Our research on Scaling Up Technology firms was presented today at the Academy of Management’s Annual Meeting in Boston. Here is a summary of what we found. The research paper “The Scaling Process: How do High-tech Start-ups Transform during Scaling” dives deep into digitalised or technology-based firms. Specifically on those exceptionally rare firms that successfully transition from a product-focussed start-up to a high and efficiently growing firm capable of growing to a l

It was thrilling to watch the Matildas play to win their FIFA World Cup game, crushing Canada 4-0. Leading up to the game all commentary was focused on the strategy, the star talent and the risks. However, on the night itself, the game was transformed as it came down to the focus, discipline and skilful performance of the entire team. Entrepreneurs and executive teams can learn a lot from this do or die game to have their own Matildas Moment with their team. Entrepreneurs and

Just when we think we have it figured out - the world shifts again. Here's a way to stay on top of emerging opportunities and turn your scaling team into a learning machine. Once start ups begin to grown up and transition to scale, it's natural to get caught up in operational goals, allowing little time or energy to focus on much else. In today's rapidly changing world and on-trend customers, this can be a mistake. What matters for long-term sustainable growth is not just ope

Warren Buffet courtesy of CNBC Adam Jeffrey. High levels of human capital like human intelligence (HI) and learning agility of the founders and management has time again been linked to successful scale ups. So we should always be learning... To quote Charlie Munger, Warren Buffet's business partner; "I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines." Here is a starter list of top business scali

When is the right time to hire more staff ? Recent layoffs particularly in the tech sector have largely been a result of over hiring and expectations of ambitious growth. There's no running away unexpected events that come along once or twice a lifetime, however there are some things you can consider when deciding whether now is the right moment to hire or to stay lean. Hiring often feels chicken and egg - we need the talent and extra capacity to drive growth. At the same tim

Pre-mature scaling is a large cause of start-up failure and it's important to understand there is a transitionary stage before scaling to avoid failure or stagnation. It's no surprise that many ambitious entrepreneurs and CEOs with some early success in their ventures are jumping at the bit to start scaling. I certainly was with my own start up. Yet 'premature scaling' is cited as one of the biggest causes of failure in new ventures. With all the confusion around scaling and

Recently I was invited to facilitate a Quarterly Planning session for a mid-size professional services firm. The firm is well established and regarded as an expert in their niche. The leadership team is full of very smart, passionate people. They have a nicely crafted strategy, with clear core purpose, core values which the team is very motived and aligned on. Their long-term goal is big and audacious. But the business is underperforming. It reminded me that you can have the

It is highly likely the initial team you assemble will not be the exact same people or roles as your start-up team. How do you assemble the SCALE Team? Image courtesy of the Drift website Wise founders know that you need incredible talent at all levels of the organization to successfully scale a business. However, all scale-ups were start-ups at some point – high on purpose and innovation, but low on cash and staff. At some point, you need to not just hire people or a team, b

So you've started a venture and had some initial success with your innovative product and customer revenue. Now you are supposedly a...