--- title: "Build newsletter" url: https://www.simonwakeman.com/build-newsletter/ description: "Every issue of Build, my free newsletter for founders of scaling businesses. Straight talk from a fractional COO on leading a business through growth." modified: 2026-04-11T17:37:19Z author: Simon Wakeman --- # Build newsletter ## Get Simon’s weekly email newsletter _Build_ ditches startup hype to deliver raw, practical wisdom for founders about leading high growth businesses every month. Just straight talk from a fractional COO who’s seen every mistake, every shortcut and every hard truth founders have to face between start-up and scale-up. [Sign up to receive _Build_ now](https://www.simonwakeman.com/build-newsletter/sign-up-for-build/) ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/eYgcnc7qwcZwx2Zf3Wa7Rd.jpg) ## [Build #115 – Self-aware yet stuck](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/10/21/build-115-self-aware-yet-stuck/) 21st October 2026 While I was out my mind was wandering through the founders I’m working with at the moment and the many I’ve worked with over the last four years as an indie COO. I found myself trying to pin down what the ones that have really stuck with me have in common. They’re not the most successful ones necessarily although there’s a fair overlap. They’re the ones who I found genuinely impressive to work with. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/nTYxwPF1gUs3EjYYPLYdpH.jpg) ## [Build #114 – Why the changes don’t stick](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/10/14/build-114-why-the-changes-dont-stick/) 14th October 2026 Build #114 – Why the changes don’t stick Hey Reader, Last week’s Build issue on reorganisations that never end sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole about change. Right now I’ve got two live projects where change is a particularly strong theme (although of course it’s a common strand across everything I’m working on, as ever). The thing that’s been buzzing away in my mind has been about we build organisations that can cope and thrive on constant evolution. For the theory geeks on this stuff,… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/rA97JSkTumjSdccrtfoXMD.jpg) ## [Build #113 – Reorganisations that never end](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/10/07/build-113-reorganisations-that-never-end/) 7th October 2026 I’ve been mulling over this article about working at Lovable for a couple of weeks now and it’s really stuck in my mind. It’s by Elena Verna who’s been in senior growth roles at a long list of tech companies and is now just over a year into working at Lovable (in case you’ve been living in a cave for the last few years, it’s an AI app-building company). She’s honest that her perspective is based on one company and she can’t always tell… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pKUJ23SCJ9RXi78p61PAsg-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #112 – Why senior hires are hard](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/09/30/build-112-why-senior-hires-are-hard/) 30th September 2026 I seem to be doing a lot of interviewing at the moment for clients. I guess that’s a logical follow-on from the senior team design work that I had going on earlier in the year. I have to admit that interviewing for senior hires is one of the things I find hardest in my work, even though I’ve been doing it for a very long time. Often I’ll be interviewing with a founder who usually is desperate for the person sitting on the call in front of us… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/gkhuHWTS71NDK76tNn7t32.jpg) ## [Build #111 – The system isn’t the hard part](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/09/23/build-111-the-system-isnt-the-hard-part/) 23rd September 2026 This month’s been a busy one with potential new clients getting in touch with me. It must be the “back to school” feeling with founders wanting to address those longstanding problems that have been holding them back. I finally had a bit of time last night to reflect on the initial calls I’ve done so far. I noticed a bit of a theme across three of them. They were three different founders in three very different sectors – but broadly all… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/fpx1MVzdmKx4PjU3kGo4mA-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #110 – You can’t give someone accountability](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/09/16/build-110-you-cant-give-someone-accountability/) 16th September 2026 “We need more accountability in the business.” I hear a version of that line in nearly every business I go into. Sometimes it’s from the founder or sometimes it’s from someone three levels down who’s fed up and has been for a while. And it’s almost always said with real feeling. But when I ask what accountability would look like on a Tuesday morning, people tend to go quiet. Accountability is one of the few problems I see in every… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/92EUEfLEsShScLtUUsGyn.jpg) ## [Build #109 – Being curious before being directive](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/09/09/build-109-being-curious-before-being-directive/) 9th September 2026 I was out on a run last Friday in the flat grey drizzle in Kent, half-listening to a podcast because the weather wasn’t giving me much else to look at. But it didn’t take long before I properly started listening. It was the latest episode of the great Trenton Moss’s podcast, Human Powered, where he was talking to Ben Tye, CEO of Gate One. Ben spends four days a week running a 300-person consultancy and one day a week working as a… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/3coDR76xsZdWt7T6tC49q9.jpg) ## [Build #108 – I couldn’t remember why I said that](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/09/02/build-108-i-couldnt-remember-why-i-said-that/) 2nd September 2026 One of the first things I did when I got back to my laptop at the end of my summer break this week was open a client summary document I’d put together when I was shutting up shop in mid-July. I do these documents as a little routine to help me capture all the context and nuance for the work I’m doing with each client before I go away. It helps smooth the path back into the engagement for me when I restart work. And this document was… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/bP4f6DCZnwWuPt4Rdk1MhW-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #107 – None of us actually agreed to this](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/08/26/build-107-none-of-us-actually-agreed-to-this/) 26th August 2026 I’m back from a few weeks off work this summer – with plenty of time for travel, reading, running and cycling. The time away from work has been invaluable reflection time. I find the distance this gives me from the day-to-day helps me see patterns that aren’t visible when you’re in the middle of things. One of the things I noticed this summer was that in many of the businesses I work with, it feels a lot harder to get a team aligned… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3unW5kSMJnqG3FjHEYCzuz.jpg) ## [Build #106 – Ask five people and you’ll get five different problems](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/08/12/build-106-ask-five-people-and-youll-get-five-different-problems/) 12th August 2026 I was on holiday in a remote bit of Portugal earlier this month, mostly unplugged and doing the thing I always do on holiday – reading random stuff that I’ve been saving up because I never have time to get to it normally. Deep in that list was a psychology paper about how researchers measure problem solving in children. It’s not obvious holiday reading, I’ll admit, but bear with me. The paper picked apart the… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mZfqdfm9Kiyhhu8Jyd6LJU.jpg) ## [Build #105 – Hiring more people doesn’t fix this](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/07/15/build-105-hiring-more-people-doesnt-fix-this/) 15th July 2026 I was out running yesterday lunchtime (not a good idea in a UK heatwave but that unusual hour gap in my calendar was too good to pass up!). Running is reflection time for me. Yesterday I was mulling over some of the patterns we’ve seen since launching Mallard earlier this year. Regardless of the type of business, the sector and the culture of the particular business, we hear very similar refrains from founders on our initial calls:… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/r9cQC7ivaqaQt79UzMJneR.jpg) ## [Build #104 – I should have done it sooner](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/06/17/build-104-i-should-have-done-it-sooner/) 17th June 2026 Build #104 – I should have done it sooner Hey Reader, “I should have done it sooner.” It’s something that I’ve said (or thought) a lot over the years, regardless of the job I was in at the time Different roles, different businesses, different phases of my professional life but the same five words kept on popping up. Looking back it strikes me that it’s not the big leaps forward that I remember most vividly – it’s actually the things I didn’t do or the things I left too late. After working… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wJCtVZE3gXrTGtfp3RTW1G-1.png) ## [Build #103 – Your BOS tool won’t save you (but it might just help)](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/05/20/build-103-your-bos-tool-wont-save-you-but-it-might-just-help/) 20th May 2026 SPONSORED NEWSLETTER Build #103 – Your BOS tool won’t save you (but it might just help) Hey Reader, I talk a lot about operating systems – more specifically business operating systems (BOS) – things like EOS, Scaling Up and their ilk. And even more specifically I’ve been doing a client project reviewing the tooling options to support their BOS – yes, systems to run a system. It’s all getting a bit meta. I’ve been doing a market appraisal of the software tools that have sprung up to help… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/adnmY8un4KskeF3Wg5uVWS.jpg) ## [Build #102 – Autonomy without boundaries just isn’t autonomy](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/05/13/build-102-autonomy-without-boundaries-just-isnt-autonomy/) 13th May 2026 Build #102 – Autonomy without boundaries just isn’t autonomy Hey Reader, I’ve been thinking about something that came up in a project I’m delivering at the moment (it’s funny how these little moments sit with me for days afterwards). I’m working with a tech SaaS client on building the “practices” component of their bespoke business operating system. I was leading a workshop exploring how decision-making needs to change as they make a fairly rapid push from 35 to 95 people over the next year…. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2KPAdxhKcgCwXLjK4e3jZB.jpg) ## [Build #101 – A worse version of you?](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/04/15/build-101-a-worse-version-of-you/) 15th April 2026 I’ve been noticing something over the last month that’s been making me increasingly uncomfortable, so I wanted to share that in this month’s Build. Let me give you an example that stuck in my mind. Last Tuesday, I was reading a Slack message from a founder I’m working with. It was perfectly constructed, well formatted with clear bullet points and a nice professional tone. But still it took me reading it three times to realise what was really… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2S99fxrKz82HbJpFWfiRPf.jpg) ## [Build #100 – Ringing the changes](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/03/18/build-100-ringing-the-changes/) 18th March 2026 Build #100 – Ringing the changes Hey Reader, One of the things I seem to do a lot with founders is prioritisation. There’s a real purity in knowing what to focus on and where to place the effort we put into building businesses. And now it’s time for me to take a bit of my own advice and get my house in order. Many of you will know that a real focus for me this year so far has been launching and building my new operating partner business – Team Wakeman, as well as my new founder newsletter The… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/6FACv44Mrbs2eKmZULnTyU.jpg) ## [Build #99 – Mind the gaps](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/03/11/build-99-mind-the-gaps/) 11th March 2026 Build #99 – Mind the gaps Hey Reader, There’s a particular kind of organisational dysfunction that really been bugging me this year – when everything looks right on paper, yet nothing quite works in practice. This week’s Build pulls together three articles exploring critical gaps that separate intention from reality in how we build companies. What makes these gaps so dangerous isn’t that they’re invisible, it’s that we seem to have become remarkably skilled at pretending they don’t exist at… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/jtbocZXkAw8PR1LF8e5fyt.jpg) ## [Build #98 – AI and the workslop epidemic](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/03/04/build-98-ai-and-the-workslop-epidemic/) 4th March 2026 Build #98 – AI and the workslop epidemic Hey Reader, I’ve been thinking about a particular kind of waste in business a lot recently. Not the obvious kind – where someone clearly hasn’t done the work or has done it badly. That’s easy to spot and easy to fix. No, I’m talking about something far more insidious: work that \*looks\* perfectly fine but is actually wholly worthless. It’s work that appears plausible, sounds professional and uses all the right language. But when you really examine it,… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/6yQwdKNxMz2UDQCkDDTLoq.jpg) ## [Build #97 – Getting things done through others](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/02/25/build-97-getting-things-done-through-others/) 25th February 2026 I bring you three articles that circle around a single question: how do you get things done through other people? Whether it’s handing off tasks to your team, thinking about the relational structures that underpin your organisation or building the kind of… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/aV2RPwtD1p41wG9pdDhjh6.jpg) ## [Build #96 – How “professional management” makes things worse](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/02/18/build-96-how-professional-management-makes-things-worse/) 18th February 2026 I’ve been thinking a bit about a pattern I keep seeing in the founder-led scale-ups I’ve worked with over the years. It goes like this. Founders hire a “professional manager” to bring structure as their companies grow past the a number of people – usually 20 to 50. That manager arrives with all the creds. They talk about governance frameworks and reporting cadences and accountability matrices (I am aware that I talk… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/sopGAEVZmBgzsmCHNs3ctD.jpg) ## [Build #95 – Purpose, organisation-building, and the end of jobs a we know them](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/02/11/build-95-purpose-organisation-building-and-the-end-of-jobs-a-we-know-them/) 11th February 2026 This week’s Build seems to have inadvertently landed on a theme around the uncomfortable gap between corporate rhetoric and reality. These three articles share a common thread about the limitations of aspiration when confronted with the messy complexity of real organisational life. They challenge us to move beyond comforting abstractions that founders tend to rely upon on towards harder, more honest… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/swHQw2WAq9uY15LeJrHaPr.jpg) ## [Build #94 – The hidden cost of unclear roles](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/02/04/build-94-the-hidden-cost-of-unclear-roles/) 4th February 2026 I’ve just completed two organisational design projects with founders looking at creating the first leadership teams for their businesses. That means I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about role clarity. Which got me to noticing the complete absence of it in so many scaling businesses when I first come across them. Let me give you an example. Last week I had a half hour intro call with a founder who told me her team was “totally… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/7LbWpSEK6VBn5ppbU3gsuA.jpg) ## [Build #93 – Three ways founders waste energy (without realising it)](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/01/28/build-93-three-ways-founders-waste-energy-without-realising-it/) 28th January 2026 This week’s selection from my inbox explores three different perspectives on how systems resist founders’ best intentions. I bring you insights about birds that teach us about adaptive leadership, the art of saying no without burning bridges and why brilliant ideas fail when they clash with existing systems. A strand that connects all three of this week’s recommended articles is the fact that founder success isn’t… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/x1iXgRRPbMfiDFGqpgTqRS.jpg) ## [Build #92 – The illusion of knowing everything](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/01/21/build-92-the-illusion-of-knowing-everything/) 21st January 2026 I’ve been thinking a lot about control lately. Not in some grand, philosophical way but more in the “why did I just spend 20 minutes researching the optimal way to load a dishwasher” kind of way (and yes, I really did that without catching myself). During my reflections I’ve noticed something about many founders – they’re often truly obsessed with knowing everything. They want answers. They want certainty. They want to feel like… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/86TRtvChpdYLuhGsYReFN9.jpg) ## [Build #91 – The infrastructure of culture](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/01/14/build-91-the-infrastructure-of-culture/) 14th January 2026 In this week’s Build I’ve got an exploration of three perspectives on the foundations that shape how founders can work and lead. Rishad Tobaccowala examines the difference between rulers and leaders, Phil Adams looks at how authentic values create competitive advantage and Mike Fisher warns about the hidden costs of cultural neglect. Together these articles make a compelling case that the so called “soft” stuff – values, culture and… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wCWePWvHgiFTJMdw8EbCNh.jpg) ## [Build #90 – Time to chase curiosity](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2026/01/07/build-90-time-to-chase-curiosity/) 7th January 2026 Build #90 – Time to chase curiosity Hey Reader, Happy new year and welcome to 2026! This week’s Build features an article I wrote for Extra Brain’s Founder’s Block newsletter earlier this month. If this is your kind of thing, you can get regular insights from the talented bunch of people (and me) at Extra Brain by subscribing to the Founder’s Block newsletter here. I’m a consultant. People come to me with problems. Or at least they think they do. But really what they come with are the… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hJs2LvPgAxc5aTkcLvu8AC.jpg) ## [Build #89 – Before you solve that problem](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/12/17/build-89-before-you-solve-that-problem/) 17th December 2025 This week’s Build explores how we approach decisions and problem-solving. I’ve spotted three great articles that collectively challenge founders to think more carefully about the frameworks they. From questioning whether problems need solving at all, ensuring decisions are truly clear rather than strategically ambiguous and to recognising that major decisions are really just hypotheses to be tested – today’s Build gives you some refreshing… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8MixSuBwTgCtj5rZdq8Z71.jpg) ## [Build #88 – Your team doesn’t have an accountability problem](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/12/10/build-88-your-team-doesnt-have-an-accountability-problem/) 10th December 2025 In this week’s Build I’m sharing a bit about some work I did with a founder last year. I’m very grateful to him for giving me permission to share a bit about his story here. I still remember very well the first call I had with Jonny. “Lack of accountability. That’s the problem we have” was the first sentence of that first call. He talked about how he felt overwhelmed with too many problems bubbling up to his level. He… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/nPXaDht6KWeZvKCDjEPmpR.jpg) ## [Build #87 – The founder you are & the founder you need to become](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/12/03/build-87-the-founder-you-are-the-founder-you-need-to-become/) 3rd December 2025 This week’s Build explores the fascinating tension that shapes every founder’s journey: the gap between who you are now and who you need to become. Whether it’s learning to wield power without becoming Machiavellian, challenging the beliefs that once served you but now hold you back or navigating the eternal conflict between maximisers and focusers in your scale-up, this week’s three articles all point to the same… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/9ssiAp2P3yXqxvEMJ5Np5S.jpg) ## [Build #86 – Workflow-first: organisational design for the AI era](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/11/26/build-86-workflow-first-organisational-design-for-the-ai-era/) 26th November 2025 I was deep in a Miro board last week when I had one of those moments when something clicked (probably about two hours too late if I’m really honest with you). I’d been sketching out high level org structure options for a client – thinking about the forms that their organisation could take and trying to get them beyond thinking about you the usual boxes and lines showing who reports to whom. And I suddenly realised I… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/tJeRTQvoSn1eJgXooriMRx.jpg) ## [Build #85 – Volume, quality, spikiness and the value of craft](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/11/19/build-85-volume-quality-spikiness-and-the-value-of-craft/) 19th November 2025 Build #85 – Volume, quality, spikiness and the value of craft Hey Reader, Wednesday rolls around again and so I have three of the most interesting, founder-friendly links I’ve seen this week for you. There’s a bit of an interesting through-line about volume, quality and predictability through this week’s articles.RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK #1 The worst designer I’ve ever worked with was also the most productive The story of a highly productive designer whose impressive output volume… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/5jgCswwruyKHtth4eeTys5.jpg) ## [Build #84 – Stuck in the middle: how founder misalignment kills growth](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/11/12/build-84-stuck-in-the-middle-how-founder-misalignment-kills-growth/) 12th November 2025 Build #84 – Stuck in the middle: how founder misalignment kills growth Hey Reader, This week I’ve been reflecting on a client workshop from last summer that I still remember to this day. My immediate post-meeting notes have been sitting in my Todoist for too long and really deserved knocking into shape for a Build article. The workshop in question has to go down as one of the most memorable I’ve had since I started working with in founders in 2014. It’s a story of being stuck in the middle…. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/d77zm5YK4iRMNVkDPXt3YF.jpg) ## [Build #83 – Links: Hierarchy and culture, decision-making and founder flow](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/11/05/build-83-links-hierarchy-and-culture-decision-making-and-founder-flow/) 5th November 2025 Build #83 – Links: Hierarchy and culture, decision-making and founder flow Hey Reader, It’s Wednesday morning and time for three of the most interesting reads I’ve seen for founders recently. Have a read and let me what you think. Just hit reply.RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK #1 Big data confirms it: less hierarchy = stronger culture The guys at Corporate Rebels unpack new research showing companies with fewer managerial layers develop significantly stronger organisational cultures…. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/ti2tpFctxwDz4aad9DW3XE.jpg) ## [Build #82 – The founder’s paradox: letting go without losing (too much) control](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/10/29/build-82-the-founders-paradox-letting-go-without-losing-too-much-control/) 29th October 2025 Build #82 – The founder’s paradox: letting go without losing (too much) control Hey Reader, I’ve been working recently with two founders who’ve taken completely opposite approaches to letting go as their businesses scaled. And the contrast has stuck with me. The first founder had read all the right books. He hired an MD and stepped right back. Done and dusted, he thought. The second couldn’t let go of anything. He also knew the theories about delegation being essential for growth (he… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/moc2nWaM7w6f6uJWsEJVYt.jpg) ## [Build #81 – Links: Proposition development, micro ABM and AI-native org design](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/10/22/build-81-links-proposition-development-micro-abm-and-ai-native-org-design/) 22nd October 2025 Quick one this week – once again I bring you three founder-friendly links that got my attention, spanning proposition, business development and organisational design. Grab a coffee, take 15 mins and read on. It’s worth your time, I promise. Have a great week.RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK #1 The positioning carousel Robin Bonn examines why agency positioning exercises fail – he explains the costly… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/rCCoeTppe3LBdYq5hsp6fv.jpg) ## [Build #80 – Why we’ve got decision-making backwards](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/10/15/build-80-why-weve-got-decision-making-backwards/) 15th October 2025 Decisions have been coming thick and fast in my life recently. A fortnight ago we decided to sell our lovely family home and move to a house which needs a lot of renovation work. Last week I had to take a big decision about investing in my fractional business, in the face of rapidly changing circumstances. Having had a few days to reflect since those big calls, I’ve been thinking a lot once again about how we make decisions at… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/egor-myznik-TFVbNCyMIhw-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #79 – Links: frameworks and genius](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/10/08/build-79-links-frameworks-and-genius/) 8th October 2025 In this week’s Build I’m bringing you three links that I spotted that are worth a founder’s attention this week. Today you’ll find me at the UK’s Festival of Entrepreneurs in Birmingham. If you’re attending the event, drop me a line and let’s grab a coffee.RECOMMENDED THIS WEEK #1 Frameworks – handrails for thinking Mike Fisher writes about the role of frameworks in providing a structure in which ideas and concepts can be… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kXb6qE9HZ6ESMmxgiurSiu.jpg) ## [Build #78 – Watching Wembley](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/10/01/build-78-watching-wembley/) 1st October 2025 My COO observations watching operations at Wembley on Sunday. This week I’ve been reflecting on a recent trip to an Oasis gig and my incessant desire to understand how things work behind the scenes. Some interesting parallels between founder-led businesses and predictably delivering stadium-scale experiences week-in, week-out. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/soVxtZKLYupW7zKJ2PbgeB.jpg) ## [Build #77 – Disco timesheets: When operations meet human messiness](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/09/24/build-77-disco-timesheets-when-operations-meet-human-messiness/) 24th September 2025 Hey there, We’ve reached the end of the Build Summer Series 2025 with an article from Jessica Gregson and Helen Bazuaye looking at the interplay between processes and humans. This topic fascinates me as it’s something I see most days in my work with founders. Normal Build service resumes next week with me back on writing duties. I’d love to know what you thought about the summer series. We had 14 guest authors this year, spanning a wide range of topics for founders. Please just hit reply and… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wALm5GBrs64S89dR93rGg4.jpg) ## [Build #76 – The forgotten generation’s purpose pivot](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/09/17/build-76-the-forgotten-generations-purpose-pivot/) 17th September 2025 Hey there, In the penultimate article from this year’s Build Summer Series, Rebecca Bates gives us a thoughtful look at generation X, the “valley of bewilderment” and their subsequent reinvention of the work they do. This resonated deeply with me as virtually all of what Rebecca observes matches my lived experience – including my “second mountain” working with purpose as a fractional and consultant COO. Build #76 – The forgotten generation’s purpose pivot I have recently… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/szwubP3jaA35siGr6pzwRE.jpg) ## [Build #75 – Tension is the work: leading without easy answers](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/09/10/build-75-tension-is-the-work-leading-without-easy-answers/) 10th September 2025 Hey there, I’m fascinated by the role of tensions in businesses. Too often they’re seen as negatives, as problems to solve. But in reality every founder is running a business where tensions are a healthy feature of their organisation. In this week’s Build Summer Series 2025 newsletter, James Gairdner unpacks this topic through the lens of psychodynamic theory. Build #75 – Tension is the work: leading without easy answers In leadership conversations with founders, there’s a… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7CUfusXAgDZPcR3bFqfN8k.jpg) ## [Build #74 – From accidental CEO to intentional leader: how founders can evolve without losing their edge](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/09/03/build-74-from-accidental-ceo-to-intentional-leader-how-founders-can-evolve-without-losing-their-edge/) 3rd September 2025 Hey there, Founder life is all about transitions. They arrive pretty relentlessly in the founder’s journey. And one of the trickier ones I see is moving from being a founder to being a CEO. This week my guest author Codie James takes a detailed look at this transition and how founders can take a more intentional approach to developing their leadership. Build #74 – From accidental CEO to intentional leader: how founders can evolve without losing their edge When founders first… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/dDN5yjvG1LviN4hnm1CZMQ.jpg) ## [Build #73 – Build your agency like you’re preparing to sell – even if you’re not](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/08/27/build-73-build-your-agency-like-youre-preparing-to-sell-even-if-youre-not/) 27th August 2025 Hey there, I’ve been involved in the sale of several businesses over the years and have been on the buy-side of many more M&A deals too. One of the things I’ve observed from those experiences is that the best acquisitions or investments have been the ones that are are well run, not the ones that were obviously built just to sell. In this week’s guest article for The Build Summer Series 2025 my collaborator and fellow Extra Brain Manish Kapur provides a super clear explainer for founders about… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bQKgFiVHqy2iTh7cGeSY2x.jpg) ## [Build #72 – From chaos to culture: why the best founders don’t scale alone](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/08/20/build-72-from-chaos-to-culture-why-the-best-founders-dont-scale-alone/) 20th August 2025 Hey there, In the Build Summer Series 2025 I’m handing over the metaphorical Build keyboard to a series of guest authors. This week Kelly Wakeman (no relation!) gives you a great take on the stages of the founder growth journey. I love her simple framework for this as it nicely captures the personal transitions that happen as businesses grow. Build #72 – From chaos to culture: why the best founders don’t scale alone Let’s get one thing straight: chaos isn’t a bad sign. In… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/iwcBhxDAE2QxfBjbnvNuRF.jpg) ## [Build #71 – Why tech founders need personal consultancy – not just coaching or therapy](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/08/13/build-71-why-tech-founders-need-personal-consultancy-not-just-coaching-or-therapy/) 13th August 2025 Hey there, We’re halfway through the Build Summer Series 2025 – where I’ve handed the metaphorical keyboard over to a diverse bunch of guest authors. What a ride it’s been so far and this week’s no exception. In this issue Volker Ballueder shows how founders can benefit from the fusion of coaching and therapy to help grow their businesses better. Build #71 – Why tech founders need personal consultancy – not just coaching or therapy There’s something unique about sitting at… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/4CyRHUz86PVqr8dbp3WMTZ.jpg) ## [Build #70 – You’re not growing if your team still needs you in every pitch](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/08/06/build-70-youre-not-growing-if-your-team-still-needs-you-in-every-pitch/) 6th August 2025 Hey there, This week’s guest author in the Build Summer Series 2025 is Team Sterka founder Trenton Moss. He’s got a great story about how he realised what he needed to change in his business to unleash the potential of his team – and get out of the way himself. Build #70 – You’re not growing if your team still needs you in every pitch If you’re still the one leading every big client meeting, every sales call, every tricky negotiation… then let’s be honest: You’re the… ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/rhJuHNUt9xXPVP5yuTsVb3.jpg) ## [Build #69 – Spoiler: You might be the bottleneck](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/30/build-69-spoiler-you-might-be-the-bottleneck/) 30th July 2025 Hey there, This week’s guest author is Sarah Harris. Sarah is a fractional COO and seasoned business leader. She supports founder-led businesses to scale sustainably. She’s also a qualified therapist and leadership coach – and my co-founder at actualise.work too. That means she’s uniquely placed to take a science-based look at how founder leadership runs much deeper than most people realise. Build #69 – Spoiler: You might be the bottleneck It’s 4:33am, and you’re awake…. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wvfwzij248eUeLn288QfDE.jpg) ## [Build #68 – How to scale your selling without losing your soul](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/23/build-68-how-to-scale-your-selling-without-losing-your-soul/) 23rd July 2025 Hey there, This week we’re talking about selling. Yep, it’s that side of founder life that represents one of the hardest transitions to make as you grow. My guest author is David Biden, co-founder of Growth Venture Group. I’ve known David for many years. His advice is a must-read for any founder wondering how to make their first sales hire. Build #68 – How to scale your selling without losing your soul Every founder knows what it takes to sell in the early days. Grit. Energy…. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wLevag1rvqruiyDTcoxA4Z.jpg) ## [Build #67 – Marketing doesn’t need a bigger budget. It needs a brain.](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/16/build-67-marketing-doesnt-need-a-bigger-budget-it-needs-a-brain/) 16th July 2025 I see too many people overcomplicating marketing in growth businesses. That’s why I love Rebecca’s practical approach to tackling the marketing challenges that many founders face. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/vqWAKKbdCSXa5eZJ1E1Ws4.jpg) ## [Build #66 – A founder’s guide to applied AI](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/09/build-66-a-founders-guide-to-applied-ai/) 9th July 2025 Artificial intelligence is everywhere, yet few founders can point to a single process it has genuinely improved inside their business. The reason is simple: most start with the technology, not the outcome. This short guide shows you how to deliver a working AI system in days. ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7ALFSW7d4WJtYtcfEziW5v.jpg) ## [Build #65 – Rethinking senior recruitment in an emerging AI world](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/02/build-65-rethinking-senior-recruitment-in-an-emerging-ai-world-2/) 2nd July 2025 Hey there, I’m a big believer in the power of collabs in helping founders to build businesses. That’s why throughout July, August and September I’m … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/07/02/build-65-rethinking-senior-recruitment-in-an-emerging-ai-world-2/ "Build #65 – Rethinking senior recruitment in an emerging AI world") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/q2FJGs9Qk7nCKnrNgdRPTE.jpg) ## [Build #64 – Organisational design that actually works](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/25/build-64-organisational-design-that-actually-works/) 25th June 2025 I spend a lot of time working on organisational design projects for clients. To be honest there are times I end up waking up at … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/25/build-64-organisational-design-that-actually-works/ "Build #64 – Organisational design that actually works") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tZL37hoxzkrZQaSNh2HCeZ.jpg) ## [Build #63 – Rewriting leadership, authority and valuing dissent](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/18/build-63-rewriting-leadership-authority-and-valuing-dissent/) 18th June 2025 It’s been a busy couple of weeks in my inbox so I was spoilt for choice while selecting the most useful articles for founders who … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/18/build-63-rewriting-leadership-authority-and-valuing-dissent/ "Build #63 – Rewriting leadership, authority and valuing dissent") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6G2b9uv8Q5nfcPKApfqdm7.jpg) ## [Build #62 – Designing for deeper work](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/11/build-62-designing-for-deeper-work/) 11th June 2025 Hey there, I’ve been thinking a lot about deep work recently. It’s something that’s vital for people in scaling businesses to have space to do. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/11/build-62-designing-for-deeper-work/ "Build #62 – Designing for deeper work") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/iz1o3pSoyyqu6Jt6D6wQAt.jpg) ## [Build #61 – Aiming small, founder-led growth, life and work](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/04/build-61-aiming-small-founder-led-growth-life-and-work/) 4th June 2025 Hey there, It’s Simon here with today’s quick issue of Build – my newsletter read by more than 1,400 founders taking an intentional approach to … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/06/04/build-61-aiming-small-founder-led-growth-life-and-work/ "Build #61 – Aiming small, founder-led growth, life and work") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tzup2jQYvUBWTJ2ZWaZJv2.jpg) ## [Build #60 – Alleviating decision-making load for founders](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/28/build-60-alleviating-decision-making-load-for-founders/) 28th May 2025 This week in Build I’m looking at a favourite topic of mine: decision-making. Most of the founders I work with are grappling with the challenge … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/28/build-60-alleviating-decision-making-load-for-founders/ "Build #60 – Alleviating decision-making load for founders") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/b6JVRsANa5Ng3Lmg1NXvVC.jpg) ## [Build #59 – Resistance to change, busy work and a team conflict hack](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/21/build-59-resistance-to-change-busy-work-and-a-team-conflict-hack/) 21st May 2025 Once again Wednesday is with us, so I bring you the three most interesting things to cross my path this week: ​1. Why is change … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/21/build-59-resistance-to-change-busy-work-and-a-team-conflict-hack/ "Build #59 – Resistance to change, busy work and a team conflict hack") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2DU3QMPJ1rzTYjHhuWTMcX.jpg) ## [Build #58 – Words matter](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/14/build-58-words-matter/) 14th May 2025 Hey there, You might know I became an ICF qualified coach last year. I was surprised me that a lot of the coaching course (and … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/14/build-58-words-matter/ "Build #58 – Words matter") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/chor-tsang-e_5NhSomvS4-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #57 – Leadership, competence and the value of simplicity](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/07/build-57-leadership-competence-and-the-value-of-simplicity/) 7th May 2025 In last week’s Build newsletter I looked at why systems win out over goals. This week it’s time to share three of the things I … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/05/07/build-57-leadership-competence-and-the-value-of-simplicity/ "Build #57 – Leadership, competence and the value of simplicity") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/jBZKeJLoC5hBezhrmd8y7c.jpg) ## [Build #56 – systems over goals](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/30/build-56-systems-over-goals/) 30th April 2025 A couple of weeks ago I wrote about goal setting and why OKRs aren’t the only game in town for founders to help get things … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/30/build-56-systems-over-goals/ "Build #56 – systems over goals") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/3EjQjxiDQMq4PXv5Kxenj4.jpg) ## [Build #55 – valuable voices, mining metaphors and storytelling skills](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/23/build-55-valuable-voices-mining-metaphors-and-storytelling-skills/) 23rd April 2025 This week I’ve got three fascinating articles that grabbed my attention plus a quick recap from last week’s issue: ​1. What you see is what … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/23/build-55-valuable-voices-mining-metaphors-and-storytelling-skills/ "Build #55 – valuable voices, mining metaphors and storytelling skills") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/jRV4M8a7eXEUspQRiBVkZn-1.jpg) ## [Build #54 – avoiding OKR fails](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/16/build-54-avoiding-okr-fails/) 16th April 2025 A couple of years ago I was being asked to do a lot of work to help founders with objectives / key results (OKRs). That … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/16/build-54-avoiding-okr-fails/ "Build #54 – avoiding OKR fails") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/jRV4M8a7eXEUspQRiBVkZn.jpg) ## [Build #53 – reflective leadership and organisational containers](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/09/build-53-reflective-leadership-and-organisational-containers/) 9th April 2025 Today I’ve got three interesting founder-friendly links worth your time: 1. Four keys to leading today​ Not another leadership article, surely Simon? In this one … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/09/build-53-reflective-leadership-and-organisational-containers/ "Build #53 – reflective leadership and organisational containers") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/cDAaJkCA45v71iqCXyg3dR.jpg) ## [Build #52 – the grip paradox](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/02/build-52-the-grip-paradox/) 2nd April 2025 Many years ago I remember a founder in a company we acquired. He was charismatic, bright, forceful and outwardly hero leading his business. But once … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/04/02/build-52-the-grip-paradox/ "Build #52 – the grip paradox") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/kLCR7iCTctj6ZQN78cTSn1-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #51 – rebuilding better, BOS design and discomfort with feedback](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/26/build-51-rebuilding-better-bos-design-and-discomfort-with-feedback/) 26th March 2025 After the joys of last week’s look back at 50 issues of Build, normal service resumes today. Here’s my round-up of the most interesting things … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/26/build-51-rebuilding-better-bos-design-and-discomfort-with-feedback/ "Build #51 – rebuilding better, BOS design and discomfort with feedback") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/7RDRuCVy1VxMVoA13DAkq3-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #50 – the journey so far](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/19/build-50-the-journey-so-far/) 19th March 2025 Today’s Build has a slightly self-indulgent feel. I’m taking a look back over the last 50 issues of my newsletter for founders. I was going … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/19/build-50-the-journey-so-far/ "Build #50 – the journey so far") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/8dhvsSqiRrUchES5JwAtMb-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #49 – coaching, measuring and disaggregating work](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/12/build-49-coaching-measuring-and-disaggregating-work/) 12th March 2025 Hope your week’s going well and you’ve got a little corner of brain space for three interesting articles I spotted recently: ​1. Measuring knowledge work … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/12/build-49-coaching-measuring-and-disaggregating-work/ "Build #49 – coaching, measuring and disaggregating work") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/c5CrzYyt4f7nZCTBBLh82g-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #48 – why you need a BOS](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/05/build-48-why-you-need-a-bos/) 5th March 2025 I’ve worked closely with founders in growing businesses since 2014. Over those years I’ve noticed a few patterns that hold true almost everywhere. One is … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/03/05/build-48-why-you-need-a-bos/ "Build #48 – why you need a BOS") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/kG2DijhAjyu3V5LJ27AJrb-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #47 – place, governance and the ego toll](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/26/build-47-place-governance-and-the-ego-toll/) 26th February 2025 A quick canter through three interesting things I spotted this week: 1. We are shaped by place​ Jindy Mann explores how place shapes who we … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/26/build-47-place-governance-and-the-ego-toll/ "Build #47 – place, governance and the ego toll") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/maria-elena-zuniga-_DqlQ9UD6T4-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #46 – the case for curiosity](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/19/build-46-the-case-for-curiosity/) 19th February 2025 Our life experience shapes who we are and the way we work. It strongly influences the way we perceive those around us and our interactions … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/19/build-46-the-case-for-curiosity/ "Build #46 – the case for curiosity") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/gsiLbZPg8MiGjCt4kzhTmr-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #45 – People, sincerity and status](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/12/build-45-people-sincerity-and-status/) 12th February 2025 This week’s pick of three interesting things has a people and relationships strand running through it. I won’t claim that’s by any kind of inspired … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/12/build-45-people-sincerity-and-status/ "Build #45 – People, sincerity and status") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7gCXfCJQjDHTNCX14Co2cE-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #44 – a tightrope between predictability and agility](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/05/build-44-a-tightrope-between-predictability-and-agility/) 5th February 2025 I’m fascinated with the enduring tension between seeking predictability and embracing agility in growth businesses. It’s a classic tightrope for founders to walk. What shows … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/02/05/build-44-a-tightrope-between-predictability-and-agility/ "Build #44 – a tightrope between predictability and agility") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/drmakete-lab-hsg538WrP0Y-unsplash.jpg) ## [Build #43 – organisations, mirrors and founder mode](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/29/build-43-organisations-mirrors-and-founder-mode/) 29th January 2025 Here’s your weekly dose of thought provoking links, curated to help you take a different perspective on building your company: 1. Organisations are mirrors​ An old … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/29/build-43-organisations-mirrors-and-founder-mode/ "Build #43 – organisations, mirrors and founder mode") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mdgCwPyBgY7GNzND9k7dHp-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #42 – the atomisation of work](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/22/build-42-the-atomisation-of-work/) 22nd January 2025 I’ve been noodling around with thinking about the future of work since first reading Reinventing Organisations by Frederic Laloux back in 2014. Laloux’s “Evolutionary-Teal” paradigm … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/22/build-42-the-atomisation-of-work/ "Build #42 – the atomisation of work") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dnmuWswdcYhZcKeFeCvQ98-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #41 – FOMO, decision-making and failing on culture](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/15/build-41-fomo-decision-making-and-failing-on-culture/) 15th January 2025 Here are three things I spotted recently for founders in scaling businesses to think about: 1. ​Zola’s decision-making method​Often when debating decisions extroverts tend to … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/15/build-41-fomo-decision-making-and-failing-on-culture/ "Build #41 – FOMO, decision-making and failing on culture") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/eAxJ3bFseA78DAuYy8fc9t-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #40 – the two types of problems for growth businesses](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/08/build-40-the-two-types-of-problems-for-growth-businesses/) 8th January 2025 Founders are natural problem solvers. Creating a business from nothing means spotting and solving problems, over and over again. In my work, I often talk … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2025/01/08/build-40-the-two-types-of-problems-for-growth-businesses/ "Build #40 – the two types of problems for growth businesses") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/etienne-girardet-chp1ITgplkA-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #39 – leading, urgency and restructuring](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/18/build-39-leading-urgency-and-restructuring/) 18th December 2024 I’ve got three things I spotted recently for founders in scaling businesses: 1. Reorganisations aren’t the answer​ Colin Mulholland explains why the restructure is often the … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/18/build-39-leading-urgency-and-restructuring/ "Build #39 – leading, urgency and restructuring") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/aaron-burden-UvRMcIeXq9Y-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #38 – The joy of work](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/11/build-38-the-joy-of-work/) 11th December 2024 I’m collaborating with a co-founder on a new venture. It’s been a while since I’ve spent time at this formative stage of a business…thrashing out … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/11/build-38-the-joy-of-work/ "Build #38 – The joy of work") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ayush-kumar-VIb8pHrBUC4-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #37 – Teams, bonding and zombies](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/04/build-37-teams-bonding-and-zombies/) 4th December 2024 Last week’s fungi-related ponderings elicited a good few suggestions about personal consumption of mushrooms, alongside the more usual work-related responses I tend to get. Today I bring … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/12/04/build-37-teams-bonding-and-zombies/ "Build #37 – Teams, bonding and zombies") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/prometheus-8jUWuSCh54g-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #36 – Being more mycelium](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/11/27/build-36-being-more-mycelium/) 27th November 2024 Late Autumn is my favourite time of year to get out running in the woods near our house. I love the combo of the near … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/11/27/build-36-being-more-mycelium/ "Build #36 – Being more mycelium") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/josh-riemer-OH5BRdggi2w-unsplash.jpg) ## [Build #35 – WTF is an operating model?](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/11/13/build-35-wtf-is-an-operating-model/) 13th November 2024 I tried ​googling to learn about operating models​. I waded through the hundreds of complicated consultants’ charts that said so little in so many slides. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/11/13/build-35-wtf-is-an-operating-model/ "Build #35 – WTF is an operating model?") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ardian-lumi-6Woj_wozqmA-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #34 – The real role of leaders](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/30/build-34-the-real-role-of-leaders/) 30th October 2024 I had a thought about leading a business as a founder having listened to a podcast recently Your real role as a business leader is … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/30/build-34-the-real-role-of-leaders/ "Build #34 – The real role of leaders") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/kelly-sikkema-kxtB2TFBF2g-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #33 – Grow your company like it’s time to sell (even if you’re not selling)](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/16/build-33-grow-your-company-like-its-time-to-sell-even-if-youre-not-selling/) 16th October 2024 I was chatting with a founder friend recently. He’s been running his tech product business for more than a decade now and it’s doing ok. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/16/build-33-grow-your-company-like-its-time-to-sell-even-if-youre-not-selling/ "Build #33 – Grow your company like it’s time to sell (even if you’re not selling)") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/nick-fewings-yfpG8mLFk90-unsplash-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #32 – Ten questions for founders](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/02/ten-questions-for-founders/) 2nd October 2024 Last month I spent five days on a coaching course, developing my skills in that side of my work. Self-reflection is a big part of … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/10/02/ten-questions-for-founders/ "Build #32 – Ten questions for founders") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo-1529512731903-186378156bad.jpg) ## [Build #31 – Where do brilliant teams come from?](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/02/22/where-do-brilliant-teams-come-from/) 22nd February 2024 If we look at the great teams in the worlds of sport and business, it’s clear they don’t happen by accident. Creating a team that’s … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/02/22/where-do-brilliant-teams-come-from/ "Build #31 – Where do brilliant teams come from?") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/photo-1614332625575-6bef549fcc7b.jpg) ## [Build #30 – Pastiche in business](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/02/08/pastiche-in-business/) 8th February 2024 I had an initial conversation with a founder recently that stuck with me. The founder told me in detail about the company they were creating. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/02/08/pastiche-in-business/ "Build #30 – Pastiche in business") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/photo-1633107398500-4b51a9cfae66.jpg) ## [Build #29 – How role definition drives growth](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/01/25/how-role-definition-drives-growth/) 25th January 2024 This month I’ve been working on an interesting project helping a business define roles. For start-ups moving into a scaling phase, founders often wrestle with … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2024/01/25/how-role-definition-drives-growth/ "Build #29 – How role definition drives growth") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/photo-1603058817990-2b9a9abbce86-scaled.jpg) ## [Build #28 – Books for leaders – my recommendations](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/12/07/recommended-books-for-leaders/) 7th December 2023 I read a lot of business books. I’ve read some that were instantly forgettable. Yet some are so thought provoking and useful that I refer … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/12/07/recommended-books-for-leaders/ "Build #28 – Books for leaders – my recommendations") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/photo-1680090015153-0e0b5ca4c925.jpg) ## [Build #27 – Congruence is underrated](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/30/congruence-is-underrated/) 30th November 2023 Many founders see themselves as visionaries. They hold their ambition for the future they will create and are strongly driven to bring it into reality. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/30/congruence-is-underrated/ "Build #27 – Congruence is underrated") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/photo-1623354582128-d8e232a8649e.jpg) ## [Build #26 – There’s no such thing as a growth hack](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/23/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-growth-hack/) 23rd November 2023 Recently a client told me I have a “no such thing as a growth hack” speech. She explained that on several occasions, I’ve pushed back … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/23/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-growth-hack/ "Build #26 – There’s no such thing as a growth hack") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nicolas-houdayer-D_trdjclJf4-unsplash.jpg) ## [Build #25 – The real role of leaders](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/16/the-real-role-of-leaders/) 16th November 2023 Over the past five months I’ve interviewed more than 50 founders in scaling businesses for a project I’m working on. As I review the interview … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/16/the-real-role-of-leaders/ "Build #25 – The real role of leaders") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/photo-1696108018335-ba3c1cce5c9d.jpg) ## [Build #24 – Holding to account](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/09/holding-to-account/) 9th November 2023 I’ve been working with a product scale-up business to create the conditions for a culture of greater accountability in their business. In one conversation we … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/09/holding-to-account/ "Build #24 – Holding to account") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/photo-1497219055242-93359eeed651.jpg) ## [Build #23 – The craft of company building](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/02/the-craft-of-company-building/) 2nd November 2023 This year I’ve interviewed more than 50 founders about their experiences building businesses through the seed and series A stages. I’ve been struck by two … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/11/02/the-craft-of-company-building/ "Build #23 – The craft of company building") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo-1528659882437-b89a74bc157f.jpg) ## [Build #22 – Working with organisational debt](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/19/working-with-organisational-debt/) 19th October 2023 Technologists often talk about technical debt. It’s the accumulation over time of decisions that prioritise short term speed over well-designed code. Technical debt isn’t always … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/19/working-with-organisational-debt/ "Build #22 – Working with organisational debt") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/PXL_20231007_141114877-2.jpg) ## [Build #21 – Ultra running & leading scale-ups](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/12/ultra-running-leading-scale-ups/) 12th October 2023 Last weekend I finished my first 50 mile ultra run. With 4000 metres of climbing and a lot of mud in England’s Lake District, it … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/12/ultra-running-leading-scale-ups/ "Build #21 – Ultra running & leading scale-ups") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo-1601139144817-358064498084.jpg) ## [Build #20 – How can founders get people to do what they need them to do?](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/05/how-can-founders-get-team-members-to-do-what-they-need-them-to-do/) 5th October 2023 I’ve been speaking to a lot of founders in scaling businesses recently. When they talk about challenges they face, they often talk about a common … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/10/05/how-can-founders-get-team-members-to-do-what-they-need-them-to-do/ "Build #20 – How can founders get people to do what they need them to do?") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo-1586527155314-1d25428324ff.jpg) ## [Build #19 – Designing leadership teams in scaling businesses](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/09/28/designing-leadership-teams-in-scaling-businesses/) 28th September 2023 “What’s the right structure for my leadership team?” This is one of the most common question I come across in conversations with founders who are … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/09/28/designing-leadership-teams-in-scaling-businesses/ "Build #19 – Designing leadership teams in scaling businesses") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/diagramf2-1-.jpg) ## [Build #18 – Building a company – introducing the B3 framework](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/09/07/building-a-company-introducing-the-b3-framework/) 7th September 2023 Founders and CEOs talk a lot about scaling businesses, but typically pay a lot less attention to building the organisation that lies behind any successfully … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/09/07/building-a-company-introducing-the-b3-framework/ "Build #18 – Building a company – introducing the B3 framework") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/photo-1590859808308-3d2d9c515b1a.jpg) ## [Build #17 – Systems thinking in scaling business](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/04/06/systems-thinking-in-scaling-business/) 6th April 2023 Systems thinking is a way of thinking about your business. It helps leaders better understand their organisation and how to maximise their impact. I’ve spent … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/04/06/systems-thinking-in-scaling-business/ "Build #17 – Systems thinking in scaling business") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo-1600603855527-d2ed85e33e1e.jpg) ## [Build #16 – Founder to CEO?](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/30/founder-to-ceo/) 30th March 2023 Great founders don’t necessarily make great CEOs. Being deliberate about founder role transitions is often overlooked in scaling businesses. Growing a business means getting comfortable … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/30/founder-to-ceo/ "Build #16 – Founder to CEO?") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo-1603815210107-8b9478ca8cbc.jpg) ## [Build #15 – Escape from firefighting](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/23/escape-from-firefighting-2/) 23rd March 2023 Firefighting. Fire drills. Chaos. Pulled from pillar to post. Overwhelmed. I hear those words a lot in my conversations with founder CEOs in growth businesses. … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/23/escape-from-firefighting-2/ "Build #15 – Escape from firefighting") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo-1535640368727-187c8a674b5c.jpg) ## [Build #14 – Feeling the mountain](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/16/feeling-the-mountain/) 16th March 2023 Recently I was talking with Lesley – a ski instructor – about her work helping people improve their skiing. She talked about the importance of … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/16/feeling-the-mountain/ "Build #14 – Feeling the mountain") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo-1533073526757-2c8ca1df9f1c.jpg) ## [Build #13 – Deciding on deciding](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/09/deciding-about-deciding/) 9th March 2023 Businesses run on decisions. They control the flow of work in your business. Paying attention to how and when they’re made as well as who … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/09/deciding-about-deciding/ "Build #13 – Deciding on deciding") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/photo-1497005367839-6e852de72767.jpg) ## [Build #12 – Process isn’t boring](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/02/process-isnt-boring/) 2nd March 2023 Working with process gets a bad press in many creative businesses. Process work is stereotyped as stifling creativity and restricting individual autonomy. Laying out processes … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/03/02/process-isnt-boring/ "Build #12 – Process isn’t boring") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/photo-1604543248368-da42b20dce5b.jpg) ## [Build #11 – Mise en place](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/23/mise-en-place/) 23rd February 2023 Chefs know a lot goes into making consistently good restaurant food. Each dish is a detailed, time-critical project with high quality thresholds. Dishes need to … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/23/mise-en-place/ "Build #11 – Mise en place") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/photo-1611222777277-61319d63ca94.jpg) ## [Build #10 – Lenses and mirrors in decision making](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/16/lenses-and-mirrors-in-decision-making/) 16th February 2023 A colleague recently told me I was obsessed with lenses. Apparently I say a lot of things like: Ignoring my clumsy verbal constructs, I realised … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/16/lenses-and-mirrors-in-decision-making/ "Build #10 – Lenses and mirrors in decision making") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/photo-1605770547890-5cac9a4dbce6.jpg) ## [Build #9 – Scaling leadership](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/09/scaling-leadership/) 9th February 2023 As businesses grow, what they need from their leaders changes. Separating personal and business needs when thinking about this is hard, but important. A conversation … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/09/scaling-leadership/ "Build #9 – Scaling leadership") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/photo-1510906594845-bc082582c8cc.jpg) ## [Build #8 – Building businesses with accountability](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/02/building-businesses-with-accountability/) 2nd February 2023 A lot’s talked in business about accountability, yet few people think about what it means. And plenty of people tie themselves in metaphorical knots. They … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/02/02/building-businesses-with-accountability/ "Build #8 – Building businesses with accountability") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/photo-1532769200180-0eb4314a75f6.jpg) ## [Build #7 – Pacing your business](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/26/pacing-your-business/) 26th January 2023 Every business has a pace it can sustain indefinitely. Leaders need to find that pace and intentionally influence it as the business grows. Last weekend … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/26/pacing-your-business/ "Build #7 – Pacing your business") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Amphibalanus_improvisus_on_a_boat_hull_-_Sla-t_havstulpan_01.jpg) ## [Build #6 – Reducing friction](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/19/reducing-friction/) 19th January 2023 If you leave a boat in seawater for too long, barnacles will start attaching and growing. They glue themselves to the hull of your boat … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/19/reducing-friction/ "Build #6 – Reducing friction") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/photo-1571103547549-82a4afcb783f.jpg) ## [Build #3 – Power in scaling businesses](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/12/power-in-scaling-businesses/) 12th January 2023 Power tripping. Power games. Power hungry. All too often we talk about power negatively in businesses. But how we can use power to achieve growth … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/12/power-in-scaling-businesses/ "Build #3 – Power in scaling businesses") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/photo-1566443280617-35db331c54fb.jpg) ## [Build #2 – The value of organisation](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/06/the-value-of-organisation/) 6th January 2023 How your business is organised is at the core of creating sustainable growth. It probably needs more focus than you give it. Businesses are usually … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2023/01/06/the-value-of-organisation/ "Build #2 – The value of organisation") ![](https://www.simonwakeman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/track-and-field-ge4d8a598e_1920-1-.jpg) ## [Build #1 – The starting line](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2022/11/26/a-starting-point/) 26th November 2022 I’m driven by a belief that there’s always a better way to do things. That passion extends to the puzzle of how we can best … [Read More](https://www.simonwakeman.com/blog/2022/11/26/a-starting-point/ "Build #1 – The starting line")