The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Input Volatility, Week 9

Stealing Signals • 259 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Football Analysis Game Recap Player Performance Strategy
  1. NFL games are improving in quality this season, with fewer boring games, which is great for viewers.
  2. Athletes often make unexpected mistakes in the heat of the moment, like dropping the ball before scoring, which can be hard to understand.
  3. There are uncertain player performances and roles in upcoming games, making it tough to predict how they'll do, especially in teams with injuries.

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.

How An Informed Minority Took Over The World’s Biggest Firms

High ROI Data Science • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Management Economics Consulting Information Systems
  1. Information asymmetry is when one group knows more than another. This can create unfair advantages in social systems and businesses.
  2. The Werewolf Game illustrates how a small, informed group can control the majority. This game teaches us about strategy and deception in group dynamics.
  3. To protect ourselves from manipulation, we need to build mental firewalls. Knowing about information asymmetry helps us fight back against unfair advantages.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Management Strategy Entrepreneurship Leadership
  1. Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
  2. Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
  3. Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

4 Strategies To Elevate Your Communication Style From Engineer To Leader

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 412 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Communication Data Strategy Consulting
  1. When communicating with non-technical stakeholders, focus on the impact of your work rather than the technical details. Using clear language helps everyone understand why your projects matter.
  2. Highlight the risks of inaction to motivate decision-makers. Making them aware of potential costs or missed opportunities can encourage them to prioritize your recommendations.
  3. Use analogies relevant to your audience to make complex ideas easier to grasp. Relating technical concepts to familiar ideas can help build understanding and trust.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Increase in Ukrainian Casualties

Glenn’s Substack • 1378 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Military Strategy
  1. Ukrainian military losses are rising, which is common as wars reach their final stages. When a side is losing, they often struggle with resources, morale, and communication.
  2. The situation in Ukraine is worsening with fewer troops and equipment. As their frontlines weaken, many soldiers are defecting or surrendering, leading to a chaotic military environment.
  3. NATO faces difficult choices in response to the war. There's growing pressure to either negotiate peace or increase involvement, while the risk of a direct conflict with Russia looms large.

After the Global Factory

European Straits • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Manufacturing Supply Chain Outsourcing Strategy Economics
  1. Apple was able to succeed in manufacturing by controlling key parts of its value chain while outsourcing the rest. This allowed them to maintain high value without owning all the factories.
  2. Companies don’t need to own everything to be successful in manufacturing; they just need to control the important parts where they can influence the entire process.
  3. Manufacturing is complex and tricky. Successful companies find ways to balance costs with strategies that create value, ensuring they earn profits even when things get challenging.

Why Streaming Subscription Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Honest Broker • 25300 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entertainment Pricing Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.

GTM Foundation: How SaaS Founders grow from €0 to €1M ARR (Part 2)

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 51 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Startup Sales Finance Strategy
  1. Building a Go-To-Market (GTM) foundation is essential for growing a SaaS company from zero to one million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). This involves understanding your target market and developing proper strategies.
  2. GTM collaterals, like an effective homepage and sales deck, are vital tools for converting visitors into customers. They help communicate your value and guide potential buyers through their decision-making process.
  3. Choosing the right channels to reach your customers is crucial. Focus on a few primary channels first and gradually explore secondary options as you gain traction.

Killing A Bad Strategy Before It Kills you

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4413 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy Leadership Decision-making Management History
  1. 1. Grand strategy helps you achieve big goals with limited resources. Since everyone faces resource limits, using what you have smartly can lead to unexpected successes.
  2. 2. Foxes tend to predict better than hedgehogs because they use many ideas and adapt. Foxes keep an open mind, while hedgehogs stick to one big idea, even if it's wrong.
  3. 3. Planning is important, but sticking too rigidly to a plan can be a mistake. It's better to remain flexible and adjust to new opportunities as they arise.

Clarity of Thought

Investing 101 • 156 implied HN points • 31 May 25
💼 Business Investing Startups Entrepreneurship Leadership Strategy
  1. Good founders have 'clarity of thought', which means they can explain their ideas clearly and logically. This helps others understand their vision and connects with the audience.
  2. Founders build a framework for their ideas that makes it easy for others to understand complex concepts. By using clear definitions and examples, they help people grasp their vision quickly.
  3. To make a strong pitch, founders need to present their main idea distinctly and also explain why it matters. They should avoid distractions and focus on what makes their idea important and valuable.

Methods and Outcomes

The Breaking Point • 159 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Planning Management Sales Decision-making
  1. When making decisions, it's important to separate methods from outcomes. If you mix them up, it can lead to confusion and endless debates.
  2. You can plan in two ways: starting with methods to estimate outcomes or starting with outcomes to figure out the methods needed. Both ways can work depending on the situation.
  3. To empower your team, give them clear outcomes and let them choose their own methods. This way, they feel involved and motivated to succeed.

Late-Cycle Investment Theory

European Straits • 49 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Investment Strategy Economics Markets Capital
  1. We're in a late phase of technological revolution where innovation focuses more on efficiency rather than creating new disruptions. Companies now need to refine their strategies and embed existing technologies into the real world to succeed.
  2. As traditional tech models mature, new strategies will emerge to manage complex global systems, shifting the power dynamics within organizations and industries. It's no longer just about being innovative but being smart about implementation.
  3. Countries like China are emerging as leaders by mastering manufacturing and integrating it with new technologies, especially energy management. This trend suggests that future economic dominance will hinge on industrial capabilities rather than just financial prowess.

Conviction-Led Contrarianism

Investing 101 • 138 implied HN points • 24 May 25
💼 Business Investing Entrepreneurship Innovation Management Strategy
  1. It's important to think differently and go against the crowd sometimes. Instead of just trying to fit in, being a contrarian can lead to amazing innovations.
  2. Don't let what other people think stop you from pursuing your ideas. Often, we worry too much about others' opinions, but we can be more free and creative when we focus on what we truly believe.
  3. Always aim to have strong reasons for your beliefs. It's great to be a contrarian, but make sure you're right and not just being difficult for the sake of it.

Ruptures in the Mediascape: What Next?

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 66 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
💼 Business Marketing Media Technology Strategy Commerce
  1. The way we create media is changing. With new tools, creativity is becoming more personalized and can connect better with people, making storytelling more important than before.
  2. Conversations are now a key way we interact with media. This means we’ll start relying more on chat and voice rather than just searching for information like in the past.
  3. Brands will still be important, but they'll need to evolve. They should combine human emotions with smart technology to create strong connections with people.

Special Anniversary Report: The Future of the SMO [Part 1]

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 5195 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics War Conflict Military Strategy
  1. The author has written over 1 million words in a year, equivalent to more than 10 novels, showing a high output of well-researched content.
  2. The report delves into Ukraine's potential to turn the conflict around and the strategies of the US and allies to catch up in the evolving modern battlefield.
  3. The author's previous articles on Russia's offensive strategies provide valuable insights into the current state of the conflict and future developments.

How CMO Sophie Bambuck of The North Face, Nike, Converse, and Everlane Builds Brands for Everyone

the case for brand 💼 • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Branding Marketing Advertising Leadership Strategy
  1. Sophie Bambuck believes in starting brand strategies by understanding your audience first. It's all about connecting with what they care about before thinking about how you'll reach them.
  2. Campaigns should have a clear goal in mind and allow for flexibility to adapt to trends or audience responses. You need both a fixed plan and room to react to what's happening in culture.
  3. A strong brand relies on consistent storytelling and values. If a brand forgets why it exists or tries to be everything to everyone, it risks losing its identity and becoming just another product.

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.

The Platform Risk

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Strategy Risk management Digital Media
  1. Don't rely too much on platforms you don't own because they can change rules suddenly. Build your own website and email list to keep control.
  2. Create a safety net by spreading your revenue across different platforms. This way, if one platform changes, your business won't fall apart.
  3. Always stay in touch with your audience through multiple channels. This keeps you connected, even if some platforms go away.

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.

❄️ How Deer Valley turns $329 lift tickets into a love letter to skiers and the romance of the West ⛷️

the case for brand 💼 • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Retail Strategy Hospitality
  1. Deer Valley Ski Resort focuses on providing a luxury experience by offering premium services and a limited number of tickets. This makes their skiing experience feel exclusive.
  2. Their marketing emphasizes storytelling and nostalgia, which helps them connect with their guests on a deeper level. They want visitors to feel like they're part of a special tradition.
  3. Deer Valley stays true to its unique identity by avoiding snowboards and promoting an image of an independent, family-owned resort, even though it's part of a larger corporation.

Playing your best, up to the end

The Leap • 339 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🎾 Sports Games Competitions Events Athletes Strategy
  1. Playing your best is important, even when things look tough. It helps you learn and grow, no matter the outcome.
  2. Tracking your progress can give you valuable insights, especially when it comes to unexpected results. It’s a great way to see where you stand.
  3. Life can be like poker; sometimes you don't win, but that doesn’t mean you didn’t play well or that you can’t improve for next time.

Four ways to prioritise tasks and optimise productivity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Productivity Task management Time management Efficiency Strategy
  1. Use a triage system to prioritize tasks based on urgency and severity, similar to how medical teams manage injuries. It helps ensure that the most important tasks are handled first.
  2. Choose your productivity metric wisely. Whether it's deadlines, workload, completion speed, or task importance, the right focus can help you work smarter.
  3. Different strategies like prioritizing by deadlines or importance can help you manage tasks better. Each approach has its benefits, so pick the one that aligns with your goals.

Dissecting West Point Think-tank's New Analysis of Russia's Military Evolution

Simplicius's Garden of Knowledge • 8313 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Military Strategy Doctrine Tactics Modernization
  1. Russia's military evolution in modern warfare emphasizes the importance of smaller, dispersed formations to enhance survivability on the battlefield.
  2. Operational art doctrine bridges strategic objectives with tactical actions, allowing for more independent action among lower units in military operations.
  3. The modern battlefield dynamics call for synchronized effects and decentralized formations rather than traditional mass troop concentrations to ensure success in warfare.

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 331: Strategy & Decisiveness

The Beautiful Mess • 859 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Decision-making Management Leadership Company Culture
  1. Being strategic involves making choices, but not all strategies are about being decisive. Sometimes, being flexible and open to options can be just as important.
  2. Real-world strategy often faces messy challenges. It's not just about having a perfect plan; it's about navigating the unpredictable nature of business and making practical decisions.
  3. It's okay to admit uncertainty and avoid over-pressuring teams for quick decisions. Some trade-offs and juggling acts are just part of the process.

Playoff Baseball is the Best Baseball

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Baseball Playoffs Athletics Culture Strategy
  1. Playoff baseball is exciting because of the high stakes. The games feel different and more intense than regular season games.
  2. Anyone can play baseball, no matter their size or background. It’s a sport that allows for dreams and opportunities.
  3. Baseball is deeply rooted in American culture, offering strategy and unpredictability without time limits, making it unique.

AI is changing the rules of the game in Go-to-Market 🔄

The VC Corner • 819 implied HN points • 03 May 24
💼 Business Marketing Startups Technology Strategy Innovation
  1. AI tools are changing how businesses go to market, so it's crucial to adapt to these changes. Companies need to actively promote their products rather than hoping they'll go viral.
  2. It's important to focus on attracting early customers who truly understand and care about your product. These customers can provide valuable feedback and help spread the word.
  3. The strategy for getting your first users is different from getting a larger audience later on. Initially, you should go where your target audience already is, instead of spreading your efforts too thin across various platforms.

I talked to the creator behind my favourite Are.na board

The Social Juice • 66 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Media Strategy Creativity
  1. The author interviews creators and marketers regularly. This gives insights into the world of marketing and helps readers learn from the experiences of others.
  2. There's a community aspect where subscribers can join a Discord group and WhatsApp chat. This allows for interaction and sharing among like-minded individuals.
  3. The newsletter offers a mix of marketing resources and news updates. This helps keep readers informed about the latest trends and strategies in the marketing field.

Gamesmanship, Sportsmanship, and the Case of the Giant Boulder

The Leap • 559 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎾 Sports Athletics Competition Gaming Culture Strategy
  1. Gamesmanship involves using clever tactics to gain an advantage in a game, sometimes bending the rules. It's important to know when it's okay to be strategic and when it might cross the line.
  2. Sportsmanship is about respect and fairness in competition, focusing on integrity and camaraderie. Good sportsmanship means playing by the rules and being gracious, win or lose.
  3. Understanding the balance between gamesmanship and sportsmanship can enhance how we engage in competitive activities. Finding the right mix helps maintain the spirit of the game and keeps it enjoyable for everyone.

Notes on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature (Part 2)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 890 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Human nature Power Dynamics Strategy Mastery
  1. Power dynamics are everywhere in our interactions and understanding them can help us navigate life better. It's important to pay attention to how power shifts between people in different situations.
  2. Seduction isn't just about romance; it can be used as a tool to influence and engage others. Learning to be more charming and persuasive can benefit many aspects of your life.
  3. Mastery takes time and persistent effort. Focus on honing your skills deliberately over time to achieve real expertise in your chosen field.

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.

📈 How Tracksuit built a B2B brand valued at $142.9 million AUD to take the brand tracking world by by becoming champions of brand building with tracksuits, drinks and case studies 🧢

the case for brand 💼 • 72 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding B2B Growth Strategy
  1. Tracksuit is changing the B2B game by making brand tracking easier and more affordable for businesses. They offer a fun and approachable way to connect brands with their customers.
  2. Their brand strategy focuses on building a supportive community for marketers, making them feel less alone in their roles. They do this through friendly events and a casual, relatable style.
  3. Tracksuit shows that B2B marketing can be exciting! By mixing in real-life events and a more relaxed atmosphere, they make brand tracking engaging and meaningful.