The Archive

Every issue of Exec Edge, from day one. Sharp thinking for leaders, one idea at a time.

38 issues published

48 hours to better decisions

A 48-hour customer interview sprint that reveals the insights behind better product, pricing, and hiring decisions.

4 min read

Build it, buy it, or partner up?

A practical 5-question framework to help executives make smarter build vs buy vs partner decisions, with specific thresholds and 3-year cost analysis.

4 min read

What's really killing your focus

Short calendar gaps between meetings are productivity killers. Learn 4 practical strategies to engineer your calendar for deep work and better focus.

3 min read

Speed up your team's decisions

Three proven frameworks to clarify decision roles and eliminate meeting delays. When to use RAPID, DACI, and RACI.

4 min read

Diversity training isn't enough

Most diversity programs create activity, not accountability. Here's a 4-component system that puts inclusion metrics in manager reviews.

4 min read

When cash drops, what's your plan?

When cash drops, you need a plan—not panic. Learn how to build Good/Base/Bad scenarios with pre-committed actions for every runway threshold.

4 min read

The burnout signs you can't see yourself

Burnout hits your cognitive function first—worse decisions, shorter attention—but the mental tools to notice it are already compromised.

3 min read

The 10X test (Template inside)

A one-page framework for evaluating strategic initiatives with clear stop criteria. Includes the 10X test used by Ramp's leadership team.

4 min read

How to increase shareholder returns by 67%

A McKinsey study found that companies reallocating 10% of budgets annually achieve 67% higher shareholder returns. Here's the quarterly process to find and redeploy your 10%.

4 min read

The hiring method that cuts exec turnover by 47%

When companies use rigorous assessments instead of gut-feel hiring, executive turnover drops by 47%. Here's the structured method that's been tested across thousands of hires.

4 min read

Does this need a meeting?

Most meetings could be async updates or shared docs. Here's a simple framework: write first, then meet only when it's urgent, ambiguous, or personal.

3 min read

Your CFO's real job

Most CFOs count what happened. The best ones help you decide what's next. Here's a 4-phase plan to transform your finance function into a strategic advantage.

4 min read