Business Acumen
Think Like a Business Owner
10,000 Feet
Successful employees UNDERSTAND their business. Not just what they sell and who they sell it to, but the larger picture of the organization. How does money move in and out of a company? What do key metrics and ratios tell us about the business? How can speaking the language of business enhance my ability to attract and better service clients?
The award-winning Zodiak simulation answers these questions and more. The high-energy, active simulation-based experience has reached more than 2.5 MILLION participants across the globe.
Active Learning at it’s true finest, this amazing program immerses participants into a competitive simulation that allows them to “run” their very own business for three simulated years. Don’t let the game fool you – it’s a robust program that delves into P&L mastery, and all the mechanisms behind the numbers.
Why?
Because MBA programs take years and a lot of money. Give your participants a crash course in finance in a fast-paced (and FUN) day and have them walk out the door ready to THINK like business owners. The program has been delivered across all industries to rave reviews. Chris has personally written and delivered custom programs for some of the best companies in America, including, Walmart, Microsoft, CDW, Tech Data and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
Who Should Attend?
Prior audiences have included people from all levels of organizations from senior executives to directors, managers and general contributors. Sessions can have a mix of people throughout an organization or can be focused on a team or division. No prior financial knowledge is required; in fact, many sessions range from folks who have never taken a single finance class in their lives to people with “finance” in their job title working together to amazing discussions and results!
Duration
This program moves in a brisk, efficient full-day session. Custom versions can be created for more in-depth multi-day formats, and an accelerated version exists for organizations looking to condense into a half-day format. The simulation is constantly woven with real examples from each client’s real-life challenges and results.
Group Size
The ideal group size is 10-32 participants. However, we have facilitated sessions for as may as 400 participants in a large ballroom (national meetings, conferences, etc.) Additional facilitators are required for large sessions.
Core Competencies
- Understanding the P&L (Income Statement)
- The impact of cash (and the difference between ‘cash’ and ‘profit’)
- How strategic decisions impact both the top and bottom line
- Understanding key business metrics
- Connecting core financial concepts back to the real-life results of the business
- The importance of forecasting (and some hands-on practice!)
- Compete against the other teams in the room to generate cash, grow revenue and maximize profit!
The Takeaway
Energized participants who leave the session with an understanding of a P&L and Balance Sheet, an ability to forecast (pro forma), who understand the importance of cash (Cash is King!), and who walk away THINKING like business owners.
Participant
Essilor
