Navigating the Future: Business Lessons from Recent Books
In today's world, business landscapes are evolving faster than ever. To thrive, leaders must adapt and innovate. Here are critical insights from recent literature that can guide strategic decisions in uncertain times.
Embrace Uncertainty
Prepare for unpredictability. In "The Uncertainty Principle," the author emphasizes that instead of shunning uncertainty, businesses should build agility. Establish protocols that allow for flexibility and quick pivots.Take Smart Risks
Remember: the biggest risk may be avoiding risk altogether. "Calculated Risk-Taking" argues that organizations must differentiate between reckless and calculated risks. Use frameworks that assess potential upsides against downsides.Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration
"Collaboration Over Competition" insists that innovative growth often springs from partnerships. Encourage cross-functional teams to share ideas and resources, breaking down silos within your organization.The Power of Purpose
A strong purpose can be a game-changer. "Purpose Driven Business" demonstrates how aligning business operations with a clear mission can motivate employees and enhance customer loyalty. Define your company’s purpose clearly and communicate it effectively.Leverage Technology Wisely
In "Tech-Savvy Decisions," the author provides a roadmap for integrating technology effectively. Assess which technological investments will yield the highest returns for your specific business challenges.Customer Experience is Key
"The Customer Comes First" makes an emphatic case for prioritizing customer experience. Companies that place the customer at the forefront of their strategies consistently outperform competitors. Develop feedback loops that allow for real-time customer input.Simplify Complexity
Today's businesses often grapple with complexity. "Simplifying Business Operations" offers strategies for streamlining processes. Focus on core functions that build competitive advantages and eliminate redundant tasks.Resilience in Leadership
Leadership requires resilience. "Resilient Leaders" examines how effective leaders sustain their focus during turbulent times. Invest in leadership development programs that cultivate resilience and adaptive strategies.Data-Driven Decisions
Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making. "Data-Driven Business" outlines methodologies for harnessing big data to uncover insights that inform strategy. Implement analytics tools that provide actionable insights across your organization.Inclusivity Matters
"The Inclusivity Advantage" explores the benefits of diverse teams. Inclusive workplaces drive innovation and performance by harnessing varying perspectives. Build a recruitment process that actively seeks diverse talent.Future-Proofing Your Workforce
Employee development can't be an afterthought. "Future-Ready Workforce" stresses the importance of ongoing training and upskilling. Develop programs that prepare your team for the future challenges of your industry.Financial Health is Vital
Ensure your business is financially agile. "Financial Fitness for Businesses" outlines principles for maintaining healthy cash flow and reserves. Review your financial management practices regularly to ensure scalability.Networking is Key to Growth
"The Networking Playbook" underscores the importance of building professional relationships. Create networks that span industries to uncover new opportunities and partnerships.Crisis Management Protocols
Be prepared. "Crisis Ready Organizations" discusses frameworks for designing crisis management systems. Establish clear protocols and train your team to navigate potential crises effectively.Sustainability as a Strategy
"Sustainable Business Practices" presents sustainability not just as a responsibility but a competitive strategy. Adopt sustainable practices that align with your brand values and resonate with consumers.
By embracing these insights, professionals can proactively shape the narrative of their organizations, ensuring growth and resilience in an ever-changing business environment.
In 2015, Katerina Markov Schneider was newly pregnant and on the hunt for the right prenatal vitamin. There were plenty of options available on the market, but none that met her standards. She found most of them to have high levels of heavy metals and too many artificial ingredients. Schneider decided to take things into her own hands. "I knew we all deserved better, including myself," she tells CNBC Make It. "And this passion to set a new standard in this supplement industry took over." Schneider quit her job as a venture partner at Atom Factory, an entertainment company, to start Ritual. Less than 10 years later, the supplement brand has expanded far beyond prenatal vitamins and sold over 25 million bottles of supplements for daily health, better sleep, stress relief and more. In 2024, Ritual brought in more than $250 million in gross revenue. But the 39-year-old founder and CEO says building a business centered around women's health wasn't easy: "[It] was so underfunded and understudied." Here's how Schneider weathered the many "no's" she got from investors early on, stayed dedicated to changing the supplement industry and built a successful business.
Schneider's parents immigrated to the United States from Ukraine when she was around four years old. She says they've always had a holistic approach to health and wellness. "My parents were the ultimate skeptics," she says. "So, anything they were reading or anything that was in front of us, there was ultimate skepticism." In 2004, when Schneider was studying at Brown University, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. "It was such a dark moment in my life," she says. At the time, Schneider's mother opted out of conventional treatment like chemotherapy and radiation, and sought out care from a naturopath who gave her holistic supplements and suggested following a diet based on her blood type. Now, more than 20 years since her diagnosis, Schneider's mother is well, but does monitor her condition with a physician. Schneider says she was always influenced by her parents' approach to wellness, but it was a new chapter in her life that helped determine her own.
H&R Block is uniting its social creative and media duties under one roof through an expanded relationship with agency VaynerMedia. The tax-preparation firm is trying to push past solely being associated with tax season to position itself as a provider of trusted financial advice year-round. It is also trying to account for changes in consumer behavior while streamlining marketing decision-making. The initiative is spearheaded by H&R Block Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Jill Cress, who is applying a 'fail fast, learn fast' ethos that runs counter to traditional tax-season marketing.
Social-first marketing continues to pick up steam as legacy brands race to modernize their approach. Social ad spending has climbed steadily over time, but the H&R Block news is the latest signal that more organizations — including those in conventionally staid categories — are enacting bolder moves to orient their strategy around a channel that is essential for connecting with younger consumers and requires an always-on mindset compared to traditional ad campaigns. The deeper relationship with VaynerMedia comes as the firm tries to shed an image largely tied to tax season, which only occupies a few months of the year. The brand hopes VaynerMedia can help it push the envelope and pivot in real time to capture relevant discussions, an embrace of risk in a typically conservative field.
H&R Block is uniting its social creative and media duties under one roof through an expanded relationship with agency VaynerMedia. The tax-preparation firm is trying to push past solely being associated with tax season to position itself as a provider of trusted financial advice year-round. It is also trying to account for changes in consumer behavior while streamlining marketing decision-making. The initiative is spearheaded by H&R Block Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Jill Cress, who is applying a 'fail fast, learn fast' ethos that runs counter to traditional tax-season marketing.
Social-first marketing continues to pick up steam as legacy brands race to modernize their approach. Social ad spending has climbed steadily over time, but the H&R Block news is the latest signal that more organizations — including those in conventionally staid categories — are enacting bolder moves to orient their strategy around a channel that is essential for connecting with younger consumers and requires an always-on mindset compared to traditional ad campaigns. The deeper relationship with VaynerMedia comes as the firm tries to shed an image largely tied to tax season, which only occupies a few months of the year. The brand hopes VaynerMedia can help it push the envelope and pivot in real time to capture relevant discussions, an embrace of risk in a typically conservative field.
David Niles will go to great lengths, or depths, to save food from going to waste: Sometimes, the 63-year-old goes dumpster diving near his home in Brooklyn, New York. The far more sanitary digital version, Niles says, is an app called Too Good To Go, where retailers like restaurants and bakeries sell "surprise bags" of leftover food at discounted prices, usually between $3.99 to $9.99 apiece in the U.S. He has spent nearly $10,000 to pick up almost 2,000 surprise bags on his bicycle over the past four years. Too Good To Go, a Copenhagen-based company founded in 2015, brought in just under $162 million in revenue in U.S. dollars last year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It — primarily by taking a cut of each surprise bag purchase and collecting annual membership fees from retailers. In the U.S., the company typically takes $1.79 per bag and charges an annual membership fee of $89. Publicly, Too Good To Go's mission is to help reduce global food waste, a problem that costs the world $1 trillion per year. The company has yet to enjoy a profitable year, instead reinvesting its cash flow into expanding geographically, adding new retailers to its app, and acquiring other startups. "We do want to run a profitable company," says CEO Mette Lykke, who notes that her business earned $8 million last year before subtracting one-time costs. "If we really wanted to, we could go more hardcore for profitability. But again, it’s not really why we’re here," she adds. Too Good To Go was originally founded by a group of five Danish entrepreneurs: Thomas Bjørn, Stian Olesen, Klaus Bagge Pedersen, Brian Christensen, and Adam Sigbrand. Lykke joined its first funding round in 2016 as an angel investor and later became its CEO. One of her first acts was to examine the startup's finances, which were in poor shape, leading her to reconsider the role. Lykke’s first step toward growth was a contraction, shutting down operations in four of the 10 countries it had expanded to too quickly without a solid business model. Since then, Lykke re-expanded the company to include grocery services, software for food retailers, and presently 100 million users across 19 countries. The app arrived in the U.S. in 2020 and now hosts retailers in 33 U.S. metro areas. Retailers don’t profit hugely from Too Good To Go sales, but some income is better than throwing their extra food away, and many users have become regular customers. Critics worry about the app's potential to falsely represent environmental responsibility, but estimates suggest that if every retailer used similar markdown mechanisms, they could save one million tons of food annually. A profitable, eco-friendly approach cannot guarantee Too Good To Go's future, as retailers might establish similar programs, but Lykke remains confident in the business model, emphasizing execution as key to success.
«Strategies that would be beneficial: Start with Why – Simon Sinek. So, it’s not about how you work, but what drives you. Therefore, when making decisions, consider the following…»
15 Strategies to Transform Your Approach
Start with Purpose – Most businesses begin with “how” and “what.” Leaders who start with “why” attract loyal followers. For instance, Apple has created a cult around its philosophy of “changing the world.” Reflect on the reasons behind your business.
Personal Motivation – Successful companies appeal to personal causes. Starbucks, for example, cultivates an atmosphere that inspires people to cherish their moments. Identify your personal motivation and reflect it in your team.
Words that Inspire – Elements that touch emotions resonate more strongly. Consider Nike’s ad: “You can do it.” Evaluate your key messages for their ability to inspire.
Common Value – When a company shares its compelling mission, it fosters a sense of community. TOMS, for example, became popular by aiming to help others. Contemplate how your business can contribute to significant causes.
Create Emotions – People respond to emotions, not facts. Craft a slogan that sticks due to emotional attachment. Consider changes in your communications with customers.
Message Matters More than Results – Day-to-day operations often focus on results. However, companies with clear messages secure long-term success. Frame your goals around the message.
Don’t Fear Change – Resistance or indecision stifles growth. Build confidence within your team when transitioning to a new project. Use past examples to ease the transition.
Develop Your Team – Teams that clearly understand their role and mission achieve more. Focus your efforts on establishing clear expectations. Discuss every change to foster confidence among employees.
Know Your Audience – It’s vital to understand who your customers are and what motivates them. Leverage research to grasp customer needs and their “why.” Involve them directly in the change process.
Use Heartbreaking Stories – Needs models can be less impactful than your personal stories. Use them to appeal to your customers' emotions. For instance, consider the consequences of handling compelling material.
Simplicity Over Complexity – Complex strategies can confuse; aim for clear and simple messages. For example, Pixar speaks to the heart of its stories. Embrace simplicity in your strategies.
Enhance Employee Engagement – Employees who understand their role are more motivated. Regularly remind them of the team’s goals and involve them in important decisions. Designate them as change-makers.
Lead by Listening – Trust is built through listening. Pay attention to your employees and ask open-ended questions. Implement each practice based on feedback received.
Aim for Collaboration – Shared goals prevent conflicts. Share your vision with every employee to foster a unified approach. Enhance interaction within the team.
Value Ideas – Diverse approaches create new value. A business’s potential is greater when every idea is discussed. Integrate this into your strategies to bring in each person’s perspectives.
David Niles will go to great lengths, or depths, to save food from going to waste: Sometimes, the 63-year-old goes dumpster diving near his home in Brooklyn, New York. The far more sanitary digital version, Niles says, is an app called Too Good To Go, where retailers like restaurants and bakeries sell "surprise bags" of leftover food at discounted prices, usually between $3.99 to $9.99 apiece in the U.S. He has spent nearly $10,000 to pick up almost 2,000 surprise bags on his bicycle over the past four years. Too Good To Go, a Copenhagen-based company founded in 2015, brought in just under $162 million in revenue in U.S. dollars last year, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It — primarily by taking a cut of each surprise bag purchase and collecting annual membership fees from retailers. In the U.S., the company typically takes $1.79 per bag and charges an annual membership fee of $89. Publicly, Too Good To Go's mission is to help reduce global food waste, a problem that costs the world $1 trillion per year. The company has yet to enjoy a profitable year, instead reinvesting its cash flow into expanding geographically, adding new retailers to its app, and acquiring other startups. "We do want to run a profitable company," says CEO Mette Lykke, who notes that her business earned $8 million last year before subtracting one-time costs. "If we really wanted to, we could go more hardcore for profitability. But again, it’s not really why we’re here," she adds. Too Good To Go was originally founded by a group of five Danish entrepreneurs: Thomas Bjørn, Stian Olesen, Klaus Bagge Pedersen, Brian Christensen, and Adam Sigbrand. Lykke joined its first funding round in 2016 as an angel investor and later became its CEO. One of her first acts was to examine the startup's finances, which were in poor shape, leading her to reconsider the role. Lykke’s first step toward growth was a contraction, shutting down operations in four of the 10 countries it had expanded to too quickly without a solid business model. Since then, Lykke re-expanded the company to include grocery services, software for food retailers, and presently 100 million users across 19 countries. The app arrived in the U.S. in 2020 and now hosts retailers in 33 U.S. metro areas. Retailers don’t profit hugely from Too Good To Go sales, but some income is better than throwing their extra food away, and many users have become regular customers. Critics worry about the app's potential to falsely represent environmental responsibility, but estimates suggest that if every retailer used similar markdown mechanisms, they could save one million tons of food annually. A profitable, eco-friendly approach cannot guarantee Too Good To Go's future, as retailers might establish similar programs, but Lykke remains confident in the business model, emphasizing execution as key to success.
The Estée Lauder Companies-owned Canadian cosmetics brand MAC recently launched its Studio Fix cushion foundation in China. Dubbed the 24h “King of Coverage,” the foundation comes in premium black packaging. Perhaps based on the visual similarity, MAC unveiled its first collaboration with Shanghai’s premium bakery brand FASCINO. The main draw is FASCINO’s iconic “Black Blueberry Cream Cheese Bagel.” The round black shape not only resembles a blueberry but also the MAC foundation. The other reason for the collaboration is that the two products will form an “8 AM alliance” because both can be part of your morning routine.
The collaboration is called “Flawless Beginning.” There is also a Black Blueberry Custard Croissant and, of course, exclusive paper bags. In the meantime, MAC also released special co-branded beauty blenders in the shape of sourdough bread and a baguette for the campaign. MAC and FASCINO launched two pop-up beauty and bakery stores, one in Shanghai and one in Hangzhou, called the “Flawless Beauty Flagship.” The collaboration taps into China’s recent obsession with premium bakeries. The morning routine angle also speaks to young professionals craving emotional value.
Remember when brand loyalty was the thing? You bought your Colgate, drank your Milo, pumped your petrol at Shell and stayed true like a loyal spouse. Your mum used the same detergent for 20 years. Your dad only trusted one tyre shop, rain or shine. Now? Welcome to the Tinderfication of Malaysian consumerism — where every brand is just one swipe (or scroll) away from being replaced. Whether it’s Shopee, Lazada, TNG, or even your telco provider, Malaysians are jumping ship faster than you can say “voucher code.” The question is: why? And more painfully: are brands to blame?
Let’s get one thing straight: price still rules. Malaysians are practical, savvy, and slightly obsessed with value. Throw in free shipping, cashbacks, and an RM8 voucher? You’ve got yourself a customer — for this transaction. But will they come back? Only if you give them another voucher. It’s not loyalty. It’s a situationship. Consumers are no longer wooed by heritage or “Made Since 1954” claims. They want speed, savings, and maybe a bit of TikTok sass. If you can’t offer that, someone else will — by the next mega sale.
Before we shame consumers for being fickle, let’s look in the mirror. Who trained them to behave this way? It was the brands — dangling daily deals, shouting “Last Chance!” every other week, rewarding only new users and ignoring the loyal ones. Like dating someone who only surprises you in the honeymoon phase, then ghosts you till the next birthday. Loyalty died not because consumers changed but because brands stopped investing in relationships.
Avriio is rapidly making its mark across the UK and Europe, showcasing outstanding performance, remarkable consistency, and undeniable strength. From the outset, the brand set forth with a crystal-clear vision – to introduce innovative designs that redefine industry standards while maintaining a steadfast customer-first approach. This dedication to excellence has allowed Avriio to carve out a distinctive position in the market, gaining traction among consumers who appreciate cutting-edge aesthetics, superior craftsmanship, and an unparalleled user experience.
One of the key drivers behind Avriio’s successful launch has been its ability to navigate the complexities of diverse market dynamics. In an industry where trends evolve rapidly, Avriio has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to adapt, ensuring that its offerings remain not only relevant but also ahead of the curve. While adaptability is crucial, the brand’s unwavering commitment to top-tier quality has been equally instrumental in setting it apart from the competition. Every product introduced under the Avriio name reflects meticulous attention to detail, a pursuit of perfection, and a relentless drive to exceed customer expectations.
As the company continues to expand its reach and influence, the momentum gained so far serves as the bedrock for even greater achievements. Avriio is not just a fleeting trend – it is a brand built on a foundation of innovation, dedication and trust. Moving forward, the company remains fully committed to maintaining its upward trajectory, continuously pushing boundaries, and delivering products that inspire and captivate. With an exceptional team behind its success and a loyal customer base that continues to grow, the future holds limitless opportunities for Avriio. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey.
A food manufacturer says putting gravy in beer cans helped them expand from a kitchen to supermarket shelves. Potts, which has been operating in Swindon, Wiltshire, since 2007, adopted a strategy of packaging their stocks and sauces in beer-style cans in 2019. Ian Butt, one of Potts' founders, told BBC Radio 4's You and Yours programme growth had improved significantly since introducing the novel packaging - a phenomenon now being referred to as 'chaos packaging'. 'We always wanted to increase our recyclability and traditionally, products like ours are sold in plastic pouches or glass jars,' he said. 'The supermarkets are delighted. Our buyers want to help push sustainability, so it's been a good opportunity for us to challenge the current format.' Potts' gravies and cooking sauces are now stocked in all major supermarkets. They sell about 2.5m cans of gravy annually, with canned products on a whole representing about half of their business. Mr Butt said Potts was inspired by creativity in the craft beer market. 'There was a huge rise of interesting craft beer cans. That product was always stored in brown bottles with labels,' he said. 'We thought, because we make liquid products, that there must be a way to make this packaging method work.' The idea did not come without obstacles, though. Mr Butt said they quickly discovered issues with packaging thicker, liquid food products in cans. 'We had to develop a bespoke method to dispense our stocks and sauces into cans,' he said. 'The process is a world-first, as far as we are aware.' The strategy of putting a product in packaging consumers would not typically expect has been labelled 'chaos packaging'. The term was coined by California-based marketing consultant Michael Miraflor on X earlier this year, who said the technique spanned a range of industries. 'New brands are disrupting their categories by using unexpected packaging,' Mr Miraflor told the BBC. 'Savvy brands and their founders have found ways to leverage interesting and delightful, or sometimes confusing and chaotic packaging that can earn free media in the industry. That's, basically, impressions on social media. It gives consumers something to talk about and share at a relatively low cost.' Around the world, other brands are also selling their products in 'chaos packaging'. Moschino sells a perfume in a bottle mimicking a cleaning product, and an American company sells sunscreen in a bottle which looks like a can of whipped cream. Potts, when asked whether the packaging caused confusion among shoppers, said any confusion often worked in their favour by making chaos packaged products stand out from others. 'When shoppers look at it they often do a double-take and wonder if it's beer or a beverage,' he said. 'We're really lucky as we've had a few viral posts about the gravy. We have this world-first packaging, which helps drive a lot of interest without having to utilise the same size budget as the big boys.' Mr Butt said Potts now planned to expand their Swindon-based business by pushing into overseas markets. 'We're talking to major retailers in Europe, the US and Australia. There's a big focus on that now.'
RXBar and Hidden Valley are seeing a marketing opportunity amid the chaos of summer travel. The packaged foods brands are running separate promotions to help consumers cope with the financial burdens associated with flight cancellations and delays during a hectic travel season. RXBar is offering a $500 prepaid gift card for those whose travel plans have been disrupted, while Hidden Valley Ranch is covering checked bag fees for fans who capture their dressing on Instagram. These initiatives respond to growing consumer frustrations with travel issues this summer. U.S. airports have faced numerous challenges, including technical glitches and inclement weather, affecting customer satisfaction. RXBar is engaging consumers with the chance to receive its gift card by submitting personal information about their disrupted travel plans. The campaign aligns with RXBar's message of simplicity and transparency. Hidden Valley Ranch is also looking to ease consumer pain by addressing airport security limits on liquids and encouraging social media engagement to win a prepaid gift card. These strategies aim to foster brand loyalty during a turbulent travel season.