Competing Against Time: Why Speed Still Wins 35 Years Later
In 1990, George Stalk Jr. and Thomas M. Hout published Competing Against Time, a book that argued time should be treated as a strategic weapon—just like cost or quality. Thirty-five years later, that message hits harder than ever.
Tim Cook hands out copies of this book to Apple employees. There's a reason. Speed is no longer just an operational issue. It's a leadership issue. The companies moving fastest are pulling away. The gap is growing.
If you're running a business or sitting on a board, this matters to you. This post breaks down what the book got right, why it remains relevant today, and how to apply its principles using modern tools—especially AI.
Why Great Performers Become Bad Managers (And How to Stop the Cycle)
Here's the uncomfortable truth: most bad managers weren't bad employees. They were often the best employees—top performers who got promoted because they hit targets, solved problems, and delivered results.
But nobody taught them that leadership is an entirely different job.
Concerned About AI's Long-Term Implications on Your Organization?
Let’s not beat around the bush—when it comes to AI, we’re past the days of worrying about sci-fi robots. We’re talking about real impacts on your business right here and now. If you’re a founder, CEO, or just someone who leads a team, you’re probably losing sleep over how AI is going to shake things up. Don’t fret, you’re definitely not alone in this! This article is here to give you some solid insights and practical advice to navigate the wild world of AI.
The Paradox of Chaos Management
A hot topic amongst my various friend groups lately is chaos management. Most decry it as a mode of operation or leadership style, but as I often like to do, I throw this turd on the table, “Aren’t there countless examples of companies and sports teams that thrived on chaos and achieved exceptional results?” Then I sit back and watch and listen.
You Say You Want a Resolution
Ah, January – that magical time of year when we all suddenly believe we're capable of transforming into Olympic athletes, master chefs, and polyglots... by February.