Great Execs need Great Execution
Where do you turn for insight and inspiration when you want to delve deeper into a work-related topic?
If you’re like me, you start by reading. Reading has been my main channel for professional development throughout my career. Through articles, books and whitepapers, I have found wisdom on topics ranging from productivity to leadership, technology to HR, and everything in between. Reading has, without a doubt, helped me not just understand what I need to do, but how to do those things better.
For a few years now, though, I've found it increasingly difficult to find thought-provoking work. We are now awash in "content": short articles often written by social media managers that promote engagement over understanding. That's more than a shame: it means that it's getting harder to find informed perspective that we can use for personal and professional development.
Frustrated but inspired, I've launched this Substack to address this void, offering advice and insights on a topic that has been the cornerstone of my success: great execution. The logo for this Substack provides a not-so-subtle hint about our dual focus. I believe great execution isn't just a "nice to have", but a vital part of being a great executive.
Elevating Execution and Leadership
Over a 20+ year career that has taken me from being a ground-pounding statistician to the C-suite in companies large and small, the common thread to my success has been great execution. This isn't by accident. The insight I've gained from reading has helped me, the teams I've led, and the companies I've worked for perform memorably well. While my leadership roles have spanned nearly every corporate function—from sales and marketing to operations and HR—I've rarely been the specialist in the room. My strength doesn't arise from deep technical knowledge of any one field, but in my ability to stitch the pieces together to get important and often complex things done.
When I use the term execution, I'm talking about more than the “assembly line” of tasks needing to be done. When I talk about leadership, I’m not talking about old-fashioned “chain of command” order giving. Mastering both means aligning people, processes, and culture so that excellence is the standard, the company succeeds, and people thrive. In a world of buzz and bluster and fascination with big ideas and big egos, a focus on execution allows us to separate the wheat from the chaff. Delivery beats dreams every day of the week.
Great execution is multifaceted. In these pages, you will see me regularly talk about execution as being a function of four key elements: Vision, People, Structure (the ‘systems’ we put in place) and Conversations (two-way communication). Because execution is multi-faceted, great execution is also quite rare. Ask yourself: how well is your company executing? I would bet that you are facing at least one big execution-related problem, which, if fixed, would significantly improve business outcomes and employee morale. Am I right?
Seeking Kindred Spirits
I can confidently say that, after more than two decades of work experience, I have seen it all. I have worked for and with amazing companies with amazing people, terrible companies with terrible people, and places in between. I've seen the full spectrum of workplace culture: from environments and people that inspire, to those that, frankly, instill fear and desperation. I am convinced there's a hunger out there for better—better strategy, better culture, and better execution. Whether you’re in a situation you love and are looking to elevate it, or you're navigating rough waters and searching for solutions, you're in the right place. If you find value in the insights shared here, it's likely that you're after the same things I am. I value your perspective and hope you will find mine useful as well.
The Logistics: What and when
Expect a new original article every other Sunday at 3pm Central European Time (I am based in Paris). I'll be covering a set of topics that may seem diverse at first glance, but are ultimately all connected to bringing people and process together to make great things happen. Here are just a few:
The Fundamentals of Execution: Understanding the building blocks that transform a strategy into action.
Setting Goals and Measuring Performance: How to set actionable objectives and track them effectively.
Creating High-Functioning Teams: From leadership to the frontline—what makes a team exceed expectations.
Navigating Organizational Culture: Addressing toxicity, fostering collaboration, and building a resilient work environment.
Risk and Uncertainty: Tools and frameworks for decision-making in an unpredictable world.
Breaking Through Barriers: Overcoming the common roadblocks that inhibit performance and innovation.
Leadership in Action: Case studies, interviews, and deep-dives into the challenges and triumphs of leading effectively.
On the alternating weekends, I will share articles from others that have resonated with me. For while the signal-to-noise ratio has been decreasing, there is still some good stuff out there.
Will This Substack Be Free?
The short answer is yes, for now. For at least the first three months from the date of my first post, this Substack will be absolutely free. But it is my intention to “go paid”. The timing of that will depend on three factors: rhythm, feedback, and trust.
Finding My Rhythm
When you launch something new, there’s always a “feeling-out” period. In these first few months, I'll be settling into a production rhythm, fine-tuning the kinds of stories, advice, and insights I want to share. It's like tuning an instrument; it has to sound right to me before it sounds right to you.
Reader Feedback: A Two-Way Street
I’m keen on understanding what resonates with you. If the things I think are important aren’t really striking a chord, then please let me know. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the content. I want to hear it all: what you like, what you don't like, and where you think this Substack should go.
Building Trust and Value
You are giving me your time, which is the most valuable thing anyone can give, especially in today's world. My goal is to build trust by consistently delivering informative, actionable, valuable articles. The kind of stuff that makes you really reflect and incorporate new ideas into your own approach to work.
The Path Forward
Assuming I do ultimately transition to a paid model, there will still be free content. But premium subscribers will get more: more say in steering the topics we cover, the ability to comment on articles, and access to at least one live, interactive session a month. This could be an AMA, a deep-dive webinar, or a roundtable discussion; the format will evolve based on what you find most valuable.
To sum up, in three months’ time, I hope to be delivering enough value that becoming a premium subscriber will feel like a no-brainer.
Sending the Elevator Back Down
There is a saying that arose in the performing arts that has stuck with me for years. Maybe you've heard it:
“If you have done well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with me. I owe my growth to countless mentors and, through this platform, aim to pass on that wisdom. So, welcome to my elevator. We’re going up, we're aiming high, and we're bringing as many people as we can with us.
