About - Planetary Growth

Building a Successful Business: What 25 Years and 4 Exits Taught Me

After spending over two decades building and scaling companies—two of which were named among Deloitte and RBC’s “Fastest Growing Companies”—I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from just having a great idea. It comes from execution, relationships, and resilience.

I’ve had the privilege of leading multiple businesses as CEO, guiding them through growth, acquisition, and global expansion. I’ve also worked closely with global giants like ServiceNow, Adobe, and Oracle—developing GTM strategies, building partner ecosystems, and driving revenue alongside some of the brightest minds in tech.

But the principles of building a successful business? They’ve remained surprisingly consistent—no matter the size or stage of the company.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Obsess Over the Problem, Not the Product

The most successful businesses solve real, painful problems. If your solution doesn’t address a deep need, you’re pushing uphill.

I’ve worked with founders, CIOs—even heads of state—and the same principle applies: start with the pain, not the pitch.

2. People and Partnerships Matter

Business is never built alone. Strategic partnerships, trusted advisors, and a strong team culture are growth multipliers.

In my work developing global GTM plans, I’ve seen firsthand how the right partnership can accelerate pipeline and unlock entirely new markets.

3. Know Your Metrics—But Lead with Vision

Revenue, CAC, LTV—these numbers matter. But I’ve also seen how a clear vision and aligned leadership can galvanize a company more than any dashboard ever could.

The best CEOs I’ve coached don’t just manage businesses—they inspire them.

4. Don’t Just Grow—Grow Sustainably

Cost-effective resource management is non-negotiable. Growth at all costs? That model burns out teams and businesses.

Sustainable success comes from operational excellence and clarity—what are we building, who are we serving, and how do we scale without breaking what makes us great?

5. Exit Strategy Starts on Day One

Whether you’re looking to sell in five years or never, build like you could. I’ve facilitated the sale of four companies, and in every case, preparation mattered: strong financials, documented processes, and scalable GTM strategy.

You don’t need to exit—but building like you could forces operational discipline.

I’m still learning every day—from clients, partners, and the evolving market. But the core truth stays the same: success isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things—with clarity, intention, and a people-first approach.

If you're navigating growth or thinking about what it takes to scale, let’s connect. Happy to share more of what worked—and what didn’t.