IBM brought in Louis Gerstner from outside the tech industry in 1993, a period when the company was nearing bankruptcy. Intense competition from companies like Microsoft and Intel, combined with IBM’s bureaucratic structure, led to inefficiencies, high costs, and record losses. Gerstner brought a fresh, outsider perspective to operations, emphasizing customer-focused solutions rather than simply selling hardware.
Gerstner restructured IBM to focus on IT services and consulting, paving the way for the integrated solutions model that IBM became known for in later years. His leadership transformed IBM from a hardware-focused company into a leader in global IT services, marking a pivotal turnaround in its history.
The increasing complexity of today’s business environment means that sometimes even the most astute of leaders can’t see the wood from the trees.
Startup founders are time and resource-poor, and they often embark on an entrepreneurial journey based on some very specific skill sets. A prime example of this is in the technology startup sector where founders are often at the top of their game when it comes to solutions – but lack hands-on experience when it comes to project management and rolling out strategy.
New Jersey-based Eunice Torres, founder and CEO of EfficientEdge Strategies, operational architect, strategic leader, fractional COO advisor and innovator believes that many COOs, especially in the startup environment, suffer from a type of tunnel vision when it comes to optimizing operations and project management.
According to Eunice Torres, startup leadership faces various challenges, including financial issues like securing funding and managing cash flow. They often struggle with operational problems, such as poor budgeting and resource allocation. Team dynamics, including hiring the right talent, can also be difficult. Additionally, misaligned priorities in product development and a lack of clear business planning hinder progress. Finally, underestimating the importance of effective marketing complicates customer acquisition efforts.
The Fractional Advantage
“External advisors bring fresh perspectives and specialized expertise that can help startups navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate growth. Their experience often fills critical gaps that internal teams may not have the bandwidth or knowledge to address,” says Torres.
Eunice and her team specialize in optimizing operations and project management, helping organizations overcome bottlenecks and achieve sustainable growth. Torres explains, “One of my passions is culinary exploration, and I’ve found that whether you’re planning a meal or scaling for success, preparation is key.”
Eunice and the EfficientEdge Strategies team specialize in business process improvement, optimizing cross-functional team leadership, enhancing team efficiency and focusing on new business development, each of which will be vital to the long-term success of the startup as it migrates from one stage of its lifecycle to the next.
According to Torres, companies shouldn’t overlook the value of a structured approach to team efficiency and operations. “With the right advice, preparation and training, teams are empowered to perform confidently, leading to significant efficiency payoffs.
Torres has seen firsthand how startups benefit from the fractional COO model, including a focus on issues that can mean the difference between success and failure, “The fractional COO model offers several benefits for startups. By bringing in external experts, companies can enhance operational efficiency and management capabilities, particularly when scaling globally. This approach introduces diverse skill sets and fresh perspectives, driving significant improvements in company operations,” states Torres.
Hiring external experts offers several other key benefits for organizations. Firstly, these new hires bring valuable industry knowledge and experience, introducing tried and tested approaches that can be adapted to unique challenges. Additionally, they can provide mentorship to existing staff, infusing energy into the team and bridging skill gaps.
By conducting a thorough assessment of current operations, organizations can identify areas where external expertise or innovative solutions are needed, ranging from project management to advanced financial strategies.
Optimizing Team Performance
Torres believes that a focused approach to hiring is the key to organizational competitiveness and high-performance teams. She strongly believes that finding the right people means going beyond the resume.
Torres comments, “An effective hiring strategy begins with a clear definition of needs, starting with a detailed assessment of your team’s current expertise to identify gaps that new hires could effectively fill. It’s not just about experience and qualifications; it’s vital to find individuals who possess the right skill sets and align with the company culture to drive positive change.
However, the ROI of any new hire depends on how that asset is managed, according to Torres there are a variety of operational imperatives that must be met to maximize value. “Ensuring impactful integration of new hires involves creating a welcoming, collaborative environment, implementing structured onboarding programs, and encouraging knowledge sharing across departments to boost team cohesion and morale.”
Focusing on getting the best from employees is time-consuming and requires expert advice. At the same time, a startup scaling for success may be reluctant to expend scarce financial resources on a full-time asset.
For many organizations, the solution is to reach out to a fractional COO. However, according to Torres, it isn’t just about finances or even time savings, it’s about efficiency.
Torres states, “Hiring externally isn’t just about filling roles; it’s a strategic move to enhance innovation and efficiency. With a fractional COO and the expertise of EfficientEdge Strategies, organizations can adapt quickly to meet current demands and excel in future opportunities.
Eunice Torres specializes in project and operations management, business process improvement, strategic planning, and business analytics. Her innovative mindset and commitment to excellence have earned her exceptional recommendations from C-suite executives and management teams.
To learn more about her unique approach to the seamless integration of operations and project management, visit her LinkedIn page or her website.
