Rethinking SaaS Success Evaluation With A New Metric for a New Era – The Rule of 100/3
The 'Rule of 40' has long been the gold standard for evaluating the health and potential of SaaS companies. However, as the industry evolves and matures - recovering from a much slower Q4 2022 to Q1 2024 18 month period - the need for a more comprehensive metric has become increasingly evident. In this article, I propose a new benchmark – the 'Rule of 100/3' – as a more nuanced and effective tool for assessing SaaS companies in today's dynamic market. One that identifies growth, profitability, and retention - but, in aggregate, also one that demonstrates stability and resilience.
Organisational Tipping Points: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Growing Companies
As leaders, we celebrate the milestones of our growing companies. We toast to new clients, product launches, and expanding teams. Yet, amidst the excitement, there's an undeniable shift that happens at certain stages and a truth that we must acknowledge: companies change as they grow. It's as if an unseen hand shifts the very essence of our organisations at certain points. I call these moments ‘tipping points’ - crucial junctures where the dynamics of communication, decision-making, and even the company's shared identity undergo subtle but profound transformations.
How has the Chief Product Officer role evolved in the past decade?
The role of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, reflecting broader shifts in the business landscape, technological advancements, and changing market demands. This evolution can be observed across several dimensions, including the role's scope, the background and skills required, the industries in which CPOs are prevalent, and the strategic importance of the position within organisations.
Why Servant Leadership Only Gets You Halfway There
In a myriad of leadership theories, servant leadership has been lauded for its focus on the growth and well-being of individuals and the communities to which they belong. However, the classic approach to servant leadership may not fully address the complexities of modern organisational needs. This article argues that while servant leadership provides a solid foundation, it is not a comprehensive strategy unless it evolves to empower team members to lead autonomously and confidently from various positions.
Celebrating Unsung (and oft-Forgotten) Women: Pioneers, Inventors, and Innovators.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroines whose contributions have significantly shaped the realms of business, finance, software, and technology. Often overshadowed and undercredited, these pioneers have not only innovated and invented but have also demonstrated that the world needs more women in leadership roles.
Why Amazon's "Six Page Memo" Is the Optimal Format for Briefing Boards and Leadership Teams
Effective communication is key to success. Whether you're presenting a new idea, reporting on a project's progress, or seeking approval for a strategic decision, how you convey information matters immensely. Amazon, one of the world's most successful companies, has a unique and highly efficient method for briefing their Boards and Leadership teams - the "Six Page Memo." In this blog post, I’ll explore why this format has become a gold standard for concise and impactful communication.
Rethinking Board Dynamics in the Modern Era of Collaboration and Innovation
The traditional blueprint of board operations is undergoing a seismic shift. Today's world, characterised by its 'always-on' nature and the emergent needs of next-generation leaders, calls for a reimagined approach to board governance. This article delves into how contemporary boards can thrive amidst these changes, balancing the nuances of technological advancements and addressing the urgency of innovation.
The Strategic Advantage of a Fractional or Interim Chief Product Officer
In the ever-evolving business landscape, CEOs often grapple with challenges surrounding growth, positioning, innovation, and fostering a product-centric culture. One increasingly popular solution is hiring a Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) or an Interim CPO. This approach not only offers flexibility and specialised expertise but also aligns well with the dynamic needs of businesses, particularly in high-growth or transitional phases.
Progressing through the Product Team
In the years I’ve spent as Chief Product Officer I’ve worked with hundreds of product professionals to hone their skills, develop their progression, and build their careers. This is an introduction to how I see roles and responsibilities build in a well-structured and cleanly-operated Product team.