Here are some key insights from SKOR CEO, Eddie Geller, after attending CultureCon…
I was at CultureCon last week and at one of the keynotes, there was a slide that caught my attention. It was a powerful visual of runners in motion, accompanied by the words: "THINK big, START small, MOVE fast." These three simple phrases shared by Orlando Ashford resonated with me, encapsulating a philosophy that has shaped successful leadership and organizational transformation over the years.
As CEOs, we are constantly pressured to deliver results and build companies that can adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape. Yet, the sheer scale of what we aim to accomplish can feel overwhelming. “Thinking big” is essential because it defines the vision — the beacon that guides our teams. However, too many leaders get bogged down in the immensity of their goals and never get off the starting block. They over-plan, overthink, and become paralyzed by the fear of imperfection.
This is where “starting small” becomes the pivotal step. Leaders who win don’t wait for the perfect conditions. They know that momentum begins with action, however modest. One small, well-executed step leads to the next, and the path forward becomes clearer. In fact, as I reflected on this slide, I realized how many groundbreaking companies and ideas started as something small — an experiment, a prototype, or even a conversation — before evolving into what we admire today.
The last part of the mantra — “moving fast” — is the heartbeat of competitive advantage. In today’s world, speed matters. Not in the sense of reckless execution but in fostering a culture of agility. Teams that are empowered to move quickly, make decisions, and iterate on their learnings will always outpace those who linger in analysis paralysis. As a CEO, creating a space where it's okay to fail fast but learn even faster can be your most effective strategy.
If this idea resonates with you, ask yourself: What are your organization’s big dreams? Have you articulated them clearly? More importantly, what small, tangible actions can you take today to start? Then, challenge your team to move fast. Adapt. Iterate. Adjust course if necessary, but always keep moving forward. That’s the way to win the race.
This one slide reminded me of a simple truth: success doesn’t always come from the grand, sweeping gestures. It’s often the result of bold thinking, small steps, and relentless forward motion.