TOP LEADERS
To Watch in 2025 VISI
NARY
Principal and Founder I Strategist Solutions
SAM HOUSTON
Strategizing for the Human Element in a World of Mega Projects
EDITOR’S LETTER
From Insight to Impact!
earReaders,
Technologyisadvancingatbreakneckspeed,globalmarketsaremoreinterconnected—and unpredictable—thanever,andorganizationsarerealizingthatstrategyisnolongeraboutrigid plansbutaboutadaptability,foresight,andtrust.Theleadersstandingouttodayarenotjust skilledmanagers;theyarevisionarieswhobalanceharddatawithhumaninsight,driving transformationthatenduresbeyondquarterlyresults.
Thisedition,StrategicLeaders: Top Visionary Leaders To Watch in 2025, bringsintofocusthose innovatorswhoarechartingnewpathsforward.Theyprovethatleadershipisasmuchaboutpeopleas itisaboutperformance,andthattrueimpactiscreatedwherestrategicthinkingmeetshuman understanding.
OurcoverstoryhighlightsthisevolutionthroughthejourneyofSamHouston,Principaland FounderofStrategistSolutions.Sam’scareerbeganinthehighlytechnical,detail-drivenworldof engineeringandprojectcontrols.HerosethroughtheranksofindustrygiantssuchasRioTinto, ArcelorMittal,EldoradoGold,BHP,andJacobs,overseeingsomeoftheworld'smostcomplexprojects. FromtheKing’sCrossRedevelopmentinLondontoBHP'sexpansivePotashPortfolioinCanada,his pathwasmarkedbyprecision,discipline,andexecutionatscale.
Today,asthefounderofStrategistSolutions,Samcombineshistechnicalexpertisewithadeepfocus onhumanbehavior,guidingorganizationsthroughbothstructuralandculturalchallenges.Hisstory reflectsthefutureofleadershipitself:notadeparturefromhardstrategy,butanexpansionintothe humanarchitecturethatmakesstrategysucceed.
AlongsideSam,thisissuealsofeaturesAdamHovermale,GrantCardone,NeerajKulkarni,and Dr.ColleenGeorges,eachofferingtheirownvisionofleadershipforarapidlychangingworld.
Weinviteyoutoexploretheirstoriesanddiscoverhowstrategy,innovation,andhumanityare convergingtodefineleadershipin2025.
PaNKAJ GHOLAP Managing Editor
PUBLISHER VIKRAM
Sam Houston 10
Sam Hou
Cover Story
FEATURED IN “TOP 25 EXECUTIVES TO WATCH
SAM HOUSTON
Principal and Founder Strategist Solutions
IIn the high-stakes world of mega projects, especially in industries such as mining, energy, and infrastructure, success has traditionally been measured by the tons of earth moved and the billions of dollars spent in pursuit of maximum profitability. However, Sam Houston, a leader shaped by these complex environments, is advocating for a different metric; the development of the resilience and capability of the people who are at the heart of it all.
Thesceneisacommononeintoday’sglobaleconomy.Basedin Portugal,whereheliveswithhisfamilyandtwodogs,Sam Houston,PrincipalandFounderofStrategistSolutions, navigatesacrosstimezonesandindustrieswithconfidence, maintainingacalmandfocuseddemeanorinaworlddefinedby complexity,ambiguity,andimmensepressure.Hemightspendhis morningfacilitatingagovernanceworkshopforamegaoilandgas projectinWestAfrica.Intheafternoon,hereviewsariskstrategy foracriticalmineralsinvestmentinEurope.Byevening,heis coachingaseniorexecutiveteaminNorthAmerica.
Sam’sjourneytohisuniquepositionisquitefascinating.Itbegan intheprecise,data-drivenfieldofengineeringandprojectcontrols. Heworkedwithmajorcompaniessuchas Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Eldorado Gold, BHP, and Jacobs,quicklyadvancingthroughthe ranksintoleadershiprolesonmajorinfrastructureprojects. Notableexamplesincludethe King’s Cross Redevelopment Project in London, UK,andBHP's Potash Portfolio in Canada, among othercomplexprojects,programs,andportfoliosaroundtheglobe. However,overtime,hisfocusshiftedfromdevelopmentand deliveryoptimizationtohumandynamics.Hebecameintriguedby theunseenarchitectureofleadership; how teams make decisions under pressure, how they navigate complexity,and how they build the trust necessary to deliver on monumental promises
Hisworkbuildsondecadesofleadershipexperienceinside industry, includingexecutiverolesatglobalminingcompanies RioTintoandEldoradoGold,givinghimauniquelyinsider’s perspectiveonwhatittakestodeliverandsustainimpact.
Thisshiftinemphasis,fromthe “what” tothe “how,” ultimately ledhimtofoundStrategistSolutions,aconsultancygroundedin theradicalideathatthemosteffectivewaytomanagecomplexity istoinvestinthepeoplewhomustnavigateit.
TheGenesisofaNewApproach
Sam’stransitionfromexecutiveleadershiptoindependentadvisor wasathoughtfulevolution.Hepursuedan ICF-accredited executive and team coaching background,whichformalizedhis interestinthehumansideofleadership.
Hewroteamaster’sthesisthatcenteredonthe strategicvalueofcognitivediversityinmining industryexecutiveleadership Thisacademicrigor, layeredontopofdecadesofoperationalleadership acrosssectors,gavehimadistinctiveviewintothe systemicbarriersthatoftenhindertransformationin complexindustries.
“I kept encountering the same issues; strategy disconnected from delivery, ineffective governance, and under-leveraged leadership talent,” Sam recalls
Hesawagapinthemarketforaconsultancythat couldbringcommercialrigorandpeoplecenteredtransformationtogether.In2021,with headquartersinLondonandLisbon,Samlaunched StrategistSolutionstofillthatgap.
“I wanted to build something that combined rigor with humanity, a business that could help organizations not just perform, but evolve,” Sam says.Hismissionbecameclear; to help leaders and teams move forward with purpose, creating clarity where there is ambiguity and momentum where things feel stuck.
ASystemic,People-CenteredModel
AtthecoreofStrategistSolutionsisa straightforwardbutpowerfulconcept;“Progress doesn’tcomefrommoreprocess,itcomesfrom meaningfulalignment.”
Toachievethis,thefirmoperatesacrossfourcore serviceareas,eachdesignedtostrengthenthe foundationsofcomplexorganizations.Itcollaborates closelywithspecializedtechnical,digital,and commercialconsultanciesaspartofanintentional ecosystemapproach.
●GrowthStrategyDevelopment:Thispillar assistsorganizationsinaligningtheirbold ambitionswithgrounded,scalableexecution, ensuringthatstrategicplanstranslateintotangible results.
●ProgramManagementAdvisory:Thisservice providesdeliveryassuranceandgovernance supportforhigh-stakesprograms,ensuring projectsstayontrackanddeliverintended outcomes.
●LeadershipAdvisory&SystemicCoaching:Thispillar equipsleadersandteamstothriveamidcomplexity,fostering effectivedecision-makingandstrongteamdynamics.
●DueDiligence,RiskManagement&Organizational Reviews:Thisareaofferscriticalinsightsintoan organization’sreadinessandsystemicrisks,helpingclients makeinformedinvestmentdecisionsandmitigatepotential issues.
Theapproachissystemicanddeeplypeople-centered.
“We focus not only on what needs to be done, but on how the organization is set up to do it,” Samexplains.Thisinvolves examiningtheinterdependenciesamongleadership,culture, organizationalstructure,andstakeholderdynamics.
Akeydifferentiatorforthemistheirattentiontotheclient’s sideofdelivery Whilemanyconsultanciesfocusonexecutinga projectandthenmovingon,StrategistSolutionsworksto ensurethattheownerorganizationissetupforlong-term success.Thisinvolvesdesigningtherightoperatingmodel, buildinginternalcapability,andaligningleadershipand governancearoundclearstrategies.Whetherit'samine,a powerplant,orcriticalinfrastructure,StrategistSolutions ensurelong-termoperationalexcellenceundertheowner's leadership. “For us, sustainability starts with capability and readiness on the owner’s side,” Samsays.
Sam’sphilosophyiselegantlysimple:“Complexdoesn'thave tomeancomplicated.”Heseescomplexityasaninherentpart ofglobal,multi-stakeholderenvironments.Theunnecessary complications,suchastheopaqueprocesses,bloated governance,anddisconnectedstrategies,areoftenself-imposed.
“Ourroleistosimplifycomplexsystemswithoutlosingthe valuethatdeepexperienceandcapabilitybring,”Samsays. “It'saboutmakingcomplexitynavigable,notparalyzing.”
ALeader’sDay:FromGiga-FactoriestoHuman Connection
ThevarietyofSam’sworkissomethinghegenuinelyenjoys.
Atypicaldayisablendofhigh-levelstrategyanddeephuman engagement.Amidstthisdemandingschedule,hecarvesout dedicatedtimeforwriting.Heproducesarticlesforhiswebsite andforplatformslikeLinkedInandMedium,createssocial mediavideos,andsteadilyworksonhisupcomingbook.
“Staying planned and focused is essential in a schedule that spans time zones, industries, and disciplines” headmits, highlightingtheself-awarenessrequiredtomanagesucha dynamiccareer
Whenaskedwhatheismostproudof,hisanswermovesbeyondproject metricstothefoundationalelementsofhiswork. “I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built with clients and collaborators who share our values,” hesays,notingthesignificanttimeandeffortheinvestsinthis. Forhim,thetruemeasureofsuccessisthetrusthisfirmhasearned.Thisis evidencedbytheirabilitytoinfluencemajordecisionsatthehighestlevels, “whether it’s around giga-factory delivery governance in India or critical infrastructure investment strategy in Europe.”
Samisalsodeeplyproudofacoreinnovationhehasbroughttothe consultingspace. “We’ve also made systemic thinking and leadership development central to our delivery offer,” hestates,viewingthis integrationnotasanadd-on,butasafundamentalre-imaginingofhow valueisdelivered.
TheCognitiveAdvantage
CentraltoSam’sworkistheconceptofcognitivediversity,whichisalso thefocusofhisMaster’sthesis.Hearguesthatinthecomplex,capitalintensiverealmofmegaprojects,whereambiguity,scale,andpace intersect,havingavarietyofthinkingstyles,backgrounds,andlived experiencesisnotonlya“nice-to-have”butacrucialelementofeffective decision-making.
Thisconceptgoesbeyondacademictheoryforhim;itisapracticaltool thatinformshisapproachtoteamdesign,leadershipdevelopment,and transformationprograms.Sampayscloseattentiontothecognitive patterns,blindspots,anddecision-makingdynamicswithinleadership teams.
“Effectivetransformationdoesn’tcomefromasinglesmartperson,” heinsists.“Successcomesfromharnessingdifferentperspectivesin serviceofasharedoutcome,andcreatingthepsychologicalsafety neededforchallengeandcreativitytocoexist.”
Samisapassionateadvocateforthisconcept,frequentlyspeakingat industryconferencesandleadershipforums.Hehasnoticedthataudiences arebecomingincreasinglyreceptivetotheideathathighperformanceand cognitivediversityareinextricablylinked.
AJourneythroughGlobalComplexity
Sam’sperspectivehasbeenshapedbyacareerspentnavigatingtheunique challengesofdeliveringcomplexprojectsacrossdiversegeographies.He hasworkedoneverycontinentexceptforAntarctica,insettingsasvaried asCanada,India,Japan,Australia,SouthAmerica,Africa,andEurope. Eachenvironmenthaspresenteditsownculturalnorms,regulatory pressures,anddeliveryexpectations. “Learning to adapt my leadership and advisory style to local context while still driving global standards of excellence... has been a continuous and rewarding stretch,” Samsays.
Anotherdefiningchallengehasbeen designingexecutionstrategiesthatcreate valueforallstakeholders,notjusttheproject ownerorthemostpowerfulvoiceinthe room.Thisinvolvescreatingspacefor meaningfulcollaborationbetween contractors,communities,regulators,and deliverypartners,ofteninenvironments wheremisalignment,competition,andeven dysfunctionwerethenorm.
Thetransitionfromaseniorexecutiveroleto launchinghisownbusinessbroughtitsown setofpersonalchallenges. “It meant leaving behind the structure and prestige of global brands and learning to articulate my value on my own terms,” Samreflects. “It required resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to sit with ambiguity.” Hetackledthese challengesbystayinggroundedinhis purposeandsurroundinghimselfwith brilliantcollaborators.
TheMeasureofImpact
Whilethefinancialresultsareimpressive,the realimpactofSam’sworkliesinthe confidenceandcapabilityhefosters.His firm'srisk-basedduediligencesupporteda successfulinvestmentdecisionforamultibillion-dollarinfrastructureproject.His leadershipadvisoryhelpedaseniortechnical executivetransitionintoaCOOrolewith strategicclarity.Hehasgeneratedover$1 billioninnetpresentvalueacrossa portfolioofmegaprojectsandhasbeen instrumentalinsecuringapprovalforseveral billiondollarsinadditionalcapital investment.
Furthermore,hehassuccessfullyrestructured stalleddeliverymodels,improvedassurance frameworks,andchangedleadership mindsets.Bydoingso,heensuresthat organizationsareequippedforsustained growth.However,beyondthekey performanceindicators,Samstates,“True successliesinhelpingorganizationsmove forwardlongaftertheengagementends, withsystemsthatworkandpeoplewho areready.”
TheNextChapter:DesigningtheFuture
Lookingahead,Samisfocusedonexpandinghisfirm’s presenceinIndiaandEuropewhilecontinuinghisworkin NorthAmerica.Heisdevelopingaseriesofresidential leadershipprogramsinPortugalthatcombineleadership training,executiveandteamcoaching,mindfulness,travel, andexcellentfoodandwine.LocatedjustoutsideLisbon, theseimmersiveexperiencesprovideopportunitiesfor reflection,resilience,andrenewal,builttocomplement broadercoachingandcollaborativeteamwork.
Inaddition,Samisdevelopingproprietaryframeworksand toolstosupportsystemicreadinessassessmentsandteam alignment.WhatexcitesSammost,however,isthe upcominglaunchofhisbook,tentativelytitled“Mega ProjectsReimagined:HowtoLeadtheNextGeneration ofGlobalGrowth.”Thisbookdistillsthreedecadesof experienceintoapracticalguideforleaderstaskedwith deliveringcomplex,high-stakesinitiativesinarapidly evolvingworld.
Itprovidesapracticalframeworkfordeliveringgrowth strategieswithanemphasisonpeople,technology,and sustainability “It’s designed to be practical, grounded, and immediately useful for leaders navigating transformation in real time,” heexplains.
Readers are invited to follow and connect with Sam on LinkedIn or visit_www.strategistsolutions.com for updates or to express interest in the book launch.
Amidhisdemandingglobalschedule,Samstaysgrounded throughintentionalbalance.HislifeinPortugalprovidesa strongsenseofplaceandrhythm.Hemakestimefor swimming,tennis,and,morerecently,padel,whichhas quicklybecomeafavorite.Hedrawsinspirationfromlive performance,visualart,andexploringnewcultures. “I genuinely love what I do, and that makes it easier to maintain a grueling schedule and the realities of frequent international travel,” Samstates.
LeadingwithPurposeinaConstantlyChangingWorld
Sam’sadvicetoemergingleadersdistillshislife’swork. “Startwithpurpose.Learntolistendeeply.Surround yourselfwithdiversethinkers.Anddon’tunderestimate thepowerofsystemicthinking.” Hebelievesthefuture belongstothosewhocanbridgestrategywithexecution, performancewithpeople,andcomplexitywithclarity.
“We’re in a reality where change is constant, technologically, geopolitically, environmentally, and socially; and those who can adapt with integrity and foresight will thrive. Future-proofing your career means being ready to learn, unlearn, and evolve. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, although make sure you learn from them!”
“Mega projects are complex and high-stakes, and they’re rich with possibility; from solving real-world challenges to working across cultures and leaving something meaningful behind.”
“Ifyouapproachthemwiththerightmindsetand collaborativeintent,thelegacyyouhelpshapecanfar outlasttheworkitself.Ifyou’relookingtobuildsomething thatmatters,startthere,”Samconcludes.
www.strategistsolutions.com
www.linkedin.com/in/samhoustons
The 10 Most Influential Wellness & Franchise Leaders of 2025
Under CEO Adam Hovermale, ICI Foods is moving beyond the traditional role of an ingredient distributor. It is becoming a source of innovation in a sector that quietly shapes what America eats.
Thejourneyofhoneyfromabeehivetoacupofteais oftenlongerandmorecomplexthanonemightimagine. Fordecades,themovementofsuchingredientshasbeen theworkofanintricate,largelyinvisiblesupplychain—a worldofpallets,warehouses,andlogistics.Itisabusiness builtonconsistency,quality,andtiming,wheresuccessis measuredinmillionsofpoundsdeliveredandproduction lineskeptrunning.Yet,inamarketwhereconsumersnow demandtransparencyandnovelty,theoldmodelisfacing newpressures.ThisisthelandscapewhereAdam Hovermale,theCEOofICIFoods,isworkingtoredefine theroleoftheingredientsupplier.
ICIFoods,foundedin1979andheadquarteredin Richmond,Virginia,haslongbeenakeyplayerinthis sector Thecompanyoperatesasacriticallink,supplying rawingredientstoover700customersnationwide,from large-scalefoodmanufacturerstolocalbakeries.UnderMr Hovermale’sleadership,however,thecompanyisevolving beyonditstraditionaldistributionfunction.Heissteering ICIFoodsintotheconsumermarket,amovecrystallized bythe2023acquisitionofthePureSweetHoney™and SomeHoney™brands.Thisstrategicshiftisnotmerely aboutexpansion;itisaboutcreatingvalueandinnovation ateverypointinthesupplychain.
“Ourmissionistobemorethanjustasupplier,”Mr. Hovermaleexplains,histoneconveyingaclearsenseof purpose.“Weaimtocreatesolutionsthatareinnovative andimpactfulforeverylinkintheingredientsupply chain.”
StewardshipofaLegacyBrand
TheacquisitionoftheSomeHoneybrandpresentedMr. Hovermalewithhisfirstmajorresponsibilityasa consumer-facingleader:stewardship.Hewasnotjust buyingaproductlineofraw,unfilteredhoneyvarieties;he wasinheritingalegacy Thechallengewastointegratethis brandintoICI’srobustdistributionnetworkwithout dilutingitscoreidentity.Inamarketfloodedwithhoney productsoftencutwithadditives,theSomeHoneybrand’s commitmenttopuritywasitsprimaryasset.
Mr.Hovermale’sapproachwasmethodical.Heunderstood thatpreservingthebrand’sheritagewasessentialfor maintainingconsumertrust.“Ourgoalhasalwaysbeento honortheSomeHoneyheritagewhileexpandingits relevanceinthemarketplace,”hestates.Thismeant upholdingtherigorousqualitystandardsforitsclover, wildflower,andotherhoneyvarietieswhileleveraging ICI’sscaletobringthemtoawideraudience.Thiscareful integrationdemonstratesacoreleadershiptenet:growth andlegacydonothavetobemutuallyexclusive.
InnovationinaCommodityMarket
Mr.Hovermale’ssecondcoreresponsibilityhasbeento driveinnovation.Honey,atitscore,isacommodity. Creatingadistinct,value-addedproductinsuchamarket requiresakeenunderstandingofconsumerbehavior The launchofHoneySpoonsundertheSomeHoneybrand servesasaprimecasestudy Thesesingle-serve,mess-free spoonsofunfilteredhoneyaddressamoderndemandfor convenienceandportioncontrol.Theproductoffersa simplesolutionforsweeteningbeveragesorasaquick snack,transforminghoneyfromajarinthepantrytoa portable,on-the-goitem.
Thisinnovationwasnotamatterofchance.Itwasa directresponsetomarkettrends.Theproduct’s success,crownedby Food & Beverage Magazine as 2023’smostinnovativenewproductoftheyear, validatedMr.Hovermale’sstrategy.Itprovedthat eveninthemosttraditionalcategories,thereisroom fornewideas.
Now,ICIFoodsispreparingforitsnextlaunch:Hot Honey.Themarketforspicy-sweetcondimentsis growing,butMr.Hovermaleidentifiesagap.“Our HotHoneywillstandoutinamarketfloodedwith productsthatoftencompromiseonquality,”he notes.“We’restayingtruetoourrootsbyensuring it’smadefromraw,naturalhoneywithoutany unnecessaryadditives.”Thisupcominglaunchagain highlightshiscorestrategy:anticipateconsumer desires,butneverattheexpenseofproduct integrity
ManagingtheOperationalEngine
Beneaththeseconsumer-facinginnovationsliesMr Hovermale’sthird,andperhapsmostcritical, responsibility:managingtheoperationalengineof ICIFoods.Thecompany’sfoundationisitsability toreliablysourceanddistributemillionsofpounds ofingredients.Thisrequiresnavigatingtheimmense challengesofaglobalsupplychain.
Foodsafetyisparamount.ICIFoodsoperatesa robustmanagementsystemalignedwithnationally recognizedstandards,guidedbyHazardAnalysis CriticalControlPoint(HACCP)principles.These arenotmerelyguidelinesonadocument;theyare theoperationalrulesthatensurethesafetyand qualityofeveryingredientthatpassesthroughICI’s distributioncenters.
Furthermore,Mr.Hovermalehasfocusedon strengtheningsupplierrelationshipsandenhancing traceability.Inanerawhereconsumerswantto knowtheoriginoftheirfood,robusttraceability systemsarenolongeraluxurybutanecessityfor buildingtrust.Managingthesecomplex relationshipsandsystems,whileensuringtimely deliverytoover700customers,remainsthedaily, demandingworkofthecompany.Mr.Hovermale’s abilitytooverseethiscomplexoperationalcore whilesimultaneouslydrivingretailinnovationis centraltohisleadership.
AVisionfortheFuture
Foraspiringentrepreneurs,particularlyinthe competitivefoodindustry,Mr.Hovermale’s adviceisdirect.“Focusonquality, transparency,andinnovation,”hesays.“Build strongrelationshipswithyoursuppliers,stay attunedtoconsumertrends,andnever compromiseonyourcorevalues.Aboveall, rememberthatsuccesscomesfromdelivering premiumvaluetoyourcustomers.”
UnderAdamHovermale’sleadership,ICI Foodsisdemonstratingwhatitmeanstobea moderningredientsupplier Thecompanyis provingthatitispossibletohonoralegacy whilepursuinginnovation,tomanagea large-scaledistributionnetworkwhilecreating consumerproductswithcare,andtomeetthe demandsofachangingmarketwithout sacrificingquality Theupcominglaunchofan onlinestoretosimplifyorderingforits businesscustomersisanotherstepinthis evolution,furtherstreamliningthesupply chain.
TheworkofICIFoodsremains,inmanyways, invisibletotheendconsumer Yet,the company’scommitmenttoquality,safety,and innovationquietlyshapesthefoodweeat everyday.AdamHovermaleisnotjust managingasupplychain;heisbuildinga companythatservesasasourceofboth essentialingredientsandnewideas.Indoing so,heissettinganewstandardforexcellence inanindustrythatformsthebedrockofour foodsystem.
NothingChanges
Everygrowthstoryyouadmire startedwithoneunglamorous move.
Notthebookdeal. Notthefundinground. Notthekeynotestage.
The move.Theonethatlookedsmall first ontheoutsidebutshiftedeverythingon theinside.
Theproblemis,mostpeoplenevermake it.Theythinkthewinstartswitha“big break,”sotheywait.
Foundersdon’twait. Theylifttheirfoot.
WhytheFirstInchMattersMoreThan theFirstMile
Businessmomentumdoesn’tstartwith courage.Itstartswithmotion.
Standingstillfeelssafe.Youtellyourself you’re“thinkingitthrough”or“waiting fortherighttime,”butinreality,you’re stuckbecausestayingputcostsnothingin the shortterm.
Exceptitdoescostyou.Quietly.Every day.In:
· Unsentproposalsthatcouldbring revenue.
· Avoidedphonecallsthatcouldsavea partnership.
· Productideasthatdieinyournotebook becauseyounevertestedthem.
Youdon’thavetoleapintoafullpivotora90daylaunchsprint.Youjusthavetobreakthe stillness.
TheFounder’sDefinitionof“LiftingYour Foot”
Inbusiness,liftingyourfootisanydecisionor actionthat:
1.Movesyoufromideaintoevidence. 2.Replacesastallwithasignalofprogress.
It’srarelydramatic.Infact,itusuallylooks like:
· Returningtheinvestor’semailyou’ve beenavoiding.
· Sendingapriceincreasenoticetoaclient.
· Cancellingthesoftwaresubscriptionyou knowyou’llneveruse.
· Publishingyournewpricingpagebeforeyou feel“ready.”
It’saboutbuildingatrackrecordofforward motion,notwaitinguntilyourconfidencefeels bulletproof.
WhyWeResisttheFirstMove
You’renotlazy.You’reprotectingyourself fromthediscomfortofexposure.
Thesecondyoumove,yourisk:
· Beingjudged.
· Makingavisiblemistake.
· Learningthatyourideadoesn’twork.
Soyoudelay Andinthatdelay,theweight growsheavier
Theirony?Movingevenoncemakesthenextmoveeasier Foundersknowthisbecausewe’veallfelttheshift—once thewheelturns,theresistancedrops.
Support Counts asMovement
Oneofthefastestwaystoliftyourfootistoadmityou’re stuck.Nottoyourreflectioninthebathroommirror,butto anotherhumanwhocanhelpyoumove.
Thatcouldmean:
· HiringafractionalCOOfortenhoursamonth.
· Askingapeerfoundertoreviewyourpitchdeck.
· Bookingacallwithalawyertocleanupyourcontracts.
Theactofasking momentum.CEOsatthetopoftheir is gamedon’thesitatetouseit.Theyoutsourcebottlenecks beforetheycalcify
YouDon’tNeedaFive-YearPlan—YouNeeda FirstStep
Here’sthetrap:founderswaittoactuntiltheycan seethewholeroad.
Thetruth?Yourarelyseebeyondthenextcorner. Youjustmovetowardit,andonlyonceyourethere doesthenextturnbecomevisible.
Thatfirststepmightlooklike:
· Openingyourbankdashboardandfacingthe numbersyou’veignored.
· Puttingyourproductinfrontoftenstrangersto hearwhattheyreallythink.
· Releasingabetaversionandlettingitgetmessy inthewild.
Perfectiondoesn’tcreateprogress.Progress createsoptions.
TheHiddenReturnontheFirstMove
Whenyouliftyourfoot,youdon’tjustcreate externalprogress—youcreateinternalleverage:
· Speed–Onceinmotion,decisionshappen faster.
· Clarity–Feedbackreplacesspeculation.
· Credibility–Peopletrustthosewhoactwithout waitingforconditionstobeperfect.
Thisiswhyseasonedfoundersmakequick,small movesdaily—theyknowtheROIcompounds.
The
Quiet
DisciplineofForwardMotion
Youwon’tseealotofInstagramposts aboutfounders:
· Sendingoverdueinvoices.
· Cancellingunderperformingcampaigns.
· Removingthemselvesfromapartnershipthat’s notworking.
Butthosemoveskeepcompaniesalive. Theyprotectcashflow,sharpenfocus, andpreventoperationaldrag.
Momentumisnotbuiltinbursts.It’sbuilt inconsistent,almostboringmovement. Thekindthatdoesn'ttrend—but doespay.
IfYou’veBeenStandingStill
Here’syourrealitycheck:
Youdon’tneedthe perfect nextmove. Youneed any nextmovethatkeepsyou fromfossilizinginplace.
Ifyou’rewaitingforasign,thisisit:
· Identifythesinglesmallestdecision you’vebeenpostponing.
· Makeitbeforethedayends.
· Watchthepressuredropandthenext moveappear.
That’showyoubuildunstoppable momentum—onedeliberateliftatatime.
FinalWord
Youdon’thavetorunfullspeedfromthe start.Youjustcan’tstaystill.
Liftyourfoot.Evenaninch.Becausethat inchchangeseverything—itkillsinertia, startsmomentum,andsignalstoyourself andothersthatyou'rebuildingsomething worthmovingfor.
CEOsdon’tgettherebygiantleaps.They gettherebyrefusingtostandinthesame spotfortoolong.
Yournextchapterdoesn’tbeginwhen you’reready.Itbeginswhenyoumove.
Acommonimpedimenttoindividual achievement,bothpersonalandprofessional, liesinself-limitingbeliefsandnegativeinternal narratives.Individualsoftenfailtoreachtheirpotentialnot duetolackofcapability,butbecausetheirownselfperceptionhindersactionandaspiration.Addressingthis coreissuerequiresmorethansuperficialencouragement;it demandsstructuredmethodsforreshapingthought patternsandfosteringeffectivegoalpursuit.
Dr.ColleenGeorges,founderofRESCRIPTYour StoryLLC,establishedherpracticetoprovidesuch structuredmethods.HoldingaPhD(2003),Masters (1998),andBA(1997)inPsychology/Counseling PsychologyfromRutgersUniversity,Dr.Georgesbrings substantialacademiccredentialsandover25yearsof professionalexperiencetoherwork.Hercareerincludes extensiveexperienceinhighereducationadministrationat Rutgers,wheresheprovidedpersonal,academic,and careercounselingandultimatelyservedasDirectorfor twofederally-fundedprogramssupportingfirst-generation collegestudents.Shealsogainedclinicalexperience workingpart-timeasatherapistforanon-profit organizationservingwomenincrisis.Thisbackground providesadeepunderstandingofthepsychologicaland practicalchallengesindividualsfaceinpursuingtheir goals.
ThisanalysiswillreviewthedevelopmentofRESCRIPT YourStoryLLC,thecoremethodologyDr.Georges employs,therangeofservicesoffered,theoperational strategiesofthebusiness,andtheevidenceofits effectivenessinthepersonalandprofessionaldevelopment market.
ThePathtoPractice:FromHigherEducationto Entrepreneurship
Dr.Georges’journeytowardfoundingherownpractice involvedasignificantcareertransition.Whileworkingin highereducation,shedevelopedahobbyofwritingresumes foracquaintances,drivenbyapassionforhelping individualsarticulatetheirprofessionalstrengthsandcareer narrativeseffectively.In2008,sheformalizedthisinterest intoasidebusinessofferingresumewritingservices.
Apivotalchangeoccurredin2010,oneyearafterthebirth ofhersonin2009.Seekinggreaterflexibilityandmore timewithherfamily,Dr.Georgesmadethedecisionto leaveherfull-timeDirectorpositionatRutgersUniversity Shecommittedtotransformingherestablishedside businessintoherprimaryprofessionalfocus.She acknowledgesthistransitionasasignificantrisk,moving fromthesecurityofasalarieduniversitypositiontothe uncertaintiesoffull-timeentrepreneurship.Thisdecision markedthetruebeginningofRESCRIPTYourStoryLLC asacomprehensivecoachingandconsultingpractice. Alongsideherbusiness,shecontinuestoteachCounseling PsychologyandWomen’sLeadership/SocialJusticecourses part-timeatRutgersUniversity.
TheRESCRIPTMethodologyandServiceOfferings
ThecoreofDr.Georges’approachisherproprietary RESCRIPTframework Thismethodology,developed throughinsightsgainedduringpreparationforher2016 TEDxTalk(“RescriptingtheStoriesWeTellOurselves”) andfurthercodifiedinher2019book,providesthe foundationforherservices.
Theframeworkdrawsuponprinciplesfrompositive psychology,cognitive-behavioralstrategies,andestablished careerdevelopmentmethodologies.Itsprimaryaimisto guideclientsinidentifyingandovercomingself-doubtand limitingself-talk,settingmeaningfulgoals,and implementingactionablestepstowardachievingthosegoals.
RESCRIPTYourStoryLLCoffersadiverseportfolioof servicesbuiltuponthisframework:
· One-on-OneCoaching:Personalizedcareercoachingand lifecoachingsessionstailoredtoindividualclientneeds andobjectives.
· GroupCoaching:Facilitatedgroupprograms focusedongoal-settingandaccountability, suchasthe12-MonthWomen’sGoal AchievementGrouplaunchedin2024.Dr. Georgesalsorunsamonthlyonline ContagiousOptimismWellnessGroup, ongoingforoversevenyears.
· ProfessionalWritingServices:Continued offeringofresumewriting,coverletter development,andLinkedInprofile optimization–theservicethatinitially launchedthebusiness.
Founder I RESCRIPT Your Story LLC
· SpeakingandTraining:Deliveryofkeynotes, workshops,andcorporatetrainingsessionsontopics relatedtoleadership,self-empowerment,career development,andtheRESCRIPTprinciples.
· Publications:Authorshipofthe8-timeawardwinning,internationalbestsellingbook, "RESCRIPTtheStoryYou'reTellingYourself" (2019),alongwithsupplementarymaterialslikethe RESCRIPTDailyGratitudeJournalandGoal-Getting& ProductivityPlanner.Dr.Georgeshasalsoco-authored tenotherself-helpbooks(includingtitleslike Contagious Optimism, Midlife Transformations, 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career)andhadwork featuredinthe Gallery of Best Resumes 5th Edition.Her writingincludesarticlesintwoscholarlypsychology journalsandblogsforplatformslikeHuffingtonPost andThriveGlobal.
· OnlineCourses:Developmentofdigitalcareercourses, providingon-demandaccesstohermethodologies.
ThiscomprehensivesuiteofservicesallowsDr.Georges toaddressclientneedsthroughvariousformatsandlevels ofengagement.
BusinessModelandOperationalStrategy
RESCRIPTYourStoryLLCoperatesasa solopreneurship,withDr.Georgespersonallydelivering allcoreservices.Herleadershipphilosophy,describedas rootedinempowerment,empathy,andcollaboration, manifestsdirectlyinherclientinteractionsandgroup facilitation.Sheemphasizeshelpingclientsrecognize theirownstrengthsandfosteringconfidence,ratherthan adoptingadirectiveapproach.
Keystrategicelementsofthebusinessinclude:
· Client-CentricAdaptation:Dr.Georgesemphasizes activelylisteningtoclientneedsandmarkettrendsto guideservicedevelopment.Forexample,shedeveloped onlinecareercoursesduringtheCOVID-19pandemic inresponsetochallengesfacedbyjobseekersand launchedthewomen’sgoal-settinggroupin2024based onperceiveddemandforcommunityandaccountability Thisindicatesanadaptiveapproachtobusinessgrowth alignedwithhercoremission.
· ServiceDiversification:Thewiderangeofofferings–individualcoaching,groupprograms,digitalcourses, books,speaking–createsmultiplerevenuestreams. Thisdiversificationprovidesbusinessresilience, allowingthepracticetoweatherfluctuationsindemand forspecificservicesandadapttomarketshifts.
· TechnologyIntegration:Dr.Georgesleverages technologyextensivelytosupportherpracticeand reachaglobalaudience.Thisincludesonline schedulingandpaymentsystems,videoconferencing platformsforvirtualcoachingandgroupsessions,a websitehostingonlinecoursesandresources, WhatsAppgroupchatsforongoingclientsupportand accountability,andstrategicuseofSearchEngine Optimization(SEO)toensureonlinevisibility.She alsoutilizesAItoolsforresearchandindustryinsights toinformhercareercoaching.
Marketing,Outreach,andEstablishingCredibility
Asasolopreneur,buildingvisibilityandcredibilityis crucial.Dr.Georgesemploysseveralstrategies:
· PublicationsandThoughtLeadership:Her bestselling,award-winningbookservesasaprimary toolforestablishingexpertiseandattractingclients. Co-authoredbooks,journalarticles,blogs,andmedia features(mentioningoutletslikeNews12,RVNTV, LiveHappy,andMashable)furtheramplifyherreach andcredibility.
· SpeakingEngagements:Keynotes,workshops,and corporatetrainingprovidedirectexposuretopotential clientsandreinforceherpositionasanexpertinher field.
· DigitalMarketing:StrategicuseofSEOhelps potentialclientsdiscovertheirservicesonline.The onlinecoursesandresourcesavailablethroughher websitealsoserveamarketingfunction.
· ReferralNetwork:Overcomingearlybusiness challengesinvolvedbuildingastrongreferralnetwork, whichremainsanimportantsourceofclients.
NavigatingEntrepreneurialChallenges
Dr.Georgesacknowledgesthesignificantchallenges involvedintransitioningfromsecureemploymentto full-timeentrepreneurship.Keyhurdlesincludedthe initialfinancialuncertainty,thesteeplearningcurve requiredtomasterbusinessmanagement,digital marketing,andSEOskills(areasoutsideheroriginal academicandclinicaltraining),andmanagingcashflow duringslowerbusinessperiods.Herstrategyfor overcomingthisinvolvedpersistenteffort,a commitmenttocontinuouslearning,thestrategic diversificationofservicesmentionedearlier,and cultivatingarobustnetworkofreferrals.These experiencesshapedherresilienceandadaptabilityasa businessowner.
EvidenceofPerformanceandImpact
RESCRIPTYourStoryLLChasdemonstratedsubstantial growthandpositivemarketreceptionsinceitsformal establishmentasafull-timepracticein2010.Keyperformance indicatorsinclude:
· ClientGrowth:Dr.Georgesreportsservingnearly15times thenumberofindividualclientscomparedtothebusiness’s earlystages.
· ClientRetentionandReferrals:Thepracticebenefitsfroma strongbaseofreturningclientsandgrowingreferrals, indicatingclientsatisfactionwiththeservicesprovided.
· RevenueGrowth:Consistentincreasesinrevenuesuggest successfulbusinessoperationsandmarketdemand.
· AwardsandRecognition:The RESCRIPTbookhasearnedeightbook awardsandachievedinternational bestsellerstatus.Thebusinessitselfhas receivedrecognitionfromorganizations suchasCorporateVisionAwards,Quality BusinessAwards,andtheInternational AssociationofTopProfessionals (IAOTP)asaleadingproviderinlifeand careercoaching.
· ProgramOutcomes:Dr.Georgescites the2024/2025Women’sGoal AchievementGroupasaspecific exampleofimpact.Shereportsmembers achievingtangibleresultsacrossvarious lifedomains(careeradvancements, financialimprovements,business launches,healthgoals)andfosteringa stronginternalcultureofaccountability andmutualsupport,validatingthe effectivenessofhergroupcoaching model.
Conclusion:AStructuredApproachto Empowerment
Dr.ColleenGeorgeshassuccessfully translatedherdeepexpertiseincounseling psychologyandcareerdevelopment, combinedwithpersonalinsights,intoa thrivingcoachingandconsultingpractice, RESCRIPTYourStoryLLC.Thebusiness isbuiltaroundaclear,proprietary methodology–theRESCRIPTframework –designedtohelpindividualsovercome self-limitingnarrativesandachievetangible goals.Operatingasafocused solopreneurship,Dr.Georgesemploysa diversifiedservicemodelencompassing individualandgroupcoaching,professional writing,speaking,publications,andonline courses.Strategicuseoftechnologyand outreachensuresbroadvisibilityand accessibility.Despiteinitialentrepreneurial challenges,thepracticedemonstrates consistentgrowth,marketrecognition throughawards,andpositiveclient outcomes,positioningRESCRIPTYour StoryLLCasacredibleresourcefor individualsseekingstructuredsupportfor personalandprofessionaldevelopment.Dr Georgesprovidesaclearexampleof leveragingspecializedknowledgetobuilda focused,impactfulservicebusiness.
Theloudestpersonintheroomrarelyrunsit.
Inhigh-stakesleadership,poweroftenbelongstotheonewhoknowswhento stepforward—andwhentostepback.
I’vewatchedthisplayoutinboardroomsonfivecontinents.Themost influentialleadersguardtheirenergylikeinvestorsguardcapital.Theydon’t burnitoneveryrequest,meeting,orfight.Theydeployitwherethereturn ishighest.
Thatisn’tretreat.It’sprecision.
WhyEnergyIsaStrategicAsset—NotaRenewableOne
You’vebeentoldto“showupeverywhere”and“alwayssayyesto opportunity.”That'sadvicedesignedtokeepyoubusy,noteffective.
Energyworkslikeworkingcapital:ifyouspenditindiscriminately,you’ll havenothingleftforthedecisionsandconversationsthatactuallymove theneedle.
I’veseentoomanyfounders,executives,andcreativesburnthemselvesout tryingtobeconstantlyavailable.Bythetimetheyhitthemomentthattruly matters—negotiatingacriticaldeal,steeringthroughacrisis—they’re runningonfumes.
TheleaderswhowinoverdecadesbuildwhatIcallanEnergyReserve Strategy:theyinvestinrecovery,declinelow-valuedemands,andpreserve theircapacityfortheworkonlytheycando.
TheCEOPatternYou'llNeverSeeinTheir LinkedInPosts
Whenyoustudyleadersatthetopoftheir game—OprahWinfrey,AvaDuVernay,Shonda Rhimes,NaomiOsaka—younoticeapattern:
Theysay“no”morethantheysay“yes.” Theydisappearonpurpose. Theychoosewhentospeak,ratherthanreactto everymoment.
Oprahhassaidherbreakthroughcamewhenshe stoppedsaying“yes”outofobligation.NaomiOsaka skippedpressconferencestoprotecthermental bandwidth.AvaDuVernaydirectsherfocustoward theworkthatwilloutlastthenoise.
Noneofthemconfuseconstantpresencewith meaningfulimpact.
HowtoBuildYourOwnEnergyReserveStrategy
Stopthinkingofenergymanagementasself-care.It’s operationaldiscipline.
Here’stheframeworkIusewithexecutiveswhowant sustainableinfluence:
1. AudittheDrains–Trackyourweek.Identify whatdrainsyouwithoutdelivering measurablevalue.
2. CutWithoutGuilt–Ifitdoesn’tmoveyour missionforward,it’sano.No justificationrequired.
3.ScheduleRecoveryLikeRevenue Work–Blocksolitude,deepwork, anddecompressionintoyourcalendar beforeanythingelse.
4.DecideYourDeploymentTriggers–Definethecriteriaforwhenyou’llstep in,speakup,ortakethelead.Ifit doesn’tmeetthatbar,youhold.
Thisisn’tabouthiding.It’sabout controllingthetermsofyourvisibility
WhyThisWorksinDividedTimes
Intoday’spolarizedclimate—inside companies,markets,andpublic discourse—reactionspeedisoverrated. Leaderswhopausebeforeactingcansee beyondthenoise.
CongresswomanPramilaJayapalcalls herintroversionanadvantage:itallows hertohearmore,filterfaster,andfind leveragepointsinheatednegotiations.
Thesameappliesinbusiness.Ifyouburn energyreactingtoeveryprovocation, youloseclarity.Ifyouholdback,assess, andrespondonlywhenimpactis possible,yourinfluencecompounds.
The
DiplomaticDeploymentPrinciple
Thinkofyourinfluencelikeahigh-value currency.Ifyouspenditoneverysmall transaction,itlosesvalue.Spendit strategically,anditsweightgrows.
ThisiswhyAvaDuVernay’svoice carries.Shedoesn'tengageeverybattle. Shepickstheonesthatshifttheindustry
Youcandothesame.
· Saveyourinputformomentsthat definedirection.
· Letothersexhaustthemselvesinthe noise.
· Whenyouspeak,makesureitcounts. Thisisn’tpassivity—it’s tacticalpatience.
TheMisconceptionThatCostsLeaders TheirEdge
Toomanytalentedpeoplebelievethatinfluence requiresconstantoutput.Theyconfuseactivity withauthority
Inreality,measuredpresencebuildsmoretrust thanconstantchatter Thepeopleyoulead,sell to,ornegotiatewithlearnthatwhenyoustepin, itmatters.
Thatscarcitycreatesweight.Andweight movesdecisions.
ThePlaybookforQuietInfluence
IfyouwanttooperateliketheleadersI’m describing,here’sthesystem:
1. TreatEnergyasCapital–Yourtimeand presenceareassets.Protectthemlikeyour P&Ldependsonit—becauseitdoes.
2. OperateFromaReserve–Neverletyour energyaccounthitzero.Decisionsmadefrom depletionarealmostalwayscostly.
3. DefineYour“Yes”and“No”Rules–Withoutclearcriteria,you'llspendyourselfon workthatdoesn’tmovethemission.
4. BuildRechargeRituals–Whetherit’sa dailywalk,twohoursofphone-offtime,or quarterlysolostrategydays,makeit non-negotiable.
5. DeployWithIntention–Whenyouengage, bringfullclarity,preparation,andpresence. Thenstepbackbeforeyouredgedulls.
TheBottomLine
Leaderswhomasterenergycontroldon’tjustlast longer—theywinmoreoften.Whileothersburn themselvesouttryingtobeeverywhere,they conservepowerforthemomentsthatchange everything.
Yourjobisnottobeconstantlyvisible.Yourjob istobeunmistakablyeffectivewhenitmatters.
Ifyoudothiswell,youwon’tneedtofightfor attention.Yourabsencewillbenoticed—and yourpresencewillbefelt.
GrantCardoneoperatesonadifferentset ofassumptions.Hedoesnotmerelybuild businesses;heconstructsanentire doctrineforsuccess,acounter-narrativetoprevailing wisdom.AsCEOofCardoneCapital,managing over$5billioninassets,andleadingsevenprivately heldcompanieswithcombinedannualrevenues reaching$750million,Cardonehasprovenhis frameworkworks.Yet,histruepowerliesnotjustin hisbalancesheets,butinhisrelentlesspursuitofa singularidea:successisnotmerelyanaspiration;it standsasaduty,anobligation,aresponsibility.This convictiondriveshiseverymove,allowinghimto commandinfluencewithaprecisionthatborderson thestrategic.
Cardoneactivelyseekstodismantletraditional thinking.Heidentifiesthe“middleclass”asa mythology,atrapsprungbyoutdatedadvice.He issuescommands:“Quitsavingmoney.Quitbuying homes.Quitborrowingforcollege.”These declarationshitlikebluntinstrumentsagainstthesoft pietiesofconventionalfinancialplanning.Heargues thatmostAmericansfindthemselvesfinanciallystuck becausetheyfollowoldrules—save,buyahouse, planforretirement,borrowforeducation.Heasserts thesestrategiessimplydonotworkanymore.Hesees asystemthat,bydesign,keepspeoplefinancially illiterate.Hismission:tore-educate.
The
ArchitectofDisruption:
FromAdversityto Autonomy
Cardone’searlylifeofferednoblueprintforempire. Addictionthreatenedhistwenties.Hefacedpersonal andfinancialchallengesthatmighthavederailed others.Heovercamethem.Thisperiodforgedhis foundational“no-excuses”mindset,aresiliencehe wouldlatercodifyintohisbusinessphilosophy.
Heenteredtheautomotivesalesindustry There,he quicklybecameatopsalesperson.Heachievedthis notbyadheringtoestablishedmethods,butby creatinghisowntechniques,hisownhighperformancemindset.Helearnedtodisruptthestatus quodirectly,tochallengeexistingprocesses.This earlysuccessrevealedafundamentaltruthtohim: mostpeoplefollowestablishedpaths,evenwhen thosepathsleadtomediocrity.Hechosedisruption. Foroverthirtyyears,hehasappliedthiscutting-edge, disruptiveapproachtosales,marketing,socialmedia, andconsulting.Hehelpscompaniesexpandsales, increasetransactionprofitability,andreduceturnover byimplementingproven,industry-leadingprocesses throughmanagementandtrainingtechnology.He identifiedtheflawsinstandardpracticesandoffereda differentway
TheStrategyofScale:AmplifyingLeverage, DominatingtheLandscape
Cardone’stransitionfromsalestrainingtorealestate investingrevealsacalculatedmovetoamplify leverageanddominateadifferentkindoflandscape. Hebeganinvestinginmulti-familyrealestateinthe mid-1990s.Hisportfolionowspanseightstates, includingCalifornia,Arizona,Texas,andFlorida, encompassingover40transactions.
In2012,Cardoneexecutedamovethatdisplayedhis strategicacumen:hemadethesinglelargestprivate acquisitioninFlorida.ThisinvolvedtheHarbour Portfolio,fivepropertiesjustnorthofMiami.Cardone competedagainst38othergroups.Heprevailed.The $59millionpurchase,comprising1016units, immediatelyproducedapositivecashflowexceeding 8%annually.HeusedFannieMaedebt.Histhirdpartymanagementteamcapitalizedonalackofnew productdevelopmentintheareaandtrendingrising rents.Thisacquisitionexemplifiedhisfocuson “value-addopportunities”intertiarymarkets.
HetargetslocationsoverlookedbyREITs, seekingareaswithbarriersorlimitationsto newproductcomingtomarket.Thisstrategy allowshimtooperatewithlessdirect competition,consolidatinginfluencewhere othershesitate.
CardoneCapital,whichhefoundedin1996, servesasthevehicleforthisstrategy.It allowseverydayinvestorstopoolfundsinto large-scalepropertydeals.Hehasbuiltan extensiverealestateempire,embodyingthe philosophyhepreaches:aggressiveinvesting andleveragingdebtasagrowthstrategy This contradictstraditionalfinancialadvice,yetit underpinshiswealth.
TheGlobalClassroom:Engineering InfluenceandControllingtheNarrative
Beyondhisdirectinvestments,Cardone functionsasaprolificcontentcreatorand publicspeaker.Hehasauthoredeight businessbooks,including The 10X Rule, Sell or Be Sold,and If You’re Not First, You’re Last.Heoffersthirteenbest-sellingbusiness programs.Hecreatednegotiatingsoftware andanInteractiveVirtualSalesTraining Program.Thesetools,hestates,change people’slives.Hepromotessuccess, providingpracticaltoolsforpeopleofall professionalbackgroundstobuildtheirown economiestoward“truefreedom.”
Hehasbuiltamassivefollowingonsocial media.Millionsoffanswatchhisvideos, attendhisconferences,andusehisonline trainingplatforms.Eventslikethe10X GrowthConferenceattractthousandsof entrepreneurs,professionals,andbusiness leadersglobally.Hisdynamicpresenceand “no-excuses”philosophyhavemadehima powerfulvoiceinpersonaldevelopmentand businessgrowth.Thisisnotaccidental influence;itisengineered.Cardone understandshowtocontrolthenarrative,how toscalehismessagedirectlytoaglobal audience,bypassingtraditionalgatekeepers. Heleveragesdigitalchannelsasacommand center,disseminatinghisdoctrinewidelyand efficiently
Furthermore,hecontributesthoughtleadership througharticlesinForbes.Hehaspresentedon multipleoccasionsbeforetheCapitolHillSteering CommitteeonTelehealth.Heservedasamemberof theHIMSSPublicPolicyCommittee.Hedirectsa consultingbusiness,leadingdigitalproduct developmentanddeliveryformajorhealthcare industrycompaniesinNorthAmerica.Headvises cross-functionalstakeholdersonadvancingproduct valueandawareness,developingfeaturesthat improvemarketpenetration.Hepromotesclinical productandserviceofferingsforendcustomers. Hecoordinatescustomer-facingbusinessand technologyanalysisengagementstoidentify opportunitiesforhigh-valueproductdevelopment basedonimmediateandevolvingcustomerneeds. Hemanagesproductdevelopmentlifecyclesto ensureefficientcreationandreleaseofproductsthat generatesignificantrevenueandbuildcustomertrust. Heprioritizesmultipleconsultingandproduct developmentprojects,strategicallypositioning operationsandtechnologyresourcesaccordingto rapidlychangingbusinessgoalsandmarket demands.Hisactivities,bothdirectandadvisory, reflectasystematicapproachtoinfluenceand execution.
TheCounter-IntuitiveCommands:Offeringthe “Secret”
Cardone’smostprovocativeadvicedirectly challengescommonwisdom.Hewarnsagainst savingmoney,buyinghomes,andborrowingfor college.Hearguesthesetraditionalpathsperpetuate debtandkeepindividualsstuckinthemiddleclass. “Themiddleclasshasbeenleftbehind,”hestates, “becausethey’vebeensavingmoneyanddoingthe rightthings—andit’snotworking.”
Instead,headvisespeopletoadoptthepracticesof thewealthy.Thisincludesusingtaxadvantagesand makingsmartinvestments.Heurgespeopleto“put moneytowork”ratherthanleavingitinsavings accounts.HecallsmostAmericansfinancially illiterate“bydesign,”arguingthatwidespread financialstrugglesstemfromsystemicissuesand outdatededucation,notindividualfailings. Headvocatesforaradicalreorientationtoward strategiesemployedbythewealthy,including leveragingtaxadvantages,makingstrategic investments,andactivelydeployingcapital.
Hisstanceagainstborrowingforcollegetapsdirectlyinto widespreadfrustrationaboutescalatingtuitioncostsand thedubiousreturnoninvestmentmanygraduatesface. Heembodiesthephilosophyhepreaches,havingbuiltan extensiverealestateempireandavehicle(Cardone Capital)thatallowseverydayinvestorstoaccesslargescalepropertydeals.Heexemplifiesaggressiveinvesting andthestrategicleveragingofdebtforgrowth.His message,therefore,carriesweight;hehaslivedthe counter-narrative.
TheLegacyofObligation:DefiningtheMission, CreatingaMovement
Cardone’spersonaljourneyfromaddictionandfinancial hardshiptobuildingamulti-billiondollarempire reinforceshisphilosophy.Hedoesnotjustpreachsuccess; hemodelsit.Heframesthispersonalachievementnotas individualtriumph,butasablueprintotherscanfollow
Beyondhiscommercialsuccess,Cardoneactsasa philanthropistandadvocateforfinancialliteracy.Through theGrantCardoneFoundation,hesupportsunderserved youth.Heprovideseducationandmentorshipin entrepreneurshipandmoneymanagement.Hismission:to helppeoplebreakoutofthemiddle-classmindset.
Heurgesthemtoachievefinancialfreedomby“thinking andacting10Xbigger.”Whetherthroughrealestate,sales training,ormotivationalspeaking,Cardonecontinuesto inspiremillionstotakecontroloftheirfinancialfutures.
Ultimately,GrantCardonepositionssuccessasanonnegotiableduty.Hedoesnotoffergentlesuggestions;he issuesdirectives.Hisentireenterpriseservesasamassive, ongoingre-educationcampaign,designedtoreshapehow peoplethinkaboutmoney,risk,andtheirownpotential. Hecommandsinfluencenotthroughcharm,butthrough conviction,throughademonstratedabilitytobuildwealth bydefyingnorms,andthroughadirect,unvarnished deliveryofhisownprovenplaybookforprosperity.Hehas builtamovementbydefiningobligationasthepathto freedom.
THEIR OWN IDP Why Smart Leaders Don’t Build
(And What They Do Instead)
There’sareasontheworld’stopCEOsdon’tbuild theirownpayrollsoftware,CRMs,orsecurity stacksfromscratch.Theybuywhatworks—fast, proven,andscalable.
IntelligentDocumentProcessing(IDP)fallsintothesame category Youdon’tbuilditunlessyourbusinessisinthe businessofbuildingIDP.Otherwise,you'rebleedingcashand timeonsomethingyoucouldhavedeployedweeksago.
Yeteverymonth,someambitiousteamsetsouttobuildtheir ownIDP—connectingAPIs,fine-tuningmodels,assembling dashboards—onlytorealizesixmonthslaterthey’veburned amilliondollarsandhaveademo,notasolution.
Ifyou’reevenaskingthe“buildvs.buy”questionforIDP, here’syourrealitycheck.
What’sActuallyatStakewithIDP
Let’slevel-set.
IntelligentDocumentProcessingiswhatletsbusinesses extractstructureddatafromunstructureddocuments— invoices,contracts,emails,forms,insuranceclaims,PDFs. Anywherethere’safile,IDPiswhatletsyoupullsignalfrom noise.
Inshort:it’sthebloodstreamofAI-enabledoperations. AndtheIDPmarketisn’tsomefringeusecase—it’s compoundingat29%peryear.By2032,we’relookingatan industryworthnearly$18billion.
Thatkindofmomentumdoesn’tcomefromnice-to-haves.It comesfromeveryseriousenterpriserealizing:“We’rewasting hoursanddollarsondocumentsnohumanwantstoread.”
ThemovetoIDPisobvious.
What’snotobvious—atleasttosometeams— ishowtoadoptitwithoutsettingtheircompany onfire.
TheAllureofBuildingItYourself
The“build”campalwaysstartsthesameway: smartengineers,eagertostitchtogetheranIDP systemusingoff-the-shelfAPIs.
“We’ll use OpenAI for language, something open-source for layout detection, wrap it in a dashboard, and fine-tune for our use cases.”
Intheory,thatsoundsclean.
Inpractice,here’swhathappens:
· Youspend6–12monthscobbling components.
· YouneedataskforceofAIengineers, annotators,opsleads,andDevSecOpsto maintainit.
· Youdiscoverthatfoundationalmodelsdon’t knowyourdocumentschema—andnow youneedexpensivepromptengineering, tuning,orcustomdatasets.
· Youdon’tactuallyautomateanything becauseyou’restuckvalidating40%of outputs.
· Youstartbuildingtoolstomaintainthe tools.
Eventually,someoneasks, “Why are we building infrastructure for a commodity problem?”
Andnobodyhasagoodanswer
RealityCheck:BuildingIDPCostsMoreThanYou Think
Let’swalkthroughtherealcostdriversofbuildingIDPinhouse:
1.YouNeedSpecialistAITalent—Constantly
Thesearenotjustdatascientists.Youneedpeoplefluentin:
· Documentlayoutanalysis
· NLPpipelines
· FoundationmodelAPIsandlimits
· OCRtuninganderrorcorrection
· Post-processingworkflows
· Governanceframeworks
They’reexpensive.They’rerare.Andtheyleavefast.
2.AccuracyIsYourProblemForever
Everyusecaseyousupport—invoiceextraction,legal clauseparsing,insuranceclaimtriage—requiresitsown performancetuning.
Mostfoundationalmodelsaretrainedongeneral-purpose data.Yourdocumentsareprobablynothingliketheonesin theirtrainingset.
Thismeans:
· Moreannotation
· Morepromptengineering
· Moreerrorhandling
· Moremanualreview
Youareneverdone.
3.YouInheritGovernanceHeadaches
WithgreatAIcomesgreatresponsibility:
· Howdoyouversionyourmodels?
· Whathappenswhenperformancedropsinoneregion?
· Howdoyoutrackandauditpredictions?
· Canyouprovecomplianceinregulatedindustries?
Whenyoubuildityourself,theseareyourproblems
Youdon’tjustownthesystem.Youownitsfailuremodes too.
SoWhyDoPeopleStillTrytoBuild?
Becausethere’samyth:thatbuildingischeaper andgivesyoucontrol.
Intheory,yes.Inreality,itrarelyworksoutthat way
Cheaper?Notwhenyoufactorinthetalent,the maintenance,theramp-uptime,thetechnical debt.
Morecontrol?You'llcontroleveryoutage,bug, andmissedSLAyourself.Goodluckscalingthat.
Meanwhile,yourcompetitorsarealreadyshipping productsusingprebuiltIDPthatjustworks.
WhatSmartCompaniesDoInstead
Smartleadersdon’tbuildIDPfromscratch.
Theybuyitfromvendorswho’vealreadysolved 90%oftheproblemandspendtheirtimefocusing onthe10%that’suniquetotheirbusiness.
Therearetwogoodoptions:
1.BuyIDPasastandalonepointsolution
2.Buyitembeddedwithinalargerautomation platform
Eitherway,you’restandingontheshouldersofa techstackthat'sbeenstress-testedbyglobal enterprises.
Here’swhatyougetwhenyoubuy:
1.TimetoValueinWeeks,NotQuarters
Youskipthe“build”phaseentirely.ModernIDP platformscomewith:
· Pretrainedmodels
· Out-of-the-boxintegrations
· Built-infeedbackloops
· Professionalservicesandsupport
Youcangoliveinunderamonth—notjustwith aworkingmodel,butwithresultsyourCFOcan see.
2.Low-CodeTrainingThatAnyoneCanUse
NoPhDsrequired.
Best-in-classIDPletsbusinessusersannotate,correct,and improvemodelsonthefly.Thesystemlearnsfromrealworldfeedback.
Someevenuseactivelearning,wheretheAIasksforhelp onlywhenuncertain—optimizingbothaccuracyand labor.
3.RiskIsOffloadedtotheVendor
Governance,monitoring,modelupdates—allthe annoyingstuffisnowsomeoneelse’sresponsibility
Yougetuptimeguarantees.YougetSOC2compliance. Yougetredresswhenthingsgowrong.
Andwhennewmodelshitthemarket?Yougettheupgrade.
4.Built-InScale
NeedtoexpandfrominvoicestoHRfiles?Fromlegal documentstocustomerchats?
Prebuiltplatformsalreadysupportmultipleformats,use cases,andgloballanguages.
Youdon’tbuildnewmodels.Youextendexistingones.
Thisisn’tjustscale.It’scompoundingreturns
WhyThisMattersMoreThanEver
In2025,AIstrategyisnotoptional.Ifyourdocumentsare stillstuckinPDFsandemails,you’releavingmoney,time, andinsightonthetable.
Buttheworstmoveisn’ttodelayIDP.
It’stobuildyourownanddelayeverythingelse.
EverydollaryouspendreinventingtheIDPwheelisa dollarnotspentoncustomerexperience,product innovation,ormarketexpansion.
Speedwins.Precisionscales.Claritybeatscontrol.
That’stherealcalculusbehindIDP
FinalWordfromtheTrenches
Ifyourcompany’scorebusinessisnotdocumentAI,don’t pretenditis.
Buythesystem.Customizethe10%thatmatters.Focus yourenergywhereitcounts.
Andifyou’rechoosingavendor,don’tbeswayedbyflashy demosorbiglogos.
Askonequestion: Whoownstheriskwhenthisbreaks?
Iftheansweris“notus,”you’reintherightplace.
Themodernbusinesslandscapeoverflowswith data,yetextractinggenuine,profitableinsight remainsaformidablechallenge.Artificial Intelligence(AI)offersimmensepotential,butitseffective deploymentrequiresmorethantechnologicalprowess;it demandsstrategicclarity,operationaldiscipline,anda relentlessfocusonbusinessoutcomes.
NeerajKulkarni,CEOofCIEKSolutions,operates preciselyatthisnexus.Heleadsaspecializedconsultancy thatguidesFortune50corporationsandambitiousmid-sized enterprisesthroughthecomplexitiesofdatascienceandAI, translatingsophisticatedanalyticsintotangiblegrowth, optimizedmarketing,andmonetizabledataassets.CIEK SolutionsdistinguishesitselfnotmerelyasanAIvendor, butasastrategicpartnerfocusedsquarelyonsolvingcore businessproblems.
TheGenesis:IdentifyingaCriticalMarketNeed
Mr.Kulkarni’spathtofoundingCIEKSolutionswaspaved withoverfifteenyearsoffrontlineexperienceleadingdata scienceinitiativeswithindemandingsectorslikemarketing andmedia,servingglobalclientele.Thistenureprovided himwithacrucialobservation:businessleadersfaced intensepressuretodrivegrowth,improvereturnon investment,andenhancecustomerexperiences,yet frequentlylackedthespecializedinternalresources–particularlyindatascienceandadvancedAI–toeffectively meetthesedemands.Thisgapwasespeciallypronounced amongmid-sizedorganizationsandagencies.
Recognizingthisunmetneed,Mr.Kulkarniestablished CIEKSolutions.Hebootstrappedthecompany,leveraging hisindustrynetworkandaclearvision:providebusinesses withaccessible,high-impactdatascienceandAIservices.
Theinitialfocustargetedareasofimmediateneed –marketingeffectiveness,customeranalytics,and developingdataproducts–directlyaddressingthe capabilitygaphehadobserved.
CIEK’sDistinctiveApproach:Intelligence, Experience,StructuredExecution
CIEKSolutionsdifferentiatesitselfthrougha methodologythatintegratesCustomer Intelligence(CI)–insightsderivedfromdata–withExperientialKnowledge(EK)–deep understandinggleanedfromyearsofindustryspecificapplication.Thisfusionaimstoproduce predictiveinsightsthatarenotonlyaccuratebut alsotransparentandactionableforclients.The companyconcentratesitsexpertiseoncritical businessfunctions:AI-poweredmarketing optimization(includingsophisticatedMediaMix Modeling),advancedcustomeranalytics (LifetimeValue,churnprediction),the developmentofmonetizabledataproducts,and theapplicationofGenerativeAIforbusiness processenhancement.
ExternalvalidationsupportsCIEK’spositioning. PublicationssuchasINC.com,CIOReview,and MartechOutlookhaverecognizedthecompany foritsinnovativeAIapplicationsandimpact.This credibilityisfurtherreinforcedbyaleadership teampossessingoveracenturyofcombined experienceindataandanalytics.
TheOperationalFramework:Disciplined InnovationandRiskManagement
Mr.Kulkarniimplementedastructuredapproach tomanageinnovationandensurefinancial stability–the“30-70Portfolio”strategy.This frameworkdictatesthatCIEKallocates approximately30percentofitsresourcesto higher-risk,potentiallybreakthroughinnovation projects,ofteninvolvingemergingAIcapabilities. Theremaining70percentfocusesonproven methodologiesandincrementalimprovements, securingstablerevenuestreams.
Severalmechanismsbuttressthisstrategy.CIEK maintainssignificantfinancialreserves,equivalent toatleastsixmonthsofoperationalexpenses, providingresilienceagainstmarketfluctuations.
Thecompanydeliberatelydiversifiesitsclientbase acrossmultipleindustries,mitigatingsector-specific risks.Furthermore,CIEKemploysrapidprototypingand MinimumViableProduct(MVP)testingthroughpilot programs.Thisallowsforswiftevaluationofnew concepts.Adecisiveinternalframeworkenablestheteam toquicklyscalesuccessfulinitiativesorterminate underperformingprojects,conservingresourcesand maintainingfocus.Thisdisciplinedoperationalstructure allowsCIEKtopursueinnovationresponsiblywhile ensuringconsistentdeliveryandfinancialhealth.
BuildingCapability:TalentStrategyandGlobal Operations
Mr.Kulkarnirecognizesthatspecializedexpertiseis CIEK’scoreasset.Thecompany’stalentacquisition strategyprioritizesindividualswhodemonstratenotonly technicalproficiencybutalsoinnatecuriosityandadrive toapplytechnologytosolvetangiblebusiness challenges.Therecruitmentprocessassessescritical thinking,collaborativeability,andacommitmentto continuouslearning.
Mentorshipformsakeypillaroftalentdevelopment. Seniorleadersactivelycoachandguideteammembers. Uniquely,CIEKincorporatesareversementorship programwherejunioremployeessharepracticalinsights onemergingtechnologiesandtheirapplicationswith seniorleadership.Thispracticeensurestheentire organizationstaysabreastofrelevantadvancements.
CIEKleveragesaglobaloperationalmodel,withteams locatedintheUnitedStates(NewJersey,Virginia)and strategicallypositioneddeliverycentersinIndia,Ireland,and Morocco.Thisstructureprovidesseveraldistinct advantages:accesstoadiverse,specializedglobaltalent pool,costefficiencies,andtheabilitytoofferclients continuous,24/7projectsupportandservice.
DemonstratingValue:EvidenceofImpactAcross Industries
TheeffectivenessofCIEK’sapproachunderMr.Kulkarni’s leadershipisbestillustratedthroughspecificclientresults:
· NationalGroceryChain:Facedwithoutdatedlegacy datasystems(Oracle,SAS),theclientengagedCIEKto migratetoNeo4JandestablisharobustMasterData Management(MDM)framework.Thisfoundational workenabledthedeploymentofadvancedentity recognitionandpromotionsrecommendationsystems. The measurable outcome: $4.5 million in annual cost savings.
· GlobalFast-FoodChain(AppData):CIEKanalyzed threeyearsofapplicationusagedata.Applyingmachine learningalgorithms,theteamdevelopeddetailed customerprofiles,enablingahighlypersonalized marketingstrategy The measurable outcome: Within 15 months, revenue from high-value customers increased by 38%, and customer churn decreased by 18%.
· ModernizingMediaMeasurement:Recognizingthe limitationsoftraditionalattributionmodels(likelastclick)inaprivacy-focusedera,CIEKemploysadvanced BayesianMediaMixModeling(MMM)integrating multipledatasourcesandincrementalitytesting.
o For a leading B2B Logistics Provider, this resulted in a 30% improvement in marketing ROI.
o For a Global Fast-Food Chain, it contributed to a 12% increase in commercial sales.
· CPGProductInnovation(viaConsultingPartner): CIEKdevelopedsophisticatedLargeLanguageModel (LLM)andMachineLearningsolutionstoanalyze culturaltrendsandinformproductinnovation.The systemautomatedtheclassificationofculturalsegments andtopicsfromvastdatasets. The measurable outcome: A 45% increase in the client’s operational efficiency related to these tasks, earning an internal award for innovation.
TheseexamplesdemonstrateCIEK’sabilityto movebeyondtechnicalimplementationto deliverquantifiablebusinessvalueacross diversesectors.
LeadershipPhilosophyinAction
Mr.Kulkarni’sleadershipphilosophy emphasizesempoweringinnovation, maintainingaclient-centricfocus,investing continuouslyintalent,andupholdingethicalAI practices.Theseprinciplesarereflecteddirectly inCIEK’soperationalstrategies:the30-70rule fosterscalculatedinnovation,theclientsuccess storiesunderscoretheclient-centricapproach, thementorshipprogramsdemonstrate investmentintalent,andthefocuson transparent,understandableinsightspointsto ethicalconsiderations.
FutureOutlook:ContinuedGrowthand Innovation
UnderMr.Kulkarni’sdirection,CIEKSolutions continuestofocusitsstrategyonkeyareas.The companyplanstodeepenitsexpertiseincore competencieslikemediaeffectivenessmodeling andmonetizableAI-drivendataproduct development.Simultaneously,itactivelyinvests inemergingcloud-basedAI/MLsolutionsand GenerativeAI,developingproprietaryPlatformas-a-Service(PaaS)offeringstargetingspecific marketneedslikeautomatedcontentgeneration andintelligentprocessoptimization. Geographically,CIEKpursuesstrategic expansionintotheMiddleEastandLatin America,formingpartnershipswithregional technologyandconsultingfirmstodeliver tailoredsolutions.
