Executive Briefs
First Principles Brief: How AI Is Redefining The COO Role
In conversations with business owners, CEOs, and private equity leaders, one theme is clear: Because of AI, the COO of today won’t look much like the COO of 2030. Here’s why: AI is shifting decision-making from intuition to predictive insights Hybrid teams...
Launching in 1996 vs 2025: A Tale of Two Startups
In the ever-evolving world of technology, launching a startup has always been a daring, exhilarating pursuit. But the path to building Sundog in 1996 versus Teiken Gramer & Co. 2025 couldn't be more different. Each era brings its own set of opportunities,...
First Principles Brief: 11 Real-World Steps to Building Better Leaders
In a recent conversation, I was asked what I enjoyed most about leading teams over the past 30 years. My answer was easy: developing world-class leaders. Great leaders aren’t born — they’re built. It takes humility, strategy, accountability — and a genuine,...
I Faced the Buy-or-Sell Question—Here’s What I Learned
For several years, the startup I co-founded rode a wave of double-digit growth. We made the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row, earned national recognition for our culture, and established ourselves as a top Salesforce partner in the manufacturing sector. But...
First Principles Brief: Are You Sure You Just Hired a Culture Fit?
Most businesses drastically undervalue and underinvest in getting the hiring process right. As a leader, business owner or entrepreneur, few decisions matter more than who you hire. Yet too often, companies prioritize speed and skills over something far more...
First Principles Brief: Why do salespeople fail to achieve their goals?
Sales success is defined by meeting or exceeding the assigned company goals. The sales goals should align with the company's strategic objectives and be achievable. Selling is hard. Hard to do and manage. How can a business assure their salespeople have the best...
First Principles Brief: The 5 Whys of Employee Engagement
Building a performance culture is part art, part science, takes years to create impact and is a constant work in progress. Like a diet or exercise program, the idea can be intimidating and while all leaders inherently know it’s a good idea, finding the best place to...
First Principles Brief: The Two-Part Equation Owners Must Solve Before Selling
Article after article have been written about the right time to sell your business. Typical questions or topics covered in these articles usually sound something like this: Are the current market conditions favorable? Is your company in a position of financial...
First Principles Brief: Should Your Business Secure Debt or Equity Financing?
All businesses need money; How much and what kind is the question. Businesses can add a tremendous amount of money to the bottom-line and investors can get higher returns by financing businesses properly at each stage of their maturation. Whether you are a start-up,...