The journey to growth is more a marathon, not a sprint

What comes to your mind when you hear about Nokia (as a phone manufacturer), Kodak, BlackBerry, Saab, Lehman Brothers, MySpace, etc ... These are just isolated stories – but a vivid reminder for leaders everywhere.

Growth is the ultimate measure of a leader’s transformative power. It’s not a quarterly checkbox; it’s a marathon that requires endurance, courage, and a relentless focus on the long term. And the stakes couldn’t be higher: companies that commit to sustainable growth deliver 50% higher shareholder returns than their peers.

Yet the path to growth is challenging. Less than 10% of companies maintain above-GDP growth over the long term. Why? Because growth demands more than strategy; it requires a seismic shift in mindset, culture, and execution.

Here’s the truth: you can’t sprint your way to transformation. Real growth takes time—often 18 months or more to see results—and leaders must be prepared to think bigger, act bolder, and commit deeper.

It’s time to rethink what it means to lead for growth.

Top leaders don’t just hope for progress; they engineer it. They anchor their organizations around five transformative mindsets that turn ambition into action:

1. Make time for what truly matters. Growth leaders understand that the long term is where transformation lives. Instead of being consumed by short-term pressures, they intentionally carve out space for big-picture planning and execution.

2. Invest boldly, even in uncertainty. Growth is about courage—shifting resources into bold, high-potential initiatives, even when the path isn’t fully clear. In moments of volatility, they double down, not retreat.

3. Inspire and align through a shared vision. Growth isn’t a solo act; it’s a collective journey. Leaders who consistently outperform create a shared sense of purpose, rallying their teams and stakeholders around audacious goals.

4. Encourage experimentation and embrace failure. Growth requires innovation, and innovation thrives in environments where it’s safe to test, fail, and learn. Transformative leaders create cultures of fearless experimentation.

5. Obsess over customers. True growth leaders don’t just meet customer needs—they anticipate them. They leverage data and insights to create solutions that surprise and delight, driving loyalty and differentiation.

   
   

Transformation isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Leaders who embrace this marathon mindset don’t just grow their businesses—they inspire their teams, redefine their industries, and leave a lasting legacy.

So, ask yourself:

• Are you committing to bold, long-term moves, or are you stuck in a cycle of short-term fixes?

• Are you actively fostering a culture of courage and innovation?

• Are you building an organization that’s not just ready for growth—but designed to achieve it?

  
  

The path to growth is long, but the rewards are unparalleled. It’s time to lace up, step out of your comfort zone, and start running the race that matters.