Expert in business management, growth and innovation. Committed with SDG/CSR and Social Impact Economy. Specialized in new business projects: Marketing&Sales, Human Resources, Finantials, Strategy planning, partner seeking, new investors,...

My Mentoring Topics

  • Startups (any stage)
  • New projects
  • Innovation
  • Women & work-life balance
  • Diversity
  • SGD and CSR
  • Social Impact
R.
10.February 2022

He knew about the market and gavve me some inputs I considered accurate and I am applying now.

The Lean Startup - How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses
Eric Ries

Key Facts and Insights Emphasis on Experimentation over Elaborate Planning: The Lean Startup methodology promotes experimentation over detailed planning, which allows businesses to adapt and innovate continuously. Customer Feedback over Intuition: Ries emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in shaping products and services rather than relying solely on intuition. Iterative Design: The methodology encourages iterative design, which involves making small changes in products based on customer feedback and observing the results. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): This concept is central to the Lean Startup approach, focusing on creating a basic version of a product to test market hypotheses. Validated Learning: Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, where startups learn from each iteration through rigorous testing and adjustment. Innovation Accounting: This is a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop: This is the core component of the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes the iterative process of building, measuring, and learning. Pivot or Persevere: Ries introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot (make a fundamental change to the product) or persevere (keep improving the current product). Continuous Deployment: The Lean Startup methodology encourages continuous deployment of updates to the product, based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. Lean Management: The Lean Startup approach also extends to management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. In-depth Analysis of "The Lean Startup" "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries is a game-changing book that has reshaped the way businesses think about innovation and growth. Drawing upon his own experiences, Ries presents a new approach for startups to achieve their goals by focusing on continuous innovation and customer feedback. One of the key points in the book is the emphasis on experimentation over elaborate planning. Traditionally, businesses have relied on detailed and lengthy business plans. However, Ries argues that in the rapidly changing business landscape, these plans can quickly become obsolete. Instead, he advocates for a culture of experimentation, where ideas are tested, and changes are made based on the outcomes. This approach allows businesses to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities more effectively. A second key insight from the book is the importance of customer feedback. Ries suggests that businesses should not merely rely on intuition or assumptions about what customers want. Instead, they should engage with customers, seek their feedback, and use this information to shape their products and services. This is an integral part of the iterative design process advocated by Ries. The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is central to the Lean Startup methodology. Rather than spending extensive resources developing a perfect product right from the start, Ries suggests starting with a basic version of the product, testing it in the market, learning from customer feedback, and making modifications accordingly. The MVP helps businesses to test their market hypotheses with minimal resources. Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, which is a process of learning from each iteration of the product. Through rigorous testing and adjustment based on customer feedback, startups can learn valuable insights about their product and the market. A significant concept in the book is innovation accounting, a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. This accounting system is designed to provide startups with a clear measure of their progress and inform decision-making processes. The Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is another core concept in the Lean Startup methodology. Startups are encouraged to build a product, measure how it performs in the market, learn from the outcomes, and then build again. This iterative process fosters continuous improvement and innovation. Ries also introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot or persevere. If a product is not meeting its objectives or gaining traction in the market, the startup may decide to pivot, i.e., make a fundamental change to the product. If the product is showing promise, the startup may decide to persevere and keep improving the product. Continuous deployment of updates to the product is another strategy advocated by Ries. Based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, updates are made to the product and deployed continuously. This approach ensures that the product is always improving and adapting to customer needs and market changes. Finally, the Lean Startup approach extends to lean management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. The goal is to create an organization that is adaptable, efficient, and focused on continuous innovation. In conclusion, "The Lean Startup" presents a new approach to business, emphasizing agility, customer feedback, and continuous innovation. It provides a roadmap for startups looking to achieve success in a rapidly changing business landscape.

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Exponential Transformation - Evolve Your Organization (and Change the World) With a 10-Week ExO Sprint
Salim Ismail, Francisco Palao, Michelle Lapierre

Key Facts and Insights Exponential Organizations (ExOs): The book introduces the concept of Exponential Organizations (ExOs) – entities that can scale their impact, output, or influence at a significantly higher rate compared to their peers due to their use of new organizational techniques that leverage accelerating technologies. 10-week ExO Sprint: The authors propose a 10-week ExO Sprint methodology, a step-by-step guide on how to implement the principles of Exponential Organizations, to transform traditional organizations into ExOs. ExO Attributes: The authors identify 10 attributes (MTP, Interfaces, Dashboards, Experimentation, Autonomy, Social, Algorithms, Leveraged Assets, Engagement, and Digital Platforms) that are present in successful ExOs and can be adopted by any organization. Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP): One critical attribute of ExOs is the Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP). It's a higher, aspirational purpose of an organization that inspires and aligns its efforts. ExO Ecosystem: The book posits the importance of an ExO Ecosystem, which includes stakeholders, partners, suppliers, and customers, for the growth and success of an ExO. Role of Leadership: The role of leadership in driving the transformation of an organization into an ExO is underscored in the book. Leaders need to be forward-thinking, open to change, and willing to experiment. Change Management: The authors emphasize the importance of effective change management in the process of ExO transformation. Case Studies: The book provides real-life case studies of companies like Google, Uber, Airbnb that have successfully adopted the ExO model. Future of Work: The authors explore how the ExO model will shape the future of work, with its emphasis on remote work, digital platforms, and networked teams. Global Impact: The book also addresses how ExOs can change the world by addressing global challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality. An In-depth Summary and Analysis "Exponential Transformation" is a groundbreaking book that provides a comprehensive guide on how to leverage the power of exponential technologies and organizational techniques to create Exponential Organizations (ExOs). ExOs are characterized by their ability to scale their impact or output significantly faster than traditional organizations. This concept represents a paradigm shift in organizational thinking, necessitated by the rapid advancements in technology and the changing dynamics of the global economy. A central tenet of the book is the 10-week ExO Sprint methodology. This method provides organizations with a structured and time-bound approach to transform themselves into ExOs. It is designed to mitigate the risks associated with transformation, while maximizing the potential for success. The Sprint methodology includes four phases: Align, Ideate, Prototype, and Validate. This structure ensures that organizations can systematically navigate through the transformation process, with each stage building on the previous one. The authors outline ten attributes that successful ExOs possess. These include a Massive Transformative Purpose (MTP), Interfaces, Dashboards, Experimentation, Autonomy, Social, Algorithms, Leveraged Assets, Engagement, and Digital Platforms. Each of these attributes contributes to the exponential growth potential of an organization. For instance, MTP is a higher, aspirational purpose that aligns all the efforts of an ExO and inspires its employees and stakeholders. Similarly, the use of digital platforms, algorithms, and leveraged assets can drastically reduce the cost of operations, while increasing efficiency and output. The role of leadership in driving an ExO transformation is another key theme in the book. The authors argue that leaders need to be forward-thinking, open to change, and willing to experiment. They must foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the organization. In this context, the book emphasizes the importance of change management, as it is critical to ensure that the transformation process is smooth and the entire organization is aligned with the new direction. The book also provides various real-life case studies of companies that have successfully transformed into ExOs. Companies like Google, Uber, and Airbnb have leveraged exponential technologies and the attributes of ExOs to disrupt entire industries and achieve unprecedented levels of growth and success. These case studies serve as practical examples of the principles outlined in the book, reinforcing their applicability and effectiveness. In addition to organizational transformation, the book also explores how the ExO model will shape the future of work. With its emphasis on autonomy, remote work, digital platforms, and networked teams, the ExO model represents a new way of working that is more flexible, dynamic, and inclusive. Finally, the book posits that ExOs have the potential to address global challenges like poverty, climate change, and inequality. By leveraging exponential technologies and the principles of ExOs, organizations can scale their impact and contribute to the solution of these global issues. In conclusion, "Exponential Transformation" offers a profound and practical guide for organizations to navigate the new realities of the digital economy. By adopting the principles of ExOs, organizations can not only achieve exponential growth but also contribute to making the world a better place.

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Value Proposition Design
A. Osterwalder Yves Pigneur

Key Facts and Insights from "Value Proposition Design" Value Proposition Design is centered on the concept of value creation for customers, and how businesses can strategically design and deliver this value. The book presents a structured framework, known as the Value Proposition Canvas, which helps in aligning a product or service with the customer's needs and wants. The Value Proposition Canvas consists of two parts: the Customer Profile and the Value Map, illustrating the fit between what the customer wants and what the business offers. Understanding the customer's jobs, pains, and gains is essential in designing the Value Proposition. Creating a fit between the Value Map and the Customer Profile is the key to successful Value Proposition Design. Prototyping and testing are emphasized as critical steps in the design process. These steps ensure that the value proposition is not only theoretically sound but also practically viable. The book stresses the importance of continuously iterating and improving the Value Proposition based on feedback and changing market conditions. The authors advocate for a collaborative approach to Value Proposition Design, involving various stakeholders from within and outside the organization. The book integrates well with the Business Model Canvas, another strategic management tool by the same authors, creating a comprehensive toolkit for business and product development. The book provides numerous practical examples and case studies, making the concepts easy to understand and apply in real-world situations. The visually appealing and engaging layout of the book makes it an easy and enjoyable read. Analysis of Concepts and Ideas "Value Proposition Design" by A. Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur is an invaluable resource for any business professional or entrepreneur seeking to create compelling value propositions that resonate with customers. The fundamental premise of the book is that businesses succeed by creating and delivering value that fits the customers' needs. This idea is not new, but what sets this book apart is the structured framework it provides to achieve this fit. The Value Proposition Canvas is a practical tool that allows businesses to systematically understand their customers and design their products or services accordingly. The Customer Profile is about deeply understanding the customer. It prompts businesses to think about the customer's jobs (what they are trying to get done in their work and life), pains (the obstacles and challenges they face in their jobs), and gains (the outcomes and benefits they wish to achieve). This comprehensive understanding of the customer is the foundation upon which the value proposition is built. The Value Map, on the other hand, is about articulating how the business's products or services create value. It involves identifying the products and services that can help customers perform their jobs, relieve their pains, and create their desired gains. The ultimate goal is to create a fit between the Customer Profile and the Value Map, which is the essence of a successful value proposition. The book emphasizes that the Value Proposition Design is not a one-time activity. It involves constant prototyping, testing, iterating, and improving. This aligns with the principles of the Lean Startup methodology and Agile development, which are widely recognized best practices in the business world. Furthermore, the book encourages a collaborative approach to Value Proposition Design. It recognizes that value creation is not solely the responsibility of a particular department or individual but involves various stakeholders. This collaborative approach is consistent with the modern business trend towards cross-functional teams and co-creation with customers. Finally, the integration of the Value Proposition Canvas with the Business Model Canvas provides a comprehensive toolkit for business and product development. While the Value Proposition Canvas focuses on the fit between the product and the customer, the Business Model Canvas zooms out to consider the broader business model, including key partners, resources, channels, and revenue streams. In conclusion, "Value Proposition Design" provides a practical and systematic approach to creating value for customers. With its structured framework, clear examples, and engaging layout, it equips readers with the knowledge and tools to design compelling value propositions that resonate with customers.

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Business Model Generation
A. Osterwalder Yves Pigneur

Key Insights from "Business Model Generation" Emphasizes the importance of a well-constructed business model: An effective business model can be a game-changer, turning innovative ideas into profitable businesses. Introduces the Business Model Canvas: A strategic tool that allows entrepreneurs to visualize, design, and innovate their business model in an organized way. Highlights the 9 building blocks of the Business Model Canvas: These include Key Partners, Key Activities, Value Propositions, Customer Relationships, Customer Segments, Key Resources, Channels, Cost Structure, and Revenue Streams. Advocates for the iterative approach to model construction: The book promotes constant testing and adjustment of the business model to respond to changing market conditions and customer needs. Emphasizes customer-centric approach: Understanding the needs, preferences, and behaviors of target customers is crucial in designing an effective business model. Encourages innovativeness and disruption: The book encourages entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and create disruptive business models that can redefine industries. Underlines the importance of collaboration and co-creation: The book emphasizes the value of involving the entire team in the business model generation process. Explores several real-world case studies: These examples provide practical insights and lessons from successful companies. Provides a process for systematic business model innovation: The book outlines a five-stage process that includes Mobilize, Understand, Design, Implement, and Manage. Promotes visualization for complex business ideas: The Business Model Canvas helps entrepreneurs to visualize their ideas in a clear and concise way. In-depth Analysis of "Business Model Generation" "Business Model Generation" by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur is a groundbreaking book that has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs, innovators, and business strategists approach business model innovation. The authors, through their extensive research and practical experience, provide a comprehensive guide that has transformed the traditional, linear approach to business planning into a flexible, visual, and collaborative process. At the core of the book is the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool designed to help entrepreneurs visualize, design, and innovate their business model. The canvas is divided into nine building blocks that describe how a company intends to create, deliver, and capture value. These blocks cover the key areas that a business needs to consider: Key Partners, Key Activities, Value Propositions, Customer Relationships, Customer Segments, Key Resources, Channels, Cost Structure, and Revenue Streams. This tool reflects the systemic and holistic nature of business models, emphasizing the interconnections between different business areas. One of the significant insights from the book is the emphasis on a customer-centric approach. Understanding the needs and wants of target customers is the foundation of a successful business model. This approach aligns with the principles of Design Thinking, which promotes empathy and customer understanding as the starting point of innovation. The authors also advocate for an iterative approach to business model construction. This means that entrepreneurs should constantly test their assumptions and adjust their business model based on feedback and changing market conditions. This approach aligns with Lean Startup methodology, which promotes a build-measure-learn cycle in product development. The book also emphasizes the importance of innovation and disruption in business model generation. The authors encourage entrepreneurs to challenge existing industry norms and create new models that can redefine the market. This disruptive mentality is reflective of the Blue Ocean Strategy, which advocates for creating uncontested market space instead of competing in an existing one. Collaboration and co-creation are also underlined in the book. The authors believe that business model generation should involve the entire team, creating a shared understanding and alignment within the organization. This aligns with the principles of Agile methodology, which promotes collaboration and cross-functional teams. In conclusion, "Business Model Generation" provides entrepreneurs with a practical and innovative approach to business model innovation. The book's concepts, particularly the Business Model Canvas, have become a staple in entrepreneurship and business strategy. By applying these insights, entrepreneurs can design business models that are customer-centric, flexible, and disruptive, increasing their chances of success in the competitive business landscape.

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The Invincible Company - How to Constantly Reinvent Your Organization with Inspiration From the World's Best Business Models
Alexander Osterwalder, Yves Pigneur, Alan Smith, Frederic Etiemble

Key Facts or Insights from "The Invincible Company" Companies must regularly reinvent themselves to remain competitive. Successful reinvention requires a balance between exploiting existing business models and exploring new ones. The Portfolio Map is a strategic tool that allows companies to visualize their current business models and identify areas for innovation. Five patterns of business model innovation - switch, digitize, combine, disintermediate, and layer & orchestrate. The idea of the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas as tools to design and iterate business models. Companies can learn from the business models of the world's best companies. Successful companies adopt a culture of systematic and continuous innovation. Companies should adopt an innovation culture that encourages risk-taking and failure. The Innovation Project Scorecard can help companies prioritize their innovation projects effectively. The book provides real-world case studies that illustrate the concepts presented. Continuous learning and adaptation are at the heart of becoming an "Invincible Company". Analysis and Summary of "The Invincible Company" "The Invincible Company" presents a fresh perspective on business innovation and organizational reinvention. The central premise of the book is that companies must continuously reinvent themselves to remain competitive, a concept that resonates with Schumpeter's theory of creative destruction. The authors argue that companies need to strike a balance between exploiting existing business models and exploring new ones, an idea reminiscent of the "ambidexterity" concept in organizational theory. The book introduces the Portfolio Map, a strategic tool that allows companies to visualize their current business models and identify areas for potential innovation. This tool can be likened to the Boston Consulting Group's Growth-Share Matrix, but with a specific focus on innovation. This is a critical insight, as it emphasizes the importance of strategic management in fostering innovation. The authors identify five patterns of business model innovation - switch, digitize, combine, disintermediate, and layer & orchestrate. These patterns provide a useful framework for understanding how companies can innovate their business models. For instance, the digitize pattern echoes the digital transformation trend that has swept across industries in the recent decade. The book also revisits the Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas, tools that the authors previously introduced in their book "Business Model Generation". These tools provide a practical guide for companies to design and iterate their business models, underscoring the iterative nature of innovation. Learning from the best is another key theme in the book. The authors provide an analysis of the business models of the world's best companies, offering valuable insights for companies seeking to reinvent themselves. This is in line with the benchmarking practice in business, but with a focus on business models. Cultivating a culture of innovation is another important insight from the book. The authors argue that successful companies are those that adopt a culture of systematic and continuous innovation. This calls to mind the concept of "learning organizations" proposed by Peter Senge. Moreover, the authors emphasize the importance of encouraging risk-taking and accepting failure, a principle that echoes the "fail fast, fail often" mantra in the startup world. The Innovation Project Scorecard introduced in the book provides a practical tool for companies to prioritize their innovation projects. This aligns with the project portfolio management practice in business, but with an emphasis on innovation. Finally, the book is filled with real-world case studies that illustrate the concepts presented. These case studies make the book more relatable and practical, helping readers understand how the concepts can be applied in real-world settings. In conclusion, "The Invincible Company" is a comprehensive guide to business innovation and organizational reinvention. It presents a wealth of insights and practical tools that can equip readers with the knowledge to transform their organizations into "Invincible Companies". The book's emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation echoes the famous Darwinian principle - it is not the strongest species that survive, but the most adaptable.

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