Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times

This is a strategy “playbook” in the best sense. It is practice driven and full of case vignettes. A book of great relevance to smaller emerging growth companies. It is not an academic tome. That said, Rebecca Homkes knows the strategy literature. She has solid academic credentials and is adept at synthesizing complex ideas into diagnostic checklists and brings considerable fieldwork know how to this book. Most importantly, she is attentive to the importance of strategy execution and the need for both operational discipline and learning agility. Leadership tasks I call “painting with two hands”. This is a core executive skill in my experience. As a playbook, the book has a much needed pragmatic tone and feel to it with solid content. The strengths of the book are many and are supported with templates and checklists useful in structuring and facilitating strategy “reset” sessions. That said, the many strengths of this book are also its core weakness. She goes wide vs deep with few deep dives offering the reader what anthropologists call “thick descriptions” of clients needs. I wish she brought more of a reflective voice to the book drawing on her own learnings as a practitioner. Also, I think she under-attends to the complexity of the “survive” task when financial resources (balance sheet and cash) are thin making “playing offense” very tricky. Also, the many diagnostic checklists in the book would be better served if organized in a master appendix. In sum, strategy is dynamic and context specific. No plug and play formulas work. Nuanced thinking is needed and great skill in leading change. In sum, this book offers the thoughtful reader rich content which can be adapted to your situation. Well worth a read.

Me encantaría que existiera la versión en español.

Survive, Reset, Thrive isn’t just a timely read — it’s a necessary one. Rebecca Homkes delivers a practical and energizing playbook for navigating uncertainty, making bold yet thoughtful decisions, and leading with strategic clarity in volatile times. What makes this book stand out is its core framework: the SRT loop--a dynamic process of stabilizing (Survive), rethinking and realigning (Reset), and executing for long-term growth (Thrive). It’s a structure that feels deeply grounded in reality, not just theory.One concept that really struck me was belief-driven decision making--the idea that leaders must act based on informed beliefs about the future, even when data is incomplete or ambiguous. As someone currently leading through an extended period of organizational uncertainty, this reframing was powerful. It gave language to the tension many of us feel between waiting for certainty and the need to move forward.While the book is written with senior executives in mind, Rebecca is clear from the outset that functional leaders--those leading teams or business units--can absolutely use this playbook. That inclusiveness matters. Many of us are leading from the middle, trying to make sense of fast-moving change, and Survive, Reset, Thrive offers tools and insights we can apply immediately, even without being at the very top.This book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it offers something far more valuable: clarity, structure, and a sense of agency. Whether your organization is in survival mode or seeking your next wave of growth, this is a book you’ll want to keep close--and revisit often.

In a world of linear thinking Rebecca Homkes loops us in. Enter Survive, Reset, Thrive (SRT) - and it’s 250 pages of informative & transformative thinking.The book stands out for its pragmatic approach, appealing to both seasoned leaders and those new to #leadership concepts. Its strength lies in the synthesis of varied dynamics into a cohesive and well-articulated narrative. The book never forces its ideas but instead presents them in a manner that feels natural and intuitive.The strategic use of tables and charts throughout enhances its accessibility, particularly for visual learners, reinforcing key points and facilitating understanding.Structurally, the book is divided into three main parts, covering the SRT principles. The portrayal of SRT as a flexible, loop process that one can engage with at any point is particularly enlightening.The narrative is organised around those pivotal stages: (In my words) Issue Identification, Transformation, and Growth. Each section is imbued with actionable insights and strategies. The introduction of "power moves" to navigate the Survival stage and the emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in strategic thinking are important. The examination of how trends, beliefs, and assumptions intersect offers moments of profound reflection.An additional layer of depth is provided through practical case studies, such as the WD-40 Company's application in the Reset phase. The discussion around the distinction between precision and accuracy emerges as a critical takeaway, highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of strategic planning.As the book progresses to the Thrive stage, it outlines essential victories and warns against potential pitfalls with compelling language, such as the concept of "false air cover."In concluding, the book impresses upon the reader the importance of integrating end-to-end elements, suggesting its utility as a comprehensive ‘field manual’. Although there may be divergences in opinion regarding some of the finer points, the overall framework and strategic flow of the book are undeniably impactful.In essence, "Survive, Reset, Thrive" is a compelling and insightful read, offering valuable perspectives and methodologies for managers at all levels. It does require an investment of time and effort, but promises rich dividends in understanding.

A well written and powerful book. It's clear that the author has deep expertise both in practice and in theory and this work offers key insights for increasingly volatile times.