Business Strategy for Senior Executives: Explore how to create multi-million-dollar impacts by leveraging Strategy.

Hi there, welcome to my blog post. I am Dr. Marvilano Mochtar, MBA , and I write about soulful leadership . My maxim is “More for All; Less for None.” I hope this blog post is beneficial for you.   Mindfulness makes you a better leader.   A. Executive Summary: What is Mindful Leadership and Why It Matters for Executives?   If you lead at the executive level, you’ve likely felt the pace quicken: more data, more complexity, more stakeholders, more change. In this environment, h

Did you know that about 75% of corporate transformations don’t hit their targets? But don’t worry, failure isn't written in stone! What sets successful transformations apart is not just having a killer strategy but also making sure everyone—from the top managers to key team members—is putting in the effort and shooting for the same goals. Incentives: Making Sure Everyone is Aligned to the Success of Your Transformation Transformation means big, game-changing moves that can re

When two companies decide to merge, it's not just about slashing budgets or blending operations. It's a golden chance to light the spark of innovation and growth. CEOs often view mergers and acquisitions as opportunities not only to streamline their companies but also to transform them. The magic trick here? Maximize your Post-Merger Integration (PMI) by going beyond the basics. Seeing the Big Picture: Maximizing Your PMI Instead of just focusing on cost-cutting, maximizing y

Hey everyone, let's dive into the world of AI and how CEOs can pump up their companies' performance with a well-rounded AI workout. Spoiler alert: it's a bit like training for a marathon and a sprint at the same time! Why CEOs Need to Get AI Fit Imagine you're a top athlete. You don't just need speed, but also strength and endurance to stay ahead. That's exactly what CEOs need in the ever-evolving AI landscape. It's about making quick decisions, investing smartly, and keeping

So, you've probably heard about AI agents buzzing around in tech circles, but what exactly are they, and how can they make your life easier? Let's break it down in a way that's easy to digest. What Are AI Agents? Think of AI agents as super-smart digital teammates. They're like those friends who always remember your birthday, but way more useful at work. These agents can learn, adapt, and act on their own, helping businesses streamline everything from mundane tasks to complex

Hey there, fellow business enthusiast! Feeling the squeeze with everything happening in the world right now? You're definitely not alone. The economic scene is a real puzzle these days, and the era of easy growth seems to be packed up and gone. With things like trade wars shaking up the global markets, the days of cheap capital behind us, and slower population growth, it's a whole new ballgame. Even the GDP forecasts for the US and EU have taken a nosedive in 2025. So, what’s

What’s the Big Deal? Being a CEO in 2020s is no walk in the park. In 2020s, CEOs need to nail down their priorities despite all the curveballs—think new U.S. administration policies, geopolitical conflicts, wild market swings, and climate change. The million-dollar question: How can leaders zero in on what really matters and hit all their strategic goals on time and within budget? Especially when: 40%  of CEOs feel unprepared for market surprises in the 2020s. The top strateg

Cutting costs can be as straightforward as tightening your belt a notch, but keeping those costs from creeping back up? That's where it gets tricky. A recent survey by BCG (Boston Consulting Group) with over 2,100 business leaders shows that while slashing expenses is a top priority, three-quarters of these leaders admitted their cost-saving efforts didn’t quite hit the mark. Many have had to repeatedly roll out cost-cutting plans, which can really stress out the organization

When Stripe, the fintech giant valued at over $50 billion, was scaling at breakneck speed, co-founder and CEO Patrick Collison had what he describes as a critical realization.   Stripe was no longer just a scrappy startup. It was expanding into dozens of countries, hiring thousands of employees, and rolling out increasingly complex financial products.   The operational intensity and external scrutiny were unlike anything Collison had faced before. He recognized: “I needed a t

Not long ago, a CEO I advise leaned back in his chair after a long board meeting and sighed: “I feel like I’m spending energy everywhere… but I’m not sure it’s landing where it counts.”   I’ve heard versions of that question dozens of times. This is because being a CEO today feels like standing in the middle of a storm. Investor demands, customer expectations, new technologies, employee needs—the swirl never stops.   Even if you want to work hard and do everything, it is simp

Dear Executive,   If you’re running a big company, you’re likely already familiar with the concept of a PMO.   After all, in today's fast-paced business world, your company is under constant pressure to innovate, adapt, and deliver value quickly. And PMOs have been crucial in driving project success.   However, do you know that there are different types of PMOs?   For example, PMO can stand for: Project Management Office; Program Management Office; or Portfolio Management Off

This case study explores the strategic crisis facing River Island, one of the UK’s most iconic high-street brands. Faced with declining revenues, increasing competition, and structural misalignment, the brand is at a crossroads. This case study analyzes the root causes of decline and proposes a practical, budget-conscious strategic plan to reposition River Island for growth. By Dorsetdude - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6854330 1. Pro

Luxury fashion, long considered the apex of design, beauty, and cultural expression, is facing a quiet but seismic crisis.   While some maisons continue to radiate timeless elegance and integrity, many have begun to falter. Once-infallible brands are now reporting weaker performance, eroding brand loyalty, and increasing skepticism from younger, more discerning customers.   The culprit isn’t just a slowing global economy or shifting generational tastes. The crisis runs deepe

Let’s face it—business isn’t getting any easier. The world’s more unpredictable, markets are moving faster, and competition is everywhere.   But even with all that, one thing still separates the winners from the rest: a solid, well-executed strategy. A great strategy doesn’t just sit on a slide deck. It guides decisions, helps companies focus, and gives them the edge to grow when others are stuck. It is not about being lucky—it’s about being clear on where you’re going and ha

Previously, I shared how an Innovation Tournament  can be a fast, effective method for generating ideas to grow your business ( access the in-depth guide here ). These tournaments create a structured and collaborative environment where participants compete to propose the most valuable and actionable solutions. Recently, I had the opportunity to run an Innovation Tournament for a client, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. Collecting ideas on post-it notes Photo

I’ve always loved a good strategy quote—they inspire and challenge me. Out of the thousands out there, I’ve picked a few of my favorites to share with you.  I’ve also added a brief explanation of what each quote means and why it matters. Hope you enjoy them! 1. Importance of Strategy   Denis Watley: “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are go

Under Alessandro Michele’s creative direction (2015–2022), Gucci achieved a dramatic turnaround by embracing a bold, maximalist aesthetic that sharply contrasted with the luxury industry’s trend toward quiet minimalism. Rather than chasing conformity, Michele revitalized the brand by celebrating eclecticism, gender fluidity, and cultural storytelling—injecting new life into Gucci’s heritage. Before Michele, Gucci had lost cultural relevance despite being profitable...

The Hard Truth About Transformation   When a company embarks on a major transformation, stakeholders expect results—real, measurable impacts that show up in the bottom line.   If those promised impacts (such as cost savings and efficiency gains) don’t materialize, CEOs will find themselves under scrutiny.   And with market pressures at an all-time high, failing to deliver can tank a company’s valuation and damage the credibility of the CEO’s reputation.   Here’s the reality:

Let’s be real — managing people is hard. It’s not something you magically wake up knowing how to do. It’s a skill, a discipline, and one that takes time, effort, and a whole lot of practice to get right.   The truth is, most managers stumble into leadership without any formal training. They were probably great at their individual roles and got promoted because of it. But managing people? That’s an entirely different game. Managing People Is a Skill — Not a Personality Trait  

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just a futuristic buzzword anymore—it’s here, evolving faster than ever, and changing the way businesses operate.   The companies that figure out how to scale AI effectively—especially by combining predictive and generative AI—are the ones pulling ahead of the competition, unlocking innovation, and boosting productivity like never before.   Let’s dive into what it takes to make that happen. The AI Maturity Gap: Where Does Your Business Stand

Have you ever walked into a place and immediately felt the vibe—that intangible sense that something’s either buzzing with life or falling flat?   I recently worked with two companies in the same industry—one with cutting-edge facilities and the other with a more humble setup. Their vibes couldn’t have been more different.   Both businesses were profitable, but here’s the kicker: the company with all the shiny bells and whistles wasn’t the one growing fast and thriving.   Let