#299 From Panic to Profit, Via Data with Bill Canady, CEO at Arrowhead Engineered Products

Data-driven turnarounds are transforming how struggling businesses find their path back to profitability. When companies falter, the key to recovery can often lies in understanding which 20% of customers and products generate 80% of profits. But how do you quickly identify these critical assets when time is running out? What metrics should you prioritize when cash flow is tight? For data professionals, the challenge extends beyond analysis to implementation—balancing the need for automation of routine tasks while reskilling employees for higher-value work. The intersection of empathy and analytics becomes crucial as teams navigate the emotional journey of organizational change while making tough decisions based on hard numbers.

Bill Canady is CEO at Arrowhead Engineered Products and a global business executive with over 30 years of experience across a range of industries. Bill is known for aligning with stakeholders to establish clear, growth-oriented strategies, as well as leading global public, private, and private equity-owned companies by building strong leadership teams and fostering deep relationships. As the former CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies, he oversaw $1 billion in annual sales. Under his leadership, OTC achieved over 43% revenue growth and a 78% increase in earnings. Throughout his career, Bill has guided organizations through complex challenges in regulatory, investor, and media landscapes. Drawing on his extensive experience, he developed the Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS) to help business leaders worldwide drive sustainable, profitable growth.

In the episode, Richie and Bill explore the journey from panic to profit in failing companies, the 100-day turnaround process, leveraging data for decision-making, the Pareto principle in business, automation's role in efficiency, and the importance of empathy and continuous learning in leadership, and much more.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

Bill’s new book: From Panic to ProfitThe 80/20 CEO by Bill Canady • Connect with BillBill’s websiteSkill Track: AI LeadershipRelated Episode: Leadership in the AI Era with Dana Maor, Senior Partner at McKinsey & CompanySign up to attend RADAR: Skills Edition

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