“The Growth Gamble: When Leaders Should Bet Big on New Businesses and How They Can Avoid Expensive Failures” was published in 2020 by Harvard Business Review Press. The book explores how companies can successfully pursue growth through new business ventures, while minimizing the risks of expensive failures. The authors draw on their experience advising businesses on growth strategies, and provide a framework for assessing growth opportunities and making strategic investment decisions.
The Growth Gambit
Pursuing growth through new business ventures is essential for long-term success, but it requires strategic decision-making and risk management.
The Growth Execution
Successful execution is critical for new ventures to achieve their growth potential, and companies should prioritize building the right team, developing effective processes, and measuring progress.
The Growth Culture
Creating a culture that supports innovation and risk-taking is essential for companies to successfully pursue growth through new ventures.
The Growth Journey
Pursuing growth through new ventures is a long-term journey that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Companies should be prepared to adapt their strategies and pivot as needed to achieve their growth goals.
The Growth Model
Companies should consider different growth models, such as organic growth or acquisitions, depending on the specific market and industry.
The Growth Funnel
Companies should evaluate growth opportunities using a “funnel” approach, starting with a broad scan of potential markets and gradually narrowing down to specific investment decisions.
The Growth Investment
Investing in new ventures requires a careful balance between the potential for growth and the risks of failure, and companies should be prepared to make strategic bets and pivot as needed.
The Growth Portfolio
Building a portfolio of growth opportunities can help companies spread risk and increase their chances of success, while also enabling them to pursue different growth models and strategies.
The Growth Lens
Companies should use a “growth lens” to evaluate potential ventures, considering factors such as the potential size of the market, the company’s capabilities, and the competitive landscape.
The Growth Matrix
The authors propose a growth matrix that helps companies evaluate potential ventures based on their growth potential and the company’s ability to capture value.
