Bryan Davis’ Post

Re-reading this classic paper on the merits of #corporate #foresight, I indulge in personal thoughts: This study showed how companies which invested in systematic ways to prepare for #future #scenarios where much more competitive relative to their peers when re-evaluated 8 years after the initial setup. And today, in my 10th year with #EY, I thus realize that the „long term“ which we often talk about eventually arrives:)👍🏼 Of course, plans might and should adopt, preferences vary, new insights reveal other paths and new opportunities arise on the way. But it has indeed value to develop a vision and to #stick to it, to be loyal to a cause, to a team, to an organization. Future does not just „happen“, it is instead created by actors. So for me the main #value of a #strategic foresight process lies in active discussions, in revealing the struggles, in fighting the conflicts between competing ideas and in raising awarness about (hidden) assumptions, agendas or „mental models“ which different leaders or departments uphold. And in then forming a Vision and making it happen, to not focus too much on short-term (opportunistic) wins, or to leave an organization too quickly, but instead to plan long-term, to endure a bit and to become #creators. #ScenarioPlanning thusly does not predict. Instead it is a proactive dialogue about which #future we desire to live in. It helps to create that #Vision and to make it emotionally accessible so that #trust and #commitment have a chance to grow. And in todays time I almost feel conservative when realizing that #values such as #trust , #loyalty, #responsibility, #commitment and #endurance have not only served me well, but were reciprocated just as much from outstanding mentors, enthusiastic business partners and loyal colleagues, some of which have become dear friends. I am grateful for an extraordinary team, an outstanding leadership over many years, excellent mentors, great opportunities to grow, to learn and to collaborate. Looking at this graph, we get reminded about the power of creating a #vision for years ahead! Eventually the #future arrives. This study reminds us that companies which proactively deal with #futures improve their chances of a better position. Sounds obvious, but a reminder does never harm;) Dedicating this thought to some of my great #mentors whose feedback and challenges both have supported intensly👍🏼 - among them Maximilian Rapp , Dr. Karen Neuhaus , Mario Farsky Christian von Tschirschky Alexander Seibel , Anthony Bramwell Klaus Jechel - and many more with strong impact: Lisa Lindström , Benjamin Pflaum , Mario Fäh Fabian Marx Regina Vetters, Andre Wiedenhofer , Volker Bay Cornelia Gottbehüt Felix Nickl Dr. Florian Dickgreber Johannes Vogel Johannes Malkmes Patrick Ruijs … Source: Rohrbeck et al (2018): Corporate Foresight Benchmarking Report 2018: How Leading Firms Build a Superior Position in Markets of the Future EY EY etventure EY VODW EY Doberman #PreferableFuture

Reflecting on the PwC Launch Pad Program: Lessons Learned 🔍 Participating in the PwC Launch Pad Program has been a transformative journey, filled with invaluable insights and experiences. Here are some of the key takeaways that have shaped my approach to innovation and entrepreneurship: Embrace Bold Ideas: The program taught me that the biggest opportunities often come from thinking outside the box. It's about challenging the status quo and not being afraid to pursue groundbreaking concepts. The Power of Mentorship: Having access to PwC's extensive network of mentors was a game-changer. Their guidance helped refine my vision and provided practical advice on navigating the complexities of the professional services industry. Importance of Execution: It's not just about having a great idea; it's about executing it effectively. The program emphasized the critical role of a solid plan and the ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Networking is Key: Connecting with fellow innovators and industry leaders expanded my horizons. The program's networking opportunities were instrumental in forging collaborations and friendships that will last a lifetime. Customer-Centric Innovation: Understanding the needs of the market and creating solutions that truly add value is essential. The program reinforced the importance of customer feedback and iterative development. Resilience and Persistence: The journey is not always smooth, but the program taught me the importance of perseverance. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Global Perspective: Engaging with a diverse group of participants from around the world broadened my understanding of global challenges and opportunities. It's a reminder that innovation knows no borders. The Value of Feedback: Constructive feedback from judges and mentors was crucial in refining my pitch and business model. It's important to listen, learn, and iterate based on expert opinions Confidence in Presentation: The program honed my ability to communicate my vision effectively. Whether it's a pitch or a discussion, clarity and passion are key to convincing others of your idea's potential. Celebrating the Journey: Winning is great, but the real prize is the journey itself. The program was a celebration of innovation, and every participant was a winner in their own right, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring program. To future innovators, I say: seize the chance to join the PwC Launch Pad Program and let it shape your entrepreneurial journey as it did mine. #PwCLaunchPad #InnovationJourney #LessonsLearned

I’ve recently been doing a lot more work with private equity owned companies, and to be honest, it’s been a nice change from the VC-backed ecosystem. Private equity firms take a much more strategic and targeted approach when it comes to the companies they invest in, as the goal is to turn a profit from every investment they make. Even when their portfolio companies are small, there’s generally a professional maturity to the leadership that is sometimes lacking in the startup world. I’ve also been struck by how the PE firms themselves have matured in recent years: it used to only be about the numbers. It’s still mostly about the numbers, but it seems a lot of them have come to recognize that the numbers are ultimately a lagging reflection of the quality of the portfolio company’s leadership, team alignment, and culture, so they’ve become much more willing to invest in these areas. So I feel like I’ve been ‘vibing’ well with PE firms recently - they appreciate my niche more often, and we generally see eye to eye on most issues, perhaps because of my earlier careers in consulting and private equity. It’s an ironic full circle - I went into coaching originally as a response to my time at TowerBrook Capital, one of the top PE firms in the world. I have huge respect for what they do, but for me, at the time, the work was way too numbers-driven, and I had a mantra running through my head that I didn’t know what to do with: “People, not numbers.” One day the head of the firm said he’d heard that I was doing a good job of coaching a couple of the portfolio company CEOs. I didn’t know anything about coaching at the time, but the penny dropped - coaching is about people, not numbers - and that’s what led me to train as a coach. Happy to be back in the PE fold in a different guise :) #TrellisAsia #Coaching #PrivateEquity #Growth #Culture -

I had the opportunity to sit down with my EY Entrepreneurial Access Network (EAN) mentors, Mario Pena and Brittani M. Flagg Esq., MBA, on Wednesday for breakfast. It was absolutely inspiring! During our meeting, we dove deep into the essence of Synergy International Limited, Inc. and discussing strategies for growth. We talked about their commitment to help us achieve our goals. We also outlined some of the critical steps needed to achieve my financial and brand equity objectives. It may seem ambitious, but the clarity and direction provided by Mario and Brittani have filled me with an even greater resolve. Achieving such lofty goals requires more than just ambition; it demands FAITH, SMART WORK, and the invaluable guidance of MENTORSHIP and SPONSORSHIP. I am profoundly grateful for the #EAN for facilitating these mentorships that not only enlighten but truly empower. To Mario and Brittani: Thank you for your wisdom, encouragement, and belief in my vision. With your mentorship, the journey ahead feels more navigable and less daunting. I am reminded that with the right support and relentless effort, any goal is within reach. To YOU, my network: If you're on the precipice of pursuing your dreams or elevating your business to the next level, remember the power of faith, works, and mentorship. It's a combination that can move mountains. Here's to achieving the unimaginable with the best people by your side. #Gratitude #EYEAN #Mentorship #Sponsorship #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #SynergyInternational #YearOfFaith #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #Leadership #EAN

How do you get to be a CEO? A training program offered by private-equity firm Alpine Investors can turbocharge an MBA's rise to the top of the corporate ladder. David Wurtzbacher told Alex Nicoll of Business Insider how the program helped him become the chief executive of a private-equity backed accounting platform. Read about his experience here: #privateequity #CEO #career #MBA

I'm thrilled to share that I've been invited to speak at the School of Business, Mody University, where I'll be sharing my entrepreneurial journey and the invaluable lessons it has brought. From venturing into the unknown to thriving in the world of business, this journey has been a remarkable blend of challenges, growth, and triumphs. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInsights #ProfessionalJourney #EY #Empowerment #LearningJourney"

VUCA creates a landscape where clarity becomes elusive, and ambiguity thrives. In this environment, rapid changes and unpredictability breed confusion and doubt, making it difficult to decipher the best course of action. Ambiguity arises as information becomes fragmented, incomplete, or contradictory, leaving individuals and organizations grappling with uncertainty about the present and future. Decisions become challenging when faced with ambiguous situations, requiring adaptability and a willingness to navigate through murky waters with resilience and strategic foresight. 🚀 In a world that's constantly changing, clarity is your superpower. Take our free VUCA assessment now to unveil your unique VUCA profile. Understand the degree of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) in your life. Knowledge is your path to power! Armed with this insight, you'll be equipped to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Don't just navigate VUCA; learn to conquer it! 💡 Click this link to download our FREE VUCA ASSESSMENT. https://lnkd.in/drkCcBUY When you sign up for our free mailing list, we will share tips and tricks for dealing with change and a link to our most recent blog post. #mindsetwizardry #UnstoppableSuccess #VUCAAssessment #mindset #mindsetchange #mindsetshift #change #changeagility #resilience #success #successmindset #growth #growthmindset #vucaworld

A simple yet effective way to acknowledge achievements 🎉🔔👏🏻 A month ago, I had a conversation with a friend of mine, a 10 years+ experienced entrepreneur in Rotterdam. Long story short: to show him the concept of "Celebrating the little positives" I told him about the movie "The Intern" (2015). In this movie, when everyone achieves something good (big or small), they ring the bell, announce it publicly and everybody claps. Adopted this practice, his company virtually rang the bell when they won a proposal last week. He said it brought the excitement to everyone as a group, and spread the positive energy. As an Agile practitioner, I always try to apply the coaching principles, especially "motivating" individuals to take action and instill pride in their work. Celebrations not only elevate achievements but also cultivate a positive workplace atmosphere. Looking forward to his companies’ success and soon adopting a physical "victory bell" for even more jubilant celebrations! 🤪 #celebratingsuccess #agilepractices #teamspirit P.S. Great sources for further reading: - 12 Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Movie: The Intern, by Susan Mwenda-Mulongoti https://lnkd.in/e9dGYJQD - 7 Career Lessons You Can Learn from the Movie “The Intern” by Duvvuru Varshitha Reddy https://lnkd.in/e2KwvTvi

As the CEO, you have a vision,   ideas, and a potential plan.   You want to probe and verify…   ideally, with other experienced CEOs who will dig in, do the work, and provide new perspectives, insights, and validation before you present to the Board.   Enter LEAP Strategy Partners. LEAP’s advisory panels operate similarly to a Board, but we work exclusively for you, our client CEO—no one else. LEAPStrategyPartners.com #CEO #Strategy #Advisory

I'm very fortunate that RSM UK is supporting me with further development from from MIT Sloan School of Management. So awesome. On my way for a two day course on the DNA of Innovators and skills for Innovative disruption. Had a bit of a lightbulb moment in the pre-course reading on what makes an Innovator... So I decided to share it. "Imagine that you have an identical twin, endowed with the same brains and natural talents that you have. You’re both given one week to come up with a creative new business idea. "During that week, you yourself come up with ideas alone, just thinking in your room. By contrast, your twin (1) talks with ten people— including an engineer, a musician, a stay- at- home dad, and a designer— about the venture; (2) visits three innovative startups to observe what they do; (3) samples five “new to the market” products and takes them apart; (4) shows a prototype he’s built to five people, and (5) asks “What if I tried this?” and “What would make this not work?” at least ten times each day during these networking, observing, and experimenting activities. "Who do you bet will come up with the more innovative (and usable) idea? My guess is that you’d bet on your twin, and not because he has better natural (genetic) creative abilities." I'm naturally inclined to sit at home with a notepad, highlighter and post-it notes. It feels more comfortable. But the above makes a lot of sense... 💡 Full credit here - https://lnkd.in/emW_-Gtg