Remember, the most powerful stories we tell are the ones we tell ourselves. Let’s make them count. Today, we’re delving into the second growth-hindering career saboteur: negative self-talk.   Understanding Negative Self-talk Picture this: a relentless critic, always by your side, whispering that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. This critic isn’t […]

Perfectionism and the pressure to excel can lead to a fear of failure and an inability to internalize success properly, creating an environment where individuals feel they must continually improve their worth. Today, we’re diving into an often-overlooked topic that can significantly impact our mindset, innovation, and growth. Have you ever questioned why you were […]

Zero-gravity thinking means thinking about how your business can help customers achieve short-term goals and long-term success. It’s the art of playing the long game, becoming relational vs. transactional. In this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter, we’re exploring how zero-gravity thinking can revolutionize customer acquisition, growth, and retention strategies in B2B environments. By transcending traditional […]

When team members are not bound by the usual limitations of their job descriptions, they experience a significant increase in creative production. This freedom encourages risk-taking and original thinking, which is crucial for breakthrough innovations. Welcome to this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter. Today, we’ll dive into how 3M’s 15% Culture and Pixar’s Braintrust exemplify […]

It’s not just about doing different things; it’s about thinking differently. Our business world is faster, less predictable, and more volatile than ever; sticking to the old ways of doing things doesn’t cut it anymore. That’s why at Whatif? Advisory, we champion zero-gravity thinking—a mindset that encourages leaders and teams to look beyond conventional boundaries […]

Value creation starts with identifying what is mission-critical and distinguishing between what’s vital, necessary, and merely desirable. This includes making tough choices and understanding the trade-offs and second-order effects of our decisions. What if simplifying our approach could be the key to unlocking unprecedented value for stakeholders? In the dynamic business world, leaders are often […]

As leaders, we must confront the crucial task of strengthening the link between organizational, team, and personal purpose. Is our mission clear and compelling, or vague poster-speak rhetoric? How Bright is Your NorthStar? Welcome to this week’s edition of the Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter and the first day of Spring. Research emphasizes a compelling reality: companies […]

Just like dividends reflect a stock’s health, our ability to develop future leaders and empower our teams signifies our leadership strength. Evaluating Ourselves as Leaders – Are You an Investment-Worthy Business? Welcome to this week’s edition of the Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter. In a recent Thought Letter, you may recall my reference to the “Magnificent […]

Remember, organizations do not create the environment, leaders do. IAre You Bridging the Gap Between Aspirations and Actions? Welcome to this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter. As we venture deeper into the new year, let’s tackle a common leadership challenge: the ‘say-do’ gap. Many of us set ambitious resolutions aligned with the fiscal calendar in […]

By shifting from a self-centric to an others-centric approach, you unlock deeper, trust-based relationships. These relationships are bedrocks for innovation, problem-solving, and value creation. What if December 31, 2026, marked the end of your current leadership journey? Let’s embark on a thought-provoking expedition in this week’s Whatif? Wednesday Thought Letter.   Reflecting on Leadership: A […]