Miscellaneous

Hey friend 👋, Have you ever been frustrated with building a product to solve a problem, only to find it gains no traction? That was the story of my first business failure. There are countless startups, innovations and existing businesses that end up in the idea graveyard. Even hugely successful companies like Google and Microsoft have had dozens of failures. And remember Segways? Who would have thought that people would be too embarrassed to ride them? 😅 But this is serious business, costing…

Today’s fast-pace of change means that we need to respond, adapt and grow like never before. Lifelong learning emerges as a pivotal pursuit. It’s not just about acquiring information, but about shaping character, refining skills, mastering learning methodologies, and igniting motivation. Today, we explore the five pillars essential for a lifelong learner, offering a blend of actionable strategies and insights to empower you on a path of continued growth. Let’s dive in! Read time: 2.5 minutes…

Strategy can sometimes appear complex and overwhelming in the dynamic and ever-changing business world. However, beneath the layers of intricacy lies a fundamental truth: strategy is simpler than you think. In this article, we will explore: The essence of strategy A 7-step process to design a strategy How to articulate your strategy Let’s dive in! Read time: 3.5 minutes Note: this previously posted in June 2023. It’s one of the most liked editions and has made the evergreen list. Enjoy….

I used to believe that great thinking was all about intelligence (the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills). That belief held me back in my early years when I focused on hard work and a good attitude alone. While that approach got me a long way, it also took more time and energy than was necessary. I’ve since learned invaluable critical thinking skills. But great thinking takes more than critical thinking. It takes practice and a range of thinking tools like: Critical thinking…

I used to believe that great thinking was all about intelligence (the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills). That belief held me back in my early years when I focused on hard work and a good attitude alone. While that approach got me a long way, it also took more time and energy than was necessary. I’ve since learned invaluable critical thinking skills. But great thinking takes more than critical thinking. It takes practice and a range of thinking tools like: Critical thinking…

When we experience a black swan event like the 2008 global financial crisis, we are surprised at the significant impact and yet rationalise how predictable it was. Whether a significant event is a black swan or a more likely disruptive event, such as the recent pandemic or a new market competitor, complex systems have many interdependencies that often react unpredictably to stressors. In response to a visible disruptive event, we often overreact, which can disproportionately negatively impact…

This week, we uncover innovation’s best-kept secret – the EAST Framework. Change isn’t merely a process; it’s deeply ingrained behaviour shift. Let’s explore how this simple yet profound approach can revolutionise your approach to innovation. If you find this insight valuable, don’t hesitate to share it with your network. Let’s dive in. Read time: 2.5 minutes Community Focus Each week I’ll bring you organisations and experts doing great work to support entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders….

Community Focus Each week I’ll bring you organisations and experts doing great work to support entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. Want to learn about real growth, not hacks! Try my friend Adriana Tica’s newsletter where you’ll get weekly strategy advice, in-depth trend analyses, and ideas to help you build a resilient business. Subscribe to my favorite marketing & growth newsletter, Ideas to Power Your Future. Are you starting a business? You need a client acquisition system that works…

Community Focus Each week I’ll bring you organisations and experts doing great work to support entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. This week is a shout out to my team at the University of Canterbury’s Centre for Entrepreneurship. Over the summer we support students to go through a ten-week venture accelerator. There were some amazing ideas and showcase pitches. Check them out here. 👋 Hi Reader, it’s Vaughan. Welcome to my newsletter where I share insights and frameworks for becoming a…

Community Focus Each week I’ll bring you organisations and experts doing great work to support entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders. I recently grabbed this book from Noah Kogan – Million Dollar Weekend: The Surprisingly Simple Way to Launch a 7-Figure Business in 48 Hours. Noah is the founder of AppSumo.com and he’s built a million dollar business seven times! Well worth a read. 👋 Hi Reader, it’s Vaughan. Welcome to my newsletter where I share insights and frameworks for becoming a sharper…