Tim Breene

How do you know when it’s time for a new CEO? My colleagues Bob Stark and Claudius Alexander Hildebrand discuss the new leadership framework laid out in their upcoming book, The Life Cycle of a CEO: The Myths and Truths of How Leaders Succeed with Fortune. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3EMt4Dv

3

With the boom of #AI, the landscape of investment has shifted for #VentureCapitalists, #startup founders, and tech innovators. Acceleration Economy's Scott Vaughan breaks down changes in investment and funding analyses, processes, and trends as the #AIEcosystem advances. https://lnkd.in/gruNP-Ce

6

How long should you study for the GMAT? That depends on you! Learn about the 2 phases of GMAT prep and how they can affect your timeline: https://bit.ly/44SzKOg Menlo Coaching #sponsored #menlocoaching #focusedition #gmat #business #education #mba

1

Last night, Boston-based go-to-market professionals met on Newbury Street and discussed critical topics shaping effective strategies. Here are some insights from the conversation: EMBRACE CONSTANT CHANGE AND EVOLUTION One of the primary themes of the discussion was the necessity of adapting to an ever-changing market. Executives acknowledge that remaining static is not an option. Markets evolve, customer needs shift, and new competitors emerge. To stay ahead of revenue goals, go-to-market strategies must be dynamic and flexible. EXPANDING YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER PROFILE (ICP) FOR GROWTH Traditionally, businesses have had a loose view of their ICP. However, it is essential to expand and refine this view for growth. Understanding who is buying your product and what competitors you are losing to. By broadening the ICP, companies can tap into new markets and customer segments they previously overlooked. DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF ICP Our discussion highlighted the varying definitions of ICP, ranging from broad to narrow. The ICP might be more expansive to showcase market potential when pitching to investors. Conversely, for sales teams, a narrower ICP might be more practical to effectively target specific ideal buyers. ALIGNING ICP WITH PROBLEM SOLVING A critical takeaway was the importance of aligning the ICP with the specific problems your product or solution solves. The ICP should be dynamic and reflect the use cases and outcomes desired by different customer segments. This alignment ensures the messaging resonates with potential buyers and addresses their unique pain points. THE LANGUAGE OF VALUE Crafting a compelling story and appropriate use cases is essential to capturing the interest of potential customers. Your narrative should be tailored to demonstrate how your product solves their problems. This involves communicating your product's benefits and value proposition to existing customers and prospects. Recognizing why customers are leaving and addressing those issues proactively is equally essential. ADDRESSING THE READINESS OF PROSPECTS A significant point of discussion was the importance of disqualifying leads early in the sales process. Half of a business's effort often goes towards prospects who are not ready to buy. By refining the lead qualification process and focusing on educating and nurturing prospects, companies can ensure that they are engaging with leads who are more likely to convert. Thank you for sharing your expertise and experiences. Your insights underscore the importance of adaptability, a well-defined and flexible ICP, compelling storytelling, and early lead qualification in crafting effective go-to-market strategies. By focusing on these areas, go-to-market leaders can drive growth, enhance customer retention, and improve overall market effectiveness. It's that easy! 🤣

27

2 Comments

In my recent contribution to The Quantum Insider, I explore the nuanced strategies that deep tech startups can employ to attract and retain elite research talent—a key factor that also resonates with discerning investors. This piece is particularly relevant for founders who are steering their ventures through the intricate landscape of innovation towards commercial viability. #DeepTech #Innovation #StartupStrategy #VentureCapital https://lnkd.in/eYxwUqCz

3

How long should you study for the GMAT? That depends on you! Learn about the 2 phases of GMAT prep and how they can affect your timeline: https://hubs.la/Q02Jtjcl0 Menlo Coaching #sponsored #menlocoaching #focusedition #gmat #business #education #mba

2

Paul Thies' article delves into the expanded view of leadership qualities that will define successful CEOs in the future. The blend of traditional skills with new attributes like flexibility, adaptability, and empathy is crucial for steering organizations through uncertainty and driving long-term value. The article outlines key areas where CEOs must excel: Strategy: Aligning business purpose with talent strategy and culture. Organization: Embracing agility, transformative thinking, and holistic perspectives. Talent: Engaging diverse, purpose-driven talent and fostering continuous learning. Personal Leadership: Demonstrating resilience, empathy, and authentic communication. For boards, this calls for engaging CEOs in discussions about future leadership attributes, evaluating succession plans, and aligning management with evolving business needs. The journey ahead demands a blend of traditional wisdom and forward-thinking strategies. #SuccessionPlanning #BoardEngagement #BusinessStrategy

5

If you're a founder, this article from our very own Cortado Group founder, Dan Bernoske, is a must read whether you're planning an exit now or some years from now. #exit #founder #PrivateEquity #GTM

7

When conflict arises around "principles," take a moment to explore deeper motivations. In consulting with tech startups through IPO transitions, I've noticed how seemingly minor disagreements often mask larger concerns about power, recognition, or values. Teaching teams to distinguish between surface issues and underlying dynamics prevents unnecessary escalation. The strongest leaders can separate genuine values violations from simple differences in approach

15

1 Comment

It's common for CEOs to let their role become their identity. But doing so can make it harder to leave the spotlight when the time comes. Learn more about why some leaders should embrace succession in this excerpt from our new book, The Life Cycle of a CEO: https://lnkd.in/e-SbhpRA

4

🌟 Join Crane’s Exclusive CXO Advisory Board! 🌟 What Scott doesn’t mention below is that the “Fill in the Blank” survey is the path for enterprise tech executives to apply for a spot on Crane’s CXO Advisory Board, where your expertise will directly influence and shape the future of technology startups. To be considered, simply complete our “Fill in the Blank” survey. #CXOAdvisory #EnterpriseTech #TechLeadership #Innovation #CraneVenturePartners #FillInTheBlank #TechFounders

10

What questions should boards, CEOs, CFOs and CHROs consider as they think about the critical attributes for future leaders? As leadership performance partners, we outline what you should be paying attention to. Learn more from my colleague Cathy Anterasian: https://lnkd.in/eCu8CVwH #SuccessionWithSpencerStuart

5

In my work I've experienced that very ‘spikiness’ Paul Graham attributes to founders. But as they scale, those founders face a challenge: balancing the operational demands of growth without losing their unique founder spark. This ghSMART report in Harvard Business Review, along with some great quotes from the original 'Founders Mode' article by Paul Graham, digs into what makes founders mode so compelling, alongside the blind spots that can hold them back. My quick takeaways: Founders’ Strengths - Risk-Taking: Founders step up where others might hesitate, which can lead to bold breakthroughs. - Mission Focus: Their drive and purpose can inspire early teams and first customers, creating powerful momentum. - Resilience: Setbacks? They’re part of the path forward. - Rapid Execution: Speed is their ally—founders act on opportunities before the window closes. - Gut-Driven Innovation: Founders trust their instincts, spotting opportunities others might miss. Founders' Weaknesses - Difficulty with Delegation: A “do it myself” approach can limit growth potential. - Leaning on Intuition over Data: Intuition is powerful, but as companies scale, data becomes essential. - Resistance to Process: Often viewed as red tape, processes are critical for sustainable growth. - Overconfidence: Confidence in vision can sometimes lead to tunnel vision. - Risk of Burnout: The all-in mindset can take a toll, impacting performance over time. For any founder of investor, this #HBR article is filled with excellent insights on Founders Mode vs Managers mode and leveraging the dynamic tension between them. #FoundersMode #Leadership #StartupSuccess #GHSMART #Entrepreneurs #MarketingStrategy

7

Exciting News! I'm thrilled to announce the release of my new e-book titled "The Tech Driven Leadership" In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective leadership hinges on the ability to leverage technology to inspire, empower, and innovate. This book is designed for forward-thinking leaders who are ready to embrace change and drive their organizations to new heights. The Tech Driven Leadership explores the intersection of  technology  and  leadership, providing insights into transformative Strategies. Learn how to implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance team performance, cultivate a culture of innovation and adaptability within your organization and discover how to lead with empathy, harnessing the strengths of diverse teams through digital tools. This e-book serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders at all levels looking to thrive in the digital era. It's time to lead with vision and harness the full potential of technology! 🔗 Get your copy today @ https://lnkd.in/dDVaMR6k and transform your leadership journey! Let's connect and discuss how we can drive the future of leadership together. #Leadership #Technology #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #TechDrivenLeadership #Empowerment #EbookRelease #FutureOfWork #LeadershipDevelopment #Engagement

1

Have you noticed the shift in how businesses are approaching their service providers? It’s no longer just about choosing the biggest name in the game—companies are now leaning toward boutique services firms, and it’s changing the industry. But why? Boutique firms offer something the big players often can’t: agility, deep personalization, and a more innovative approach to solving problems. They can move faster, tailor solutions more precisely, and collaborate closely to create *real* change. As the market continues to evolve at breakneck speed, being nimble and responsive has never been more critical. If you’re still working with a larger provider, ask yourself—are you getting the level of creativity and flexibility needed to drive impactful results? Would a more focused, dynamic partner help you adapt faster and stay ahead of the curve? It might be time to rethink what’s really driving value for your business. The answer could be closer than you think. Cheers 🥂 to the startups, the innovators and the relationship builders who create value everyday!!

9

📣 Attention, startups! Check out this insightful article by our rockstar fractional CMO, Michael Baer about the pitfalls of over-relying on agility at the expense of strategic focus in your go-to-market strategy. Discover why sacrificing strategic clarity for the sake of chasing every sales opportunity can ultimately hinder your growth. Read more: https://lnkd.in/geSz83sj #StartupAdvice #StrategicFocus #GoToMarketStrategy

10

6 Comments

The act of innovation is often activated as an organizational response to uncertainty.   But not all antibodies formed to counteract uncertainty are authentic innovation. And not all organizations have the operating model and execution chops to effectively innovate at scale. Ep88: Innovation Theater with Shane Thomas of Upstream Ag Insights https://lnkd.in/gz8jEmVm Available now wherever you get your podcasts! #agribusiness #innovation #strategyexecution Mosher Consulting Group

10

2 Comments