skydiver711-blog

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Good Companies Build Products. Great Ones Build Standards...Are you playing too small?

Most of the companies I work with make great things. Solid products. Smart services. The kind of businesses that pay the bills, create jobs, and make a real dent in their industries. But let me ask you this: Are you in the business of making stuff… or setting the rules for how stuff gets made? There’s a quiet strategic hierarchy out there. It goes like this: – Third-tier companies make…

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Fueling Growth: Why Your Business Needs a Chief Growth Officer

Hello, fellow leaders! As a Vistage Master Chair with more than 4 decades of experience in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, I’m excited to introduce you to the vital role of a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) for driving long-term, sustainable growth in your business. The Growth Landscape In my experience, too many small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), particularly those between $10 million…

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Mastering 2025: Strategic Budgeting and Operational Planning Tips for CEOs

As the year wraps up, many companies are finalizing their 2025 budgets and operational plans. Having worked with SMB CEOs, business owners, and senior executives in Vistage peer advisory groups for the past 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand the power of effective planning. Here are some tips to ensure your budgets and operational plans provide real operational value. Understanding the…

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Playing to Win vs Playing Not to Lose: Leadership Strategies Explored

As a CEO coach dedicated to guiding leaders toward peak performance and strategic excellence, one core concept that I consistently explore with my clients is the distinction between playing to win and playing not to lose. This dichotomy encapsulates the fundamental difference in mindset and approach that leaders adopt when navigating challenges, making decisions, and driving growth within their…

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Taming the Tech Genius: How to Manage a Prima Donna Without Losing Control

Taming the Tech Genius: How to Manage a Prima Donna Without Losing Control

In every organization, there’s often a standout individual whose prowess makes them indispensable. However, managing such a person can be challenging, especially when they exhibit “prima donna” tendencies. Technical “prima donnas” are one of these unique breeds who often believe their exceptional talents place them in a unique category. They may expect managers to comply with their wishes or…

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"Crushing Business Goals: Turning Dreams into Achievable Milestones"

As an executive coach, I work with business leaders to help them achieve their goals and objectives. One of the most important aspects of achieving success in business is having a clear understanding of the different terms that are used to describe the elements of what make good companies great, namely:  mission, vision, values, strategic initiatives, goals, objectives, key results,…

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12 Insanely Simple Ways To Get Your “Stuff” Prioritized 

As we start to exit the summer, we approach the time of year when we start planning for next year and possibly the years beyond. Doing so may have you wind up with a long list of “stuff” that needs to get done. Some of these are tactical and operational, but some might be strategic. Regardless, prioritizing a long list of exciting initiatives (aka “stuff”) can be a daunting task.  Here are 12…

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Small Business, Big Ambitions: Crush Strategic Planning Blunders for Explosive Success!

Strategic planning is the compass that guides Businesses (toward their long-term goals and growth. It’s the foundational process that determines a company’s direction and actions. But, like any journey, strategic planning can be fraught with pitfalls. Ignoring these pitfalls can lead to wasted resources, missed opportunities, and even business failure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve…

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Unleashing Your Leadership Potential: 6 Steps to Become the Next CEO

Becoming a CEO is the pinnacle of success for many ambitious individuals. It requires a combination of strategic vision, strong relationships, proven results, proactive thinking, effective communication, and exceptional leadership skills. In this blog post, we will explore six powerful steps that will propel you towards the CEO position. As an executive coach with years of experience guiding…

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Hone your "Perspicacity" (what?)... catapult your business

Perspicacity (what?)

As an executive coach to CEOs and senior executives, I’ve seen firsthand the power of perspicacityand perspective in achieving business success.  These two qualities are critical for leaders to possess, yet they are often undervalued or overlooked. Perspicacity Perspicacity, or the ability to see things clearly and understand them deeply, is key to making informed decisions and taking…

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7 Reasons Why a Corporate Tax Increase Would Be a Disaster for American Businesses and Consumers - Take Action Today

The debate over a proposed corporate tax increase in the United States has been ongoing, with supporters arguing that it will provide much-needed revenue for the government and opponents warning of the potential negative consequences for businesses and the economy. Here are some of the ways in which a corporate tax increase could harm the United States: Reduced investment: A higher corporate…

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The 5 Nightmares Keeping CEOs Up at Night - Are You Ready for Them?"

As a CEO of a company, you may often find yourself up at night, worrying about the challenges that lay ahead. After all, running a business is no walk in the park. In today’s competitive landscape, there are numerous things that can keep you awake at night.  Here are the top 5 nightmares that private company CEOs are most concerned about Cash Flow The lifeblood of any business is cash flow,…

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What is Free Cash Flow and (more importantly) why does it matter?

Are you a leader in a private or public company? If so, then you need to understand the importance of free cash flow. While profit and revenue are important, they don’t necessarily indicate whether a business is financially stable or able to invest in future growth. Free cash flow, on the other hand, provides a more accurate picture of a company’s financial health. What is Free Cash Flow? Free…

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Why Professionalism is Like a Good Pair of Shoes: It May Not Solve All Your Problems, But it Can Help You Go Places!

PROFESSIONALISM is a term that is frequently thrown around in the business world, but what does it really mean? And, why does it matter? In short, professionalism is the way in which one conducts themselves in a business setting. It encompasses everything from how you dress, to how you communicate, to how you handle difficult situations. While it may seem obvious that professionalism is…

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Profit Hack: "Gratitude"... Cost? (almost) nothing, ROI?(almost) infinite

As a CEO or business owner, we both know it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of running a company.  You may find yourself constantly focused on the next goal or milestone, forgetting to take a moment to appreciate those who have helped you along the way.  Research shows that expressing gratitude can have a powerful impact on both individuals and organizations.  In fact,…

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Accountability? A Call to Action for CEOs and Business Owners

As a CEO or business owner, it’s not enough to simply make commitments – you must also hold yourself accountable for the actions you commit to take both inside and outside your company.   Failing to follow through on your own promises can have serious consequences for your business, including damage to your reputation, loss of customers, and decreased employee morale. Consider the statistics:…