Biz 417: What made you want to write Adapt or Die?
Thomas H. Douglas: Originally, the book was pretty technology-focused, but over time, it evolved into a book about leading through change. I created a methodology called “the algorithm of success.” It starts with understanding your product and strategy. Then we look at designs for the growth engine, which typically relate to sales and marketing. From there, the algorithm looks at your financial model, your people and finally operations and processes. The book teaches all these things and provides tools to help business leaders make better decisions.
Biz 417: Are there specific types of businesses that will find it especially helpful?
T.D.: I think of the target as the company that’s doing good but not great. They’re working their butts off and they can’t quite figure out the solution to get to the next gear. We [at JMARK] experienced it. The book is like paying it forward, so that others don’t have to spend five years getting over that hump.
