Blog
Helping the Market Research Team Navigate Change & Uncertainty
Encouraging innovation is essential in helping your Market Research team successfully navigate periods of change and uncertainty. As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly takes over routine market research tasks, teams must pivot toward roles emphasizing emotional intelligence and strategic insight. However, transitions of this magnitude can sometimes lead to stagnation or fear, particularly concerning job security.…
The Product Team is Feeling Undervalued by Sales
Leaders must adopt a cross-functional leadership approach when managing product and sales teams. To ensure alignment on business objectives and implementation strategies, other key functions, such as marketing, service, and finance, should be actively included in discussions, meetings, and information-sharing processes. This collaborative leadership approach helps prevent potential issues, such as one team feeling undervalued…
Struggling to Measure Product Marketing Impact
To effectively measure the impact of product marketing, success metrics must be defined prior to launch. These Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should align with anticipated outcomes and may include adoption and conversion rates, value proposition alignment with customer needs, Net Promoter Score (NPS), return on investment (ROI), market share growth, brand awareness, engagement, and customer…
How to Ensure Trust During Downsizing
To maintain trust and transparency regarding job security during downsizing, companies must first cultivate a culture of openness and integrity among leaders and employees. If this foundation is lacking, downsizing can trigger uncertainty, low morale, distrust, and even the premature departure of top talent. In such an environment, efforts to provide support or express empathy…
When a Client Demands Changes to a Finalize Contract
In general, client contracts should be as flexible as possible, though the level of flexibility will depend on the nature of the work. For example, a technology integration contract may require more adaptability than a market analysis contract. Regardless, it is essential to identify potential constraints and areas of flexibility during contract development. When applicable,…
Conveying Your Value Proposition Without Being Pushy
Effectively conveying the value of your product or service requires preparation and a deep understanding of your audience. Start by identifying the different stakeholders involved in the decision-making process and their unique pain points. For instance, if you’re selling a medical imaging device, the CEO might value ROI, the radiologist might care about diagnostic precision,…
Inaugural Pinnalce Dinner
I am so delighted to have Erica Anderson Rooney as the Guest of Honor at our first Pinnacle Dinner tomorrow. I can’t wait to hear her thoughts on redefining leadership in the near and foreseeable future. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kstrawmba_pinnacledinner-leadership-communitybuilders-activity-7285411187620524033-deEa?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
How to Keep Remote Teams Engaged During Change
The ability to keep your remote team engaged shouldn’t be tested only during times of significant change. A strong remote team structure must be established well before employees transition to remote work. This includes clearly defining expectations, policies, and procedures, as well as providing training on key aspects such as virtual meeting etiquette (e.g., camera…
The Challenge of Balancing Business Goals with Tech Innovation
Balancing business goals with technological innovation is challenging but essential for growth. Innovation should be a core business objective to align stakeholders and demonstrate commitment to progress. A key starting point is creating a five-year roadmap that evaluates the company’s current position, anticipates market trends, and benchmarks against competitors. This roadmap should be regularly updated…
McDonald’s Follows Other is Rolling Back DEI Programs
Companies have the right to adjust their policies based on their priorities and beliefs. Similarly, consumers have the right to support businesses that align with their values. When millions of individuals make thoughtful spending decisions, they collectively drive meaningful change. McDonald’s is ending some of its diversity practices | AP News
Our Employees Aren’t Children – Spotify
Kudos to Spotify. I recognize the value of in-person collaboration, as well as the benefits of WFH. As we prepare for a future increasingly driven by technology—and the need to reduce emissions, traffic congestion, and exposure to illnesses—it makes sense for companies to embrace WFH. However, an even more pressing consideration is employee productivity, which…
NC IDEA Annouces Addition of Regional Entrepreneurs in Residence
I am thrilled and honored to serve as one of the four Regional Entrepreneurs in Residence for NC IDEA. North Carolina’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem is truly inspiring. The state’s strategic investments in entrepreneurship and innovation have positioned it as a rising leader on the national stage. From its world-class research…
Menopause Support on the Rise
Support for menopause in the workplace is long overdue, and it’s encouraging to see progress finally being made in this area. Companies looking to partner with an innovative startup for solution-focused strategies should contact https://www.midovia.com/. https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/menopause-support-on-the-rise-7097338
NC IDEA 6th Annual Ecosystem Summit
I had an incredible experience at the NC IDEA 6th Annual Ecosystem Summit, held on November 19-20, 2024, in the Charlotte region. This one-of-a-kind statewide conference brings together diverse leaders to discuss how we can better support entrepreneurs and work toward a shared vision of making North Carolina the premier destination to start and grow…
Home-Based Hospital Care Flourishes
The rise of home-based hospital care aligns well with key supporting innovations such as Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) devices, telehealth platforms, IoT-enabled medical equipment, AI machine learning, automated medication dispensers, mobile diagnostic labs, robotics and assistive technologies, digital health apps, data integration and interoperability, home delivery of medical supplies, augmented reality tools, advanced communication systems,…
Struggling with Sales and Operations Collaboration
Alignment between sales and operations should begin on day one. Cross-functional meetings, collaborative goal-setting, and team-building initiatives are essential to fostering a shared understanding of each function’s role in achieving business objectives. When teams clearly understand what is required to meet overall goals and appreciate the value each function brings, they can more effectively navigate…
Stakeholders are Clashing Over a Change Initiative
One effective way to minimize stakeholder conflict during a change initiative is to ensure stakeholders are informed and engaged well in advance of the change. Early awareness increases the likelihood of acceptance and fosters trust, encouraging stakeholders to actively consider data-driven justifications and the anticipated benefits of the change. In the event of disagreements, this…
Key Decision-Makers Clash Over New Technology Integration
When key decision-makers clash over technology integration, it’s crucial to guide them through a facilitated discovery process to identify individual concerns. It’s essential to include all key decision-makers in this session. This initial step provides a detailed understanding of the holistic problem, fostering empathy and understanding—critical components of a data-driven compromise. When key decision-makers clash…
Your Team’s Hard Work is Overshadowed by a C-suite Member
When a C-Suite member takes credit for a team’s work, it can be demoralizing for those involved and those who witness it. If it happens consistently, it may hinder productivity as team members realize their efforts are going unrecognized. Unfortunately, some leaders take advantage of their teams in this way, and it’s up to their…
Foster Unity and Cohesion Among Sales Operations Team Members
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities is crucial for fostering unity and cohesion within the Sales Operations team. This is particularly important when sales support is divided by region, as each area may require distinct strategies and mechanisms tailored to local market behaviors. In addition to driving revenue, the sales team is often tasked with customer…
Dealing with Diverse Tech Skills in a Manufacturing Setting
Optimizing the mix of tech skills in manufacturing involves several key strategies, including skill assessments, targeted training, cross-functional collaboration, and implementing user-friendly technologies to sustain productivity. However, true optimization requires leadership’s dedication to cultivating an environment that values cross-functional sharing of best practices, continuous improvement, innovation, and team building. This leadership commitment has been pivotal…
