Some of the Worst Mistakes I Made My First Time as CEO, and Marketing As Oxygen
A former engineer turned CEO shares his biggest mistakes: slow transformation, bad hiring, muddled product strategy, and not prioritizing marketing. Learn the 2 critical lessons for success.
Process Re-Engineering Is a Key Skill in the Age of AI
Buying new tools isn't enough. Learn why process re-engineering is the hardest form of leadership, how to move beyond "try AI first," and why employee measurement is essential for transformative growth.
AI Barbell Effect: The Unspoken AI Enthusiasm Gap at Big Companies
Learn about the AI barbell effect, where a reluctant middle management blocks innovation. Discover the only solution to overcome internal resistance and a crucial warning for software vendors selling AI tools.
"Oh, Shift!" - Agentic Software Leader Content Series Upcoming - Volunteers err Victims Wanted
Software company CEOs: Is your business ready for the shift to Agentic AI? Join our new content series to explore practical strategies for product development, sales, and company structure in the age of AI.
The Peter Principle is Undefeated. Also, Why There is No Org Structure Best Practice
Is your organizational structure holding you back? This article reveals why "best practices" don't exist and how the Peter Principle can undermine success. Learn the key questions to ask to improve your org design and fix problems.
Global Intelligence Needs More Context, And Hardware Is Definitely Required
OpenAI’s bet on hardware isn’t just flashy—it’s essential. Why context, collaboration, and delivery may define the next era of artificial intelligence.
What If the Front End is the Real Problem?
Debating UI frameworks instead of serving the business? Discover why overly complex front ends, outdated PIM/PLM systems, and implementation budget cuts lead to composable commerce failure.
Is 2025 the Year to Eat the Entire Enchilada?
2025 could be the most challenging year for consumer brands since 2008—but also the most transformative. Rick Watson breaks down three key business situations and why bold change might be the only way forward.
For My Best Job Decisions, I Used Only a Single Criteria To Judge a Company
The best job decisions of my career hinged on a single criterion: how a company handles its interview process. When choosing between Microsoft and an unknown startup, I discovered that thoughtful hiring practices signal a company's true quality. Learn how judging a company's interview process can lead to working with exceptional teams and products, regardless of brand recognition.
It’s Not Just You - Age of Efficiency Accelerating
Discover why 2025 is shaping up as the Age of Efficiency, with CFOs doubling down on profitability. Learn how businesses are navigating budget cuts, prioritizing growth, and making strategic decisions in a challenging landscape.
AI Won't Solve All The Problems, But We Don't Realize It Yet
AI can do a lot—analyze, automate, and accelerate processes—but it can't replace human intuition, relationships, or experience. As businesses rush to adopt AI, are we forgetting what truly makes companies great? Discover the limits of AI and why human connection still matters.
Why Aren't We Growing Faster?
Discover common reasons why businesses struggle to grow and how to overcome them. This article explores key factors like brand clarity, customer understanding, competitive positioning, team effectiveness, and strategic consistency. Learn why technology isn’t a silver bullet and why patience and adaptability are essential for sustainable growth. Find out if your business is making critical mistakes and how to get back on track.
Is 2025 The Year of the Niche Down?
Discover the key trends shaping 2025, from the rise of niche-focused businesses to shifts in global trade and supply chain strategies. Learn how SaaS valuations are stabilizing, why "de-Chinafication" is reshaping economies, and what challenges consumers still face.
Why Use an Outside Consultant to Help you Solve a Problem?
Discover why hiring an outside consultant can be the game-changer your business needs. This article explores the value of an independent perspective, expertise in digital transformation, and access to extensive industry networks that help businesses solve complex challenges, uncover new opportunities, and make confident decisions.
What Are the Elements of a Great Platform RFP Process?
Discover the essential steps to crafting a successful eCommerce Platform RFP. From defining decision-making criteria and understanding customer needs to choosing the right system integrators, this guide dives into the critical elements that streamline selection and set your business up for growth.
Growth While Shrinking? It's Called Optimization, and It's Possible
Discover how businesses can achieve growth while reducing costs by optimizing people, processes, and technology. This article explores why cutting expenses without a clear strategy can backfire and provides a step-by-step approach to aligning your operations with growth goals. Learn how even modest growth can translate into gaining market share in a competitive landscape.
Eisenhower was Right: Plans are Nothing, Planning is Everything
This article explores why businesses may stop growing, often due to people and process issues rather than website or technology failures. It emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan, ownership, and alignment within teams to overcome growth barriers in eCommerce. Expect practical insights into diagnosing and resolving these challenges for sustained business growth.
