Turn Strategy Into Results
I write about why good strategies fail in execution, and what to do about it.. Here, you’ll get the tools, stories, and mindsets to make sure your best ideas actually happen.
Follow me if you’re a CEO, COO, or senior leader who’s watched a solid plan fall apart between the boardroom and the front line. Or a PE operator who needs portfolio companies to stop presenting progress and start delivering it.
I’m Kevin Ertell. I spent 30 years running retail operations at companies like Nike and Sur La Table, wrote the book on execution (literally — it’s called The Strategy Trap), and now I help leadership teams turn strategies into real results.
If that’s the problem you’re living with, you’re in the right place.
What You’ll Get
Practical, no-fluff execution tips you can put to work the same day
Stories from the trenches — successes, screw-ups, and the lessons that stick
Cheeky takes on leadership, communication, and human behavior (with the occasional sports or music analogy)
Why Me?
I’ve spent 30+ years leading teams at Nike, Tower Records, Borders, and Sur La Table, and now advise executives and founders through my firm, Mistere Advisory. I’ve been in the room when big bets were made—and when they failed. I know what it takes to go from plan to performance because I’ve done it, and I’ve helped others do it too.
The Vibe
I write like I coach: direct, useful, and human. Expect actionable ideas, a little contrarian energy, and a healthy disrespect for corporate jargon. Think “straight talk from someone who’s been there,” not “five ways to synergize your paradigm.”
One More Thing
Check out my #1 Amazon bestselling book, The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right. It’s a practical handbook for bringing strategy to life, and a lot of what I share here is drawn from the same playbook. Subscribing now is the best way to get those ideas early.
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