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.
Product is the Business and the Business is Product: Why Product Thinking is the Growth Engine of Today
Welcome to the Product Age. Gone are the days when companies could coast by on a single good idea. Today's market demands constant innovation, deep customer understanding, and a laser focus on building products that solve real problems. This is where the mantra "Product is the business and the business is Product" comes alive.
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.
Diversity is Essential for Much-Loved Products and Well-Run Companies
When the going gets tough, the tough get… more diverse? Well, perhaps. The composition of product management teams is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring success. Diverse teams - comprising individuals with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and work styles - are essential.
Why My "Nine Grid Comms Model" is My Go-To For Storytelling Success
Storytelling sits at the heart of Product, Transformation, and Leadership. One of the things I learned early on was that no matter how accurately you group demographics, personas, and profiles; people understand things in greatly varying ways. This is especially true when you’re trying to explain something new to them; and truer still when it’s something wholly novel. I set out a few years ago to create a model for steering my storytelling. Something that I could use to ensure I was being inclusive, effective, and comprehensive whenever I set out a narrative. I’ve used it on every project since.
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.
8 Must-Read Books in 2024 for Leadership, Technology, and Product
As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead, staying informed and inspired is key for any professional. I've compiled a list of eight transformative books that are a must-read for anyone keen to read more on leadership, technology, and product. Some of these are new, some are much older, all of them are books I dip into regularly.
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.
The Top 20 Attributes for a Product Leader
When asked “what makes a great Product person?” I usually like to think about the attributes, teachings, and models spoken about by some of the great product voices I’ve followed in my own career. This list changes from time to time but my current top 20 includes a rich aggregation of qualities that would make any product leader stand out in their field.
Why 'Moonshot' Projects are a Catalyst for Innovation, Growth, and Scaling
The term 'Moonshot' is used to describe highly ambitious, exploratory, and ground-breaking projects, much like the Apollo moon-landing mission from which the term originated. These projects are characterised by their potential to redefine the norms of what's achievable. In this post, we will explore why Moonshot projects are so effective in driving innovation, growth, and scaling.
The Emergence of the Chief Product Officer: Why It's the Fastest Growing Executive Role
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) has surged in prominence, becoming the fastest-growing position within executive teams. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, examining how the CPO's unique skill set and strategic importance are driving their ascent in the corporate hierarchy.