Strategic Subtraction
This week we’re riffing on a timely Harvard Business Review piece: “In Turbulent Times, Consider Strategic Subtraction.” HBR says when uncertainty spikes, leaders instinctively reach for more — more channels, more metrics, more initiatives — but the real advantage is often found in what you remove, not what you add.
It introduces a “triple test” for subtraction:
- Efficiency – cut wasteful activities.
- Resilience – make core systems stronger, not brittle.
- Prominence – keep visibility and value clear for customers.
„In a world where everyone is chasing more, the companies that win are the ones who ruthlessly decide what they will stop doing. That’s not austerity — that’s strategy.“
Why now? With macro uncertainty still high and teams overloaded, the default reaction is to layer on more noise. Strategic subtraction gives you a framework to clear out the clutter and focus your GTM on what actually drives revenue.
Article here: https://hbr.org/2025/06/in-turbulent-times-consider-strategic-subtraction
Revenue Strategy Nugget – Your Quick Play This Week
Here’s how to put Strategic Subtraction into your GTM in a way that shows up on the revenue scoreboard:
- Factoid 1: McKinsey research suggests simplification initiatives could unlock over $7B in value by eliminating unnecessary complexity.
- Factoid 2: Teams are 2.3× more likely to reward launching new things than retiring old tactics — even when the old things distract from revenue.
This week:
- Cut one GTM channel or tactic that under‑delivers pipeline — fewer distractions = clearer execution.
- Consolidate messaging around your strongest value prop — simplicity converts better than confusion.
- Track one true north metric: pipeline velocity, CAC vs LTV, or win rate — not vanity metrics.
Pro tip: Removing low‑value tactics often boosts performance because teams can focus deeply on what’s proven to work.
More practical tips: LinkedIn
Behind the Scenes – Founder Reality Check
We’re two female founders who ditched corporate life for CRO2go. Translation: we signed up for a full-time rollercoaster. Some days we feel like superheroes. Some days like interns trying to figure out Slack. But on all the days – we do not regret our decision and love working on the international landscape of GTM and Revenue.
The fun part? Every market teaches us something new. Singapore: move fast or get left behind. UAE: relationships can move mountains — but patience is required. Switzerland: rules matter. Sweden: consensus rules… sometimes too much.
Last week we asked the brutal questions: Which habits are holding us back? Which channels are wasting our time?
We dropped:
- Rigid corporate processes.
- Underperforming channels.
- Vanity metrics.
We focused:
- GTM moves that actually drive revenue.
- Clear messaging.
- The metrics that matter.
Startup thinking = agility combined with strategic excellence from corporate. A strong combo we bring to every client. Result: faster decisions, sharper focus, and a global perspective that keeps us humble, bold, and occasionally laughing at ourselves. Startups teach you to do less — but better — and to enjoy the ride while you’re at it.
Now your turn: What’s your one GTM subtraction this week? Reply to this email or hit us up on LinkedIn — let’s compare moves 🙂
