Rapid Moves, Big Gains: The Key to Thriving in Business

How Speedy Execution Separates the Leaders from the Followers

In the world of business, speed is often the difference between success and mediocrity. Having worked in both large corporations and nimble startups, I’ve learned that moving quickly isn’t just a strategy—it’s a necessity. The slower you move, the more you risk becoming irrelevant. Yet, in corporate America, the 30/60/90 day plan is often hailed as a gold standard. But let’s be honest: who in the hell has 90 days to jump into action?

The 30/60/90 Day Plan

In theory, the 30/60/90 day plan is designed to give new hires a structured approach to learning and integrating into their role. But in practice, it’s a testament to how sluggishly some corporations operate. By the time you’ve reached day 90, the culture has already started to shape you, and the team has made their judgments about your abilities. You’re not a fresh face anymore; you’re part of the machine.

Meanwhile, in startups, there’s no time for drawn-out acclimation periods. You hit the ground running, or you get left behind. The idea of spending 90 days “getting to know the landscape” is laughable when every day counts towards survival and growth. Startups thrive on speed, and that’s why they’re more innovative and adaptable than their corporate counterparts.

The Corporate Drone Mentality

I’ve seen firsthand how corporate culture can stifle innovation with its endless PowerPoint presentations and meetings that could have been an email. You’re expected to spend days putting together a deck to sell an executive on something that could not be more blatantly obvious. But instead of decisive action, you’re met with blank stares and hesitation from people who’ve climbed the ladder by playing it safe and kissing the right asses, rather than thinking critically.

In one particularly mind-blowing instance that I recently experienced, a newly appointed executive was introduced to their team in a Zoom call. When asked about their plan, they casually stated that they would “observe for the next six months and then begin formulating a plan.” No pre-work, no understanding of the organizational landscape, no strategy to make an immediate impact—just six months of sitting back and watching. By the time this person got around to doing anything, the rest of the team had already made a year’s worth of progress.

The Power of Moving Fast

I've always believed in moving fast in everything I do, and it’s a philosophy that has served me well. Sure, you might make mistakes along the way, but I'd rather course-correct in real time than spend months overanalyzing a problem while others leapfrog your idea. In my experience, moving quickly in corporate America immediately sets you apart. Your colleagues recognize your commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness to give 100% from day one. You rack up quick wins, and before long, your value becomes undeniable.

One of the most prominent business leaders (and one I actively despise) who embodies this concept is Jeff Bezos who built Amazon into a juggernaut by constantly emphasizing speed and customer focus. Bezos famously implemented the "two-pizza rule" to ensure that teams were small and agile enough to make decisions quickly. Amazon's rise from an online bookstore to one of the world’s most valuable companies is a testament to how speed and agility in decision-making can drive exponential growth. Bezos didn’t wait for consensus—he encouraged quick, data-driven decisions that allowed Amazon to outmaneuver competitors.

Startups: The Intersection of Speed and Fun

Startups aren’t just more productive than corporate entities—they’re also a lot more fun. When you’re in a startup, every day is a new challenge, and there’s a palpable energy that comes from knowing you’re building something from the ground up. You’re not just a cog in the machine; you’re part of a team that’s driving change, usually in ways that larger companies can’t even dream of.

In startups, there’s no room for bureaucracy. Decisions are made quickly, ideas are implemented without lengthy approval processes, and everyone’s voice matters. This creates an environment where creativity thrives and where people are genuinely excited to come to work every day. Compare this to the often soul-crushing monotony of corporate life, where innovation is stifled by layers of management and where it can take months just to get approval to test a new idea.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, once said, "If you’re not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you’ve launched too late." This mindset encapsulates the essence of startup culture—move fast, iterate, and don’t be afraid to fail. In startups, failure isn’t a career-ending disaster; it’s a learning opportunity. This willingness to take risks and act quickly is what makes startups such fertile ground for innovation and personal growth.

Speed as a Differentiator

Moving fast in business is not just about getting ahead; it’s about staying ahead. In today’s current business environment, where change is the only constant, those who act quickly will always outpace those who hesitate. When you move fast, you create momentum, and momentum creates opportunities. Your team sees you as a leader, not just another cog in the machine. They trust you because you’ve proven that you’re here to make things happen—not to coast.

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone stepping into a new role, it’s this: don’t wait 90 days to make your mark. Start day one. By the time 90 days have passed, you should already be thinking about your next move, not just beginning to settle in.

And if you’re going to take six months to “figure it out,” do yourself a favor—don’t say the quiet part out loud.