Why your 2025 strategy needs some risk
2024 is weeks away from ending, the question on most business leaders' minds is: What’s our strategy for 2025?
I sat down with Hugh Calveley on a recent episode of Two Commas: The 7-Figure-Plus Exit Podcast, where we dug into his journey of building a strategy that adapted to changing times. In case you missed it, it’s both hugely entertaining and very informative on risk, resilience, and timing. You can listen to the full episode on Spotify and on Apple.
When Hugh started his first tech venture, he and his team were ahead of their time but unprepared for sudden shifts. They’d just landed a promising deal with Sony, only to see it disappear when the dot-com crash hit.
Lesson one: if your strategy doesn’t have a risk register to account for rapid shifts, you’re left navigating blind.
Fast forward to COVID-19, and his new company (Moxion) faced yet another trial by fire. Film sets around the world were shutting down, and they had a choice: adapt or close. This time, they pivoted quickly, positioning their tech as indispensable in a remote-first world. Within months, they went from survival mode to growth, landing major films like Jurassic World and The Batman.
The takeaway? A good idea isn’t enough; you need a strategy that incorporates potential major risks. I know you’re probably thinking “who could’ve seen a pandemic coming?”. Bill Gates for one, but that's a different story. Hugh’s risk register factored the risk of film sets shutting down. It was low-risk, but they had a plan in mind should it have eventuated.
Over the years, I’ve seen countless founders caught off-guard by market shifts or technological changes, but I’ve also seen what makes for lasting success: a strategy that’s built not only on growth but on risk consideration
So how can you create a 2025 strategy that’s as adaptable as it is ambitious?
1. Highlight potential macro changes
Look at your industry’s biggest shifts—tech advancements, regulatory updates, or consumer behaviour. Hugh spotted early opportunities in Hollywood’s shift to cloud-based post-production, long before it was mainstream. Where’s your industry’s tipping point?
2. Flexibility over fixed goals
Goals/BHAG’s are essential. And knowing where to be flexible - priceless. Hugh’s team didn’t stick rigidly to Plan A; they adapted. If your 2025 strategy is predicated on too many external factors going your way; call these things out and form a battle card.
3. Surround yourself with the right advisors
Henry Ford once said, “I’m not the smartest, but I hire those that are”.
Who’s helping you form your big plans? Are they sycophants or even worse, folk with opinions over experience?
If you’re thinking about how to make 2025 your year, here’s how I can help:
1. Grab a free copy of my eBook
The Exit Factor: Sell your company for a life-changing sum isn’t just about exiting—at its core - it's about building serious company value. [Download here]
2. Take the Business Growth Audit
Curious about where your business stands? This quick quiz delivers insights on your growth potential and identifies key areas to strengthen. [Start the Quiz]
3. Explore my bite-sized engagements
Historically, I’ve delivered 12-month programs. I’ve received multiple requests for a bite-sized offering, drop me a line if you’re interested in learning more. [Book a call here]
Cheers,
Josh
