There’s no one-size-fits-all framework for growth. The most successful companies aren’t following someone else’s playbook — they’re executing a strategy tailored to their unique context. At Stratford, we help leaders identify and implement the methodology that’s right for them.
For my entire career, I have been growing companies, at every level, in every kind of situation. That might as well be my tag line ‘I grow companies’. So, it’s not surprising that one of the questions I get asked most often is: How do you do that?
Here’s the truth: I don’t follow a secret formula. But I do have a secret methodology.
Recently, I was having dinner with a group of colleagues — brilliant, experienced leaders who’ve helped scale organizations across industries. Unsurprisingly, the conversation turned to business frameworks.
There are so many respected methodologies to go to; SPIN for sales, Lean for process improvement, ITL, Agile, PMBOK— the list goes on. All have earned their place, and their authors have shaped industries.
So which ones should you apply?
The answer: it depends. Because in the real world, the right methodology isn’t a brand — it’s a fit.
Methodology Matters — But Fit Matters More
Every organization operates in a unique context — size, sector, maturity, people, culture, ambition. What worked for a fast-scaling tech startup may not apply to a capital-intensive manufacturer, and vice versa. While I cut my teeth in sales using SPIN and still value its principles, I’ve also leaned on Lean in operations-heavy environments.
The key takeaway from our dinner conversation wasn’t which system was best — it was the idea that the most powerful methodology is the one that evolves through experience and adapts to your business. Among the ones we debated, this methodology, known as the 10,000 hours methodology, resonated with me most deeply. It’s not something you read in a textbook — it’s the real-world-tested, hard-earned method that emerges from doing the work, learning from setbacks, and building confidence over time.
So, What’s the “Secret” Methodology?
In my career I have used different patented methodologies, I even have coloured belts in one or two, but when it comes to growing a company — really driving transformation — I don’t lean on an off-the-shelf playbook or singular ‘go-to’ methodology.
I inspire leaders to execute on a vision.
And here’s the real secret: it’s their vision, not mine.
Leaders I’ve worked with might think they’re executing my strategy. But the truth is, I help them clarify, own, and act on a vision they already had — sometimes buried under day-to-day pressures, competing priorities, or lack of support.
Maybe I give them the confidence and often I can lean in with experience, but ultimately, I inspire leaders to do what they want to do, not what I am telling them to do.
What I bring — and what Stratford brings — is the structure, perspective, and support to help translate that vision into focused, sustainable action.
Why Custom Strategy Wins Every Time
This philosophy aligns with Stratford’s broader approach to management consulting and scaling strategy. We don’t believe in fitting clients into predefined frameworks. Instead, we:
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- Co-create strategies that reflect your business, your team, and your goals.
- Draw from multiple proven methodologies, choosing what works for your context.
- Act as part of your team, not just advisors — bringing experience, insight, and added capacity.
Because growth isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about building momentum that fits your leadership style, your company’s DNA, and your customer’s needs.
Let’s Find What Works for You
If you’re a senior leader navigating competing priorities, shifting market demands, and the pressure to scale — know this: you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need the right people around you to help clarify and execute the right next step.
Let's Figure Out Your Next Step:
Ready to figure out what will actually work for your organization?
👉 Book a free strategy session with Stratford — no one-size-fits-all, just a conversation about what fits you.
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👉 Explore our latest thinking on scaling strategy to see how other leaders are moving their organizations forward.
[FROM THE ARCHIVES: This article was originally published in 2017 as "Secret Business Growth Methodology". It has been updated with new content.]