The most important component of long-term sustainable advantage for any firm, regardless of its size, is its ability to attract, retain, inspire, and grow talent. Talent is the sustainable advantage. It is talent and only talent that creates and/or preserves every other form of sustainable advantage, whether it be innovation, new ideas, or superior service.
Innovation in fast food is often measured by the sizzle of a new product launch or the sleekness of a digital ordering kiosk. Yet Southpaw, a fast-growing operator of franchised Taco Bell and Dunkin’ locations, is proving that true innovation can lie elsewhere: in how companies treat their people. This overlooked ingredient has propelled Southpaw to turn underperforming franchises into thriving businesses. In doing so, it has grown in its 14 years to own 190...
While the coming year will undoubtedly usher in new products and innovation, it will also bring corporate change to many retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. Many companies will consider consolidations to enhance their strengths, reduce competition, or achieve financial or operational benefits. According to MarketWatch, M&A activity in 2024 has seen a resurgence, and it’s anticipated there will be a 21% increase in 2025. We are already witnessing consolidation across may sectors, where large brands have...
It is absolutely essential to face the facts when a brand is in turnaround mode. Letting everyone know exactly where the brand stands relative to where the brand should be is a critical step. Facing the facts is the starting point for revitalization.
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” wrote Peter Drucker. Exactly. Everybody has heard this quote. And whenever somebody mentions it, heads nod, many vigorously. But do we really believe it? How hard do we work to put this insight into practice? Do we even know what culture means?
