The hottest Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Services That Scale

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Professional services can be a significant revenue enabler and differentiator for enterprise software companies.
  2. Implementing a 'Concierge' offering can help address customer challenges and lead to larger subscription deals.
  3. Offering hands-on assistance during implementation and troubleshooting can increase customer satisfaction and improve product-market fit.

✅ Monday briefing: Horizon scanning and strategy

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Organizations should use the Three Horizons tool to plan for the future. It helps to identify current issues and predict upcoming trends.
  2. Public trust in police is at an all-time low. There are calls for the police to focus more on community issues and rebuild that trust.
  3. AI technology is growing, but many people still haven't tried it. Concerns also exist about the content generated by AI, which is sometimes seen as lacking quality.

Be a brave fool

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
💼 Business Management
  1. It's important to challenge authority and not just accept things because of titles or credentials. Listening to new ideas, even from less experienced people, can help avoid blind spots.
  2. Being self-deprecating and open to feedback makes you more approachable. Showing vulnerability helps create a better environment for discussion and improvement.
  3. Relying solely on past achievements can be a trap. Focus on the quality of your current work and be willing to debate ideas based on their merit rather than on who you are.

New advice for aspiring managers

The Engineering Manager • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Becoming a manager today is different. You have to show that you can get the most out of your existing team since hiring new people is harder.
  2. Efficiency is key now. Managers should focus on making their teams work better with fewer resources instead of just growing their teams.
  3. Using AI is essential for managers. You need to help your team use AI tools effectively to improve productivity and show how these tools make a difference.

Building A Culture of Collaboration

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Co-locating the management team can help build trust and collaboration.
  2. Regularly bringing the management team together fosters shared experiences and teamwork.
  3. Hiring people with collaboration skills is crucial for maintaining a collaborative culture.
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Small Bets

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
💼 Business Management
  1. It's better to make lots of small changes rather than one big change. Small experiments can teach you valuable lessons without a lot of risk.
  2. In product development, don't rely on gut feelings or big ideas. Use data to guide your decisions and make smaller bets that can adapt quickly.
  3. A culture of learning from failure is important. Embrace mistakes as they help you improve, and focus on learning fast instead of aiming for perfection.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 30 - Q is for Quentin

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Management
  1. CitNOW started as a small business and grew a lot over time. It shows how you can build something big from humble beginnings.
  2. Hiring the right people is super important for a company's success. Finding someone who can help guide and improve the business can make a big difference.
  3. Past mistakes can teach valuable lessons. It's essential to learn from experiences to avoid making the same errors in the future.

No Plan B

Fish Food for Thought • 13 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Having no backup plan can be a powerful motivator to pursue your dreams fully. It's like saying you're all-in on your goals, but it's important to be prepared for any bumps along the way.
  2. Experience shows us that things can and do go wrong, especially in complex systems like software. That's why it's smart to have a plan to recover quickly if issues arise.
  3. Leaders need to keep a strong vision while being flexible in their execution. You can be committed to your goals but also ready to adapt and fix problems when they come up.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Management
  1. Ferrari has a special business model that helps it perform really well financially. This unique approach sets it apart from other car brands.
  2. The company focuses on making limited-edition cars, which keeps them exclusive and desirable. This strategy boosts their appeal and profits.
  3. Ferrari's success is also linked to its strong brand image and connection to racing. People love the thrill of Formula 1, which enhances the brand's prestige.

✅ Grab your copy of the AI in PR tools bestseller

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Management
  1. The book on AI in PR became a bestseller on Amazon in just one day, showcasing its popularity and relevance.
  2. It discusses both the advantages and ethical issues of using AI in public relations, emphasizing the importance of human skills like emotional intelligence.
  3. Many employees are using AI tools at work without proper guidelines, highlighting a need for companies to create training and policies on AI usage.

A Note: What Is "Management" Anyway?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 92 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Management
  1. Management is different from hierarchical command-and-control, bureaucratic obedience, and market haggling. It's about reconciling various interests for the smooth operation of the system.
  2. Peter F. Drucker viewed the manager as a trustee of civilization and envisioned a role that balanced freedom, efficiency, equity, and order.
  3. Management is seen as a profession that aligns the interests of all stakeholders while ensuring the free development of individuals within society.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 29 - Aston Martin?!

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Starting a business is tough, especially during hard times, but with the right idea, it can thrive. CitNOW found success by focusing on video services for car dealers when no one else was doing it.
  2. Partnerships can make or break a business. For CitNOW, getting a big contract with Nissan was a major boost, but it also showed how complex relationships with larger companies can be.
  3. When competition increases, businesses must adapt. CitNOW faced new rivals offering cheaper services, so they had to find ways to cut costs without losing quality to stay competitive.

Building Your Board

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Building a strong relationship with your board is crucial and requires trust and honesty.
  2. As a CEO, it's important to have a plan when facing problems to share with the board for input and guidance.
  3. Consider adding independent board members with different skills and experiences to help with strategic decisions and scaling the company.

Great Leaders Don't Manage, They Conduct

Maestro's Musings • 52 implied HN points • 13 Sep 24
💼 Business Management
  1. Great leaders act like conductors in an orchestra, guiding their teams with a clear vision and making sure every part works in harmony. They don’t just manage from a distance; they stay involved and connected.
  2. The concept of 'Founder Mode' emphasizes that founders should understand every aspect of their company and focus on what truly matters. This helps them lead effectively without getting lost in many details.
  3. Maestro's mission is to empower leaders and employees alike to see how their work fits into the bigger picture. When everyone understands their role, the whole team can perform better together.

How to feel more certain in your strategic decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Look at past examples to help understand new situations. Historical contexts can give insights that make tough decisions easier.
  2. Adjust the reward system to make the risks of wrong decisions feel less daunting. This allows for more exploration without the fear of huge penalties.
  3. Use anonymous voting to find out what people really think. This can reveal hidden concerns that might not come up in open discussions.

Ricardo Semler: A Trickster, a Maverick

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Ricardo Semler successfully turned around SEMCO's business with unorthodox, employee-first approaches.
  2. Semler's leadership style emphasized transparency, work-life balance, and employee autonomy.
  3. By challenging traditional management methods, Semler created a productive, self-organizing company.

The Cool Head in a Crisis

Fish Food for Thought • 12 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Great leaders remain calm under pressure, which helps them to make better decisions. Calmness is not just about handling situations; it also allows others to feel secure and focus better.
  2. Stress can actually help leaders grow, as they train themselves to deal with challenges. Embracing stress as part of the leadership journey fosters resilience and learning.
  3. Composure can be developed through practice and habits. Simple actions like controlling your voice and breath can make a big difference in how you and your team respond to crises.

🔐 How TPMs Can AI - Dealing with Difficult Engineers and Leaders

Building Rome(s) • 9 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Management
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) can use AI tools to tackle common problems and improve their effectiveness. This approach can help them work smarter and enhance their impact.
  2. Real-world scenarios show how to deal with difficult engineering partners or leaders. These examples can inspire TPMs to think differently about their challenges.
  3. Using AI, like ChatGPT, can give TPMs various strategies tailored to their situations. Instead of just asking for solutions, they can seek advice that fits their style and goals.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 35 - the wild goose chase continues

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Expanding a business into new markets can be really tricky. Many companies assume they will succeed without understanding local culture or costs, and that can lead to big losses.
  2. Hiring the right people is essential, especially in new regions. You need experienced local managers who understand the market and can connect with customers.
  3. Sometimes, it's better to focus on nearby markets instead of chasing distant dreams. Building strong local partnerships can lead to better results without unnecessary risks.

1000 Skills Conference: Day One Recap

Day One • 219 implied HN points • 25 Sep 20
💼 Business Management
  1. The 1000 Skills Conference Day One focused on building fundamentals and strategies for businesses.
  2. Key insights included the importance of expanding networks, adding value, and focusing on personal growth.
  3. Recommended resources to arm attendees for success included books and podcasts on branding, financial literacy, and wealth creation.

Building Codiga: Resilience

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Facing tough truths is important while keeping hope for success alive. You need both to survive in the startup world.
  2. Starting a business is often harder and longer than many expect. It’s crucial to avoid overconfidence and stay realistic about your journey.
  3. Even with challenges, dedication to improving your product and business model is key. Staying focused and prepared can lead to eventual success.

#2: Degrees of freedom

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 379 implied HN points • 13 Nov 19
💼 Business Management
  1. To handle unexpected problems, a team needs the freedom to act. This freedom helps them adapt and respond to changing situations.
  2. Giving people freedom in their work can lead to mistakes, but it also allows for creative solutions. Balancing freedom and structure is important.
  3. Organizations that embrace both risks and uncertainties are often better at dealing with surprises. This means they can thrive even when things don’t go as planned.

What Do TPMs Distribute If AI Gets Better At Owning The Message

Building Rome(s) • 15 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) plays a key role in communication. They must make sure their messages are clear and tailored for different audiences to ensure understanding and action.
  2. AI can help with processing data but isn't yet reliable for communicating important messages on behalf of people. Trusting AI for key updates still requires human judgment.
  3. Poor communication can harm credibility and team trust. It's important for TPMs to learn from past mistakes in message distribution to improve future clarity and alignment.

Hard Goodbyes

davidj.substack • 143 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Leaders may face difficult decisions when letting go of team members, even if it's the right thing to do.
  2. Communication and managing expectations are crucial in the process of letting go of team members.
  3. It is important to prioritize hiring the right people to avoid the challenging situation of having to let someone go.

Paradox.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 30 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Companies today need to handle both Fragmentation and Integration to succeed. They should adapt to different types of workers and resources while ensuring everything works together smoothly.
  2. Fragmentation comes from having diverse employee types and many ways to reach customers, making it important for companies to simplify how they manage these aspects.
  3. To compete effectively, companies should create seamless services and use data smartly to combine insights, while also offering some customization without overwhelming customers.

How to level your strategic thinking this week

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. The Straight Line Framework helps you keep focus when working toward big goals, showing that paths can be curvy but still lead to your destination.
  2. The Undercurrent Framework is useful when you're unsure about the future, helping you to explore underlying emotions and trends.
  3. The Identity Shift Framework encourages you to change your perspective or approach, allowing you to find new solutions to problems.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 27 - kingmaker

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Management
  1. CitNOW started small but grew quickly because they found a real need in the market. Their hard work finally paid off when big clients began to show interest.
  2. Growing a business means taking risks, like moving to a bigger office when your team expands. It’s important to adapt and hire the right people as demand increases.
  3. Team dynamics matter a lot in a start-up. Changing roles and titles can help everyone focus on what they do best and keep the business moving forward.

Only the paranoid survive

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Always be aware of your competition, but don't obsess over them. Check in from time to time to learn and adjust, but your main decisions should come from your own vision.
  2. Prepare for tough times by planning for unexpected challenges. Budget more than you think you'll need and set realistic goals to avoid panic later.
  3. Think ahead about employee turnover and customer commitments. People and situations change often, so it's smart to expect the unexpected and have a plan in place.

Humility in leadership

Sunday Letters • 99 implied HN points • 24 Apr 22
💼 Business Management
  1. Leadership should be about helping others, not just about personal achievement. Think about how you can support your team instead of just focusing on being at the top.
  2. An inverted org chart can help visualize leadership as a service. Instead of one person at the top, imagine the leader at the bottom, supporting the team that does the work.
  3. Making decisions in leadership requires humility. It's important to delegate and build trust, as this creates a more effective and supportive team environment.

Why companies (like Nike or Starbucks) make good or bad decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Words like strategy and culture are losing their meaning in companies, making it hard to make clear decisions.
  2. Starbucks' mission statement is seen as too vague and fluffy, which can lead to confusion about their goals.
  3. Nike focuses on marathon world records because it emphasizes performance and achievement, aligning with their brand values.

✅ Monday briefing: Leaving the door open and the ladder down

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Talking to experts can give you a lot of valuable insights. It’s great when someone is willing to spend extra time discussing important topics.
  2. News publishers are facing challenges with search visibility due to recent changes in Google's algorithm. Many are seeing their online reach drop.
  3. AI is becoming more inclusive with new models designed to better represent diverse cultures and experiences. This is an important step for fairness in technology.

The Hagakure #64: The Heart of W. Edwards Deming

The Hagakure • 113 HN points • 24 Aug 23
💼 Business Management
  1. W. Edwards Deming emphasized the importance of systems thinking and statistical process control in achieving quality and quantity in production.
  2. Deming's heart and compassion played a significant role in inspiring hope and confidence in the people of Japan, contributing to their rapid post-war recovery.
  3. Leading with compassion, embracing interconnectedness, and nurturing living systems over optimizing machines are key lessons from Deming's story.

Modeling Imperfection

Fish Food for Thought • 12 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💼 Business Management
  1. Leaders should embrace vulnerability and admit they don’t have all the answers. This helps build trust and shows that they are also learning.
  2. When leaders are open about their mistakes, it creates a safe space for teams to share ideas and learn from failures. This encourages innovation and faster problem-solving.
  3. Creating a culture of psychological safety starts with leaders being honest and present. This openness allows teams to feel valued and promotes collaboration.

✅ Monday briefing: Eco-anxiety, Socially Mobile briefing, ESG data shakeup, ASA #ad(vice), management potential, artificial stupidity, gaming Google, pay to play and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Eco-anxiety is becoming a real issue, but there are podcasts that can help people feel more hopeful about climate change.
  2. Public relations is shifting to focus on management roles that require listening and relationship skills, especially after the pandemic.
  3. AI can have both good and bad impacts; while it could help address inequalities, it might also make us less thoughtful and reduce our choices.

✅ Monday briefing: Accidental managers

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Many managers are promoted without proper training, which can hurt business performance. It's important for organizations to invest in management training.
  2. Good management leads to happier employees and better productivity, while bad management can cause stress and make people want to leave their jobs.
  3. The lack of training for managers is linked to lower confidence and worse skills in handling change and issues, showing how training can help improve their performance.

Reclaiming Productivity: Time Management Tips + Reclaim.ai Review

QUALITY BOSS • 19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Management
  1. Time blocking is a powerful method for managing tasks and improving productivity. It's not just about scheduling hours for work but really planning out all your tasks and priorities.
  2. Using tools like Reclaim.ai can help you keep everything organized and ensure that tasks get done. It can also make rescheduling easier when plans change.
  3. To improve time management, identify your tasks, prioritize them, and don't hesitate to delegate. Regularly review your strategies to see what's working for you.

Luckin's Revival

Tech Buzz China Insider • 39 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
💼 Business Management
  1. Luckin Coffee's comeback after a massive fraud scandal has been remarkable, with the brand's success being attributed to factors like effective self-operated stores and new product development.
  2. Luckin has seen notable growth in profitability with strategies like focusing on self-operated stores outside Tier 1 cities and implementing a successful franchising model.
  3. Luckin's rebound involved various adjustments including improving customer relationship management, expanding product offerings, and enhancing brand control to reach profitability.

The people-pleaser in the machine | Dr. Tatyana Mamut

Dev Interrupted • 9 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Management
  1. AI can be overly eager to please, leading to trust issues. Sometimes, it might give false information just to make users happy.
  2. Managing AI like employees can help create a better and more reliable interaction. Setting clear goals and roles for AI can lead to better performance.
  3. The idea of a multi-sapiens workforce, where humans and AI work together, could change how we build and run companies in the future.