Suggestions
Christopher Chen
Experienced Technology Executive in the Greater Los Angeles Area
Salt.Lyt Strategy: Changing the Cybersecurity Narrative
- Old Chase:
Here’s the truth. Cyber startups chase the same VC dream. I’ve been there. The mantra? Go big or go home. This race? It’s crowded, undifferentiated, costly. Failed ventures pile up. The real kicker? Cyber breaches wreak havoc in underserved markets. The last, least, lost pay the high price of our herd instincts in uniform pursuit.
- Reimagined future:
Picture this. Cyber startups and incumbents not clashing, but collaborating. Success isn’t about cashing out; it’s about making a dent, building something enduring. What if the real win is in not playing the usual game?
- My Journey:
This isn’t just professional; it’s personal. My 25-year trek in the cyber arena; rooted in Singapore, branching to Israel, Taiwan, South Korea showed me the potential for a different reality. In nations under constant cyber siege, startups are not just businesses competing for dominance. They bring change. They bring hope.
- The Insight:
Being a cyber startup investor and builder taught me something: the killer isn’t competition, but the urge to compete. Imagine ignoring the hype. Even giving up market share. Instead, find your unique value to serve underserved markets. Simple? Hardly. But real progress demands it. And real change needs clarity and conviction.
- The Difference:
Enter Salt.Lyt Strategy. My personal saga turned into a mission for 100 cyber startups. This isn’t about joining the fray; it’s about standing apart. “Salt” to sharpen your unique edge. “Light” to illuminate the new grounds. And no ivory theories here. Strategies fail because they are nebulous, lifeless, impotent. We eschew the generic for strategies that resonate, differentiate, captivate. Our creed? We are in it to drive real change. Ditch the fluff for strategies that light fires, drive actions.
- Your Turn:
Cyber pioneers, ready to break the mould? Let’s work together, crafting not just a legacy of success. But of significance. Competition becomes an echo of the past. Forge paths defined by unity, marked by distinctiveness. Let’s embark on this journey together.
Highlights
It’s a bad day for cybersecurity. Not just for the CrowdStrike related outage. But the way some responded. Many empathize. But a few chose to cannibalize. To imply this will not happen. If we use their solutions. Really?
They seem to know the problem. Better than Crowdstrike. And Crowdstrike is still investigating this. Because they first focus on helping those affected. As quickly as they can.
And that’s where we can make a difference too. To show 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞. To Crowdstrike to do its job. And 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. That this can happen to anyone of us. Even in our best efforts.
Give and it will be given to you. For the measure you use, It will be measured to you.
We are stronger together. Let’s wish George Kurtz and the Crowdstrike team our best. To resolve this swiftly.
Nobody respects strategy. And strategy deserves it. Why? Because of 3 overlooked strategy myths.
- Strategy must deliver a 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖕𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊 advantage💪
Strategy zooms in on competition - to be the best. But best is synonym for the same. So strategy becomes generic. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀. Instead, strategy must abandon competition. And help you find unique value that the market wants. That it cannot get anywhere else. 𝗕𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁.
- Strategy is 𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑 for success 🎯
Strategy is not a pre-requisite for success. Being different is not needed for short term growth. Or even long term growth. Effort can get you there i.e grit. But strategy substitutes effort and gets you further. So strategy should be measured by 𝗵𝗼𝘄, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 things get done.
- Strategy has to be 𝖈𝖑𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗💡
We think strategy is about new and clever ways. And we intuitively lean in to overhaul business 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀. Structures, systems, skills etc. But the 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 are just as important. When ignored, strategy becomes unactionable and impotent. It tries to do more with more, i.e ask for more resources. We know how that conversation goes. The alternative? Do more with same or less, i.e ask more from (human) resources. People resist, burnout or leave. Instead strategy must first 𝗱𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀. Be 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 about the few things to get done. And clear the way for people to get things done.
Love to know which strategy myth is your biggest pain in comments. Include those not in the above.
In the next post, we will discuss HOW 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 strategy can overcome these pain points to ignite people into action. To bring the best people, and best out of people.
Meanwhile, highly recommend a weekend read, Alex M H Smith's "No bullshit strategy". It anchored my thoughts for this post.
And I have read it several times in different strategic situations. It’s the gift that keeps giving. 🎁
Blessed weekend (Shabbat Shalom) 🧡
