Andrea Olson

Davenport

Host at The Customer Mission

Author of What to Ask, TEDx Speaker, Applied Behavioral Scientist, Customer-Centricity Expert, HBR Contributor.

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Articles

Executive Micromanaging Hurts Company Communications

3 days ago | inc.com | Andrea Olson

In many organizations, the final approval of key messaging, strategic communications, and even product copy rests with executive leadership. While leaders should be involved in setting tone and direction, some cross the line into relentless wordsmithing—an obsessive, often ego-driven tweaking of language that slows progress, demoralizes teams, and derails momentum. At first glance, a leader’s desire for polished communication might seem admirable. After all, clarity and consistency are important.
Corporate Culture Looks a Lot Like the Dystopia of 'Severance'

3 weeks ago | inc.com | Andrea Olson

In Apple TV+’s enigmatic thriller Severance, employees at the mysterious Lumon Industries undergo a surgical procedure that separates their work memories from their personal lives. This science fiction premise has struck a chord with viewers not just for its mind-bending plot. Also, what stands out are the uncomfortable truths it reveals about modern corporate culture.
Founders, This Missing Strategy Will Transform Your Business's Finance

1 month ago | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Maximizing the impact of every dollar starts with the right strategy. EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA OLSON, CEO, PRAGMADIK @PRAGMADIKAPR 12, 2025Illustration: Getty ImagesListen to this ArticleMore infoAs an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that my relationship with money isn’t just about counting dollars. It’s about strategy — more specifically, making strategic decisions that can either fuel my business or bring it to a grinding halt.
How to Uncover Your Hidden Competitive Advantage

2 months ago | inc.com | Andrea Olson

We live in a world dominated by data—big data, small data, and AI-driven analytics. But I’ve learned something important over the years: The real value lies in the conversations we have with people. In the quiet, unmeasurable moments when customers and employees speak their truths. It’s in those moments we find what our competitors overlook—the raw insight that sparks innovation. Data can show trends, but it can’t tell you why people act the way they do.
Why Your Department Leaders Are Set Up to Fail—And What to Do About It

2 months ago | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Executives love to talk about strategy. They throw around terms like “competitive advantage” and “market differentiation,” yet somehow, when it comes to the actual execution of strategy within their organizations, the conversation falls apart. Why? Because most companies don’t teach their department leaders how to think strategically. Instead, middle and senior managers are trained to hit key performance indicators, optimize efficiency, and execute directives from above.
Why Your Goals Need a 'Choice Framework' to Get Great Results

Feb 1, 2025 | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Without a framework, goals remain wishful thinking rather than achievable realities. EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA OLSON, CEO, PRAGMADIK @PRAGMADIKFEB 1, 2025Illustration: Getty ImagesWhen a company sets ambitious goals, the temptation is to rally the troops with inspiring declarations: “Put the customer first!” or “Always deliver on our promises!” But while these sentiments sound great on paper (or in a company-wide email), they often fall short in execution. Why?
Your Reliance on Business Jargon Is Sabatoging Your Succcess

Jan 25, 2025 | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Vague language derails organizations and leaves teams directionless, leading to misaligned priorities, wasted effort, and constant firefighting. EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA OLSON, CEO, PRAGMADIK @PRAGMADIKJAN 25, 2025Illustration: Inc; Photo: Getty ImagesSelf-sabotage is universal. Individuals do it through behaviors like micromanaging, blaming, or playing favorites. Companies, on the other hand, sabotage themselves in more systemic ways, from poor decision-making to outdated processes.
Does Your Company Have Mental Shrinkage?

Nov 13, 2024 | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Innovation atrophy will happen in any company unless you fight it. That’s why you have to stay ahead of it. EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA OLSON, CEO, PRAGMADIK @PRAGMADIKNOV 13, 2024Illustration: Getty ImagesIf you’re in the hospitality, retail, or grocery business, you understand the concept of shrinkage. It’s when inventory expires, goes bad, or is stolen. It can’t be sold, so the company must take it as a loss. Other businesses, like a bank, don’t have this challenge.
The Key to Boosting Sales: Identifying and Converting Non-Customers

Oct 26, 2024 | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Not everyone is a customer. And you need to examine the types of non-customers you have to understand why. EXPERT OPINION BY ANDREA OLSON, CEO, PRAGMADIK @PRAGMADIKOCT 26, 2024Illustration: Getty ImagesYour sales are down. You need an influx of new customers. Often the first step is segmenting your prospects into groups, whether by industry, product type, service type, or some other categorization. Then the marketing blitz begins. Maybe you create a special offer on a product.
Build the Golf Course First: How Strategy Requires Different Thinking

Sep 18, 2024 | inc.com | Andrea Olson

Expert Opinion By , CEO, Pragmadik According to military folklore, when the US Army starts developing a new military base, it builds the capacities necessary for the installation's core functions, like the training facilities or the armory first, and then asks for additional monies for amenities. In turn, the Army gets phenomenal military capabilities but sub-par accommodations for its personnel on base.