Should-cost models have been around for a long time, but AI has made complex data gathering and analysis easy. And what's worse, it doesn't matter if the data is accurate. We explore should-cost models and how you can lead your business to capture value despite them.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the U.S. manufacturing industry’s 2025 economic outlook. It highlights steady consumer spending as a driver of growth while cautioning about potential risks like inflation, labor shortages, and trade policy shifts. Key sectors such as automotive and housing are discussed as economic indicators, with practical insights for navigating challenges. The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing innovation, including supply chain diversification, product expansion, market exploration, and the adoption of AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Manufacturers are encouraged to stay agile and proactive to thrive in this dynamic economic environment.
Today's business leaders are under immense pressure to drive growth while managing risk. They must deliver short-term gains without sacrificing long-term stability, all while navigating a constantly changing landscape of technology and market demands. AI has emerged as a tool to help quickly identify data to inform decision-making. Read on for how to leverage it and de-risk the process.
Ten strategies senior leaders can deploy to create a robust framework for driving growth.
You’re not alone if you’re feeling the pressure. Planning season stirs up stress, conflict, and uncertainty, especially when forecasts feel like guesses and growth feels out of reach. But there’s a way to shift from survival mode to clarity and control. In this article, I’ll walk you through how the most effective teams create strategic focus, earn the right to say no, and build a path to growth they can stand behind. If your quarterly or annual plan is keeping you up at night, read this.
This interview with Janna Sobel, a coach with Notre Dame's UIM program and Second City of Chicago teaches organizations how to inspire teams to be innovative beyond their perceived limitations and how to have fun doing it so that they continue to improve upon old systems, find new and inspired ways to benefit their customers and communities, and have a remarkable positive impact on the world.
Adam Grant, organizational psychologist at Wharton described the predominant feeling in 2021 as languishing and encouraged finding its opposite, flourishing. This article explores how our mindset and having more fun help us to flourish, to achieve business growth and to achieve professional growth.
By Kelly Lawrence
A few years ago, my CEO announced that Warren Buffet would visit us for a 2-hour Q&A session - in 2 hours! I was lucky enough to have an invitation to attend and not have any conflicts with customer meetings. But only 2 hours to prepare?!
We’ve all met someone who inspires us, so I’m sure you can appreciate my anxiety. We go into these situations wanting to learn and to impress. More realistically, we hope we can find the courage to engage and not look like a complete idiot.
After a breathing exercise to calm my nerves, I made a commitment. I would be courageous and ask Warren Buffet a question. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn and I was going to take it. With a combination of internet research and colleague discussions, I prepared a question.
I’m happy to report, I did ask a question. It wasn’t as polished as I had hoped and I am sure I did not leave a lasting impression. But, Mr. Buffett left a lasting impression on me. Through a series of questions, Mr. Buffet consistently shared a message about the importance of trust, staying true to yourself and treating others well. He went on to share many stories throughout the morning exemplifying these values. Do what’s right and you will be both happy and successful.
It wasn’t the iconic business advice I expected. Perhaps more importantly, it was about leadership and being authentic. I realized that day that our professional lives are just as much a part of us as our personal lives. As much as the world talks about achieving a work-life balance, for us at Lawrence Innovation, it’s about doing the right thing. We recognize work and life are integrated and bring our whole selves to earn the trust of our clients and do the right thing. As Warren Buffet said, we believe these values will make us both happy and successful.
About Kelly Lawrence
Kelly Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of Lawrence Innovation. We bring over two decades of expertise in converting customer and market insights to growth. We’ve delivered results for B2B innovators around the world including Berkshire Hathaway’s Lubrizol & Fortune Brands’ Moen. We know how to identify profitable problems to solve, develop and communicate unique value propositions, and implement profitable business models that generate results.
Lawrence Innovation helps B2B leaders accelerate and de-risk growth through strategic market-driven excellence.
