Books

Our books reflect our experience in the field and the latest research on what it means to compete in a complex world

growth-in-the-age-of-complexity-drop-shadowGrowth in the Age of Complexity

Authored by cofounders and managing partners Andrei Perumal and Stephen Wilson, Growth in the Age of Complexity (McGraw-Hill), is a cutting-edge resource that untangles the layers of complexity that often prevent companies from achieving profitable growth.

Since its release, Growth in the Age of Complexity has earned praise from high-profile executives and garnered attention and acclaim, reaching #12 on the Porchlight Book Company Bestseller List.

Filled with real-world examples, this essential text explains what it means to achieve true scale in today’s Age of Complexity℠. The book provides guidance for companies on how to assess their current strategy, and details the critical mindsets and skillsets needed to plot a course towards sustainable, profitable growth. Perumal and Wilson expose the Growth Paradox—illuminating how the very actions companies take to grow often limit their growth—and offer actionable, expert advice on how to achieve growth and maintain a competitive advantage while avoiding the Sirens of Growth™.

“Packed with powerful management insights and strategies critical for success in the Age of Complexity. Economies of density, the relationship between complexity and risk, being an adjacency skeptic, and the path to becoming a high-reliability organization are concepts that all business leaders today must become familiar with.”
Deborah Gibbins
Deborah Gibbins, CFO Mary Kay Inc.
“Growth in the Age of Complexity is a timely, relevant and thought-provoking narrative on how complexity can undermine growth and slow down once-nimble organizations. Perumal and Wilson provide a framework for diagnosing growth issues and uncovering root causes, and a guide to help us figure out what to do about it (and what not to do!). An excellent read!”
Steve Voorhees
Steve Voorhees, CEO WestRock Company
“This is a terrific book! Unnecessary complexity is the enemy of all great businesses. This book eloquently explains how complexity can impede growth and scale, and maps a way out of a dilemma that confronts and confounds many companies today.”
John Browett
John Browett, CEO Dunelm plc
“Rich with thought-provoking concepts such as economies of density and growth through smart variety. A great contribution to the theory and practice of profitable growth.”
Bruce Roberson
Bruce Roberson, Senior Managing Director Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
“Perumal and Wilson offer a nuanced and evidence-based analysis of the paradox of complex growth, but they move beyond description to offer practical and field-tested advice on how to avoid the traps they identify. A great read for any executive seeking profitable growth in a complex world.”
Don Sull
Don Sull, Senior Lecturer MIT Sloan School

waging-war-on-complexity-costs-drop-shadowWaging War on Complexity Costs

Complexity costs are the single biggest determinant of a company’s cost competitiveness. In Waging War on Complexity Costs (McGraw-Hill), Stephen Wilson and Andrei Perumal deliver a potent and practical approach to reclaiming cost advantage.

For the past 25 years, the pursuit of growth has created significant complexity in processes, product portfolios, and organizations—adding costs that companies can ill afford. Complexity not only drives up costs, but also creates a barrier between companies and their customers. The good news is that competitors may be carrying just as much complexity, and for those that take on the challenge, a competitive advantage is on the table. This groundbreaking text expertly guides you through eliminating complexity and unlocking tremendous cost advantage over your competition.

This executive-level resource presents a wealth of insight and new research to definitively answer key questions:

  • How can I quantify the cost of complexity without being overwhelmed by data?
  • Where are the biggest opportunities for reducing product, process, and organizational complexity, and how can I cut through the interdependencies that trap these costs?
  • How can I take targeted actions against key levers to yield quick results?
“This is an ambitious book packed with insight and fresh thinking. Separating good from bad complexity costs is a critical task facing companies today, and the authors provide a compelling roadmap for solving the problem.”
Michael B. McCallister
Michael B. McCallister, President and CEO Humana Inc.
“Waging War on Complexity Costs examines an incredibly important and often overlooked aspect of business and organizations in general―regulators and government officials should read this book and take notice. Complexity dramatically increases costs and risk of failure. It is like a cancer that eats away at efficiency and profitability.”
Andy Beal
Andy Beal, Chairman and CEO Beal Bank
“This is by far the best and most useful explanation of how to address complexity in a business. Waging War on Complexity Costs frames the issue in a way that companies can finally tackle the problem―this book delivers.”
Ahmad R. Chatila
Ahmad R. Chatila, CEO MEMC Electronic Materials Inc.
“This is the first book that really targets organizational complexity in a compelling way, making this a must-read for any organization that is looking to distance itself from the competition.”
Tom DiDonato
Tom DiDonato, EVP Human Resources American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

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