Shows
The Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : The Rule of 3 and 4Another video review of the book Boston Consulting Group on Strategy, this time on the article "The Rule of Three and Four" by Bruce Henderson. The concept behind this article is that in a stable market there are no more than 3 competitors, and the largest competitor has no more than 4 times the market share of the smallest. This concept forms the inspiration behind the famous Jack Welch (CEO of GE) maxim "Fix it, close it, or sell it" that formed his philosophy that GE should get our of every business unless it could be number 1 or number 2 in that...
2021-02-1133 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastIntroduction to My New Book Simple WealthHere’s the intro section to my new book, Simple Wealth, which we’re working on for publication later this year.
2021-02-0315 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastStar Businesses and the Product PortfolioAnother review of an article from The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy called "The Product Portfolio" by Bruce Henderson from 1970. This article describes the portfolio of products or services within a business and how businesses should redeploy cash from a specific product or service line into new businesses, with the goal of creating "Star" businesses. I also talk about how this applies in the new economy with tech businesses, and how this should affect your investment choices in startups. I also talk about why companies like Amazon, Google, and Tesla are star businesses, and why they warrant such a...
2021-01-2624 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastBoston Consulting Group Book Reviews : When to Use and Adaptive Strategy; Strategy Palette; Visionary Approach to Business StrategyThis Podcast contains 3 segments :
1. When to Use and Adaptive Strategy: Boston Consulting Group - From the book “Your Strategy Needs and Strategy”, when you use an adaptive strategy, for environments that are unpredictable, but that you can’t really change. I go into how organizations can develop bottom up experimentation, relying on data, in order to generate competitive advantage.
2. Boston Consulting Group Strategy Palette - The BCG Strategy Palette is a great explanation of different strategy types a company should choose based on how predictable and changeable their situation might be.
3. Visionary Approa...
2021-01-1927 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : When to Use and Adaptive Strategy: Boston Consulting Group; Your Strategy Needs a Strategy Review: When to Use a Classical Strategy; Restructuring a Business in a Harsh EnvironmentThis episode has 3 segments:
1. When to Use and Adaptive Strategy: Boston Consulting Group - From the book “Your Strategy Needs and Strategy”, when you use an adaptive strategy, for environments that are unpredictable, but that you can’t really change. I go into how organizations can develop bottom up experimentation, relying on data, in order to generate competitive advantage.
2. Your Strategy Needs a Strategy Review: When to Use a Classical Strategy
3. Restructuring a Business in a Harsh Environment: A Renewal Strategy - Review of the “Renewal Strategy” from the book Your Strategy Needs a St...
2021-01-1220 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : Importance of Judging Credit Worthiness of Accounts through Collections; Market Innovation and Market Leader Adoption; McCormick’s Spicy Acquisition of CholulaThis episode has 3 segments:
1. Importance of Judging Credit Worthiness of Accounts through Collections
2. Market Innovation and Market Leader Adoption
3. McCormick’s Spicy Acquisition of Cholula - McCormick Spices just announced an acquisition of Cholula. It’s an interesting example of the success of a niche player in a market, and how the fit into the strategy of a giant player like McCormick. I also make a prediction about a possible shakeup in the global spices market in the next few years.
2021-01-1119 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : Interview with Jonathon Curlett - CFO RelationshipHere I'm interviewing Jonathon Curlett, CFO of Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education. We're going to discuss a bunch of business related topics, including: 1. Jonathon's background and how he became a CFO; 2. The CFO relationship with the CEO and COO; and 3. How CFOs can add value to a company.
2021-01-0838 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : Creating a Strategy for Underperforming Business Divisions; Henry Ford on Business: Market, Product, Process; Visionary Approach to Business StrategyThis replay episode has three segments :
1. Creating a Strategy for Underperforming Business Divisions
2. Henry Ford on Business: Market, Product, Process - General reflection on Henry Ford’s thoughts about focusing on a market, then the product, and then the process by which the product is made.
3. Visionary Approach to Business Strategy - Review of the Visionary Approach to Strategy from the Boston Consulting Group’s strategy palette, as outlined in the book “Your Strategy Needs a Strategy.
2021-01-0723 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : Why Are Businesses Moving From California to Texas?; Difference Between Income and Growth in Investments; Adopting a Shaping Strategy for an Environment that is Unpredictable Yet ChanThis replay episode has three segments :
1. Why Are Businesses Moving From California to Texas? Here I discuss why more and more businesses are moving from California to Texas. Taxes are a huge reason, but it’s also the regulatory environment as well.
2. Difference Between Income and Growth in Investments - Here I discuss the difference between income and growth in any investment and how you should think about these two factors in terms of your total return. I also discuss how tour portfolio should change over time to provide more income.
3. Adopting a Sh...
2021-01-0624 min2020-12-2926 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode: Interview with Adam Hochfelder: Texas FootballVery cool interview with Adam Hochfelder from Sports in Action : https://www.sportsinaction.com/
We talk all things Texas high school football, from why it's impact on Texas Communities all the way to the effects of the "Friday Night Lights" chain. We explore why it's different here than any other state. We also talk about why it's much more than just what's going down on the field.
Dave also talks about why it's advantageous for companies looking to market to Texans to get involved in communities though the support of football programs.
2020-12-2538 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode: Interview with Joshua Roberson: Texas Real EstateHere I'm interviewing Josh Roberson from the Real Estate Center at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M. Josh gives a lot of great insight about real estate in Texas during the COVID shutdown, and the recovery following. Learn more about Josh here: https://mays.tamu.edu/directory/jroberson/
2020-12-2439 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastRestructuring a Business in a Harsh Environment: A Renewal Strategy; Thoughts on Airbnb IPO; Why Did Quibi Fail?This episode has 3 segments:
1. Restructuring a Business in a Harsh Environment: A Renewal Strategy - Review of the “Renewal Strategy” from the book Your Strategy Needs a Strategy from the Boston Consulting Group. A description of how businesses in a harsh environment can restructure to come out stronger on the other side. You can’t just cut your way to success, you also need to develop a strategy for growth in a focused area.
2. Thoughts on Airbnb IPO
3. Why Did Quibi Fail? - Discussion of the failure of Quibi, the short form video conten...
2020-12-2328 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastDifference Between Income and Growth in Investments; Boston Consulting Group Strategy Palette;This episode has 3 segments:
1. Difference Between Income and Growth in Investments - Here I discuss the difference between income and growth in any investment and how you should think about these two factors in terms of your total return. I also discuss how tour portfolio should change over time to provide more income.
2. Boston Consulting Group Strategy Palette - The BCG Strategy Palette is a great explanation of different strategy types a company should choose based on how predictable and changeable their situation might be.
3. Thoughts on Cadillac Dealers Leaving over Forced Electric...
2020-12-2218 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastWhy Are Businesses Moving From California to Texas?; Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?; Coke’s Strategic Decision to Shed Brands: Rule of 3This episode has 3 segments:
1. Why Are Businesses Moving From California to Texas? - Here I discuss why more and more businesses are moving from California to Texas. Taxes are a huge reason, but it’s also the regulatory environment as well.
2. Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?
3. Coke’s Strategic Decision to Shed Brands: Rule of 3
2020-12-2121 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on the Drive : Replay EpisodeThis episode has three segments:
1. Thoughts on the Drive: Tips for Controlling Your Software Spend
2. Thoughts on the Drive: 3 Pillars of Business Finance Success: Market Share, Profits, and Cash Flow
3. Thoughts on the Ride: Budgeting G&A Expense Growth Relative to Anticipated Net Profit Growth
2020-12-1824 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : The Rule of 3 and 4Another video review of the book Boston Consulting Group on Strategy, this time on the article "The Rule of Three and Four" by Bruce Henderson. The concept behind this article is that in a stable market there are no more than 3 competitors, and the largest competitor has no more than 4 times the market share of the smallest. This concept forms the inspiration behind the famous Jack Welch (CEO of GE) maxim "Fix it, close it, or sell it" that formed his philosophy that GE should get our of every business unless it could be number 1 or number 2 in that...
2020-12-1733 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : How Much Debt Should You Use in Your Business and Managing Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin in a Startup BusinessThis replay episode has two segments :
1. How Much Debt Should You Use in Your Business - Here I discuss how much debt you should use in your business, and why the answer is zero for most business owners. I also talk about Capital Structure and why that concept should really only apply to companies that are large enough to participate in formal capital markets. I also discuss when I feel like it might be safe for your business to start using debt.
2. Managing Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin in a Startup...
2020-12-1627 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : How to Manage Margins in Your BusinessReplay of an episode from November 16 2020:
Discussion of how to manage Gross Profit Margin, Operating Profit Margin, and Net Profit Margin to make sure you’re managing your business effectively.
2020-12-1531 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastReplay Episode : How COVID will Affect Contract NegotiationReplay of an episode from June 11 2020:
I read an interest article in the Wall Street Journal called “Landlords’ New Credo for Late-Paying Retail Tenants: I’ll See You In Court”, by Esther Fung. It details how many tenants are calling the COVID pandemic a force maturer event, and attempting to avoid rent payments. Landlords obviously disagree. I’ll explain what a force majeure (or Act of God) event is, and how this is likely to play out. I’ll also give my opinion on how you should think about force majeure provisions, and how it should change the way you...
2020-12-1427 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastAdopting a Shaping Strategy for an Environment that is Unpredictable Yet Changeable; Encyclopedias and Banks...a Similar Story of Dying Industries?This episode has two segments:
1. Adopting a Shaping Strategy for an Environment that is Unpredictable Yet Changeable - A review of the Boston Consulting Group, BCG, book Your Strategy Needs a Strategy, and the Shaping Strategy. This strategy is useful in a world that is both unpredictable and changeable.
2. Encyclopedias and Banks...a Similar Story of Dying Industries? - A review of an article from the book Boston Consulting Group on Strategy called Strategy and the New Economics of Information by Philip B. Evans and Thomas S. Wurster from 1997. This article talks about the...
2020-12-1126 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on Cadillac Dealers Leaving over Forced Electric Car Upgrades; Choosing Your Business Battlefield: Fighting in a Market You Can Win; Thoughts on the Ride: Budgeting Q&AThis episode has three segments:
1. Thoughts on Cadillac Dealers Leaving over Forced Electric Car Upgrades
2. Choosing Your Business Battlefield: Fighting in a Market You Can Win
3. Thoughts on the Ride: Budgeting Q&A Expense Growth Relative to Anticipated Net Profit Growth
2020-12-1020 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastVisionary Approach to Business Strategy; Market Share Paradox- Why High Growth Companies Shouldn't Turn a ProfitThis episode has two segments:
1. Visionary Approach to Business Strategy - Review of the Visionary Approach to Strategy from the Boston Consulting Group’s strategy palette, as outlined in the book “Your Strategy Needs a Strategy.
2. Market Share Paradox- Why High Growth Companies Shouldn't Turn a Profit - I'm continuing by review of articles in the book The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy. This one is a 1970 article by Bruce Henderson called the Market Share Paradox. It has important applications to high growth companies today like Tesla, and explains why these companies don't (and shouldn't) worr...
2020-12-0932 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastWhen to Use and Adaptive Strategy: Boston Consulting Group; Star Businesses and the Product PortfolioThis episode has two segments:
1. When to Use and Adaptive Strategy: Boston Consulting Group - From the book “Your Strategy Needs and Strategy”, when you use an adaptive strategy, for environments that are unpredictable, but that you can’t really change. I go into how organizations can develop bottom up experimentation, relying on data, in order to generate competitive advantage.
2. Star Businesses and the Product Portfolio - Another review of an article from The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy called "The Product Portfolio" by Bruce Henderson from 1970. This article describes the portfolio of products or servic...
2020-12-0832 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastYour Strategy Needs a Strategy Review: When to Use a Classical Strategy; Electric Cars....Hype or Massive Returns?This episode has two segments:
1. Your Strategy Needs a Strategy Review: When to Use a Classical Strategy
2. Electric Cars....Hype or Massive Returns? Review of Wall Street Journal Article on Electric Vehicle Companies teaching historic valuations. Will they be worth it? Or will investors lose everything?
2020-12-0726 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastMcCormick’s Spicy Acquisition of Cholula; Market Innovation and Market Leader Adoption; The Secret to Amazon's Success Predicted Back in 1999This episode has 3 segments:
1. McCormick’s Spicy Acquisition of Cholula - McCormick Spices just announced an acquisition of Cholula. It’s an interesting example of the success of a niche player in a market, and how the fit into the strategy of a giant player like McCormick. I also make a prediction about a possible shakeup in the global spices market in the next few years.
2. Market Innovation and Market Leader Adoption
3. Here I'm reviewing an article from 1999 called Thinking Strategically About E-Commerce by Philip B. Evans and Thomas S. Wurster. It's from the...
2020-12-0400 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastCoke’s Strategic Decision to Shed Brands: Rule of 3; Michael Porter’s 3 General Strategies: (1) Low Cost Leader; (2) Differentiation; and (3) FocusThis episode has 2 segments:
1. Coke’s Strategic Decision to Shed Brands: Rule of 3
2. Michael Porter’s 3 General Strategies: (1) Low Cost Leader; (2) Differentiation; and (3) Focus
2020-12-0300 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastIs Bitcoin a Good Investment?; Creating a Strategy for Underperforming Business Divisions; How Business Contracts Really WorkThis episode has 3 segments:
1. Is Bitcoin a Good Investment?
2. Creating a Strategy for Underperforming Business Divisions
3. How Business Contracts Really Work - Discussion of why business contracts are rarely enforced in a court, but rather constantly renegotiated by the parties. Also a discussion of termination clauses, and why they’re probably the most important term of a business contract.
2020-12-0200 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastHenry Ford on Business: Market, Product, Process; Boston Consulting Group Strategy Palette; Richness vs ReachThis episode has 3 segments:
1. Henry Ford on Business: Market, Product, Process - General reflection on Henry Ford’s thoughts about focusing on a market, then the product, and then the process by which the product is made.
2. Boston Consulting Group Strategy Palette - The BCG Strategy Palette is a great explanation of different strategy types a company should choose based on how predictable and changeable their situation might be.
3. Richness vs Reach - Review of an Article in book "The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy", which I learned about from Richard Koch on th...
2020-12-0100 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on Airbnb IPO; Choosing Your Business Battlefield: Fighting in a Market You Can Win; Relationship Between Market Share and Returns for a BusinessThis episode includes 3 segments:
Thoughts on Airbnb IPO
Choosing Your Business Battlefield: Fighting in a Market You Can Win
Relationship Between Market Share and Returns for a Business
2020-11-3000 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastRelationship Between Market Share and Returns for a BusinessRelationship Between Market Share and Returns for a Business
2020-11-2800 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastMichael Porter’s 3 General Strategies: (1) Low Cost Leader; (2) Differentiation; and (3) FocusMichael Porter’s 3 General Strategies: (1) Low Cost Leader; (2) Differentiation; and (3) Focus
2020-11-2700 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on the Ride: Budgeting G&A Expense Growth Relative to Anticipated Net Profit GrowthThoughts on the Ride: Budgeting G&A Expense Growth Relative to Anticipated Net Profit Growth
2020-11-2600 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastAdam Hochfelder Interview: Texas Football!Very cool interview with Adam Hochfelder from Sports in Action : https://www.sportsinaction.com/
We talk all things Texas high school football, from why it's impact on Texas Communities all the way to the effects of the "Friday Night Lights" chain. We explore why it's different here than any other state. We also talk about why it's much more than just what's going down on the field.
Dave also talks about why it's advantageous for companies looking to market to Texans to get involved in communities though the support of football programs.
2020-11-2500 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on the Drive: Tips for Controlling Your Software SpendThoughts on the Drive: Tips for Controlling Your Software Spend
2020-11-2400 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThoughts on the Drive: 3 Pillars of Business Finance Success: Market Share, Profits, and Cash FlowThoughts on the Drive: 3 Pillars of Business Finance Success: Market Share, Profits, and Cash Flow
2020-11-2300 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastImportance of Judging Credit Worthiness of Accounts through CollectionsImportance of Judging Credit Worthiness of Accounts through Collections
2020-11-2200 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastHow Business Contracts Really WorkDiscussion of why business contracts are rarely enforced in a court, but rather constantly renegotiated by the parties. Also a discussion of termination clauses, and why they’re probably the most important term of a business contract.
2020-11-2000 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastManaging Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin in a Startup BusinessManaging Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin in a Startup Business
2020-11-1900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastInterview with Joshua RobersonHere I'm interviewing Josh Roberson from the Real Estate Center at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M. Josh gives a lot of great insight about real estate in Texas during the COVID shutdown, and the recovery following. Learn more about Josh here: https://mays.tamu.edu/directory/jroberson/
2020-11-1800 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastHow Much Debt Should You Use in Your BusinessHere I discuss how much debt you should use in your business, and why the answer is zero for most business owners. I also talk about Capital Structure and why that concept should really only apply to companies that are large enough to participate in formal capital markets. I also discuss when I feel like it might be safe for your business to start using debt.
2020-11-1700 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastHow to Manage Margins in Your BusinessDiscussion of how to manage Gross Profit Margin, Operating Profit Margin, and Net Profit Margin to make sure you’re managing your business effectively.
2020-11-1600 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThe Rule of 3 and 4Another video review of the book Boston Consulting Group on Strategy, this time on the article "The Rule of Three and Four" by Bruce Henderson. The concept behind this article is that in a stable market there are no more than 3 competitors, and the largest competitor has no more than 4 times the market share of the smallest. This concept forms the inspiration behind the famous Jack Welch (CEO of GE) maxim "Fix it, close it, or sell it" that formed his philosophy that GE should get our of every business unless it could be number 1 or number 2 in that...
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastWhy Did Quibi Fail?Discussion of the failure of Quibi, the short form video content company. Here's I'm discussing their strategy, the trade-off between richness and reach, and why I think their main competition (and ultimate) downfall, was YouTube and TikTok.
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastStar Businesses and the Product PortfolioAnother review of an article from The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy called "The Product Portfolio" by Bruce Henderson from 1970. This article describes the portfolio of products or services within a business and how businesses should redeploy cash from a specific product or service line into new businesses, with the goal of creating "Star" businesses. I also talk about how this applies in the new economy with tech businesses, and how this should affect your investment choices in startups. I also talk about why companies like Amazon, Google, and Tesla are star businesses, and why they warrant such a...
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastRichness vs ReachReview of an Article in book "The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy", which I learned about from Richard Koch on the Tim Ferriss Show. Amazing book, and the concept of the tradeoff between richness (robustness of information) and reach (accessibility and cost of delivery). I think this concept has huge implications when investing in tech companies, and as I think about this from a strategy perspective, I really think that the most valuable companies in the world are those that solve this problem through the use of low cost delivery of rich information via the internet (or...
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastEncyclopedias and Banks...a Similar Story of Dying Industries?A review of an article from the book Boston Consulting Group on Strategy called Strategy and the New Economics of Information by Philip B. Evans and Thomas S. Wurster from 1997. This article talks about the downfall of the Encyclopedia Britannica in the 1990s. The article made me think of parallels in the banking industry, which faces competitive assaults from the fintech world. A great example is ANT from Alibaba, which is about to have a $34 billion IPO (completely outside of the US).
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastMarket Share Paradox- Why High Growth Companies Shouldn't Turn a ProfitI'm continuing by review of articles in the book The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy. This one is a 1970 article by Bruce Henderson called the Market Share Paradox. It has important applications to high growth companies today like Tesla, and explains why these companies don't (and shouldn't) worry about turning a profit, and also dictates when it's time for them to start turning a profit.
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastThe Secret to Amazon's Success Predicted Back in 1999Here I'm reviewing an article from 1999 called Thinking Strategically About E-Commerce by Philip B. Evans and Thomas S. Wurster. It's from the book The Boston Consulting Group on Strategy, which I learned about from Richard Koch on his interview on the Tim Ferriss Show: https://tim.blog/2020/09/22/richard-koch/ This article accurately predicts the exact reason behind Amazon's success over the years, which is what the authors call "Reach". I think it's a great example of how to understand the strategy of a company when trying to predict what growth companies are going to have a lot of success...
2020-11-0900 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastInterview with Jonathon Curlett - CFO RelationshipHere I'm interviewing Jonathon Curlett, CFO of Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education. We're going to discuss a bunch of business related topics, including: 1. Jonathon's background and how he became a CFO; 2. The CFO relationship with the CEO and COO; and 3. How CFOs can add value to a company.
2020-11-0900 min
The Ward Wilsey PodcastElectric Cars....Hype or Massive Returns?Review of Wall Street Journal Article on Electric Vehicle Companies teaching historic valuations. Will they be worth it? Or will investors lose everything?
2020-10-2200 minThe Ward Wilsey PodcastHow COVID will Affect Contract NegotiationsI read an interest article in the Wall Street Journal called “Landlords’ New Credo for Late-Paying Retail Tenants: I’ll See You In Court”, by Esther Fung. It details how many tenants are calling the COVID pandemic a force maturer event, and attempting to avoid rent payments. Landlords obviously disagree. I’ll explain what a force majeure (or Act of God) event is, and how this is likely to play out. I’ll also give my opinion on how you should think about force majeure provisions, and how it should change the way you negotiate contracts.
2020-06-1127 min2020-06-0634 min2020-06-0600 min