Why Hockeystick?

The idea behind starting Hockeystick Impact came from Solveig’s personal experience as CEO in different scaleup companies backed by PE and the discovery of the book “Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick” written by Chris Bradley, Martin Hirt, and Sven Smit, all consultants at McKinsey & Company.

The story behind Hockeystick Impact

“I felt the need to have a book providing insights in achieving sustainable growth, and presenting how companies can overcome barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. I discovered “Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick” - and immediately associate with the essence of the book.”
— Solveig Ellila Kristiansen

Key points from “Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick”:

  • It is crucial to move away from average performance and make bold decisions to achieve exceptional growth.

  • Economic forces and social dynamics influence a company's strategy and its ability to grow. Companies must balance these forces and adapt to market changes and internal conditions. The concept is introduced to assess the potential for change in a company's performance. Companies need to identify impactful actions and focus on implementing them.

  • Companies need to develop their own portfolio strategy that balances risk and return. They should be willing to adapt quickly, embrace innovation, and challenge the status quo. 

  • While reading the book, I realized that strategy work is a long-term journey that requires a collaboration and a lot of discussions with others outside your own network. The plan to get advice and have better insight is super important for handling risks and setting better milestones for long-term growth.

  • It can be challenging to request support from the investors for bold strategic proposals and prioritizing more risk-taking. It needs to be backed by why and how to maintain a balanced approach to risk and future returns.

>> In summary, the book says we should be sharing our experience of how people, probabilities, and big moves can beat the odds. I aim to do this as part of my own story, why I made the “big move” to start this company, where the name also holds significance.