Additional information
by Andrei Perumal (Author), Stephen A. Wilson (Author)
A new lens on growth and a critical set of strategies for navigating a complex world
Growth is rarely in a straight line. It is tempting to think otherwise, particularly when looking in the rear view mirror, but anyone faced with plotting the coordinates for a company's growth knows the fallacy of this notion. As much as we like to think of corporate leaders executing sure-fire growth strategies, the truth is far messier: it's more an act of exploration and discovery than a step-by-step process.
In Growth in the Age of Complexity, the authors describe in detail how complexity has impacted businesses and the markets in which they compete, and the strategies, mindsets and skillsets required to grow profitably! New strategies are required to navigate the "Sirens of Growth" the growth plans borne of Industrial Age mindsets that too frequently lead to complexity vs. scale. In addition, companies need to develop an Explorer's Mindset and a Navigator's Skillset to sustain performance. You'll discover how to:
- Assess where you're truly making money
- Reignite your core products and services to drive growth
- Incorporate experimentation as a key way to discover new opportunities
- Create an operating model for scale, location, and replication
- Identify new markets where you are positioned to win
- Understand the fundamentals for executing in a distributed organization
This book is an invaluable tool for achieving growth and maintaining a competitive advantage in virtually any business.
Back Jacket
"Packed with powerful management insights and strategies critical for success in the Age of Complexity. Economies of density, the relationship between complexity and risk, being an adjacency skeptic, and the path to becoming a high-reliability organization are concepts that all business leaders today must become familiar with."--Deborah Gibbins, CFO, Mary Kay Inc.
"Growth in the Age of Complexity is a timely, relevant and thought-provoking narrative on how complexity can undermine growth and slow down once-nimble organizations. Perumal and Wilson provide a framework for diagnosing growth issues and uncovering root causes, and a guide to help us figure out what to do about it (and what not to do!). An excellent read!"--Steve Voorhees, CEO, WestRock Company
"This is a terrific book! Unnecessary complexity is the enemy of all great businesses. This book eloquently explains how complexity can impede growth and scale, and maps a way out of a dilemma that confronts and confounds many companies today."--John Browett, CEO, Dunelm plc
"Rich with thought-provoking concepts such as economies of density and growth through smart variety. A great contribution to the theory and practice of profitable growth." --Bruce Roberson, Senior Managing Director, Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
"Growth in the Age of Complexity describes an insidious dynamic--companies pursue growth, but instead generate complexity that undermines profits. Perumal and Wilson offer a nuanced and evidence-based analysis of the paradox of complex growth, but they move beyond description to offer practical and field-tested advice on how to avoid the traps they identify. A great read for any executive seeking profitable growth in a complex world."--Don Sull, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School, and author of Why Good Companies Go Bad and The Upside of Turbulence
Author Biography
Andrei Perumal is managing partner of Wilson Perumal & Company, and co-author of Waging War on Complexity Costs. He is a seasoned advisor to senior leaders in both industry and government and an innovative thinker on complexity, strategy, and operations. Previously he excelled in the US Navy's nuclear propulsion program, and as a consultant with Bain & Company and George Group Consulting. Andrei holds an aeronautical engineering degree from MIT.
Stephen Wilson is managing partner of Wilson Perumal & Company where he advises CEOs, COOs, and private equity leaders on critical strategy and performance issues. He brings more than 20 years of experience working across industry and is a respected thought-leader on the topics of complexity, innovation and growth. Stephen is co-author of Waging War on Complexity Costs, and Conquering Complexity in your Business. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School.
