Important Message for Business Leaders
In today's video, we address a heart-wrenching issue affecting business leaders and employees alike. The tragic news of a 26-year-old EY employee passing away due to work pressures is a reminder of the mental health crisis many are facing in the workplace.
Did you know? In 2022 alone, over 11,000…
Meetings are a cornerstone of business operations, but recent surveys reveal a concerning trend: a staggering 90% of attendees admit to daydreaming during meetings, while 73% confess to multitasking. These numbers beg the question: Are meetings truly effective?
As founders and leaders, we understand the necessity of meetings in coordinating tasks, aligning goals, and driving progress.…
In 2024, securing funding for startups is increasingly challenging. Gone are the days when investors would "spray and pray," distributing funds broadly in hopes that one or two ventures would succeed. Today's investors are highly selective, choosing to back founders who demonstrate laser-focused strategies and clear visions. To illustrate this point, let's explore the contrasting…
As a founder myself, I've learned that being a startup CEO is not about glamour; it's about grit. It's essential to acknowledge that this role can be incredibly challenging and thankless at times. So, buckle up and grow a thick skin. While there is scope to learn all functions, here I’ll focus on your personal…
In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, securing funding often hinges on one critical document: the pitch deck. Crafting a compelling pitch deck can be the difference between attracting investors or falling short of your funding goals. Recently, Girish Mathrubootham, the mind behind Freshdesk, shared a poignant insight: "A great pitch deck doesn't guarantee…
In the fast-paced world of business, CEOs often find themselves at the forefront of sales pitches, hustling to secure deals and revenue streams. While sales prowess is undoubtedly crucial in today's competitive landscape, it's essential to remember that a CEO represents more than just the sales department of a company. They embody the entirety of…