The hottest Corporate strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

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

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
đź’Ľ Business 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
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

Garmin's ~$40B Pivot

SatPost by Trung Phan • 175 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Garmin transformed from an automotive GPS company to a leader in fitness watches by investing heavily in research and development. This shift helped it survive the competition from tech giants like Apple and Google.
  2. The company showed strong adaptability when its core automotive market declined, successfully pivoting to fitness and outdoor activities by creating specialized products like GPS-enabled watches for runners.
  3. Garmin's commitment to innovation and vertical integration has allowed it to maintain high-quality standards and respond quickly to market changes, helping it compete effectively despite challenges from larger tech companies.

Productivity theater is hard to kill

Public Universal Friend • 2 HN points • 03 Sep 24
đź’Ľ Business 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
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.
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You got to pay people to work in the suburbs

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Moving offices to the suburbs often increases most employees' commute times because public transit is built for suburb‑to‑city travel, not suburb‑to‑suburb trips.
  2. Companies pay skilled workers more to compensate for longer commutes—roughly a 10–20% wage uplift per extra hour—which can amount to a large effective payment for travel time.
  3. Relocating work to the suburbs only makes economic sense for low- and medium‑skilled white‑collar roles (like support and admin) and only if rent savings are big enough to offset higher wages for affected staff.

Hertz’s Bad Bet on EVs was a Good Strategy

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

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
đź•ą Technology Corporate strategy
  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.

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

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

The Power of Skunkworks Projects (a conversation with ChatGPT)

An Innovator's Sketchbook • 98 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Large companies must grow through expanding market penetration or entering new markets, either by inventing new products or acquiring other companies.
  2. Challenges of creating successful new products in large companies include bureaucracy, risk aversion, resource competition, resistance to change, and short-term focus.
  3. Skunkworks projects are effective for innovation in large companies, requiring careful planning, autonomy, cross-functional teams, open communication, agile processes, and customer-centricity.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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 "Brilliant" Idea that Saved The Economy and Killed The Future

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. A group of light bulb companies created a plan to make bulbs that burnt out faster, so people would buy more. This was done under the false idea that they were improving efficiency.
  2. In the 1990s, a company launched a cheaper printer but actually just made minor changes instead of improving the product. They found clever ways to cut costs without giving customers a better deal.
  3. These examples show how businesses can prioritize profit over quality, tricking consumers into spending more money without a real benefit.

#171 – Why E-Commerce Finally Looks Stable Again

Below the Line from Kevin LaBuz • 7 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. E-commerce is stabilizing: companies that stick to simple, high-impact actions like broad selection, sharp pricing, and faster delivery are growing steadily and outperforming peers.
  2. AI is moving from experiment to a major business driver. Big capex and early product wins are showing up in agentic shopping, improved discovery, faster listing creation, and lower operating costs.
  3. Consumers are cautious and value-focused, with higher-income households doing more of the spending and resale gaining traction. Companies are starting to invest for growth again, but with restraint and an emphasis on profitability.

âś… Five trends shaping the future of the corporate communications function

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Organizations need to manage the overload of information so they can provide real value to their audience. It's important to focus on what really matters and make content that stands out.
  2. AI is changing how communications work, so leaders should learn about it and train their teams. Embracing AI can help improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  3. The workforce is shifting, and companies must adapt to these changes. This means rethinking hiring practices and engaging a diverse range of talents to meet future needs.

Buffett's big lesson after 80 years of investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 159 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Making a few great investment decisions can have a huge impact over time. It's better to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to investing.
  2. Staying calm and focusing on long-term goals is crucial. Short-term market noise shouldn't distract investors from their main objectives.
  3. It's important to be flexible and willing to change your approach as circumstances evolve. Adapting to new ideas can lead to better investment opportunities.

How Apple became Warren Buffett's best investment.

Jon’s Newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 06 May 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Warren Buffett sees Apple as the best business in his investment portfolio, worth over $150 billion. His comfort with Apple represents a big change since he used to avoid tech stocks.
  2. Buffett understands consumer loyalty to Apple products, emphasizing how people might give up a car before their iPhone. This strong demand creates a protective advantage for Apple.
  3. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, is praised by Buffett for his leadership and shareholder respect. Apple's strong financials, like stock buybacks and dividends, benefit Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway.

Bob Iger is back as Disney's CEO.

Jon’s Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 21 Nov 22
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Bob Iger has returned as CEO of Disney after the ousting of Bob Chapek. This marks a surprising shift since Iger had stepped down in early 2020.
  2. Iger's previous leadership was highly successful, with Disney's market value increasing by $200 billion during his time as CEO. He was responsible for major deals and launches, like Disney+ and acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel.
  3. The company is facing challenges, such as pressure from investors for profit and upcoming job cuts. Iger's relationship with employees and vision for the company will be crucial in navigating these issues.

âś… Notes on the UK public relations agency market

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. The UK public relations market is facing a slowdown, making it harder for agencies to hit their business targets. Clients are being cautious, leading to delays in contracts and payments.
  2. There’s a shift in the relationship between agency employers and employees, with hiring freezes replacing discussions about pay increases. Many agencies are holding back on new hires except for key roles.
  3. Despite challenges, areas like health, DE&I, and AI are still seen as important. Agencies are encouraged to focus on their fundamentals and prepare for future opportunities as the market stabilizes.

No, It's Not The Dotcom Bubble All Over Again

How the Hell • 68 implied HN points • 18 Mar 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. The companies investing in AI today, like Microsoft and Google, are much stronger financially than those in the dotcom bubble. They have lots of cash from their main business to fund AI projects.
  2. Investing in AI is different because the technology, like GPUs, has a shorter lifespan than the long-lasting fiber optics from the 90s. This makes it easier to estimate the returns on investment.
  3. AI is already generating hidden revenue, especially for big tech firms in cloud services. So, saying there's no revenue from AI doesn't cover the whole picture.

Oxford Nanopore Firesides

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. The company's CFO led public conversations about technology and customer topics, speaking in a role I'd expect from a CEO.
  2. He came across as capable and handled the discussions well, even though some viewpoints may differ.
  3. More detailed notes and content are behind a paywall, but links to the fireside chats are provided for further listening.

Disney's ~$4B Acquisition That (Probably) Saved The Company

SatPost by Trung Phan • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Disney made a smart $4 billion purchase of BAMTech to help launch Disney+ and compete with Netflix. This move was key for its success in the streaming market.
  2. BAMTech was originally part of MLB and became a leader in streaming technology, proving essential for Disney's various streaming services like ESPN+ and Hulu.
  3. Disney's pivot to streaming was risky but necessary, as it allowed the company to adapt to changing media trends and focus on digital content, which is now vital for its growth.

How Normative Forces Shaped Ford's Decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 39 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. External forces, like customer demands and government pressure, strongly impact business decisions. Companies need to pay attention to these forces but shouldn't let them dictate every choice.
  2. Ford's push into electric vehicles has faced challenges, including a drop in consumer demand and high costs. This has led to significant financial losses for the company.
  3. Too much reliance on external influences can lead to poor decisions. It's important for businesses to balance external pressures with their own strategic goals.

Trust as the Next Great Commodity

Kyla’s Newsletter • 85 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business 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.

AI Roundup 102: The Stargate Project

Artificial Ignorance • 71 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Corporate strategy
  1. The Stargate Project is a huge partnership by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to build new AI data centers in the U.S., promising up to $500 billion investment. This is much larger than past projects like the Manhattan and Apollo projects.
  2. China is making fast progress in AI, with new models from companies like DeepSeek that can compete with major Western models. This raises concerns for leading U.S. labs about staying ahead in AI technology.
  3. There are new challenges in measuring AI performance since current benchmarks are not effective anymore. A new test called 'Humanity's Last Exam' highlights this issue as AI systems advance beyond human-level capabilities.

Deep Dive into DuPont

The Polymerist • 182 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

Next Generation Conglomerates

Equal Ventures • 39 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Conglomerates have shown success in the past but lost luster due to changing corporate strategies favoring focus and increased competition for acquisitions.
  2. The new generation of conglomerates, like Amazon and Apple, are creating platforms for developing new business lines rather than acquiring existing assets.
  3. Companies in the digital age are leveraging core capabilities and network effects to drive significant returns on equity, disrupting traditional business models.

Advice for Nike and the NFL

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Nike's focus on women's sports in ads is driven by the potential to tap into a huge female consumer market. They want to reach more buyers and expand their brand.
  2. Current ads from Nike and the NFL may not resonate well with audiences as they seem outdated. The messaging could benefit from being more simple and relatable.
  3. A family-centric approach, like emotional storytelling, could be a more effective way for these brands to connect with viewers in their ads.

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

Gad’s Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

The Pritzkers: Buffett's Blueprint

Neckar’s Notes • 159 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Jay Pritzker's strategic intuition led to the success of the Hyatt chain and Marmon Holdings, influencing Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.
  2. The Pritzker family values of entrepreneurship and business acumen were passed down through generations, contributing to their immense success and fortune.
  3. Jay Pritzker's partnership with his brother Bob, who excelled at complex turnarounds, was a key element in the Pritzker Method for business success.

âś… Public relations: ESG management advisory or a communication function?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Public relations should play a role in driving real change in businesses, not just focus on communication after decisions are made. It's important for PR to influence management to act responsibly.
  2. Many oil and gas companies report huge profits but do not address their negative impact on the environment. This gap can lead to greater issues in society and the economy.
  3. There's a shift towards considering environmental and social factors in business strategies. PR can help highlight these issues, but it must go beyond surface-level communication to truly make an impact.

Myth: Japanese Are Only Good At Incremental Innovation

Japan Economy Watch • 3 HN points • 15 Jun 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Japanese companies have a history of pioneering new technologies and products, disproving the myth that they are only good at incremental innovation.
  2. Disparaging improvements as 'merely' incremental overlooks how incremental advancements can lead to transformative breakthroughs over time, like the evolution of the lithium-ion battery.
  3. Technological innovation must be coupled with effective corporate strategy and execution to maximize economic impact, as seen in the case of Nissan and Tesla's different outcomes in the EV market.

How do companies react to geoeconomic pressures?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Tariffs, sanctions, and export controls raise input and sales prices and generally reduce sales and profit margins, with tariffs having the biggest price effect.
  2. Firms that are targeted by others' export controls or tariffs are most likely to boost domestic investment and R&D and consider bringing production home.
  3. Overall, these measures rarely achieve broad backshoring; instead they mainly increase costs for consumers and squeeze company profits.

The fallacy of mission, vision and values

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Mission statements should provide clear direction but often don't help in day-to-day decisions. It's important to make them practical for true guidance.
  2. Vision is seen as a longer-term aspiration that provides motivation. But it needs to be clear so everyone knows what they are working towards.
  3. Values should guide behavior and decision-making within an organization. Instead of being vague, they should be specific and actionable to be effective.

Illumina's Roche Reaction

ASeq Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Illumina is facing several challenges, including layoffs and changes in their offerings. They've introduced a new spatial instrument but are cutting employee stock grants.
  2. In their response to Roche, Illumina emphasized that Roche's technology is complex and might not be as efficient. They believe their products, like the MiSeq i100, are on par in performance.
  3. Overall, Illumina didn't provide clear answers to questions about their strategy, leaving some uncertainty about their future direction in the market.

Predictable Chaos: Trump’s Tariffs and the Fragility of Global Supply Chains

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Tariffs can hurt both businesses and consumers by increasing costs, leading to higher prices for goods. Companies that depend on global supply chains may struggle to adapt to these changes.
  2. Supply chains are fragile and can get disrupted easily. When one part faces issues, it can affect the entire chain, leading to bigger economic problems.
  3. Flexibility in supply chains is important. Businesses need to have options for different suppliers and production routes to handle unexpected changes and avoid significant losses.

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

Huddle Up • 25 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

More Corporate Power Plays

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. To stand out at work, create a Substack and position yourself as a thought leader. Focus on having a catchy title and linking to respected sources to build credibility.
  2. Share weekly updates with your team that show you care and know what you're doing. Include personal touches and insights that make you relatable and approachable.
  3. When hiring, make it personal by saying 'I am hiring' instead of 'the company is hiring.' This shows you're in charge and allows you to express your values and the kind of team you want to build.

Ning Gaoning on How Sinochem bought Syngenta

Pekingnology • 30 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  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.

âś… Monday briefing: WaddsCon, media challenges, COVID-19 lessons, timesheet debate, value of public relations, B Corp and big business, shit posting, anti social strategy, non apology, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 22
đź’Ľ Business Corporate strategy
  1. Building good relationships with journalists is important for public relations. Learning how to pitch effectively can make a big difference in communication.
  2. Public relations played a crucial role during COVID-19, helping organizations manage crises and support transformations. This has increased the value of PR in many businesses.
  3. Some companies are criticized for being B Corp certified, but it's actually a positive step towards driving change in the business world. Large companies can still have a big impact.