After helping three startups launch in three months, one lesson keeps proving itself: obsess over the customer. From BASF’s 380% revenue turnaround to uncovering a product gap with Gong, the biggest growth opportunities appear when you listen closely to what customers are actually saying.

Limited-edition Oreo® became a cultural moment, reinforcing internal identity and creative cohesion while teaching lessons.

When hard times hit, is strategy really what gets tested first, or is leadership presence?