The Agile Scaleup

Michael Dell; PE Troubles; Slump Hour; Purging Bosses; April 04

Slow success builds character; fast success builds ego.
                     Ratan Tata per Cléo Maheux

There’s a simple part of this, which is, you just don’t quit.
                     Michael Dell on Dell’s longevity

April 4, 4 Authors – 99 Min Exec Ed
Join close to 1800 CEOs/CXOs tuning in or registered to get the recording of our virtual Learning Event next Thursday, April 04. Here’s a link for more info.




Michael Dell 40 Years at Helm
In addition to the quote above, this Fortune article notes the key to Dell’s longevity:

“I love spending time on the technology, and I love spending time with our customers,” he tells me. And at least where business is concerned, he adds, “I don’t really love anything else.”

Hours spent with customers and other industry influencers is the #1 KPI of a CEO. Please take 4 minutes to learn the keys to how Michael Dell became a billionaire at age 30 and just crossed the $100 billion mark before his 60^th birthday – a good 30-year run. Many lessons from one of the great entrepreneurs of our time.

Breaking Your Brand Promise – CEO Alignment?
Do your CEO strengths align with the #1 Brand Promise of your company? Steve Jobs obsessed over design; Michael Dell is a tech nerd; and the CEO of our coaching organization, John Ratliff, exited for 14x earnings which were 5x industry average, aligning with our Brand Promise to significantly scale your valuation. Boeing, on the other hand, has had accountants as CEOs – this explains why they have a mess. If your Brand Promise must be safety, I hope Boeing recruits an engineer obsessed with quality to replace Dave Calhoun who is stepping down as CEO at the end of this year. Alignment starts at the top. Again, do your strengths as CEO align with your #1 Brand Promise? And does your Brand Promise align with your strengths? Maybe a time to pivot?

Gen Z Bosses – Slump Hour, Siestas, Flattened Org Structures
Brain work requires a different work structure. 9 to 5 doesn’t cut it for many. This Fortune article details the different ways Gen Z bosses are creating a work environment more conducive to today’s challenges. From scheduling a slump hour to encouraging siestas (I take one 20-min almost every afternoon and feel refreshed the rest of the afternoon/evening) to flattening the org structure, please take 2-minutes to pick up some fresh ideas for leading your team.

Purging the Bosses
Bayer is the latest firm to announce they are getting rid of bosses, something we’ve been advocating for a few years. Bayer Chief Executive Bill Anderson is throwing out the corporate playbook for a management plan that shifts more decisions to workers.

This Fortune article’s title “Corporate Bureaucracy belong in the 19^th Century” says it all and provides the details. Seems the Gen Z bosses are onto something. Nobody needs or wants to be managed. As smaller firms, resist the temptation to add managers you have to remove later.

Private Equity in Trouble – By the Numbers
This Bain & Co Private Equity Report 2024 paints a bleak picture for private equity. Deal value, exit value, and funds closed are all down around 40%. Most telling is the amount of unsold assets piling up. 46% have been held for four years or more, the most since 2012. There might be some bargains to have? The report is worth 30 minutes of your time to see where you might benefit from these conditions.




Order a box of 20 books
Save 50% over the price on Amazon for Scaling Up, Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, and 12 Habits of Valuable Employees books here for less!

Have you considered becoming a Certified Scaling Up Coach?
Learn more about what it takes to certify and what being a coach is like. Pop into our Coach Office Hours to talk with our coach certification coordinator and a certified Scaling Up Coach. Learn More & Register for Office Hours here >

SCALING UP WORKSHOPS:
Engage your team with interactive Scaling Up workshops. Here's our list of workshops

Guatemala, Mexico, Chile – Apr 9, 2024 (Virtual)
Boston, MA – Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Apr 18, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – May 1, 2024 (In-Person)
Dallas, TX – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Portland, OR – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Sydney, Australia – May 9, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - May 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Columbus, Ohio – May 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Hong Kong / Singapore – May 22, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Dhaka – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Christchurch, NZ – May 30, 2024 (In-Person)
Adelaide, Australia – Jun 12, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jun 13, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jun 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Diego, CA – Jun 25, 2024 (In-Person)
Washington, D.C. – June 27, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jul 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jul 31, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – August 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Aug 15, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Aug 28, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Aug 29, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Sep 12, 2024 (Virtual)
Denver, CO – Sep 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Columbus, Ohio – Sep 20, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Sep 24, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – Oct 2, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Oct 10, 2024 (Virtual)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Oct 15, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Oct 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Nov 14, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Nov 14, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Nov 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Antonio, TX – Dec 10, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Dec 12, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Dec 18, 2024 (Virtual)

TECHNOLOGY:
Scaling Up Scoreboard Integrated with Salesforce, Slack, and Zapier (allowing it to connect with 1000s of systems), use Scoreboard to provide your team (working remotely even more important!) a real-time visual dashboard of cascading priorities and metrics. Get a personalized tour of Scaling Up Scoreboard to see how you can use it to better implement Scaling Up in your business.

Planning to Exit – Critical Whitepaper
Selling your firm, for its maximum value, is the most important negotiation in which a business owner will participate. You are typically negotiating with sophisticated buyers who have done hundreds of acquisitions whereas this is often your first rodeo. And these buyers have a formula for ripping you off – and it works, stealing tens of millions from you. Seeking help, owners discover the big M&A firms, especially those specializing in your industry, are more beholden to the buyers than the sellers (they will tell you otherwise). Email me to get a whitepaper on how to maximize your valuation and avoid the psychological games buyers play [email protected].

COACHING:
Does it feel as if your business has hit a wall? If you don't see a clear path forward, it's a good time to bring in a coach.  All of our Scaling Up Certified Coaches™ are masters at guiding you and your leadership team through the implementation of the Scaling Up Performance. Our promise is a custom diagnostic approach from Day 1, including how we match you with a coach. We even have a team member dedicated to helping you find the perfect Scaling Up Certified Coach.™ Schedule a complimentary, personal follow-up. Or check out our FAQs. Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]

Sign up for Verne's Weekly Insights  

*This may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Atomic Scaling; Slow Productivity; Dell Exec Coach; Father/Son April 27 – 28

Knowledge workers are exhausted – burned out from an increasingly relentless busyness.
                     Cal Newport, Slow Productivity

How can a company become the most profitable company per employee – without a boss?
                     Ludovic Bodin, Atomic Scaling

Former Dell Executive Now Scaling Up Coach (Scaling Up Case Study)
This ScaleUps.com article details how Pune, India-based Scaling Up coach Ajay Hiraskar transitioned from being a Dell executive to Scaling Up coach. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, he watched his father struggle and now helps entrepreneurs scale more easily using our tools. Ajay also continues his pro-bono work as a way to give back to the community. If you’re an experienced leader and interested in making the transition to coaching, please reach out to me [email protected].

Andreessen Horowitz – Growth Key to Driving Valuation
This a16z article makes a case for why it’s critical to grow 20% per year vs. just 12% -- and the three keys for doing it: continually innovate and evolve products; have a strong defensible business model (moat around the biz); and use a tough market to break away from the pack. It’s still the rule that your multiple, when it comes to valuation, mirrors your growth rate i.e. 20% growth rate can generate a 20x multiple. It’s time to up your growth rate. Please take 1-minute to read this insightful and precise article.

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
My apologies for being late reporting on Cal Newport’s latest book (I read EVERYTHING he writes)! Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout is another classic. In short, slow productivity is “A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner, based on the following three principles:

• Do fewer things.
• Work at a natural pace.
• Obsess over quality.

Sounds easy, but the devil is in the details. Skim Part 1 and go right to Part 2 and dive into the specifics of each principle. You have two breakthrough and simple books to read this weekend!

Atomic Scaling by Ludovic Bodin
And if you want to spur growth -- what can the gaming industry teach us about scaling easier and more rapidly? My friend and serial entrepreneur, Ludovic Bodin, released his spectacular book this week Atomic Scaling: How Small Teams Create Huge Growth. Over the last two decades, video game companies have outperformed nearly every industry. For instance, how can a company from a small country generate $12 billion in six years with a team of 300! Ludovic’s book answers this question – with lessons for all of us including the importance of small teams (what two pizzas can feed). And since I encourage gamifying your business, please absorb the lessons in his book (and it’s a fun and quick read!).

Slowing Down – Beckley Retreats – Psilocybin
Slowing down is what I did this week as one of a dozen participants (including three EO members) in Jamaica for a five-day Beckley Retreat. A leader in and advocate of psilocybin journeys, they structure a self-paced four-week preparation phase (an hour a week); the five-day experience that includes two psilocybin (magic mushroom) journey celebrations; and a six-week integration phase (an hour a week). Jamaica and The Netherlands, where they host their other retreats, are two countries where the dosage they give is legal – no sneaking around. And they run a first-class and professional operation. The ceremonies were both beautiful experiences and delivered on what you’ve read psilocybin promises with the right intentions. For more information go to this link. I’m happy I did it!

Father & Son Weekend in Nature, April 27 – 28, West Virginia
Teenage guys are busy – incredibly busy sometimes – and so are their dads. Here’s an invitation for fathers and sons to carve out time to have fun together in nature, and to engage each other as authentic individuals through challenging activities.  It could also be Grandpa or an adult male mentor who accompanies the younger guy. Check it out here. Questions? Contact Dan Harris at [email protected]

Finland Happiest Country 7 Years Running
Fortune’s Happiest Country list is out and Finland takes the honors for the 7^th year. The US and Germany dropped out of the top 20 (loneliness the issue in the US). And this year the list is parsed by age with Lithuania, Israel, and Serbia tops for those under 30; and Denmark, Finland, and Norway tops for those over 60.

Now With Rolling Admissions -- Scaling Up Master Business Course
Kickstarting on March 26, 2024, the Scaling Up Master Business Course with Growth Institute now has a monthly rolling admissions so you can start to scale up and then bring your team along with you at any time! This course dives into the "Four Decisions" framework (People, Strategy, Execution, Cash) and delves deep into proven methods to double your cash flow, triple your profitability, and align your entire organization towards your #1 thing. As Entrepreneur Margaret Heffernan said, this program "offers specific habits, processes, and outlines to make sure growth is the beginning, not the end of success. "Limited seats are available. Details and registration here: https://hubs.li/Q02nxYK90

Order a box of 20 Scaling Up and Mastering the Rockefeller Habits books
Want to save 50% over the price on Amazon? Get the box of 20 Scaling Up, MRH, and 12 Habits of Valuable Employees books here for less!

SCALING UP WORKSHOPS:
Engage your team with interactive workshops to optimize your company’s performance.
(list of workshops below)

Boca Raton, FL – Mar 26, 2024 (In-Person)
India - Mar 27, 2024 (Virtual)
Austin, TX – Mar 28, 2024 (In-Person)
Guatemala, Mexico, Chile – Apr 9, 2024 (Virtual)
Boston, MA – Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Apr 18, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – May 1, 2024 (In-Person)
Dallas, TX – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Portland, OR – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Sydney, Australia – May 9, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - May 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Columbus, Ohio – May 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Hong Kong / Singapore – May 22, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Dhaka – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Christchurch, NZ – May 30, 2024 (In-Person)
Adelaide, Australia – Jun 12, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jun 13, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jun 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Diego, CA – Jun 25, 2024 (In-Person)
Washington, D.C. – June 27, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jul 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jul 31, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – August 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Aug 15, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Aug 28, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Aug 29, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Sep 12, 2024 (Virtual)
Denver, CO – Sep 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Columbus, Ohio – Sep 20, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Sep 24, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – Oct 2, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Oct 10, 2024 (Virtual)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Oct 15, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Oct 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Nov 14, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Nov 14, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Nov 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Antonio, TX – Dec 10, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Dec 12, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Dec 18, 2024 (Virtual)

TECHNOLOGY:
Scaling Up Scoreboard Integrated with Salesforce, Slack, and Zapier (allowing it to connect with 1000s of systems), use Scoreboard to provide your team (working remotely even more important!) a real-time visual dashboard of cascading priorities and metrics. Get a personalized tour of Scaling Up Scoreboard to see how you can use it to better implement Scaling Up in your business.

Better Book Club –
What's your team reading? Increase your books read per team member. Easy, Proven, and in the Cloud at http://www.BetterBookClub.com.

Planning to Exit – Critical Whitepaper
Selling your firm, for its maximum value, is the most important negotiation in which a business owner will participate. You are typically negotiating with sophisticated buyers who have done hundreds of acquisitions whereas this is often your first rodeo. And these buyers have a formula for ripping you off – and it works, stealing tens of millions from you. Seeking help, owners discover the big M&A firms, especially those specializing in your industry, are more beholden to the buyers than the sellers (they will tell you otherwise). Email me to get a whitepaper on how to maximize your valuation and avoid the psychological games buyers play [email protected].

Have you considered becoming a Certified Scaling Up Coach?
Learn more about what it takes to certify and what being a coach is like. Pop into our Coach Office Hours to talk with our coach certification coordinator and a certified Scaling Up Coach. Learn More & Register for Office Hours here >

EDUCATION: 
Growth Institute Online Executive Education:
Master of Business Dynamics
Scaling Up Master Business Course
Exponential Organizations Master Business Course
Topgrading Master Business Course

COACHING:
Does it feel as if your business has hit a wall? If you don't see a clear path forward, it's a good time to bring in a coach.  All of our Scaling Up Certified Coaches™ are masters at guiding you and your leadership team through the implementation of the Scaling Up Performance. Our promise is a custom diagnostic approach from Day 1, including how we match you with a coach. We even have a team member dedicated to helping you find the perfect Scaling Up Certified Coach.™ Schedule a complimentary, personal follow-up. Or check out our FAQs. Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]

Did you miss previous insights? - read here

Follow Verne on Instagram: @scalingup2.0

Connect with Verne on LinkedIn: Verne Harnish

Follow Verne on Twitter: @agilescaleup

Read Verne's Insights on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SX13YI

Sign up for Verne's Weekly Insights  

*This may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Rename HQ; Fusion Strategy; 2 New Books; April 16 – 19 Vail

Telling a lie is so much work!
                     Anonymous

…those who have the most robust, data-driven insights rather than the most valuable assets wins.
                     Vijay Govindarajan, Fusion Strategy

CEO Boot Camp Vail, April 16 – 19 with Verne Harnish
We have two seats left (a team needed to postpone). Join me and 7 other CEOs/COOs for three intense and fun days/evenings of personalized training, coaching, and one-on-one sessions. The focus is identifying and removing the constraints to scaling significant growth and valuation. www.ceo-bootcamp.com to see the detailed agenda and a video of CEOs who have attended multiple times – attests to the 30x value.

“Casey Store Support Center” – New Name for HQ
This Chief Executive magazine story details how West Point grad Darren Rebelez, CEO of 44,000-employee retailer Casey’s, led its turnaround. To emphasize the importance of HQ supporting the stores, he changed the physical name of HQ to “Casey Store Support Center” and changed all the signs at HQ while the staff was attending a town hall. “Wield symbols wisely” is one of several insights from Rebelez in this short blog piece. Rebelez is keynoting Chief Execs Summit at West Point. Insight readers get 20% off – see below at the end of the insights for more info.

Cultures of Growth – Mary Murphy’s New Book
Picking up the torch for growth mindset guru Carol Dweck (who wrote the Foreword), Mary Murphy released her new book Cultures of Growth also this week. Her research, which she shared with us at our Harvard Summit last August, delineates two types of company cultures: 

1. Culture of Genius – employees are more likely to be internally competitive, pitted against each other, and feel less engaged as a result. Everyone knew who would win.
   
   
2. Culture of Growth – employees are more likely to work together to solve problems and reach goals. Lots more collaboration and support in helping everyone win.

I’ve been using the analogy of the Olympics where the goal of every Olympian is NOT to win gold (or a medal) – most know they don’t have a chance – but to achieve personal best. Mary’s book details how you create a culture/environment that supports everyone in achieving their personal best. You can’t win with just one salesperson of the year or employee of the month. FYI, 175 of you (VIPs and CEO Summit at Harvard attendees) are getting her book in the mail.

Fusion Strategy, Dartmouth AI Prof
Dartmouth professor Vijay Govindarajan has written an outstanding and practical book, released this week, on the application of AI to all firms, especially those in the industrial sector. To date, it’s been digital firms that have reaped the benefits – but those of you who produce “stuff” have a huge advantage in the next wave of AI. John Deere tractors using AI to systematically apply weed control is one of hundreds of examples in the book. Vijay is keynoting our CEO Summit at Harvard Aug 23 – 25. Please ask your Scaling Up coach for an invite.

4 Important Keys to Driving Valuation
This 30-minute interview highlights my four key moves owners need to make to drive greater valuations. And all four are just good ownership practices. Take a walk/jog/drive and absorb these keys to driving valuation. You’ll also learn about EBOT – earnings before owner theft!! Thank you to Pat Ennis for interviewing me.

New Align/Scoreboard AI Feature!🤖AI Accountability Coach: Your Strategic Ally
Stuck on setting the right priorities for the upcoming quarter? We've got your back with our first AI-powered feature - the AI Accountability Coach. Designed to bolster your efforts in crafting FAST/SMART priorities, this tool is here to ensure your business goals are not just met but exceeded. Start with the AI-generated draft and tweak it to perfection to align with your unique business landscape.

NOTE: This feature is in beta, we would love to hear your feedback! 

Portugal and Spain with EMÁJYN & Bonhomme
September/October 2024  
Embark on an unforgettable culinary odyssey through Northern Portugal and Spain with visionary founders PJ Loughran of EMÁJYN and Dani Alonso of Bonhomme Hospitality Group. This gastronomic journey begins in Porto, Portugal with private wine cellar dinners, acclaimed cliffside restaurants, and private tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia - the birthplace of port wine. Continuing in serene Galicia, Spain, you will stay at Casa Beatnik, a haven of relaxation. The experience culminates with a private scenic sail, and celebration at Culler de Pau, allowing you to savor the region's best flavors. Email PJ Loughran [email protected] for more information and the flyer.

A Taste of CDMX: Grand Prix Getaway in Mexico City
October 24-28, 2024
This extraordinary 4-day journey in Mexico City seamlessly blends the exhilaration of Formula 1 with the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture. Immerse yourself in the world of speed with VIP F1 tickets, providing exclusive access to gourmet food and beverages, pit tours, and multiple viewing options for an unparalleled racing experience. Beyond the racetrack, savor the local flavors through curated private street food and floating market tours, cooking workshops with renowned chefs, and an exclusive dinner party at Frida Kahlo’s former residence.  Email PJ Loughran [email protected] for more details and the flyer.

West Point – April 10 – 12 – Chief Executive Magazine
Go behind the gates of the U.S. Military Academy during Chief Executive's Talent Summit to learn how to build the future leaders of your company the West Point way. Bringing together military officers and proven CEOs, the summit will help you make leadership and talent development a reliable system within your organization and, in turn, retain your best talent amidst stiff competition. Use code VH20 to save 20% on registration.


Order a box of 20 Scaling Up and Mastering the Rockefeller Habits books
Want to save 50% over the price on Amazon? Get the box of 20 Scaling Up, MRH, and 12 Habits of Valuable Employees books here for less!

EDUCATION: 
Growth Institute Online Executive Education:
Master of Business Dynamics
Scaling Up Master Business Course
Exponential Organizations Master Business Course
Topgrading Master Business Course

COACHING:
Does it feel as if your business has hit a wall? If you don't see a clear path forward, it's a good time to bring in a coach.  All of our Scaling Up Certified Coaches™ are masters at guiding you and your leadership team through the implementation of the Scaling Up Performance. Our promise is a custom diagnostic approach from Day 1, including how we match you with a coach. We even have a team member dedicated to helping you find the perfect Scaling Up Certified Coach.™ Schedule a complimentary, personal follow-up. Or check out our FAQs. Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]

SCALING UP WORKSHOPS:
Engage your team with interactive workshops to optimize your company’s performance.
(list of workshops below)

Massachusetts – Mar 19, 2024 (Virtual)
Hong Kong - Mar 20, 2024 (Virtual)
Boca Raton, FL – Mar 26, 2024 (In-Person)
India - Mar 27, 2024 (Virtual)
Austin, TX – Mar 28, 2024 (In-Person)
Guatemala, Mexico, Chile – Apr 9, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Apr 18, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – May 1, 2024 (In-Person)
Portland, OR – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Sydney, Australia – May 9, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - May 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Columbus, Ohio – May 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Hong Kong / Singapore – May 22, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Dhaka – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Christchurch, NZ – May 30, 2024 (In-Person)
Adelaide, Australia – Jun 12, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jun 13, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jun 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Diego, CA – Jun 25, 2024 (In-Person)
Washington, D.C. – June 27, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jul 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jul 31, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – August 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Aug 15, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Aug 28, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Aug 29, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Sep 12, 2024 (Virtual)
Denver, CO – Sep 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Columbus, Ohio – Sep 20, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Sep 24, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – Oct 2, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Oct 10, 2024 (Virtual)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Oct 15, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Oct 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Nov 14, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Nov 14, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Nov 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Antonio, TX – Dec 10, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Dec 12, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Dec 18, 2024 (Virtual)

TECHNOLOGY:
Scaling Up Scoreboard Integrated with Salesforce, Slack, and Zapier (allowing it to connect with 1000s of systems), use Scoreboard to provide your team (working remotely even more important!) a real-time visual dashboard of cascading priorities and metrics. Get a personalized tour of Scaling Up Scoreboard to see how you can use it to better implement Scaling Up in your business.

Better Book Club –
What's your team reading? Increase your books read per team member. Easy, Proven, and in the Cloud at http://www.BetterBookClub.com.

Planning to Exit – Critical Whitepaper
Selling your firm, for its maximum value, is the most important negotiation in which a business owner will participate. You are typically negotiating with sophisticated buyers who have done hundreds of acquisitions whereas this is often your first rodeo. And these buyers have a formula for ripping you off – and it works, stealing tens of millions from you. Seeking help, owners discover the big M&A firms, especially those specializing in your industry, are more beholden to the buyers than the sellers (they will tell you otherwise). Email me to get a whitepaper on how to maximize your valuation and avoid the psychological games buyers play [email protected].

Have you considered becoming a Certified Scaling Up Coach?
Learn more about what it takes to certify and what being a coach is like. Pop into our Coach Office Hours to talk with our coach certification coordinator and a certified Scaling Up Coach. Learn More & Register for Office Hours here >

Did you miss previous insights? - read here

Follow Verne on Instagram: @scalingup2.0

Connect with Verne on LinkedIn: Verne Harnish

Follow Verne on Twitter: @agilescaleup

Read Verne's Insights on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SX13YI

Sign up for Verne's Weekly Insights  

*This may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Paris Hilton; Ginni Rometty; Steve Jobs; April 04

How we can drive meaningful change in positive ways for ourselves, our organizations, and for the many, not the few. It’s a concept I’ve come to call good power.
                     Ginni Rometty, former CEO IBM

I have a mountain of failure that lifted me to success.
                     Hadi Dawani, EO Bahrain

Good Power – Ginni Rometty’s Strategy
The 9^th CEO of IBM, Ginni Rometty transformed the 100-year-old firm, reinventing 50% of it’s portfolio, building a $25 billion hybrid cloud business, and establishing IBM’s leadership in AI and quantum computing. Named the #1 Most Powerful Woman three years in a row by Fortune, her book Good Power is out this week and is excellent. Go right to Chapter 8 as she details the making of her toughest decision in the first year and a half as CEO – then enjoy the rest of the book this weekend. Getting input from clients helped make this key decision!

Ginni Rometty 04/04, 2024 – Complimentary
Ginni is joining three other 2024 biz book authors on our 99-minute virtual “Scaling Up+ Learning Event.” Meet up in a conference room with your team and share some world-class executive education together – or just sign up to get the recording to watch at a time convenient for you. It’s our commitment to bring you continuous learning from the very best biz leaders, including Ginni Rometty. Register for this complimentary event at 11:04am ET (4:04pm CET) April 04.

Tim Cook’s Three Focuses
Our 4 Decisions framework for Scaling – People, Strategy, Execution, and Cash – aligns with what top CEOs think are the key focuses. Here’s Apple CEO Tim Cook sharing his three focuses: People, Strategy, and Execution (the terms he literally uses). Please take 1 minute to review. Get these three right and you scale Cash and Valuation.

Steve Jobs On Strategy
It still drives me crazy when I hear entrepreneurs refer to themselves as visionaries! The #1 job of an entrepreneur/CEO is Strategy of which vision is a component. Please take 1 minute to hear Steve Jobs expound on the importance of getting strategy right. Add in the right people and culture (execution) and the bottom line takes care of itself, as he exclaims. Please don’t overcomplicate the framework for scaling (like our competition does!). It’s People, Strategy, and Execution that result in Cash (Valuation).

Influencer Strategy – Paris Hilton’s Pink Uniform
This Smart Company article details how Felicity Rodgers, founder of Australia-based uniform provider Cargo Crew, uses influencers to promote her brand. Producing uniforms for hairdressers, florists, mechanics, event teams, bakers, etc. – she emphasizes fashion and was excited to learn that Paris Hilton was wearing one of her pink uniforms for a segment with Chef Bae. Please take one-minute to read how Cargo Crew managed this feat, a lesson for all of us in nurturing influencers in our market. What influencers do you need to support your brand?

Influencer Strategy -- Rise Growth Partners (Scaling Up Case Study)
This ScaleUps.com article details how Darius Mirshahzadeh manifested a relationship with Joe Duran who sold his firm to Goldman Sachs for $750 million. With Duran’s support, Darius launched Rise Growth Partners which serves as a “synergistic financial partner” to registered investment advisors (RIAs) to help them optimize their businesses to scale up. Duran’s “brand” helped Darius raise $250 million to invest in RIAs. Darius, who used Scaling Up to scale his previous firm to 1000 employees and $200 million in revenue, is using our tools and coaches to help the RIAs in which he’s investing. Please take 2-minutes to see how he landed Duran. It often takes just one key influencer to raise your game!

Last Joke Strategy – Taylor Tomlinson
…and to get a glimpse into what it takes to craft the right joke to end a routine, this NY Times interactive piece (launch it just to see a new way of conveying a message) provides the fascinating sequence of iterations comedian Taylor Tomlinson used to nail it! Thanks to Wikipedia guru Josh Greene for pointing me to this fun lesson for creating any great content.

Order a box of 20 Scaling Up and Mastering the Rockefeller Habits books
Want to save 50% over the price on Amazon? Get the box of 20 Scaling Up, MRH, and 12 Habits of Valuable Employees books here for less!

Better Book Club –
What's your team reading? Increase your books read per team member. Easy, Proven, and in the Cloud at http://www.BetterBookClub.com.

Planning to Exit – Critical Whitepaper
Selling your firm, for its maximum value, is the most important negotiation in which a business owner will participate. You are typically negotiating with sophisticated buyers who have done hundreds of acquisitions whereas this is often your first rodeo. And these buyers have a formula for ripping you off – and it works, stealing tens of millions from you. Seeking help, owners discover the big M&A firms, especially those specializing in your industry, are more beholden to the buyers than the sellers (they will tell you otherwise). Email me to get a whitepaper on how to maximize your valuation and avoid the psychological games buyers play [email protected].

COACHING:
Does it feel as if your business has hit a wall? If you don't see a clear path forward, it's a good time to bring in a coach.  All of our Scaling Up Certified Coaches™ are masters at guiding you and your leadership team through the implementation of the Scaling Up Performance. Our promise is a custom diagnostic approach from Day 1, including how we match you with a coach. We even have a team member dedicated to helping you find the perfect Scaling Up Certified Coach.™ Schedule a complimentary, personal follow-up. Or check out our FAQs. Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]

SCALING UP WORKSHOPS:
Engage your team with interactive workshops to optimize your company’s performance.
(list of workshops below)

Auckland, NZ – Mar 11, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Mar 14, 2024 (Virtual)
Massachusetts – Mar 19, 2024 (Virtual)
Hong Kong - Mar 20, 2024 (Virtual)
Boca Raton, FL – Mar 26, 2024 (In-Person)
India - Mar 27, 2024 (Virtual)
Austin, TX – Mar 28, 2024 (In-Person)
Guatemala, Mexico, Chile – Apr 9, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Apr 18, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – May 1, 2024 (In-Person)
Washington, D.C. – May 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Portland, OR – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Sydney, Australia – May 9, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - May 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Columbus, Ohio – May 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Hong Kong / Singapore – May 22, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Dhaka – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Christchurch, NZ – May 30, 2024 (In-Person)
Adelaide, Australia – Jun 12, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jun 13, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jun 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Diego, CA – Jun 25, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jul 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jul 31, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – August 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Aug 15, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Aug 28, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Aug 29, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Sep 12, 2024 (Virtual)
Denver, CO – Sep 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Columbus, Ohio – Sep 20, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Sep 24, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – Oct 2, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Oct 10, 2024 (Virtual)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Oct 15, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Oct 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Nov 14, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Nov 14, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Nov 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Antonio, TX – Dec 10, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Dec 12, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Dec 18, 2024 (Virtual)

TECHNOLOGY:
Scaling Up Scoreboard Integrated with Salesforce, Slack, and Zapier (allowing it to connect with 1000s of systems), use Scoreboard to provide your team (working remotely even more important!) a real-time visual dashboard of cascading priorities and metrics. Get a personalized tour of Scaling Up Scoreboard to see how you can use it to better implement Scaling Up in your business.

EDUCATION: 
Growth Institute Online Executive Education:
Master of Business Dynamics
Scaling Up Master Business Course
Exponential Organizations Master Business Course
Topgrading Master Business Course

Have you considered becoming a Certified Scaling Up Coach?
Learn more about what it takes to certify and what being a coach is like. Pop into our Coach Office Hours to talk with our coach certification coordinator and a certified Scaling Up Coach. Learn More & Register for Office Hours here >

Did you miss previous insights? - read here

Follow Verne on Instagram: @scalingup2.0

Connect with Verne on LinkedIn: Verne Harnish

Follow Verne on Twitter: @agilescaleup

Read Verne's Insights on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SX13YI

Sign up for Verne's Weekly Insights  

*This may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Buffett Advice; Altman Advice; Ennis-Hill Advice; West Point April 10 - 12

Warren, if people weren’t so often wrong, we wouldn’t be so rich.
                     Charlie Munger on financial pundits

Make it one of your top goals to build the fastest-iterative company (in your industry).
                     Sam Altman, Founder OpenAI

Please invest 5 to 10 minutes to keep current and review fundamentals. Thank you!

Sam Altman, Speed of Iterations
This IG post features OpenAI founder Sam Altman expounding upon the importance of iteration speed – 4 hours vs. 4 weeks. Brilliantly explained. Please watch, share with your team, then make it happen. Market intel and the daily huddle are key.

Wendy’s Testing Surge Pricing
I keep emphasizing in my “Pricing and Compensation” presentations to YPO and EO chapters that there is no fixed price for anything – B2B or B2C. This Smart Company article details how fast-food chain Wendy’s is testing AI-driven menus to vary prices as supply and demand warrants. Thx Scaling Up Coach Rob Nankervis for sharing this article.

Use Price to Throttle Demand in B2B
To generate consistent throughput, whether it’s keeping professionals “off the bench” or inventory moving thru your system, use demand-based pricing to “sell what you have and don’t sell what you don’t have.” Dell, early on, would instantly change the pricing for certain computer configurations to make sure they sold the components they had and didn’t sell what they didn’t, helping to provide a consistent throughput for their suppliers as well. This gave them favorable treatment from suppliers and reduced inventory from 60 days to 4 days.

Warren Buffett’s 2023 Shareholder Letter
Please read the one-page tribute to his long-time partner Charlie Munger, which opens Warren Buffett’s annual letter to his shareholders, released last weekend. He refers to Munger as the architect of Berkshire Hathaway and recalls the advice Munger provided on how to fix the dumb mistake Warren made in buying Berkshire – buy better companies for a fair price instead of fair companies for a better price! Much wisdom in that one-pager. Then read the 16-page letter for more wisdom including his admonishment of financial pundits.

Moneyball Stat – Levi’s
Fortune pointed out this NY Times piece describing how “Levi’s new CEO Michelle Gass wants to redesign the company to be ‘a denim lifestyle retailer’ that emphasizes Levi’s non-jean offerings." The key metric/focus is selling one top for every pair of jeans in the U.S. That’s what I would call a Moneyball stat!!  Like Southwest’s “Wheels Up” focused on getting their planes in the air two hours more than other airlines; what is THE key metric that will drive better gross margin for you!! Name it and focus on it this year.

Who is Your “Head” Coach?
My hero Jessica Ennis-Hill, the famous gold medal Olympian who’s modeled the way for married women with children to continue to compete, shares in this High-Performance podcast the importance of having a sports psychologist in achieving peak performance. I hired a highly recommended hypnotherapist who has been super helpful for me. Who is your “head” coach? Get one! Thank you to UK Scaling Up Coach Neale Lewis for sharing this link.

West Point – April 10 – 12 – Chief Executive Magazine
Go behind the gates of the U.S. Military Academy during the Chief Executive's Talent Summit to learn how to build the future leaders of your company the West Point way. Bringing together military officers and proven CEOs, the summit will help you make leadership and talent development a reliable system within your organization and, in turn, retain your best talent amidst stiff competition. Use code VH20 to save 20% on registration.


12 Habits of Valuable Employees – Back in Stock Amazon
Based on the 4 attributes of effective employees: Will, Values, Results, Skills – our 2024 book is back in stock on Amazon. Please grab a copy on Amazon and then get we have boxes of 20 for half the price on Amazon to get a copy for every employee. Make it a part of their onboarding process; focus on a chapter per month; and pair it with Mastering the Rockefeller Habits (boxes of 20 here). Company habits and career habits – two quick read books for training your employees.

Order a box of 20 Scaling Up and Mastering the Rockefeller Habits books
Want to save 50% over the price on Amazon? Get the box of 20 Scaling Up, MRH, and 12 Habits of Valuable Employees books here for less!

Have you considered becoming a Certified Scaling Up Coach?
Learn more about what it takes to certify and what being a coach is like. Pop into our Coach Office Hours to talk with our coach certification coordinator and a certified Scaling Up Coach. Learn More & Register for Office Hours here >

Better Book Club –
What's your team reading? Increase your books read per team member. Easy, Proven, and in the Cloud at http://www.BetterBookClub.com.

COACHING:
Does it feel as if your business has hit a wall? If you don't see a clear path forward, it's a good time to bring in a coach.  All of our Scaling Up Certified Coaches™ are masters at guiding you and your leadership team through the implementation of the Scaling Up Performance. Our promise is a custom diagnostic approach from Day 1, including how we match you with a coach. We even have a team member dedicated to helping you find the perfect Scaling Up Certified Coach.™ Schedule a complimentary, personal follow-up. Or check out our FAQs. Additional questions can be sent to [email protected]

SCALING UP WORKSHOPS:
Engage your team with interactive workshops to optimize your company’s performance.
(list of workshops below)

San Francisco, CA – Mar 6, 2024 (Virtual)
Melbourne, Australia – Mar 6, 2024 (In-Person)
Auckland, NZ – Mar 11, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Mar 14, 2024 (Virtual)
Massachusetts – Mar 19, 2024 (Virtual)
Hong Kong - Mar 20, 2024 (Virtual)
Boca Raton, FL – Mar 26, 2024 (In-Person)
India - Mar 27, 2024 (Virtual)
Austin, TX – Mar 28, 2024 (In-Person)
Guatemala, Mexico, Chile – Apr 9, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Apr 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Apr 18, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – May 1, 2024 (In-Person)
Washington, D.C. – May 7, 2024 (In-Person)
Portland, OR – May 8, 2024 (In-Person)
Sydney, Australia – May 9, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - May 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Columbus, Ohio – May 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Hong Kong / Singapore – May 22, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Bengaluru / Hyderabad / Dhaka – May 29, 2024 (Virtual)
Christchurch, NZ – May 30, 2024 (In-Person)
Adelaide, Australia – Jun 12, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jun 13, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jun 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Diego, CA – Jun 25, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Jul 11, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Jul 31, 2024 (Virtual)
Ontario, Canada - Aug 15, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Aug 28, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Aug 29, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Sep 12, 2024 (Virtual)
Denver, CO – Sep 17, 2024 (In-Person)
Columbus, Ohio – Sep 20, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Sep 24, 2024 (Virtual)
Brisbane, Australia – Oct 2, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Oct 10, 2024 (Virtual)
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Oct 15, 2024 (In-Person)
San Francisco, CA – Oct 16, 2024 (Virtual)
Sydney, Australia – Nov 14, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Nov 14, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Nov 19, 2024 (Virtual)
San Antonio, TX – Dec 10, 2024 (In-Person)
Ontario, Canada - Dec 12, 2024 (Virtual)
San Francisco, CA – Dec 18, 2024 (Virtual)

TECHNOLOGY:
Scaling Up Scoreboard Integrated with Salesforce, Slack, and Zapier (allowing it to connect with 1000s of systems), use Scoreboard to provide your team (working remotely even more important!) a real-time visual dashboard of cascading priorities and metrics. Get a personalized tour of Scaling Up Scoreboard to see how you can use it to better implement Scaling Up in your business.

Planning to Exit – Critical Whitepaper
Selling your firm, for its maximum value, is the most important negotiation in which a business owner will participate. You are typically negotiating with sophisticated buyers who have done hundreds of acquisitions whereas this is often your first rodeo. And these buyers have a formula for ripping you off – and it works, stealing tens of millions from you. Seeking help, owners discover the big M&A firms, especially those specializing in your industry, are more beholden to the buyers than the sellers (they will tell you otherwise). Email me to get a whitepaper on how to maximize your valuation and avoid the psychological games buyers play [email protected].

EDUCATION: 
Growth Institute Online Executive Education:
Master of Business Dynamics
Scaling Up Master Business Course
Exponential Organizations Master Business Course
Topgrading Master Business Course

Did you miss previous insights? - read here

Follow Verne on Instagram: @scalingup2.0

Connect with Verne on LinkedIn: Verne Harnish

Follow Verne on Twitter: @agilescaleup

Read Verne's Insights on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003SX13YI

Sign up for Verne's Weekly Insights  

*This may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.