If your business feels like it’s running on adrenaline instead of systems, you’re not alone. Growth brings complexity — and chaos. Michael Gerber nailed it: “Most businesses fail not because they lack ideas, but because they lack systems.” …. Read More ….

Every company says, “We value open communication.” But when was the last time one of your middle managers challenged a decision – In most organisations, the problem isn’t bad strategy. It’s silent meetings …. Read More ….

Every founder dreams of scaling up. Few plan for how it ends. At some point, every business hits a crossroads: “If I stepped away… would this company keep growing without me?” That’s the true test of value — and the start of every smart exit strategy … Read More …

Your problem isn’t leads — it’s leaks. Too many mid-market companies chase more leads instead of fixing how they convert the ones they already have. Here’s the truth … You don’t need twice as many leads …. Read More ….

In 1939, the U.S. ranked behind Portugal in military power. By 1945, it was building a B-24 bomber every 63 minutes. How? Clarity. Simplicity. Speed … Read More …

If you think hiring fast is cheaper than hiring right — think again. In mid-market companies, every single hire matters. One underperformer can slow momentum. But one A Player? They can transform it … Read More …

Most leaders don’t struggle with strategy. They struggle with execution. The difference between planning and performing usually comes down to five factors When even one of these weakens, execution slows. When all five are strong, momentum takes off …. Read More ….

Most companies don’t fail because of bad strategy — they fail because of scattered focus. That’s where strategic pillars come in. They’re the foundational themes that turn a bold vision into daily, aligned action …. Read More ….

When someone underperforms, the instinct is to fix them. But what if the problem isn’t the person?
Here’s what I’ve learned …. A “C player” in one environment can be an “A player” in another … Read More …

If your boss ever has to ask for an update, you’re already behind. One simple habit can change that Send a weekly summary email. It takes five minutes and delivers massive benefits: …. Read More …

When people hear “Lean,” they think efficiency, cost-cutting, and productivity. But here’s the truth most leaders miss: Lean is really about joy. The joy of clarity. The joy of teams who fix problems early. The joy of work that actually flows.

Here’s what Lean was always meant to be…

If your business can’t run without you, it owns you — not the other way around. Founders often start by doing everything. But as the business grows, that habit becomes a bottleneck. Here’s how to break free … Read More ….

Most leaders see Jim Collins’ Flywheel as a metaphor for momentum. But it’s much more than that … It’s your strategic activity system — a visual map of how your business wins. …. Read More ….

In leadership meetings, I often see this pattern: Teams jump straight to setting ambitious targets — before deciding how they’ll win. Here’s the truth – Targets don’t drive strategy. Strategy drives targets. …. Read More

Most workplaces lose hours every week to clutter, chaos, and confusion. Lean expert Paul Akers simplified the traditional 5S system into 3S — It’s a simple, powerful system that helps teams: … Read More ….

When most people hear “Lean,” they think: Efficiency, Waste reduction, Continuous improvement – But the truth? Lean is really about teamwork. …. Read More ….

Many leaders ask me: “But Ted, Good to Great is about massive companies — how does it apply to us?”
Here’s the truth – The principles that made Fortune 500s great can transform any business — when applied the right way. …. Read More ….

Every business hits it — the “Valley of Death.” That dangerous stage where cash gets tight, systems strain, and leadership feels the weight of growth. But here’s the truth – These valleys aren’t signs of failure ….. Read More …

Most leaders don’t fail from lack of effort — they fail from exhaustion. The constant juggle of time, tasks, and energy leaves even great leaders stuck on the treadmill of busyness. Here’s the fix …. Read More …

The biggest risk in business isn’t failure — it’s standing still. The best companies don’t rely on one big bet. They experiment their way to success. Here’s what small, data-driven experiments deliver …. Read More …

Managers drive 70% of team engagement — but most organisations never measure how effective their managers really are. The Manager Effectiveness Index (MEI) changes that. Because when you measure leadership, you can improve it …. Read More ….

Leadership can be lonely. But the best leaders don’t go it alone — they surround themselves with other growth-minded CEOs who challenge, support, and hold them accountable. Here’s what you gain from a mastermind group … Read More …

When a business starts bleeding cash, most leaders freeze. But speed, honesty, and focus are what save it.
Here are 7 lessons I’ve learned from 25 years of business turnarounds … Read More …

The best leaders never stop learning — they sharpen their strategy by studying what works. Here are 10 essential reads that will stretch your thinking …. Read More …

Why do some businesses scale effortlessly while others struggle to break through? It comes down to four critical pillars. When these four are balanced, your company scales sustainably — with clarity, control, and confidence. … Read More …

The gap between good leaders and great ones isn’t talent – it’s discipline. Here are 7 practices that transform leadership performance …. Read More …

Every leader talks about execution. Few truly master it. Execution isn’t about ticking off plans — it’s about turning vision into measurable results. Here are the 3 Building Blocks of execution that drive lasting success … Read More …

Execution isn’t a task – it’s a discipline. It’s the system that connects vision to reality and strategy to results. Here’s what true execution looks like …. Read More …

The biggest gains in business don’t come from breakthroughs. They come from consistency. That’s the power of the Compound Effect — small, consistent actions that build massive results over time. Here’s how it shows up in business …. Read More …

The best accountants don’t just crunch numbers — they grow businesses. As AI and automation reshape the profession, accountants who want to stay relevant must evolve from technical experts to strategic advisors … Read More ….

What if every person in your business improved just one small thing every day? That’s the magic of 2 Second Lean — a simple philosophy that transforms culture, efficiency, and engagement. Here’s how to start …. Read More …

During a recent study tour in Japan, I saw firsthand what makes the 2 Second Lean philosophy so powerful. It’s not about tools. It’s about mindset. Tiny daily improvements — seconds shaved, steps saved — compound into extraordinary results. Here are 5 lessons every leader can apply …. Read More …

You can be the smartest person in the room — and still not be the best leader. That’s because leadership success is less about IQ and more about Emotional Intelligence (EI) — the ability to understand and manage your own emotions while connecting with others. Here’s what high-EI leaders do differently … Read More …

Most companies track too many numbers — and ignore the ones that truly drive growth. Scaling Up is about focus. Here are the 10 metrics that matter most …. Read More …

The greatest risk to your business isn’t the market — it’s not having tomorrow’s leaders ready today. Future growth depends on how well you identify, develop, and empower emerging leaders now. Here’s how to start ….. Read More …

When I ask CEOs, “How does your business make money?” — most pause. They know their products. They know their customers. But they can’t see how it all fits together. That’s the purpose of the Business Model & Key Activity Canvas. It’s a one-page map that helps leaders: …. Read More …

When I ask CEOs, “How does your business actually make money?” — most hesitate. That’s where the Business Model & Key Activity Canvas comes in. It’s a one-page visual tool that helps you see your entire business – It’s not theory. It’s clarity. Here’s what it delivers …. Read More …

Most business owners are trapped. They’re running their business instead of building it. Michael Gerber’s E-Myth calls this the “technician’s trap” — when you spend all your time in the business instead of on it. Here’s how to break free …. Read More …

We’ve all said it. “I didn’t have time.” But here’s the truth — it’s rarely about time. It’s about choices, clarity, and control. When people say they didn’t have time, it often means: …. Read More …

Most founders start a business to gain freedom. Then the business takes all their freedom away. That’s the trap Michael Gerber called The E-Myth — when technicians get stuck in the work instead of on the business.
Here’s how to flip it … Read More …

Every leader reaches a point where they realise they can’t do it alone.
That’s when the search begins, and it usually comes down to two options: a business coach or a mentor.

They sound similar, but the difference matters more than most leaders think…

The irony of leadership success is that it often comes at the expense of balance. The best CEOs don’t just manage businesses — they manage themselves. Here are 8 areas every leader should focus on …. Read More

Remote and hybrid work aren’t temporary trends — they’re the new normal. But here’s the catch:
While flexibility is thriving, connection is fading in many teams. So how do you keep people aligned, accountable, and inspired – Here are 6 proven strategies … Read More ..

Most strategy problems aren’t really strategy problems — they’re clarity problems. When people don’t know exactly where the company is going or how their work fits in, you get friction, wasted effort, and disengagement. Here’s how to fix it …. Read More …

Every leader wants a high-performing team. But many quietly struggle with dysfunction — lack of trust, poor accountability, or unclear goals. Patrick Lencioni identified 5 common dysfunctions that hold teams back … Read More ….

Most Lean programs fail because they’re too complex, too slow, and too disconnected from the people doing the work. That’s why Paul Akers’ 2 Second Lean has taken the world by storm. It’s simple, fun, and empowering. No jargon. No consultants. No “projects.” …. Read More ..

42% of new managers say they learned by copying a previous boss. Almost half have had less than 10 hours of training — ever. No wonder so many struggle. That’s why I believe every business needs a Manager’s Playbook ….. Read More ….

Growth is exciting — but it’s also expensive. Every dollar of new revenue drains cash long before it comes back. That’s why cash flow — not profit — determines whether your business can truly scale. Here are 5 ways to strengthen your cash position … Read More …

60–90% of strategic plans fail — not because the ideas are bad, but because execution fades. The excitement of the strategy day ends. Priorities blur. Momentum dies. Execution fails quietly, then all at once. Here are 4 ways to turn strategy into results …. Read More …

Most companies sound the same. They use the same buzzwords, chase the same trends, and compete on price — not value. That’s why differentiation is the heart of scaling up. Here are 5 steps to create a strategy that truly stands out …. Read More …

Most growth challenges aren’t about cash, systems, or customers. They’re about people. As Verne Harnish says, “If you can’t get the people part right, nothing else works.” Here are 6 ways to attract, engage, and keep the right people … Read More …

If your business feels busy but not productive, you’re probably facing a constraint – that limits performance. It’s the weak link in the chain. That’s the essence of Eliyahu Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints. Here’s how to break through … Read More …

What separates a good manager from a bad one? It’s not tenure. It’s not title. It’s impact. Here are four questions to test yourself … Read More …

Repetition is a core element in leadership development (aka learning new skills!), and reaching company…

Becoming a first-time leader is exciting — and daunting. You’ve been promoted because you’re great at what you do. But now, your success depends on what others do. Here are five habits that will help you lead with confidence …. Read More …

Scaling a business is like climbing a mountain. Every step higher brings thinner air – and tougher conditions.
Many leaders hit the growth paradox – believing that more people, more customers, and more resources should make life easier. But they don’t …. Read More ….

It’s hard to motivate others if you’re running on empty. John Adair’s Fifty-Fifty Rule says 50% of motivation comes from within, and 50% from the environment — especially leadership. That means your team takes cues from you. …. Read More ….

Most strategic plans fail before they’re even executed. Not because the strategy is bad — but because it’s never truly challenged. A strong plan requires prepared minds — leaders who can test assumptions, challenge each other’s thinking, and make informed decisions. Here are 3 ways to challenge your plan …. Read More …

Most strategic plans fail before they’re even executed. Why? Because the team never asked the right questions. Here are five high-impact questions I use with leadership teams to bring clarity and focus …. Read More …

We talk a lot about holding others accountable. But real accountability starts with ourselves.

Executive coach Marshall Goldsmith uses a simple daily ritual: Every night, someone calls him and asks six questions — all beginning with the same powerful prompt.

Here’s why it works…

Feedback is a gift — but most people don’t know how to unwrap it. Some leaders avoid giving it because it feels uncomfortable. Others resist receiving it because it feels personal. But when done well, feedback becomes a superpower …. Read More ….

Most owners work harder every year — but never feel freer. Here’s why – They’re managing people instead of managing systems. …. Read More …

Most business owners work harder than ever — but not necessarily smarter. They’re trapped in the work because they haven’t built a business that can run without them. That’s where the E-Myth Business Development Process changes everything …. Read More ….

Ever feel like three different people at work? One day you’re the visionary (Entrepreneur). Next, the organizer (Manager). And by afternoon — the doer (Technician). That’s the E-Myth triangle. And when it’s out of balance, you get chaos … Read More …

Most business owners are incredible technicians. They know their craft inside out. But here’s the trap – They mistake doing the work for building the business. That’s the E-Myth — the entrepreneurial myth that says technical skill equals business success. The truth? …. Read More ….

Every business makes promises. Only a few consistently keep them. That’s the real difference between a customer and a client. …. Read More …

When things go wrong, most people point fingers. Leaders take ownership. That’s the power of the 100/0 Principle — take 100% responsibility, make 0 excuses …. Read More …..

At the end of every year, I pull out a list I created over 20 years ago — my World of Opportunity Checklist. It’s not about goals or resolutions. It’s about who I want to be. A few lines always hit home for me …. Read More …

Every leader says, “I wish my people were more innovative.” But here’s the truth: innovation starts at the top.
If you’re not modeling curiosity, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving — your team won’t either. …. Read More ….

Why do some entrepreneurs thrive while others stall? Michael Gerber’s The Power Point points to five timeless skills that define sustainable success ….. Read More ….

Every leader gets frustrated. Missed targets. Miscommunication. Rework. But frustration isn’t the problem — it’s the signal. Each frustration points to something missing: …. Read More ….

Most teams don’t fail because of poor ideas — they fail because of poor execution. That’s why frameworks like Scrum and PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) matter more than ever. Scrum builds progress through short, focused “Sprints.” …. Read More ….

Most teams hate meetings — but that’s because most meetings are broken. Here’s the truth: The faster your company grows, the more rhythm it needs. That’s why the Scaling Up / Rockefeller Habits framework prescribes meeting rhythms – each with a specific purpose …. Read More ….

Most companies play the game harder. Outthinkers play it smarter. In Outthink the Competition, Kaihan Krippendorff identified five habits that separate winning strategists from the rest: …. Read More ….

Five-year plans used to work. Now, markets shift every five months. To win in turbulence, leaders need more than a plan – they need a learning system. …. Read More …..

Most teams don’t fail for lack of effort — they fail for lack of alignment. That’s why OKRs (Objectives & Key Results) are so powerful. They connect the company’s big goals to what each person does every day. … Read More …

Most founders start out doing everything — strategy, sales, operations, finance, HR. It works… until it doesn’t. At some point, you hit the wall — too many hats, not enough time. That’s the E-Myth trap. …. Read More …

“The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing.” Jim Collins built one of his most powerful frameworks on that idea — the Hedgehog Concept. It’s the intersection of three circles: …. Read More …

When people hear “Lean,” they think: Efficiency, Cost cutting, Productivity – But here’s the truth ….Lean is really about joy. …. Read More ….

Most leaders think they’re fixing problems. In reality, they’re just managing symptoms. A process breaks. A customer complains. A project stalls. You jump in, patch it up… and two weeks later, it’s back. The real issue? You didn’t fix the root cause. …. Read More …..

When you fail or face a setback, what’s your first reaction? Do you think: “I’m just not good at this.” Or, “I haven’t mastered it yet.” That small difference defines your mindset — and your potential. …. Read More …

Culture isn’t built in boardrooms – it’s built in habits. Every routine, meeting, and decision either strengthens or weakens your organization. … Read More …

In Australia, 35% of small and mid-sized businesses don’t make it past five years. It’s rarely one big mistake that takes them down — it’s a series of predictable cracks in the foundation. Here are the 4 most common …. Read More ….

We often confuse leadership with personality. But leadership isn’t about style — it’s about substance. Real leaders focus on three things: …. Read More ….

When Sir Dave Brailsford took over British Cycling, they hadn’t won a Tour de France in over 100 years. Five years later, they dominated. How? Through one simple idea: Marginal Gains. …. Read More ….

Herb Kelleher once said, “A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.” Kip Tindell, founder of The Container Store, built his entire organisation on that belief — and on one powerful truth:

“Nothing gets rid of bad actions faster than transparency.”

Here’s what his approach taught me about leadership…

Every great company has a BHAG — a Big Hairy Audacious Goal. NASA had one: “Put a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the decade is out.” A BHAG isn’t a slogan or a stretch goal. It’s a bold, crystal-clear destination that unites a team and defies the odds. …. Read More ….

A simple, crystalline concept flowing from deep understanding about the intersection…

Most teams fail not from lack of effort — but from lack of focus. They chase too many goals, juggle too many priorities, and wonder why nothing moves fast. Here’s the truth …. Read More …..

Here’s the truth: You can train for skill — but you can’t train for attitude. That’s why the best hiring systems, like Topgrading, go beyond resumes and references. They uncover how people think, respond, and grow. …. Read More ……

Charisma doesn’t make you a leader. Habits do. Leadership isn’t genetic — it’s learned, practiced, and refined through experience. Here are 4 truths that every leader eventually learns …. Read More …..

We’ve all heard it: “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” But Urban Meyer takes it further: “Leaders create culture. Culture drives behavior. Behavior produces results.” That’s why the best teams don’t obsess over tactics — they obsess over how they show up. …. Read More ……

You’ve built momentum. Revenue is steady. The team is humming. Now comes the hard part — scaling. Here are 5 practical steps that separate real growth from chaos …. Read More ….

As a child you may have feared and disliked the word discipline. Being disciplined usually…

Most businesses chase the breakthrough moment — the lucky break, the viral product, the “big win.” But here’s the truth: there is no miracle moment. Jim Collins calls it the Flywheel Effect. …. Read More ….

Every leader battles the same enemy: the whirlwind. Urgent emails. Quick questions. Endless meetings. And at the end of the day, the important work — the real work — still isn’t done …. Read More ….

Most founders blame funding or market conditions when a start-up fails. But the data — and decades of research — say otherwise. The #1 reason? Poor management. Here’s how it happens …. Read More …

Most leadership teams think their meetings are fine. They’re organized, efficient… and completely forgettable.
But here’s the truth: Boring meetings destroy decision-making. ….. Read More …..

Let’s be honest. Most of us still believe we can multitask our way to success. But here’s the truth: multitasking is a lie. …. Read More …..

Most companies don’t have a value proposition problem. They have a clarity problem. If your customers can’t answer in five seconds why they should buy from you, you don’t have a value proposition – you have noise. …. Read More …..

Peter Drucker once called pricing “the most neglected area of marketing.” He was right then—and he’s still right now. Too many businesses price by gut feel or fear. They chase volume, discount too often, and mistake “cheap” for “competitive.” …. Read More ….

We all get the same 24 hours. Yet some people achieve extraordinary results while others just stay busy.
The difference? Focus. And the best way to create it is Time Blocking …. Read More …..

Every business leader says they want to grow profits. So they… Cut costs. Push for more volume. Ignore pricing. That’s a mistake …. Read More …..

Every business hits this wall: Revenue is up, profits look fine… but there’s never enough cash. Cash is oxygen. When it runs short, nothing else matters. …. Read More …

What Defines “Great?” Jim Collins answers this by posing 12 Questions that…

Every leadership team sets goals. But only the great ones measure what actually drives them. That’s why KPI discipline is the silent engine of execution. Here’s why it matters …. Read More ….

Most companies think success comes from bold moves, luck, or timing. But the best research says otherwise.
In Great by Choice, Jim Collins found that the companies that thrived — the “10Xers” — all shared one trait: Fanatic Discipline. …. Read More ……

After 20+ years facilitating strategy sessions, I’ve noticed something consistent across great leadership teams: They don’t obsess over having all the answers — they obsess over asking better questions. Here are 8 that often spark the biggest breakthroughs: …. Read More …..

Here’s a secret I’ve learned after 20+ years working with leadership teams: Most companies don’t really have a strategy. They have ambitious goals… and a long list of initiatives. But strategy isn’t about doing more. …. Read More …..