You know that awkward moment at parties when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” and your brain short-circuits trying to find the perfect job title? Welcome to my daily existence. I’m a business coach. No wait—consultant. Actually, advisor might be more accurate. Sometimes confidant? Professional shoulder-to-cry-on? Corporate therapist without the license? Business BFF? My […]
There’s a movement sweeping through business schools and investment firms. It’s called “Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition” (ETA). Young, ambitious MBA graduates and career-changers armed with investor backing are hunting for established small businesses to buy. They study spreadsheets. They calculate ROI. They create elaborate acquisition strategies and funding models. They attend workshops on how to find […]
In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s astonishing how many companies—from small startups to established mid-sized businesses and even some larger organizations—either ignore strategic planning altogether or treat it as a perfunctory exercise. Despite the clear benefits of looking ahead and creating roadmaps for future growth, many business leaders find themselves trapped in the cycle of […]
There is an invisible wall in the business world. It’s the wall between management and leadership; being a good manager and becoming a great leader. People can spend an entire career and never break through that wall. The wall is not about equal opportunity, hiring practices, promotion or selection. Nor is it about gender or […]
Heart and brain on scales. Balance, love, mind, intelligence, logic concept. Flat style. EPS 8 vector illustration, no transparency ” data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/51636535_m-scaled.webp?fit=650%2C488&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/dougthorpe.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/51636535_m-scaled.webp?fit=847%2C635&ssl=1″ /> As a leader, you have so mnay chocies to make. People, process, product and performance issues surround you. Making the best choice can be difficult. However, nothing can be more powerful than […]
Leadership isn’t about basking in the glow of success; it’s about the shade you provide for those you lead and those considering joining your ranks. It’s about the values you embody, the outcomes you champion, the influences you wield, and the lasting impact you create. True leaders understand that their role is to nurture growth, […]
In the dynamic landscape of business acquisition and entrepreneurship, the concept of SMART goals has evolved far beyond its original 1981 introduction. Today’s successful business leaders are reimagining this classic framework to meet contemporary challenges and opportunities. Let’s explore how modern entrepreneurs are leveraging SMART goals to drive successful business transitions and sustainable growth. The […]
So I asked one of my younger clients to help me change the voice in my message. We talked a bit then decided she’d just do the damn thing in a full blown blog post. So here it goes…. Fr fr, starting your own business hits different. Like, one minute I’m grinding in my corporate […]
Intro We’re constantly bombarded with advice on what to do to achieve our goals. Learn this skill! Read that book! Implement this strategy! While action is crucial, what about the flip side? Often, knowing what not to do, and more importantly, stopping certain behaviors, is just as, if not more, important for success. Think about […]
We live in the age of data. A world where every click, every purchase, every interaction leaves a digital footprint. This deluge of information promises to illuminate the path to perfect decision-making. And while data can be a powerful tool, it’s also creating a new kind of problem: decision paralysis. We’re drowning in data, yet […]
