Teach AI to Work Like a Member of Your Team
Many companies see little impact from AI tools because generic models don’t align with how teams actually work. At a Fortune 500 retailer, a contracts team struggled to use an off-the-shelf tool until the company mapped their workflow (“work graph”) and fine-tuned the model using reverse mechanistic localization. The result: more accurate outputs, less manual effort, and a 30% boost in throughput. The takeaway for leaders is that context is essential—real productivity gains come from aligning AI with specific team processes. To do so, companies can: 1) start by mapping how work gets done with a work graph, 2) use the work graph to fine to AI tools, and 3) adopt a practice of continuous refinement.
^ADJ: I see a real disconnect between what boards and Exec teams see as the work that needs to get done and what actually occurs on the front line - anything that can get the two closer to reality, is not only going to improve productivity, but tools like AI are going to be way more effective.
Setup for sucess
Every organization is defined by its core values that create a culture of belonging and purpose.
Powerful message from a CEO: "There is no greater honor as a CEO than literally having the dials in your hand to create an environment where people can be(come) successful."
SSEBITDA – A steady-state profit metric for SaaS companies
How can a business that is “spending to grow” determine whether it’s truly profitable underneath all that “revenue acceleration?”
^ADJ: Thought this was a useful article to prompt thinking on investing in SaaS companies like Xero, but also what metrics are you using each month to judge, guide and evaluate growth.
How the Best Boards Engage with Management
Boards today face a thorny challenge: how to provide proper oversight of management while allowing it the autonomy it needs to be effective. Too often, boards maintain a single mode of engagement at all times, regardless of the type of decision to be made or its importance. This lack of flexibility can significantly undermine board effectiveness, especially in complex and rapidly changing situations.
^ADJ: I sent this article on to a number of boards that I am on, to cause reflection on how we operate - highly recommend the read of this article to lift board performance.
The ultimate employee: the one that is truly proactive
Some great questions to think about: "Do you take ownership of company-wide problems or do you assume they belong to someone else?"
Managing strong personalities
The importance of a strong manager and coach "You’re not going to teach Drogba how to attack the first post and score in the air. You are going to teach them how to play football in that team."
Building Leadership Influence By Asking The Right Questions First
A frequent topic among many leaders and leadership circles is how to maximize your level of influence. How do you get the initiatives, projects, and priorities that you want approved actually approved? How come that guy over there always gets a yes while you seem stuck in the no-zone? You find your projects and ideas constantly getting deprioritized or misunderstood, and, let's be honest, it's frustrating.
^ADJ: Some great takeouts from this, including: "If you're providing a status update, keep it clear and actionable".