Introduction

I've always looked for business lessons in unexpected places. Maybe it's because I grew up doing ballet and theatre, where putting on a show felt surprisingly similar to running a consulting project. These days, I've found some of the best lessons in my kitchen.

I've been on a sourdough bread journey for more than 10 years. Along the way, I've learned how to bake some pretty delicious bread—and I've also learned a surprising amount about planning, patience, iteration, resilience, and creativity.

The starter itself has taught me a lot.

It needs to be fed regularly. It develops and matures over time (kind of like wine and spirits!). It's at the core of everything you bake, providing a consistent foundation that can be crafted into almost anything.

And now, I'm crafting something new in my career.

I will always remain true to my core values: honesty, critical thinking, collaboration, and dedication. Just in a new form.

Perhaps a rustic pizza instead of a crusty country loaf. The possibilities are endless.

I'm excited to introduce Blade Advisory, my new consulting firm, helping companies solve complex commercial challenges—from commercial planning and route-to-market strategy to distributor management, portfolio strategy, innovation, and commercial leadership.

Blade is my middle name (and nickname to those in the know), but it also represents how I approach my work: I'm always sharpening my skills and honing my craft. And yes, I've apparently been branding my sourdough for a while, too.

I may not have a fancy new steam oven (yet), but I do have a few new sous chefs: Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity. They're helping me test ideas faster, challenge my thinking, and explore new possibilities.

Are they doing the same for you yet?

In this upcoming series, I'll be exploring what bakers, chefs, makers, and business leaders might have to teach each other—from fermentation and planning to the importance of having the right tools, to knowing when to discard something and start over.