coming up for air
This name originates from the feedback we have had from clients over the years, however breathing transcends more than physiological necessity; it serves as a vital pathway to improved well-being and informed decision-making. In today’s fast-paced environment, the simple act of taking a deep breath can profoundly shift our mental and emotional states, allowing us to regain clarity and perspective. We created Coming up for Air as a programme to help you find the ability to stop, review, think and make tactical and strategic decisions with time.
The Stages:
Vision / The fUture
This process focuses on identifying the goals and aspirations of business owners, shareholders, and executive teams. Whether it's scaling operations, expanding product lines, exploring new markets, or planning for an eventual exit, understanding these ambitions is crucial.
It’s also an opportunity to engage in challenging conversations, especially when there are significant differences in vision among shareholders. Addressing these discussions now can pave the way for alignment and a shared strategic direction for the future.
oVerview of today’s business
This process involves a comprehensive audit of the business's strengths and weaknesses, assessing its functional capabilities, and identifying the challenges that hinder further growth.
Our approach is grounded in evidence, driven by data, and focused on uncovering actionable insights that will enable effective scaling.
business health
This assessment provides a comprehensive exploration of individual wellness, skill alignment, and role suitability within the organization. It examines the company culture and the team's resilience in high-pressure situations. By identifying stress points among key personnel, we can develop targeted strategies to alleviate or manage these challenges effectively.
Functional scale-up planning
To build a scalable business, it’s essential to have the right people, skills, technology, and processes in place. While we emphasize the functional expansion of the organization, it’s also important to consider advancements in technical platforms and the integration of AI. These factors play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall efficiency.
Financial modelling
Comprehensive financial models are developed to streamline budgeting, forecasting, scenario analysis, cash flow management, and investment planning. This process effectively translates the insights of the owner or founder into a powerful information system, fostering structured decision-making and enabling more accurate forecasts.
strategic planning
Analyzing the business, market, competition, resources, and customer segments is essential for developing a plan that capitalizes on opportunities and maximizes profitability. This process aligns closely with the core objectives of shareholders and may involve fundraising or creating a runway leading to a future exit.
Plan execution and exec coaching
Many business plans appear impressive on paper, with spreadsheets projecting healthy profits. However, the real challenge arises when execution fails to align with that vision.
This misalignment can lead to difficult decisions regarding investments and team dynamics, ultimately affecting the culture and motivation within the organization.
Rather than taking over execution, a supportive and developmental framework is established to coach and empower the executive and senior teams, enabling them to effectively implement the plan.
evaluation, decision making, board meeting discipline
Evaluating one’s work, engaging in constructive debate, and listening to team feedback are essential for success. Adaptability—revising plans while focusing on key details and data—depends on clear management information and structured discussion forums. A strong board meeting process is crucial for scaling and fast growth, while external guidance ensures the right conversations occur.
