Growth Insights for CEOs

AI Strategy for Financial Services CEOs: Why “Good Enough” is no Longer Enough
AI in financial services has moved from lofty claims about AI's use to being at the center of the growth conversation, shaping how you compete, run, and stay trusted. Margins are under pressure as customers benchmark you against their best digital experiences, whether they are opening a checking account, redeeming loyalty points, disputing a card charge, or seeking hardship help.
Recent Posts

Preparing for Tomorrow: How to Thrive Amid 2024’s Economic Uncertainty
Wed, Aug 7, 2024 — It is no secret that the US economy is experiencing more turbulence than most jetliners – and that is saying a lot! If you have been following ITR Economics' monthly Trends Report™, you are probably aware of ITR’s mild recession forecast for the industrial sectors and slower growth forecast for GDP this year. ITR is also predicting a 3.0% rate of inflation in 2024. Now here is the big question: Should you be worried? Regardless of the projected intensity, our economy is nonetheless experiencing a choppy season. Though having a plan is crucial, keeping your eye on the bigger picture is paramount. ITR forecasts that the US economy will shift back into broad-based growth, moving from a downward economy at the end of 2024 to a period of sustained growth during 2025. The transition from sluggishness to accelerating rise over 12 months is noteworthy.

AI Marketing Trends Every CEO Should Know
Tue, Jul 16, 2024 — As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the marketing landscape, companies can deploy smarter, faster, and more efficient marketing strategies. With AI tools and capabilities evolving at a breakneck pace, staying on top of the latest trends is crucial for CEOs looking to gain a competitive edge. Based on HubSpot's AI Trends for Marketers report, here are the top AI trends shaping the future of marketing for companies of all sizes and stages.

Hiring at the Right Level: Fractional or Full Time?
Wed, Jul 10, 2024 — Finding the right leadership talent isn't just about filling a title; it's about matching skills and responsibilities to an enterprise's needs. The importance of strategic hiring decisions cannot be minimized. However, putting the right person in the correct position is critical, and sometimes, that may mean something other than a permanent, direct hire.
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Creating Compelling Assessments that Drive Value
Tue, Jul 9, 2024 — Does your business need a health checkup? Just as you would not wait for symptoms to turn into a full-blown illness before seeing a doctor, savvy leaders understand the value of regular assessments to keep their organizations healthy and thriving. Assessments are a vital diagnostic tool, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and hidden issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Much like preventive healthcare, they provide early warnings, allowing leaders to address concerns before they escalate into crises.

99 and Counting Backwards
Tue, Jul 2, 2024 — Out for a walk on a cool May morning, I saw a pickup truck pull alongside. It was Ray from up the street. “Are you around May 31st?” he asked. “I’m having a 99th birthday party.” That’s funny, I thought, Ray can’t be much over 70. “Yep, this one is my 99th. Last year’s party was my 100th. Figured there’s no way I’d ever live to be 100, and I really wanted to have a 100th birthday party. So I did!

The Importance of Customer Empathy in Journey Mapping
Thu, Jun 20, 2024 — In today's hyper-connected world, the customer journey has evolved into a multifaceted landscape shaped by many influences and access to extensive information. As personalization and marketing sophistication continue to advance, it becomes increasingly vital for businesses to acknowledge that understanding the customer journey extends beyond mere assumptions. To navigate effectively, businesses require a nuanced approach that recognizes the inherent complexity of consumer behavior and actively engages in empathetic journey mapping.

Rediscover Your Business Strategy: A Guide for Frustrated CEOs
Mon, Jun 3, 2024 — Are you a small or mid-sized business CEO grappling with stagnant growth? Resetting your business strategy could be the key to regaining momentum. This step is essential in my five essentials for frustrated CEOs.

The Significance of Personalization in Enhancing Account-Based Marketing Strategies
Wed, May 22, 2024 — Customers love feeling known and appreciated by the companies and brands that have earned their business and loyalty. In today’s marketing environment, forging that bond is more important than ever before. When companies miss the mark on personalizing their offerings, this incredibly important value proposition becomes muted.

Quarterly Business Reviews: A CXO guide to Best Practices
Thu, May 16, 2024 — Most companies run regular QBRs (Quarterly Business Reviews). Getting into QBR practice its benefits, like getting your broader team buy-in on your sales and marketing team issues, creating a sense of urgency on important cross-team action items, building a learning culture within your team, sharing new product initiatives in advance, collect and measure customer feedback (or NPS) regularly. Not to mention you get valuable team face time, undistracted by daily sales activities.