The Curve Ahead

Frontmatter

Introduction

Abstract

This book tackles two important questions:

Why do growth companies stop growing?

How can their leaders sustain growth over time?

Dave Power

1. Why Growth Companies Stop Growing

Abstract

Bill Kruse woke to the chime of a text message at 6:45 AM.

Dave Power

2. How Far Can You Stretch?

Abstract

Bill admired Meena and her many talents, but every leader has weaknesses. Bill sensed that he would need to move quickly.

Dave Power

3. Get More Coverage

Abstract

Bill Kruse had two more meetings at NaviMark. The first was with Tina Thorn, the company’s chief financial officer; the second was with the founder and chief technology officer, Tim Wiggins. As he passed the Boston Convention Center on his walk back to the NaviMark offices, he thought more about the company’s long-term growth prospects.

Dave Power

4. Find the Next S-Curve

Abstract

“Can you hear me OK?” asked Meena as she initiated a Skype session with Bill.

Dave Power

5. What’s Your Innovation Process?

Abstract

“This is all very exciting, Meena,” said Micaela Sanchez as the June meeting of the NaviMark board came to a close. “NaviMark could become one of the hottest companies in the marketing services industry. But a lot hinges on a strong second quarter.”

Dave Power

6. Customer Experience Is the New IP

Abstract

Meena and Raj Singh, NaviMark’s VP of Customer Support, arrived in Chicago for a dinner meeting with Benson Moore, Chief Marketing Officer at L’Esprit Cosmetics. Meena had secured a table overlooking the Chicago River at Smith & Wollensky. Chicago had many great steak-houses but this was Benson’s favorite.

Dave Power

7. Solve Problems Like a Designer

Abstract

“Let’s get started, everyone,” Meena shouted to a room that sounded more like a cocktail party than a business meeting. “We’ve got a lot to cover over the next two days.”

Dave Power

8. Feedback is a Gift

Abstract

“Please have a seat and we’ll get started,” said NaviMark’s VP of Marketing, Patrick Howard, as he prepared to demonstrate a prototype of LoyalOne. Assembled in the VIP Suite at the Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando were four marketing executives in town for Loyalty Expo, an annual conference for the customer loyalty industry. Patrick was using this conference to solicit feedback on an early release of a new NaviMark product. It was an effective and inexpensive way to gather informal feedback from this highly specialized segment of marketers. The VIP Suite was cheaper than setting up a booth at the trade show—and more private.

Dave Power

9. New Ways to Make Money

Abstract

“Thanks for coming by, Bill,” said Meena as she offered him a chair in the NaviMark boardroom. “We’ve got an important board meeting this week and I’d like to run through some of the board package with you.”

Dave Power

10. Air Cover

Abstract

Meena liked what she heard as she interviewed a new VP of Sales candidate over breakfast in the Mandarin Oriental in New York. The Asiate restaurant had a spectacular thirty-fifth-floor view of Central Park.

Dave Power

11. Innovation is Not a Fire Drill

Abstract

“Bill, your design group is growing like crazy,” said Meena, impressed by the work of her new Chief Innovation Officer. Meena had persuaded Bill Kruse to join the company and lead the search for the next S-Curve. “Look at this modern work space; you recruit a couple of our product experts, hire a Director of Design and the next thing I know you’ve got all of these projects going.”

Dave Power

12. Just the Beginning

Abstract

“Welcome to our New Employee Boot Camp,” said Meena as she addressed the group assembled in the Customer Training Room. “It’s important for everyone at Nouvista to understand who we are, how we got here, and where we’re going.”

Dave Power

Backmatter