LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS

Growth in an organization is not only a goal, but, in most cases, necessary to the organization’s survival.

As a company grows, its leaders naturally turn their attention to expansion, new opportunities, hiring and onboarding new employees, and other areas of growth. With that pressure, they can easily lose their focus on what made the company great to begin with. In this edition of The Jabian Journal, we examine how companies can secure their futures by leveraging the strengths of their pasts—from innovation to organization to culture.

In our feature article, “Insights from an Unlikely Place,” the author demonstrates how the strategies from a highly successful nonprofit in Nicaragua can be a model for companies that want to improve employee engagement, serve stakeholders, and focus on their missions. The lessons from organizations in some of the world’s most remote locations can be applied to many organizations in the most populous cities.

The authors of “The Science Behind a Customer-Centric Culture” explore the modern face of customer engagement and what it takes to create and keep loyal customers. In “Measuring the Marketing ROI,” the authors discuss how companies can convert “Hail Mary” marketing and advertising initiatives into purposeful “conversions.”

Our two featured interviews capture insights from executives who have a diverse array of skills that add value to their organizations and their purpose. Jay Caiafa, vice president of strategy for the Americas at InterContinental Hotels Group, shares how his background in the military, management consulting, and the law helps shape how he sets strategy for one of the largest hospitality companies in the world.

Bill Treasurer, CEO of Giant Leap Consulting, is an accomplished author, executive coach, and consultant who shares insights from his most recent book, A Leadership Kick in the Ass, on how leaders can recognize and improve their leadership effectiveness. Sometimes what leaders need to grow an organization—or an individual—isn’t something new.

Sometimes it’s something we once knew, but have long since forgotten. At Jabian, we’ve worked hard to live our original mission and purpose every day. We believe it’s one of the reasons for our success and a pillar of strength in our culture. As you look to grow your organization or yourself, it never hurts to first look within. You might just find that what got you to today can help get you to tomorrow.

We hope you enjoy this edition of The Jabian Journal, and we welcome your feedback.

Thanks,
Chris, Brian, and Nigel—The Jabian Founding Partners