The hottest Operations Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

TBM 361: Context, Collaboration, Intent, and Investment

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy Management Collaboration Investment Operations
  1. Understanding context is important. It helps teams see the bigger picture and how things change over time.
  2. Intent is about setting clear goals for the future. Being specific about what you want to achieve can help guide actions.
  3. Collaboration and investment matter, too. Good teamwork and smart use of resources can drive better results and make projects more successful.

Issue #17 - Unpacking the People, Process, Technology & Data Framework

The Data Ecosystem • 339 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Operations Management Strategy Data Technology
  1. The People, Process, Technology framework helps organizations balance these three key areas but often misses the importance of data. Companies should not just focus on technology but also consider how people and processes interact.
  2. A new framework that includes data is called People, Process, Technology & Data. This approach shows how these four components work together, helping organizations make better decisions and manage change more effectively.
  3. Using structured questions and understanding the roles of each component can enhance planning and execution in businesses. It's essential to revisit these elements regularly to stay aligned with goals and adapt as needed.

TBM 334: The Capacity Allocation Illusion

The Beautiful Mess • 1031 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Operations Finance Strategy Innovation
  1. Capacity in software development isn't just about how many hours people work. It's more complicated and depends on past investments and the overall work environment.
  2. Oversimplifying capacity can lead to poor decisions. You need to consider many factors, like team dynamics and the quality of work, rather than just time spent on tasks.
  3. When asked about spending, it's better to focus on how investments improve future capacity instead of just breaking down hours. Understanding the bigger picture is key.

This is Math Meets Money

Math Meets Money • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Finance Operations Strategy Recruitment Consulting
  1. Math Meets Money is a newsletter that helps scientists understand the business world using clear explanations. It's designed for those with scientific backgrounds who want to transition into business roles.
  2. The newsletter addresses common barriers scientists face when entering the business world. These include feeling over-qualified, under-qualified compared to others, and struggling with the specialized language of business.
  3. Readers can expect daily briefings on business terms and concepts, along with deeper dives into case studies and current events on weekends. This is all aimed at empowering scientists to innovate in industry.

TBM 338: 4 Core Product OS Design Competencies

The Beautiful Mess • 647 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Operations Leadership Product Design Systems Thinking Domain Knowledge
  1. Good leadership is key for a product team's success. Leaders need to support and influence their teams effectively, helping them navigate challenges without adding to their stress.
  2. Having the right experience matters. People should understand the product work deeply, as it helps them make better decisions and recognize what needs to be automated or done manually.
  3. Being skilled in operations and systems thinking is important. This means knowing how to manage workflows, map needs, and ensure that the right tools are in place for an efficient process.
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TBM 332: The Last Strategy Framework You'll Ever Need

The Beautiful Mess • 674 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Management Innovation Consulting Operations
  1. Strategy frameworks help teams figure out what questions to ask and how to answer them. They provide tools to organize and visualize ideas for better clarity.
  2. Different strategy frameworks focus on various aspects of a business. Some are good for visual thinkers, while others suit goal-oriented people or those who prefer simpler approaches.
  3. Understanding and applying strategy is challenging because it's about real-life situations. Successful strategy involves collaboration, adaptability, and accepting uncertainty rather than relying on perfect plans.

Ski Lift Pricing and the Lessons from Vail’s Challenge

Gad’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Pricing Labor Operations Strategy
  1. Skiing in the U.S. is becoming very expensive and often feels exclusive. Many ski resorts focus on making money rather than being inclusive to all skiers.
  2. The Epic Pass has changed how skiing works by giving access to multiple resorts. However, this has led to long wait times and overcrowded slopes, making the skiing experience less enjoyable.
  3. In Europe, ski resorts are often more affordable and competitive, allowing more people to enjoy skiing. This makes skiing feel less like a luxury and more accessible for everyone.

How To Deal With Ambiguity As A TPM

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Operations Product Development
  1. Starting with a clear goal helps the team stay focused and find the right path, even when things get confusing.
  2. Breaking down problems into smaller parts makes them easier to handle and allows the team to address challenges step by step.
  3. It's important to keep moving forward, even when the answers aren't clear. Trusting your gut and adapting quickly can lead to progress.

TBM 340: Path to $

The Beautiful Mess • 304 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Finance Strategy Operations Startups
  1. Different teams have varying impacts on business outcomes, making it easier for some to show their value than others. For instance, a team focused on improving sales can clearly demonstrate their contribution, unlike teams juggling multiple tasks.
  2. Startups often change their team structure frequently to tackle immediate challenges, which can lead to chaos, but also strong focus when everyone rallies around a project. This flexible approach can help in growth and development.
  3. It’s important for organizations to recognize how their teams collaborate and support each other. Finding ways to help less effective teams focus or connect with important goals can boost overall performance and success.

India’s Operations Revolution: Lessons from Zepto, Rebel Foods, and the Dabbawalas

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Operations Logistics E-commerce Startups Innovation
  1. Zepto has transformed grocery delivery in India with its promise of delivering products within 10 minutes. This model responds to customer demand for fast service, using small warehouses to ensure quick order fulfillment.
  2. Rebel Foods leads the cloud kitchen market by creating multiple food brands under one roof. This strategy maximizes kitchen use and caters to different tastes, enabling rapid growth in a competitive environment.
  3. The Dabbawalas have a long history of reliably delivering home-cooked meals in Mumbai. Their simple, synchronized system shows how effective human coordination can be, even as newer tech-driven services emerge.

How I'm Building My Business To Run Without Me

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 179 implied HN points • 04 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Management Productivity Marketing Operations
  1. Many business owners think their business can't run without them due to fear of losing quality. But with the right systems, it can thrive even in their absence.
  2. Bottlenecks come from controlling client communication and deliverables too tightly. Letting go and empowering others can free up time and improve efficiency.
  3. Creating clear processes and hiring help allows business owners to focus on growth. Shifting to scalable models can also help in generating consistent income.

Let It Snow, Let It Go: The SnowVendor’s Dilemma

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Operations Economics Logistics Supply Chain Resource Management
  1. Cities need to balance snow removal resources to avoid wasting money during mild winters while being prepared for severe storms. Too many resources can cost a lot, while too few can lead to big problems.
  2. Using data to predict snowfall and plan ahead helps cities manage their snow removal strategies better. This includes estimating how many snowplows and how much salt they will need based on past snow events.
  3. Pooling snow removal resources among cities sounds good, but it can create logistical challenges. Sharing equipment and supply can be complicated during serious snow events when everyone needs help at the same time.

A Midas Winning VC Playbook

The Generalist • 1401 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Startup Strategy Operations
  1. Primary Venture Partners focuses on being the best seed fund by sticking to their core ethos of 'Startups are hard, founders deserve better.'
  2. They prioritize selective investing, focusing on high-risk, high-reward opportunities in the early stages of startup funding.
  3. Using a substantial impact team and unique operational approach, Primary Venture Partners aims to differentiate themselves in the competitive venture capital landscape.

TBM 328: Beyond Firmographic-Based ICPs

The Beautiful Mess • 264 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Startup Product Management Marketing Operations Customer success
  1. Traditional ways of identifying ideal customers, like just looking at company size or industry, aren't enough anymore. It's important to understand the specific needs and behaviors of different companies.
  2. When starting a new job, it's crucial to listen and learn from others instead of jumping to conclusions. Take your time to understand what actually matters for the product and the customers.
  3. Different organizations have unique ways of working, and it's vital to grasp those differences. Observing and talking to customers helps create better products that cater to their specific challenges and goals.

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY’S TOBACCO HISTORY PART VII - CONWOOD: A REMARKABLE COMPANY

Reflections on "Going Down Tobacco Road" and Investing • 452 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Management Finance Marketing Sales Operations
  1. Conwood was a unique and successful company acquired by Reynolds American in 2006.
  2. The management at Conwood had a dedicated leadership team that contributed to its success.
  3. Conwood's unique culture and focus on product quality and cost control made it a profitable venture.

#14: Five ideas from the airline business

Bureau of Adventure • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💼 Business Aviation Marketing Operations Economics Strategy
  1. Airlines can use different route models, like hub-and-spoke or point-to-point. Each has its benefits, with point-to-point focusing on direct flights and hub-and-spoke maximizing connections.
  2. Focusing on trip costs rather than unit costs can be more effective. Sometimes a smaller plane with higher costs per seat is better for fewer passengers, rather than trying to fill a large plane.
  3. Using an 'out and back' flying strategy can help airlines run more efficiently. It allows them to keep crew costs low and isolate delays, while also making it easier to cancel unprofitable flights.

Introducing our newest writer

The Generalist • 1421 implied HN points • 31 Aug 23
💼 Business Tech Startups Writing Operations Media
  1. The Generalist has welcomed a new writer, Ben Butler, who brings startup experience and a strong sense of taste to the publication.
  2. Ben Butler is a creative individual with a background in writing, stand-up comedy, and screenwriting, adding a fresh perspective to The Generalist.
  3. Ben Butler's addition to The Generalist is seen as a valuable enhancement that will push their thinking forward and improve the quality of written analysis.

Erika's quick-start guide to research nonprofits

Erika’s Newsletter • 491 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Nonprofits Fundraising Philanthropy Operations Employment
  1. You can start a nonprofit research organization without needing permission from a university.
  2. Research nonprofits can be designed to fit scientific goals rather than fitting into academia or industry.
  3. To start a nonprofit, write a 'two-pager', get connected with potential funders, fundraise, manage money, hire people, get lab space, and manage intellectual property.

Is This the End of Low-Cost Airlines in the U.S.?

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Airlines Economics Finance Travel Operations
  1. Low-cost airlines in the U.S. are struggling due to rising costs and operational challenges. These airlines have smaller profit margins, making it hard to survive when problems arise.
  2. Successful low-cost carriers like Frontier and Southwest are adapting by adding premium options and changing their services. They’re evolving to meet customer demands while trying to keep their budget-friendly roots.
  3. In Europe, low-cost airlines are doing well thanks to higher population densities and a culture that accepts budget travel. This shows how different markets can impact the success of low-cost airline models.

Vignettes: War #3

Myth Pilot • 628 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🌐 International War Military Investigation Operations
  1. Captain Price transformed a struggling company into a top-performing unit through rigorous training and leadership.
  2. Captain Price conducted unauthorized missions on deployment, sparking a major investigation.
  3. There were rumors that Captain Price's missions involved search patterns and interrogations, hinting at a secretive agenda.

Recruiting Brainfood - Issue 345

Recruiting Brainfood • 589 implied HN points • 21 May 23
💼 Business Recruitment AI Marketing Work Operations
  1. Candidate experience is crucial for winning top talent in 2023, focusing on pillars like transparency, reciprocity, and unity.
  2. The WEF Future of Jobs report highlights regional variances in employment and the decline in real wages, impacting recruitment strategies.
  3. AI is transforming recruitment processes, from Google AI Search changing internet dynamics to AI assisting in automating hiring processes and message composition.

Fintech: How Brex and other fintechs are streamlining their organizations

The Fintech Blueprint • 235 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Fintech Employment Investing Operations Digital
  1. Brex announced a 20% reduction in its workforce, aligning with a broader fintech trend of operational streamlining.
  2. Fintech industry is becoming leaner due to funding cuts and emphasis on profitability.
  3. Despite significant job cuts in tech, the general unemployment rate remains below 4%, indicating a luxury funding problem.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Marketing Strategy Operations 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.

Combating Retail Shrinkage with Technology and Social Interventions

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Retail Technology Economics Operations Criminal Justice
  1. Retail shrinkage is a big issue caused by theft, damage, or errors, and it frustrates both businesses and honest customers. When retailers put products behind lock and key to prevent theft, it can make shopping hard for people just trying to buy what they need.
  2. Using technology can help reduce shrinkage while keeping customers happy. Retailers can use things like mobile apps or surveillance systems to spot theft, but they also need to make sure shopping remains a good experience.
  3. Understanding people's behavior is key to reducing theft, especially with self-checkout systems. Designing better systems and providing reminders can help prevent accidental theft, making it easier for everyone to shop without issues.

Afridigest Intelligence: Nigeria's Bamboo acquires a US broker-dealer license

Afridigest • 11 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Fintech Investing Startups Operations Regulations
  1. Bamboo, a Nigerian investment platform, recently got a US broker-dealer license. This is an important step for their growth and credibility in the market.
  2. The license will allow Bamboo to operate more effectively in the US financial space, which can help attract more investors.
  3. This achievement reflects the hard work of the Bamboo team and shows the potential of African fintech companies in the global market.

What is Operations?

Ways of Working • 196 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
💼 Business Operations
  1. Operations is the internal operating system of a company, involving people, technology, and processes intersecting to get work done.
  2. Operations can involve customer impacting workflows delivered repeatedly at scale, impacting the customer experience.
  3. Operations can also refer to the physical component of product or service delivery in some tech companies.

Lesser-Known High-Paying Roles in Venture Capital

Venture Curator • 159 implied HN points • 06 May 23
💼 Business Venture Capital Roles Career Opportunities Finance Operations
  1. Venture Capital has high-paying roles beyond just investment positions, like Community Managers responsible for networking and supporting founders.
  2. Roles like Investor Relations are essential in VC for managing communications with fund investors and attracting new ones.
  3. Talent + Hiring roles play a crucial part in VC by helping portfolio companies find suitable talent for key positions.

Elon Musk Book Review (Part 2 of 2): Operations Excellence

Mike Talks AI • 58 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Operations Supply Chain Efficiency Product Design Cost reduction
  1. Operations excellence is key: Musk focused on improving efficiency and revolutionizing industries through operational excellence.
  2. Design the right factory: Musk emphasized the importance of well-designed factories and involvement of design engineers in manufacturing processes.
  3. The Algorithm for operations excellence: Musk's framework involves questioning requirements, deleting parts/processes, simplifying, accelerating cycle time, and automating last.

SaaS X-Ray and IPO Markets w/ Stan Zlotsky (Pendo.io)

Hard Mode by Breaking SaaS • 98 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology Finance Investing Operations Management
  1. Investors seek a balance between growth and profitability in tech companies going public.
  2. Investors value companies that have shown a path to profitability and solid management teams.
  3. Understanding unit economics and aligning internal teams with investor metrics are crucial for SaaS companies navigating the IPO journey.

Learning operations & hiring, the tech-enabled agency model, Bangkok, ...

Play Permissionless • 119 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💼 Business Operations Hiring
  1. Learning new skills like hiring and operations can be challenging but rewarding, especially during the initial phases.
  2. When hiring, it's essential to focus on quality over cost, especially in the beginning. Western-educated talent may require higher pay but can deliver better results with less micromanagement.
  3. Running a tech-enabled agency model can be a successful business approach. Leveraging internal tools for client success can be more impactful than turning them into public SaaS products.