The hottest Corporate strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Five possible reasons China's productivity slowed down

Noahpinion • 15529 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics International Trade Productivity Corporate strategy Market Trends
  1. China's productivity growth has slowed down due to hitting natural limits in technology absorption and an aging population. As they reached the tech frontier, it became harder to improve productivity at the same pace.
  2. R&D productivity in China is low, especially in state-owned companies. The focus has shifted to quantity over quality in research, leading to many low-quality studies and less innovation.
  3. China's economy is heavily reliant on investment rather than consumption. Unlike the U.S., which benefits from high consumer spending, China may be missing out on productivity gains from a robust consumer market.

The Profile: The Spanx billionaire’s new invention & the DNA testing company running out of options

The Profile • 356 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Marketing Consumer Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Telling stories from unexpected perspectives can make them more interesting. For example, focusing on a gravedigger during a famous event reveals a unique viewpoint.
  2. Sara Blakely created a new shoe that mixes style and comfort, but it has received mixed reactions. She sees this as a sign of innovation, even if some people think it's odd.
  3. 23andMe, a DNA testing company, is facing big challenges after a data breach and struggles to make a profit. Their future is uncertain as they try to stay relevant in the market.

Part 2: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 1071 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Work Culture Management Corporate strategy Data Privacy Technology Trends
  1. Many companies hire foreign workers, and there is a concerning lack of effective management. This is often due to too many people being in roles that don’t have real value.
  2. It’s scary how much bad coding exists, especially from those who think they’re experts but actually know very little. This can lead to bigger problems in tech environments.
  3. Data security is often not as strong as companies claim, and relying on tools like AI without proper coding knowledge can make things worse for everyone.

Notes on Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Silicon Valley Corporate strategy
  1. Janet leaves her job at 3Com to work at Netscape during a hectic time in the tech industry. Many developers worked long hours, often staying late into the night.
  2. Netscape was seen as a major threat to Microsoft because of its browser capabilities. The belief was that if everything could be done through a browser, the operating system wouldn’t matter much.
  3. There were shady practices in Silicon Valley, including how Microsoft tried to hinder Netscape's success. This atmosphere led to a sense of distrust among companies during that era.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/21)

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
💼 Business Job Changes Recruitment Career development Corporate strategy Leadership
  1. There were ten notable job changes recently, showcasing how companies are promoting and hiring talent in key positions.
  2. Major positions were filled at influential companies like Google, Salesforce, and Pinterest, indicating strong movements in the tech and business sectors.
  3. Staying updated on these job changes can help investors and recruiters spot talent and assess market trends.
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Why True Friendship is Built on Unconditional Kindness

The Profile • 277 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Corporate strategy Work Culture Economic Trends
  1. Kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. Small acts of kindness can create lasting memories and connections.
  2. People often remember those who showed them genuine kindness over time. It's those warm moments that stand out in our hearts.
  3. Choosing kindness in tough situations is rare but important. It can help people feel seen and supported when they need it the most.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

The Bear Cave #248

The Bear Cave • 583 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate strategy Market Analysis Business Ethics
  1. Culper Research claims Zeta Global Holdings is involved in shady practices, including false data and deceptive websites to gather consumer information. They think Zeta's stock price is too high and expect it to drop soon.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations among executives in various companies, highlighting instability in leadership. It's concerning when CFOs and CEOs leave, especially in such quick succession.
  3. Recent reports have raised concerns about financial discrepancies in VusionGroup, which may indicate larger issues within the company. The connection with a major Chinese partner raises further questions about its operations.

How Vail Resorts Unique Business Model Led To A Strike In Park City (and why they don't care)

Huddle Up • 23 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate strategy Labor relations Market Trends Financial Performance
  1. Vail Resorts' strategy of buying multiple ski resorts has led to a strike at Park City due to rising costs for employees. Over 200 workers are protesting for better wages and benefits.
  2. The strike is affecting the resort's capacity, with many trails closed and lifts not operating. This has led to long lines and unhappy guests during a peak time for skiing.
  3. Despite earning substantial profits, Vail Resorts seems uninterested in meeting the employees' demands. This highlights how corporate priorities can harm both worker conditions and customer experiences.

UnitedHealth Group – a Real Life Majin Buu: The Art of Absorbing Everything in Sight

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Health Insurance Market dominance Corporate strategy Public Health
  1. UnitedHealth Group is a massive company that has grown by buying up other businesses in healthcare. This makes it very influential in many areas of the industry.
  2. Like the Dragon Ball Z character Majin Buu, UnitedHealth absorbs other companies to become stronger and extend its reach. This strategy helps them dominate the healthcare market.
  3. The unchecked power of companies like UnitedHealth can have serious consequences for regular people, leading to higher costs and fewer choices in healthcare.

How utilities and big oil broke the economic model of offshore wind

Jérôme à Paris • 1069 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Renewable Energy Regulation Energy Policy Market Dynamics Corporate strategy
  1. Offshore wind is struggling right now because many companies are trying to sell their projects but are facing lower prices and high costs. Competition has dropped as big companies pushed out smaller players.
  2. Big utilities tried to regain control of the market through lobbying and moving into new areas, but this led to financial misjudgments and a bubble that has now burst, causing many to exit offshore wind.
  3. Despite the current challenges, offshore wind can still be a viable energy source especially in Europe, as countries look to create fair competition and avoid barriers that exclude smaller developers.

The Fox Logo Burned into the Television

Residual Thoughts • 59 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media influence Political Discourse Cultural impact Corporate strategy
  1. Fox News grew because it tapped into a market that older networks ignored, particularly conservative viewers. This audience felt left out and found a home with Fox.
  2. The rise of Fox News shows how big companies can overlook parts of the market due to their internal culture. In this case, traditional networks had a liberal bias that prevented them from recognizing conservative viewers' needs.
  3. As Fox News became a big player, new competitors emerged that might offer even more extreme views. This is a cycle where big companies can become out of touch and risk being disrupted again.

Why Data Teams Need to Understand Metrics: A Look at Starbucks’ Comparable Store Sales

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 447 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Metrics Data Analysis Corporate strategy Revenue management
  1. Data teams need to know the main numbers that matter for their business. This helps them understand how the company is performing.
  2. High-level metrics like revenue and expenses can seem too big to grasp. Breaking these down into smaller parts makes them easier to understand.
  3. These smaller, detailed metrics can reveal valuable insights that affect decisions and strategies for the business.

The Rise and Fall of Intel: Lessons from Innovation and Organizational Challenges

Gad’s Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate strategy Organizational Culture Market Dynamics Technology Trends
  1. Intel struggled to adapt to changes in technology, especially with the rise of mobile devices and AI. They stuck to their old strategies and missed many opportunities to innovate.
  2. The company faced challenges because of its rigid organizational structure. Intel's way of doing things made it hard to cooperate with others and change, which limited their ability to compete.
  3. Intel's company culture went from being driven to perfection to becoming more bureaucratic and slow. This change hurt their ability to innovate and respond to new challenges in the industry.

ONE IMAGE: HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES FROM 2020: The Moment I Realized Intel Was in Huge Trouble—But I Did Not See the TSMC-NVIDIA Angle

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware Semiconductors Innovation Corporate strategy Industry Analysis
  1. Intel has been struggling to keep up with competitors like TSMC and Apple, especially in chip performance and manufacturing processes. This gap has raised concerns about Intel's future viability.
  2. Performance per watt is becoming more important in chip design, meaning companies like Apple that focus on this can gain a significant advantage over others, including Intel.
  3. Many believe Intel is in a tough spot with little hope for recovery. If things don’t improve, its value may only come from any cash payments the government might offer, rather than from future profits.

Trust as the Next Great Commodity

Kyla’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment Finance Economics Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Trust is becoming really important and is now seen as a valuable resource. In a world where trust is low, it's crucial to find ways to invest in trust.
  2. There are different strategies for investing based on trust levels. You can focus on protection in uncertain times or on building a better system for the future.
  3. To succeed in this low-trust environment, we need to focus on realigning society by building trust, understanding truth, and reaching consensus to create a stable future.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers: HRTech Edition

Human Capitalist • 119 implied HN points • 23 Sep 24
💼 Business Human Resources Job Market Technology Adoption Corporate strategy Talent Acquisition
  1. There are many recent job changes in the HR field, highlighting the fluid nature of careers in this sector.
  2. Some notable professionals have taken on new roles, which can impact their companies and the industry overall.
  3. Tracking job changes can provide valuable insights for investors, recruiters, and businesses looking to stay informed about talent trends.

Hub-and-Spoke Biotechs: Nimbus Therapeutics

The Century of Biology • 354 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Biotech Pharmaceuticals Investments Corporate strategy Drug Development
  1. Nimbus Therapeutics uses a unique hub-and-spoke model to develop drugs. This lets them separate the main company from individual drug projects, so they can sell successful drugs while keeping the main business intact.
  2. The company focuses on computational drug discovery to make the process faster and cheaper. By using advanced technology, they can predict which drugs might succeed before doing expensive experiments.
  3. Nimbus has successfully sold several drug assets, demonstrating the effectiveness of their model. They show that a biotech can grow and make money while being flexible and innovative.

How the Product Bubble Burst

Cold Water • 20 HN points • 10 Sep 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Investment Corporate strategy Market Trends
  1. The Product Management bubble is bursting because the real economy and asset economy are becoming more disconnected. Investors were putting money into tech stories that weren't delivering real value.
  2. After years of inflated asset prices, investors now require proof of value rather than just potential. This shift is leading to a tougher environment for tech and startups.
  3. The rise of interest rates means tech companies can no longer just rely on good narratives without tangible results. Many jobs in the tech sector are at risk because of this change.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (8/12)

Human Capitalist • 119 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
💼 Business Job Market Career Changes Human Resources Corporate strategy Workforce Trends
  1. Many people are changing jobs in interesting ways, showing shifts in the job market. It’s worth noting when top talent moves to new companies.
  2. Some companies are aiming for global expansion, which adds to their value. This can affect how businesses compete and grow.
  3. The ongoing competition between Lyft and Uber highlights the importance of both financial performance and talent management in the ridesharing industry.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (7/22)

Human Capitalist • 159 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
💼 Business Job Market Career Changes Corporate strategy Workforce Insights Leadership
  1. Many people changed jobs recently, including key leaders in companies like DoorDash and PepsiCo. These moves can show new strategies that companies might adopt.
  2. Some job changes could lead to interesting collaboration opportunities. For example, leaders moving to new companies might team up for projects that benefit both.
  3. Keeping an eye on job changes can help people understand market trends and potential shifts in industries. Knowing who is moving can help you anticipate business developments.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers #2

Human Capitalist • 458 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Job Changes Industry Trends Leadership Career growth Corporate strategy
  1. Several notable professionals recently changed jobs, showcasing their expertise in various industries, like AI, space, and cybersecurity.
  2. These job changes highlight the importance of strong leadership in tech and data-driven sectors, suggesting that skilled leaders can significantly impact a company's growth.
  3. Monitoring job changes can provide valuable insights for investors, recruiters, and professionals looking to network or track talent in their industry.

Ning Gaoning on How Sinochem bought Syngenta

Pekingnology • 30 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Mergers Acquisitions Corporate strategy Finance Global Markets
  1. Ning Gaoning played a key role in significant mergers and acquisitions in China. His leadership at major companies helped shape the chemical industry in the country.
  2. The acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina was the largest overseas buy by a Chinese company, costing over $43 billion. This move aimed to upgrade China's agricultural technology and meet international standards.
  3. Financing large acquisitions is complex and required careful planning. ChemChina successfully collaborated with Sinochem to secure funding through a combination of loans and bonds for the Syngenta deal.

AI's Winners, Losers and Wannabes: Valuing the AI Boost at NVIDIA

Musings on Markets • 1179 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
💼 Business Investing Market Trends Stock Valuation Technology impact Corporate strategy
  1. The semiconductor industry has seen cycles of growth and maturity, with significant changes in who the biggest players are over time. Companies like NVIDIA have found success by targeting profitable niche markets.
  2. AI technology is currently a hot topic, with companies like NVIDIA and Microsoft seen as leaders. However, investors should be careful as many companies may falsely claim to be AI-focused, leading to potential losses if the wrong ones are chosen.
  3. When investing in AI-related companies, it's important to remember that not all will succeed. Past technological changes show that disruptive innovations can create a few big winners but also many failures.

The Checkmate Move

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 479 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Design Hardware Corporate strategy
  1. Sam Altman is looking for talented people to challenge Apple, especially those who have worked on its products like the iPhone.
  2. He has teamed up with Jony Ive, a famous designer known for the iPhone, to work on a new AI hardware project.
  3. Altman's efforts show he's serious about competing in the tech scene and bringing fresh ideas to the market.

After Wall Street balks, Cigna calls off Humana merger and instead is set to buy back up to $11.3 billion of its shares in gift to investors

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Healthcare Investments Mergers Stock Market Corporate strategy
  1. Cigna decided not to merge with Humana after Wall Street reacted negatively to the idea. Instead, they will buy back $11.3 billion worth of their shares to please investors.
  2. Cigna's stock dropped significantly when the merger news broke but soared back up after the buyback announcement. This shows how much Wall Street values quick returns over company growth strategies.
  3. The share buyback won't help improve healthcare access or quality for Cigna's customers. It's mainly a move to boost stock prices and please shareholders.

"Pivot Global" Interview Video

Japan Economy Watch • 159 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Economy Stock Market Corporate strategy Innovation
  1. The interview covers various topics such as the state of Japan's economy, stock market, wages, and strategies of niche companies
  2. There is discussion on the importance of new entrepreneurs in driving positive social changes in Japan
  3. The interview highlights the potential for Japan's economic recovery through embracing innovation, new companies, and adapting to changing business dynamics

Tesla in 2023: A Return to Reality, The Beginning of the End or Time to Buy

Musings on Markets • 839 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
💼 Business Investing Valuation Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Tesla has grown rapidly, becoming a significant player in the auto industry, especially in electric vehicles. Its revenue jumped from $117 million in 2010 to $31.5 billion in 2020, showing strong growth potential.
  2. The company's success is closely tied to its founder, Elon Musk, whose vision drives Tesla forward. However, his dominant presence raises questions about the company's future if he steps back.
  3. The business landscape is changing, and even a successful company like Tesla must face traditional rules of business, like the need for investment and risk management, which is becoming more evident as competition increases.

Walgreens said to be courting a former Cigna/Express Scripts executive to turn the company around

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 299 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Pharmaceuticals Insurance Regulations Corporate strategy
  1. Walgreens is interested in hiring a former executive from Cigna/Express Scripts to help improve its business. They want someone with experience in pharmacy benefits to boost their competitiveness.
  2. Cigna has been fined $172 million for misleading the government about patient diagnoses in their Medicare Advantage program. They were accused of inflating seriousness of conditions to receive more funding.
  3. The pharmacy benefit management market is controlled by a few big companies, and Walgreens needs to strengthen its position to compete effectively against other large players like CVS and Amazon.

Deep Dive into DuPont

The Polymerist • 182 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Chemicals Innovation Financial Performance Corporate strategy Mergers & Acquisitions
  1. DuPont started as a company selling explosives before pivoting to synthetic polymer chemistry in the 1920s, leading to significant innovations like Nylon and Teflon.
  2. Chemours was spun off from DuPont due to the controversy around environmental issues related to Teflon, resulting in significant legal liabilities.
  3. Despite its reputation as a specialty chemicals company, DuPont's financial reports show challenges in generating high profits, possibly due to a focus on commoditized products and significant settlements.

Earnings Season

Human Capitalist • 39 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Economics Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. Companies that grow their sales teams tend to see their stock prices rise. This shows that a bigger sales team can mean better future earnings.
  2. On the other hand, companies that cut their sales teams often experience a drop in market value. This suggests they may be less confident in selling their products.
  3. There may be other human capital factors that also relate to stock performance, and it's worth exploring these connections further. There could be more signs that predict how well a company will do financially.

The Revenue Trap - Problem #1

Fish Food for Thought • 9 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Revenue growth Sustainability Corporate strategy Customer Engagement Market Trends
  1. Businesses can fall into a trap by focusing too much on short-term revenue instead of long-term success. This can hurt customer satisfaction and employee well-being.
  2. Cutting costs and pushing aggressive sales tactics may provide quick profits, but they can lead to losing loyal customers over time.
  3. To avoid this trap, companies should reinvest profits into growth and innovation, and focus on building strong relationships with customers.

Would Apple buy Disney?

Jon’s Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
💼 Business Mergers Valuation Market Trends Corporate strategy
  1. There are talks about a possible merger between Apple and Disney because they could create more value together than apart. Both companies have strong content and distribution networks that could complement each other well.
  2. Disney is currently facing challenges, including job cuts and a shift to digital streaming. CEO Bob Iger is dealing with a lot of changes and questions about the company’s future direction.
  3. If Apple were to buy Disney, it might be a big win for both. Analysts think that it could increase value for Apple shareholders significantly, making it a potentially worthwhile investment.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (7/8)

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
💼 Business Human Resources Job Market Career development Leadership Changes Corporate strategy
  1. Several big job changes happened recently, with people moving to new positions at notable companies. This shows a lot of activity in the job market.
  2. One interesting move is Taylor Perkins going from Paramount to X as Partnerships Lead, showing a focus on regaining partnerships for the platform.
  3. Amit Srivastava's new role at Capital Rx as Head of AI highlights how important artificial intelligence is in various industries today.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers #3

Human Capitalist • 59 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
💼 Business Employment Investing Entrepreneurship Corporate strategy Job Market
  1. Several key players have switched jobs, making a big impact in their respective industries. For example, Robby Stein moved to Google to work on enhancing the search experience.
  2. Experts with strong backgrounds in tech and finance are taking on new roles, suggesting interesting innovations might be on the horizon. Ryan Zauk, now at OMERS Ventures, has connections in the fintech scene that could lead to exciting developments.
  3. Companies are bringing in talent to boost their marketing and product strategies. For instance, Liz Abello is now with Liquid Death to help capitalize on their growth in the beverage market.

Productivity theater is hard to kill

Public Universal Friend • 2 HN points • 03 Sep 24
💼 Business Productivity Management Work Culture Human Resources Corporate strategy
  1. Many workers spend a lot of time showing they're busy instead of focusing on real results. This 'productivity theater' makes work feel less meaningful.
  2. Using knowledge management systems can help improve teamwork, but they often lead to clutter and repetition instead. This makes it hard for teams to find useful information.
  3. It's important for companies to focus on the impact of work rather than just the effort put in. Trusting employees can lead to better performance and less stress.

FedEx's strategy is to be a tech company. Should you do the same?

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate strategy Technology Adoption Market Trends Innovation Financial Performance
  1. FedEx aims to be recognized as a tech company, showing how important a strategic identity can be. This might help them adapt and succeed in a tech-focused market.
  2. Tech companies like NVIDIA and Google lead the market with their innovative products, inspiring others to follow. Everyone wants to grab a piece of the tech pie because it's popular right now.
  3. Even companies that traditionally aren't tech-based, like FedEx, want to affiliate with the tech identity. This shift reflects a larger trend of blending traditional business with technology to stay competitive.

Hertz’s Bad Bet on EVs was a Good Strategy

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Economics Corporate strategy Market Trends Consumer behavior Sustainability
  1. Hertz decided to sell 20,000 electric vehicles and switch back to traditional cars because customers weren't buying EVs as expected. The interest in electric vehicles isn't as strong as they hoped.
  2. Renting an EV can be challenging for customers since charging stations can be hard to find. This can make getting an electric car during a trip pretty stressful.
  3. Even though Hertz is backing away from their EV push, the decision to invest in electric vehicles initially was smart. In 2021, EVs seemed like a great opportunity for growth.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (6/10)

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
💼 Business Job Changes Corporate strategy Talent Acquisition Industry insights
  1. There have been many job changes recently, with notable people moving into key positions at different companies. These changes can influence how companies operate and innovate.
  2. Several individuals are now focusing on artificial intelligence, which shows its growing importance in various industries. Companies are looking for talent to help them develop and secure AI technologies.
  3. Big companies are competing hard to attract and keep top talent. This battle for skilled workers, especially in tech, has big implications for the job market.