Image via Wikipedia The rock face has many parallels to business’ external environment. Rock climbing starts by understanding it. Stand back too far, you see everything, but can’t see initial steps up the rock. Stand too close, you’ll likely climb to a dead end i.e., without safe steps up the face.  With the right distance [...]

I took up rock climbing to confront my fear of heights. I’d follow my planned route, stopping to decide on my next steps. Stopping for too long, usually out of fear, was always a mistake.  Fear aroused the oldest part of my brain that screamed, “Any move other than right back down the way you [...]

Image via Wikipedia Your business model strategy answers 5 core strategy questions about your business. Where will we compete? Who is (are) our target market(s)? What business are we in? Why will we win? What value promise (where value = benefits received less the price paid to acquire these benefits) will earn target customer loyalty? [...]

Image via Wikipedia Many business leaders debunk strategic planning.  “The external environment is too uncertain,” they argue.  Or, “Strategy is decided at the point of contact with our customers and markets.” I also hate strategic planning because the decisions from strategic planning are strategic in name only. We delude ourselves into thinking that we’re planning [...]

My career has taken me into many organizations, but at each stop you’d see my deep passion for making a difference, a sharp intellect that creates clarity out of complexity, enduring optimism for others, gratitude,  and spiritual wonder. Clients tell me that I’m an unusual blend of visionary­­ and practical -  able to see what’s [...]