The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

The uncertainty mindset

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 219 implied HN points • 14 Oct 19
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Risk and uncertainty are not the same. We often confuse the two, but dealing with true uncertainty needs a different approach than just managing risks.
  2. Businesses need to adapt to unexpected changes. Having a flexible mindset can help companies navigate uncertain situations more effectively.
  3. Understanding uncertainty can improve personal and professional growth. Embracing uncertainty helps with better decision-making and can lead to new discoveries.

Goal versus Process

Sunday Letters • 39 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Focusing on goals helps teams and users create better outcomes. It's important to understand what problem we're solving instead of just following a strict process.
  2. Being adaptable is key. Just like driving, we can make adjustments along the way, which leads to a more effective journey toward our goals.
  3. Users care more about reaching their goals quickly than about the steps involved. Designing with their goals in mind makes them happier and more productive.

After the Global Factory

European Straits • 7 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  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.

In Between Two Forces

Building Rome(s) • 15 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) help connect the vision of leaders with the execution of managers. They play a key role in ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively.
  2. Collaboration with Product Managers is crucial for TPMs. Working together helps them handle complex projects and achieve great results.
  3. TPMs need to be clear and adaptable. They must turn challenges into opportunities and keep teams focused on success, no matter the situation.

How to stop corporate logic killing creativity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Corporate structures often stifle creativity because they focus too much on data and control. Real innovation needs freedom and the ability to explore new ideas without getting bogged down by numbers.
  2. Data can be misleading when trying to predict the future. Instead of focusing only on what's happened before, we should consider bold new ideas that might change the game.
  3. Creativity is a form of rebellion. It's important to confidently advocate for new ideas, even when others are stuck in their traditional ways of thinking.
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Why is a 2-goal lead the worst lead in hockey?

Living Fossils • 6 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Strategy
  1. In hockey, a two-goal lead can make teams too comfortable, leading them to play defensively instead of staying aggressive. This can backfire and result in losing the lead.
  2. When teams are trailing, they tend to take more risks because they have less to lose. This aggressive play often gives them a better chance to score and come back in the game.
  3. The instinct to protect a lead often clashes with what actually works in sports. Understanding this can help teams find better strategies to maintain their advantage.

How I’d Run a SaaS Pricing Project from Scratch

Good Better Best • 7 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Understanding where your company is in its growth journey is important for setting the right pricing strategy. Different stages, like proving demand or expanding revenue, need different pricing approaches.
  2. Focus on areas where you can make the most impact with your pricing project, such as your product monetization strategy and pricing plans. Collaborate with other teams to ensure everyone is on the same page.
  3. When adjusting pricing, start with the fundamentals like plan structure and feature packaging before touching the actual price points. Making sure your pricing model is clear and aligned with customer needs is key.

150+ Product Management Resources and 50+ ChatGPT Prompts: Your Complete 2025 PM Toolkit 🚀

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 16 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. There are over 150 useful resources for product management that can help professionals navigate topics like strategy, leadership, and AI integration.
  2. The toolkit includes more than 50 ChatGPT prompts designed to enhance productivity and creativity for product managers.
  3. New tools like ProductGPT can help product managers get customized answers and streamline their workflow, making their jobs easier.

How to turn those Big Ideas of yours into reality

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. First, be clear about your ideas. Take time to visualize what you really want to achieve. Use your imagination to paint a detailed picture of your goals and dreams for your business.
  2. Next, don’t aim for perfection. Expect challenges and be flexible with your plans. Accept that things might not go as perfectly as you hoped, and that's okay; it can lead to new opportunities.
  3. Lastly, stay committed to your vision. Keep pushing through obstacles, reflect on your progress regularly, and seek support from others. Remember, it's important to adapt and keep moving forward, even if it's just a little bit at a time.

Companies Build "Capabilities" Before They Build "Moats"

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 23 Oct 22
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Companies need to focus on building 'capabilities' before establishing 'moats' for sustainable long-term value.
  2. Capabilities, like network effects and organizational design, are intangible assets driving competitive advantage.
  3. Understanding and actively working on developing specific capabilities is essential for building a strong competitive strategy.

#1: Varieties of the unknown

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 179 implied HN points • 06 Nov 19
💼 Business Strategy
  1. There are different types of unknown situations we can face. It's important to recognize these differences because they affect how we make decisions.
  2. A common mistake is treating real uncertainty like risk, thinking we can predict outcomes when we really can't. Understanding this can help us better navigate complex situations.
  3. We need to find new ways to plan and react when faced with unknown outcomes, since these scenarios are becoming more common. Simply applying a risk mindset isn't enough.

Three effective negotiation tactics

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Having good fallback options is crucial when negotiating. If you know what your best alternative is, you'll feel more confident and likely to get better results.
  2. Setting a strong anchor at the beginning of a negotiation helps guide the discussion. The first number mentioned sets the tone for how the talks will go.
  3. Presenting multiple offers at once makes it easier for the other party to agree. It shows flexibility and helps reveal what they value the most.

Output vs. Outcomes - Problem #4

Fish Food for Thought • 17 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. It's important to focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Companies should ask themselves if their efforts really make a difference for customers.
  2. Measuring success by outputs can lead to short-term wins but might miss real problems. Companies should aim for quality and value instead of just quantity.
  3. Shifting to an outcome-driven approach means redefining success metrics. Businesses should prioritize customer satisfaction and engagement over just the number of tasks completed.

Building a Lasting Organizational Influence (Feat. Wayne Schmidt)

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jul 21
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Organizations can have a lasting impact if they're built and managed well. Unlike ideas or people, organizations are resilient and can grow even when individual members come and go.
  2. Great leaders ensure continuity by preparing their organization for the future. This means recognizing and nurturing the leaders behind them and creating structures that last beyond their own involvement.
  3. It's important for leaders to balance their presence and absence strategically. Sometimes being there gives support, but not showing up can allow others to take the lead, which benefits the organization.

Salary of a Early-Stage Startup CEO

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. When starting a business, pay yourself just enough to live on. This way, you can focus on building the company without financial stress.
  2. Try to keep your living costs low before launching. This can help you manage funds better and prepare for the long journey ahead.
  3. As a startup CEO, it's important not to pay yourself too much. This helps keep resources for growth and shows you value your team's contributions.

Punch It In

CTOrly • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Having a plan is crucial, but it's essential to plan practically and realistically for today.
  2. Traditional roadmapping may give a false sense of accomplishment without delivering tangible benefits to customers or the market.
  3. Prioritize making plans based on the current reality rather than uncertain future projections.

Have a Board Meeting, Even Without a Board

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Quarterly 'Not a Board Meetings' are useful for early-stage founders to plan and reflect. They help create clarity and accountability about the business's progress.
  2. These meetings align stakeholders by providing a shared understanding among investors, preventing miscommunications. It's key for everyone to be on the same page.
  3. Running these meetings can improve communication skills and problem-solving abilities. They set up a good groundwork for when formal boards are created later.

Oxford Nanopore - Baseless Rumors

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Strategy
  1. Rumors about layoffs and nepotism at Oxford Nanopore are circulating, potentially impacting the company's share price.
  2. The company's delayed announcement of layoffs raises questions, with some seeing it as a strategic move and others as a demotivational tactic for employees.
  3. The overall strategy of Oxford Nanopore is being called into question, with suggestions that changes may be needed for the company to succeed.

My YouTube/Website Business Strategy | #2

The Pole • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Finding the intersection between what makes money and what you are interested in is crucial for a successful business strategy.
  2. Consider being a content creator if you are passionate about certain topics, as it offers flexibility and the opportunity to profit from what you enjoy.
  3. It's important to carve your own path and not solely rely on conventional advice, especially when pursuing a business endeavor that aligns with your interests.

Insights from the Research Community: Plans for 2024 and Strategies for Implementation

Askwhy: UX Research, Product Management, Design & Careers • 33 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Avoid unnecessary research by understanding when it's not appropriate, like for problem-solving issues instead of validation.
  2. Prevent overcommitting by scoping projects well, building in time buffers, and looking at historical data to manage workload effectively.
  3. Enhance visibility for your UX research work by selecting the right method for your audience, sharing updates in product meetings, and knowing your stakeholders.

Navigating the First 90 Days Without (Too Many) Hiccups

Pragmatism • 64 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. In the first 30 days, focus on building relationships and understanding the company dynamics.
  2. From 30 to 60 days, dive into working with product and engineering counterparts, prioritize quick wins, and showcase thought leadership.
  3. Within 60 to 90 days, become a key stakeholder in planning, ship your first feature, refine the product roadmap, and take ownership of your product suite.

The game of Nim

Infinitely More • 10 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🚌 Education Strategy
  1. The game of Nim is based on a smart mathematical strategy that lets informed players almost always win against those who don't know the trick.
  2. In Nim, players take turns removing coins from piles, and the goal is to take the last coin to win.
  3. Anyone, even kids, can learn the winning strategy and easily beat more experienced players who don't know it.

5 reasons why you shouldn’t grow your business

Tiny Empires • 49 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. The purpose of a business is to make money consistently, not just to focus on growth.
  2. Avoid the constant stress and demands of big business by aiming for a solid income and free time with a Tiny Empire approach.
  3. To build a successful business, find a model that suits you, test your idea before investing fully, and optimize your processes for efficiency.

Simplifying your product strategy is a competitive advantage

amivora • 11 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Keeping your product simple can help you stand out in a crowded market. People appreciate products that are easy to understand and use.
  2. It's important to focus on what makes your product essential, instead of trying to add too many features. This helps users quickly see the value.
  3. Prioritizing what to keep and what to cut is key. If you're not willing to cut things that seem valuable, you might not be prioritizing deeply enough.

#3: Reality mining

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 139 implied HN points • 20 Nov 19
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Negative capability helps you handle uncertainty without getting stuck. It's about being okay with not knowing everything while still taking action.
  2. There are two types of negative capability: soldier-on, which helps you push forward despite uncertainty, and beginner-mind, which lets you see new values and possibilities in what's already around you.
  3. In a world that values innovation, embracing a flexible mindset allows you to find creative solutions and make the most of the resources you have at hand.

The 15 Hats Problem

Metarational • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🔬 Science Strategy
  1. The 15 Hats Problem is a complex brain teaser that involves guessing the color of hats based on a strategy involving bitwise XOR operations.
  2. Strategies for simpler versions of the problem, like 3 hats, helped in understanding and developing a winning strategy for the 15 hats scenario.
  3. The key to solving the 15 Hats Problem involves clever observations about modular arithmetic, powers of 2, and the use of bitwise XOR operations.

Business strategy is a game

A Bit Gamey • 13 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Business strategy can be viewed as a game, with players, rules, and outcomes. Understanding this can help you make better decisions.
  2. In life, we are often in serious games where our actions affect outcomes. Recognizing that can help you navigate challenges more effectively.
  3. Winning in business isn't just about competing; sometimes it's about helping others succeed and choosing the right game to play.

TWH#48: OKRs Are Not OK

The Hagakure • 53 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. OKRs are commonly used in startups but often fail to work effectively due to misuse and lack of context.
  2. Senior leaders typically use OKRs for control and predictability, focusing on execution rather than learning and exploration.
  3. The VC-backed startup model emphasizes predictability and control over complex systems, which can hinder innovation and adaptive learning.

#4: Strategic uncertainty

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 27 Nov 19
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Recognizing and managing uncertainty is becoming a rare and valuable skill, both for individuals and organizations. Those who develop this 'uncertainty mindset' can gain a strategic advantage.
  2. To improve adaptability in uncertain environments, organizations should rethink job roles to allow for improvisation and flexibility. This means creating expectations for employees to explore and adapt their responsibilities.
  3. Real learning about managing uncertainty happens through real experiences, rather than traditional corporate training. Leaders need to create work cultures that encourage exploration to build the uncertainty mindset among employees.

The Difference Between Success & Failure: Good Hiring

The Green Techpreneur • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Having the right team is crucial for a company's success. It's not just about skills; it's about finding people who fit well together and share a common passion.
  2. Hiring based on experience alone can be misleading. It's more important to look for motivation and energy, as these qualities can drive real success.
  3. Every employee matters, no matter their role. When building a business, listen to everyone's input, as everyone contributes to the company's success.

Guide #8: Best practices for choosing your marketing channels

Tiny Empires • 36 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Focus on marketing channels that give you the best return on investment for your time as a solo-founder.
  2. Be very targeted in your marketing efforts and ask yourself how much it costs to acquire a customer for each channel.
  3. Choose 2-3 marketing channels to focus on, consider direct sales outreach, and think creatively about where your ideal customers are.

#17: Boris

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 99 implied HN points • 26 Feb 20
💼 Business Strategy
  1. In uncertain situations, traditional goal-setting doesn't work well because it assumes we can predict the right goals in advance. Instead, teams need a flexible approach that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances.
  2. The Boris method encourages teams to discuss trade-offs rather than focusing solely on specific goals. By understanding the limitations and constraints, team members can make better decisions and act more autonomously.
  3. When teams clarify what they can and can’t do through conversation, they become more effective. This practice fosters a deeper understanding of the resources available and helps everyone align their efforts toward innovation.

Between human and non-human

The Strategy Toolkit • 43 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Strategy
  1. The post discusses the relationship between human and non-human entities in the context of philosophy and strategy.
  2. Individuals running companies and organizations are influenced by philosophy, guiding decision-making and strategy.
  3. Philosophical concepts such as consciousness, free will, morality, and value play a crucial role in strategy and decision-making.

The Gold Coin game

Infinitely More • 7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Strategy
  1. The Gold Coin game involves two players trying to get a valuable gold coin while moving other coins on a board. Players can either move a coin or take the leftmost coin in their turn.
  2. The game is strategic and requires understanding the best moves to win. Knowing winning moves can make the game easier to navigate.
  3. Practicing the game with a partner helps improve your skills and understanding of the rules, making it more enjoyable to play.

Learning to be productively uncomfortable

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Feeling uncertain can make it hard to take action, but learning to be okay with discomfort can help you move forward. It's important to face that discomfort instead of avoiding it.
  2. Productive discomfort is crucial for growth and learning. Embracing uncomfortable situations can actually lead to positive outcomes and benefits.
  3. Using tools like idk can help you get used to feeling uncomfortable in small ways, which leads to easier handling of bigger challenges later on. With practice, discomfort can become a pathway to success.