The Growing Complexity of Running an SME: What the Research Reveals About 2025's Biggest Operational Challenges

Global ExpansionLouAnn ConnerOctober 20, 2025Corporate Governance, Enterprise Risk & Resilience, AI & Technology GovernanceComment

Maslow's Reimagined For AI

AI governance reimagined as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Leadership and CultureLouAnn ConnerOctober 14, 2025AI & Technology Governance, Corporate GovernanceComment

Series B: Scaling Without Getting Caught Between Bases

Fred Destin said it best: “Series B is (usually) just plain hard.” The early-stage optimism fades, replaced by pressure to deliver metrics that validate scale. This transition can be tough for some founders.

Roughly 1 in 3 startups fail post-Series B - nicely down from Series A, but still uncomfortably high. The stakes are higher, and so are the expectations.

LouAnn ConnerAugust 19, 2025Corporate Governance, Strategy & ExecutionComment

Series A – First Base: You’re on the Field, Now What?

Securing a Series A round marks your first major milestone on the startup diamond (assuming your startup seeks equity funding); it is akin to getting on first base. You’ve proven something works. Now comes the harder part: proving it can scale predictably. The game is now about more than survival—it’s about controlled velocity.

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