The Execution Advantage

"A winning strategy in business today is no longer a noun; it a verb. Flexibility and learning are keys to success in an uncertain world, which means shorter planning cycles, more experimentation, more honest reflection, and more frequent pivots. This marvelous and useful guide can help you implement the mindset and practices you need to get started.'

Amy C Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership, Harvard Business School; author of Right Kind of Wrong: The science of failing well (Atria, 2023)

"Alexander Loudon takes after my own heart and puts people at the center of strategy, offering invaluable wisdom on how to do exactly that. His practical advice and structured approach to enhancing focus, collaboration, and discipline resonate deeply. From the insightful model he introduces early in the book to the meticulous tools, checklists, and leadership nuggets, this book serves as a roadmap for turning strategy into reality. If you share my passion for transforming vision into tangible results, The Execution Advantage is an essential read."

Hubert Joly, former Best Buy CEO, senior lecturer Harvard Business School, Author, The Heart of Business

About the book

Success awaits those who can execute a powerful strategy; this book will show you how to unlock this ultimate competitive advantage

'The Execution Advantage' reveals the secrets of organisations that excel at strategy execution, by putting people at the heart of it.
Discover how these exceptional companies prioritise effectively, empower for action, embrace learning by doing, and successfully adapt to change. They acknowledge that humans do not always act rationally and that each organisation is unique. Their workforce turns their strategy into tangible results through focus, collaboration, and discipline.

This no-nonsense and start-to-finish guide will empower you to take action with confidence and boost your company's strategy execution. Benefit from:
- Clarity: uncover the big picture with the help of a straightforward and comprehensive, end-to-end framework
- Hands-on guidance: discover actionable step-by-step advice and easy-to-adopt tools that have proven themselves in practic
- Real-world inspiration: dive into vivid and diverse examples ranging from Amazon to Ikea to the Wildlife Conservation Societ
- Holistic approach: learn to combine 'hard' factors such as resource allocation with 'soft' factors such as team effectiveness and organisational dynamics
- Reflection: use the thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter to apply its content to your company

By boosting your company's strategy execution, you will not only outperform your peers but also foster increased employee engagement, unlocking your organisation's full potential.

Endorsements

"A strategy is as good as its execution. Alexander Loudon offers a refreshing blend of no-nonsense advice and engaging storytelling in this must-have addition to your reading list. It will structure your approach, and that way strengthen your strategy execution."

Bart van den Nieuwenhof, CEO, Nexeye

"Loudon guides you through the strategy process straightforwardly with actionable in sights, tools and interesting examples. After each chapter, I got more ideas to apply in our company and a boost in my enthusiasm for strategy execution. I am a big fan of the Execution Advantage Model. An inspiring read!."

Mark Schreuders, Chief Commercial Officer, COROOS

"As an expert in collaborative, networking organisations for complex issues with many stakeholders, I endorse The Execution Advantage for pinpointing the most important ingredients for the success of a strategy: the involvement and engagement of people throughout the organisations in the ecosystem. The how-to, pragmatic and human approach of this book with an easy-to-follow strategy framework makes it a must-read for boardrooms up to work councils, professionals and advisors to make strategy happen and enjoy the process to get it done collaboratively."

Prof. Dr. Annemieke J.M. Roobeek, Professor of Strategy and Transformation Management, Nyenrode Business University, experienced non-executive in international companies

"The longstanding idea of blending both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ elements in the execution of a strategy is well-recognised. Nonetheless, the real test lies in effectively applying this concept. Loudon masterfully addresses this challenge by respecting a company’s core identity while introducing a disciplined and systematic approach. With the inclusion of compelling real-world examples and valuable resources, this book emerges as an indispensable guide for anyone navigating the complexities of strategy implementation."

Bernd Postma, CEO, Delicia

"Dive into a revelation: This book uncovers the key to successful strategy execution – prioritising people. It’s a celebration of organisations that break free from convention, embracing humanity’s complexities and valuing their organisation’s unique essence."

Stephanie Moles Rota, Global People Senior Director, o9 Solutions Inc

"In today’s world, with so many developments in parallel requiring a strategic response, there’s only one way to survive: putting people at the heart of strategy execution. This book shows you how."

Monika van Hoogenvest, Chief Marketing Officer, Ordina

" With many strategy books, I find the author articulates the problem and then settles back to admire their work. In The Execution Advantage, Alexander not only effectively articulates the issue but also provides a practical and effective approach to strategy execution. The approach delivers real value to an organisation and, ultimately, its customers by ensuring strategy is core to the DNA of an organisation. Emphasising focus, collaboration, and discipline as the keys to achieving results, this takes strategy off the dusty shelf and brings it to life. This book is your one-stop guide for successful strategy execution!"

Adrian Howells, Principal Strategic Portfolio Management, Vodafon

"This book contains a timeless collection of practicable strategy planning and execution models. It should be a staple in every leader’s bookshelf, and I will keep it readily available."

Daniel Parlak, Partnerships Lead, Wolt / DoorDash

"Alexander Loudon has written a very inspiring and comprehensive guide on how to turn strategy into results. This book captures the essence of executing strategy and is a must-read for every business leader who wants to improve the success of their business."

Marc van Maris, Director of Strategy, Business Development & Expansion, Hunkemöller

" I love the combination of captivating real-world examples with challenging insights on how to make strategy execution work. Specifically, the questions for reflection at the end of each chapter provide a practical bridge to apply the book’s principles to the unique needs of your organisation."

Cretièn Brandsma, 2020 till present Board Member Customer Management, 1&1 Telecommunications SE (2015 till 2020 Group Director Customer Value Management, VEON; 2004 till 2015 various Executive management positions, Vodafone