We have Greg Kandare, our senior financial consultant here today to talk to us about cash position and what things we can do as employees to improve the financial health of our business. We dive into real-world examples and how this impacts all of us! Let's get to it. Question: Okay, Greg… let's start with the basics. What exactly do we mean when we say the term cash position? Cash position refers to the total value of available liquid cash and cash equivalents at a specific point in time. It includes cash across different accounts such as checking accounts, cash reserves, and various currencies. Question: So then how does the concept of cash position relate to a business's financial health? The cash position is a crucial indicator of a business's financial health. It signifies the company's immediate liquidity and readiness by depicting the total value of cash it has. This is pivotal for financial stability and the ability to meet short-term financial obligations, invest in opportunities, and manage operational needs. Question: You mentioned how important it is to understand a company's cash position when evaluating its financial health, can you talk about why? Knowing a company's cash position is fundamental in assessing its financial well-being. Is the company able to stay profitable? Is this a good company to invest in? Cash position provides a snapshot of the company’s immediate liquidity and the ability to meet short-term obligations or unforeseen expenses. Here’s an example. Let's take XYZ Inc., a company with a cash position of $5 million. When faced with an economic downturn, their ample cash reserves provide stability. They can readily cover expenses, pay suppliers, and manage operational costs, ensuring uninterrupted business operations. On the flip side, consider ABC Corp., whose cash position is only $100,000. With limited liquidity, they struggle to meet financial commitments during challenging times, facing difficulties in paying vendors or investing in crucial aspects for sustained operations. In essence, a healthy cash position represents a company's financial strength and resilience, enabling it to navigate unexpected situations. It allows for smooth operations, meeting financial obligations, and having the flexibility to invest, while a poor cash position can lead to vulnerability, limiting a company's ability to cope with unforeseen financial hurdles and potentially jeopardizing its operations. Question: Can the concept of cash position evolve over time within a business? The cash position of a business actually changes constantly due to daily financial activities. As a company gets paid by its customers, it boosts its cash reserves, and when it pays bills or expenses, the cash position decreases. Tracking these fluctuations is crucial as it helps us understand how a company's cash flow evolves and allows for making informed decisions to maintain a healthy financial status. Question: Could you explain how changes in cash position are calculated and their significance for a company's financial strategy? Changes in cash position signify the difference between the cash a company had at the beginning of a period compared to the end. It's essential to understanding the net cash inflows and outflows, reflecting the company's financial performance. This analysis helps in identifying the sources and uses of cash, enabling better financial planning and strategic decision-making for sustainable growth and stability. Question: Can you help us understand how a company’s cash position can be related to us as individuals? Ah, yes. This way of thinking helps us understand these terms in a more personal sense. Just as we evaluate our own cash—in our bank accounts, or even under the mattress to determine our financial status, a company evaluates its various forms of cash and cash equivalents. This includes short-term and long-term investments, petty cash, and other liquid assets to understand its financial health. If we have $1,000 in the bank, that isn’t usually all the money that we have. We probably have some $20 bills in our wallet, hopefully, some money in our Venmo account, or we may have an investment fund. The process involves combining all of our available cash resources to assess our “cash position” if you want to think about it that way. And the same goes for a company. The amount of money a company has right now, gives us insight into their financial position. Question: Okay, Greg last question. How does business acumen contribute to improving a company's financial health or cash position? Oh, this is my favorite question of them all! Business acumen actually plays a really pivotal role. It involves making wise financial decisions, having an understanding of market trends, and which pivots to make in order to be successful. Executives with strong business acumen continually scrutinize and optimize various aspects. They can strategically manage the company's cash flow by implementing measures such as streamlining operational expenses, making sure customers pay on time, and negotiating terms with suppliers. With sharp business acumen, companies can identify profitable investment opportunities while mitigating risks. They plan and maintain emergency cash reserves, foreseeing unforeseen circumstances and securing the company against financial downturns. This strong understanding and proactive approach underpin a company's ability to sustain a healthy cash position, ensuring agility and stability in the face of market fluctuations or unexpected financial challenges. ACTIVITY: Now that you've explored cash position and what it says about a business, let's engage in a learning activity you can easily do during your next team meeting: Exercise: Cash Flow Snapshot Ask each participant to jot down all the different forms of cash they have access to in their personal lives. This can include cash in their wallet, money in their bank accounts, any investments, or other sources of liquid assets. Encourage them to consider both short-term and long-term forms of cash and cash equivalents. Form small groups and have participants share their cash snapshots within their groups. Prompt discussions on how having access to different forms of cash contributes to their sense of financial security and flexibility in managing unexpected expenses. Transition the discussion to the business context. Ask participants to draw parallels between their personal cash snapshots and a hypothetical business's cash position. Discuss what might be considered as different "accounts" or forms of cash for a business (e.g., operational funds, investments, emergency reserves). Present a simple scenario affecting the business's cash position (e.g., a sudden increase in operational costs, or delayed customer payments). Ask each group to discuss how the scenario might impact the business's cash position, similar to how changes in personal circumstances can affect an individual's cash availability. Have each group share their insights and reflections with the entire audience. Discuss key takeaways, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy cash position for both individuals and businesses. This exercise serves as a bridge between personal financial awareness and essential insights into a business's financial health. Once you understand cash position from a personal point of view, it's easy to apply it to a business context. Delving into a practical scenario affecting the business's cash position fosters a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities tied to liquidity in a corporate context. Continue your learning… Changes in Cash Position The Influence of Cash Next Steps… Quickly Navigate the Financials Article: Get a demo of our business acumen training: Attend a preview of our course from our Founder and CEO, Kevin Cope: Test your Business Acumen with this quick quiz: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #financialacumen #financialstrategy #learninganddevelopment #HR #leadershipdevelopment #training #businesssuccess #businessacumentraining #financialacumentraining #cashposition #financialhealth #business

Press Release OREM, Utah – January 12, 2024 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: We partnered with a global professional services leader specializing in risk and talent management, investment advisory, and management consulting. This industry giant sought Acumen Learning for a transformative initiative to address a critical need in their organization. This leader saw a gap in their consultants’ skills and teamed up with Acumen Learning for two customized programs in business and financial acumen. The sessions aimed to boost client-facing employees’ skills in analyzing clients, improving communication, and strengthening client relationships. Starting with 200 consultants across America, Europe, and Asia, the initiative paves the way for a larger 2024 rollout for thousands of leaders. Recognizing the challenges and initiatives of this professional services firm, Acumen Learning delivered customized business acumen training. Embracing the trend for concise learning experiences, our program aimed to provide impactful insights into business and financial acumen, furnish tools to strengthen client relationships, and empower consultants to support their customers’ goals more effectively and efficiently. The program’s success was evident, with participants giving it a stellar 4.7 out of 5, highlighting its relevance to their roles and its effectiveness in enhancing their performance. This success reinforces the firm’s commitment to continuous improvement, recognizing the need even among seasoned experts. It not only addressed a critical skill gap but also paved the way for a broader, multi-year learning journey. Our expertise in business and financial acumen training aligns seamlessly with the organization’s vision for cultivating a workforce adept at navigating risk, strategy, and people management. We look forward to supporting their consultants on this multi-year learning journey, emphasizing shorter, impactful experiences for lasting success. Supporting Quotes: “The consultant did an excellent job. I hope my team / leadership take the course as well.” “This course was a fabulous speed course of business and managerial financial and accounting information. I found it to be very informational and the instructor very informative.” “Great course and excellent information. Not being from a financial background, this was really helpful for how to read a financial statement and all the vocabulary surrounding it.” “I thought the course was great with lots of information, tools and resources.” “A really interesting overview and refresher on certain business fundamentals. This helped me get my head above the water of the day job and think bigger picture about my role and the impact that the 5 business drivers should have on how I approach different relationships both internally and externally.” “I thought this was great primer. Would love to learn more – the consultant was great.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.

Press Release OREM, Utah – December 4, 2023 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: Acumen Learning recently partnered with a leading global financial institution. Our collaboration with this esteemed bank represents a significant milestone in fostering strategic learning initiatives within the financial sector. Recognizing the critical role of business acumen in navigating the intricacies of the ever-evolving financial landscape, this forward-thinking institution sought our expertise to instill a comprehensive understanding of not only industry-specific nuances but also the broader strategic perspectives essential for sustained success. We started business acumen training with the groups in the Asia Pacific region and their plan is to expand more broadly in the coming years. The initiative revolved around a transformative learning experience for two distinct groups within the financial institution: the Vice Presidents and their Executive Directors. Facing the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving banking landscape, the bank sought to unite 70 vice presidents and executive directors from these groups. Acumen Learning was enlisted to bridge the gap and bring cohesion by imparting a comprehensive understanding of business acumen, the language, metrics, and macro-level perspectives unique to the banking industry. The collaboration yielded a profound impact, evidenced by the participants’ newfound ability to navigate the complex language of banking and grasp the broader dynamics of the financial institution. Acumen Learning successfully empowered the participants to transition from technical experts to strategic leaders, demonstrating that a comprehensive grasp of business acumen is instrumental in navigating the complexities of the financial sector and driving informed decision-making at a strategic level. As a pioneer in corporate training, Acumen Learning specializes in transforming individuals and organizations by imparting critical business acumen. Our customized programs go beyond conventional training methods, offering immersive experiences that bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic leadership. This successful partnership exemplifies Acumen Learning’s commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. Supporting Quotes: “It’s truly rewarding to see leaders experience a profound evolution, shifting from technical experts to strategic visionaries," says Ben Cook, President of Acumen Learning. "This transformation highlights the power of cultivating business acumen. In today’s dynamic financial landscape, it’s crucial to align and engage leaders with a deep understanding of industry dynamics. Our business acumen training exemplifies the pivotal role this skill plays in navigating complexity and driving organizational success.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.

We have launched a great Train the Trainer program. Our Building Business Acumen Essentials® program is a great way to get business acumen training widely across your organizations. Whether you're a trainer wanting to train your teams, an individual who wants to learn business acumen, or a decision maker trying to bring business acumen training to your company, you're in the right place! We have covered many confusing topics and frequently asked questions about our program. For a general overview please click here: What is a Train the Trainer (T3) Program? A train-the-trainer program is designed to equip individuals within an organization to train others in specific skills or subjects. It offers the flexibility to roll out learning and development initiatives according to the organization's schedule and preferences. Our Building Business Acumen Essentials (T3) program empowers facilitators, even those with average financial proficiency, to effectively deliver the course content. What skills do I need to be a trainer of Building Business Acumen Essentials? The prerequisite for becoming a trainer for Building Business Acumen Essentials is some experience in teaching or facilitating training programs. Our T3 program is structured to provide financial business acumen training regardless of your prior experience. Learning and Development professionals, in-house HR consultants and other corporate facilitators can excel in teaching this course, as it's designed to be less dependent on the facilitator's financial knowledge and more focused on empowering the certified facilitator to deliver the material confidently. We give you all the tools and materials to succeed! What does the Building Business Acumen Essentials® course cover? The Building Business Acumen Essentials course covers essential topics such as business acumen, financial literacy, and practical applications within participants' roles and organizations. The course also includes case studies, videos, actionable insights, class discussions, team activities, simulations, and other valuable resources to enhance learning and development. As a trainer, you will be certified to help participants: -Understand the bigger picture of the business -Align their decisions to the corporate strategy -Be more influential within the organization -Build their credibility -Know where to focus their efforts -Create greater engagement for them and their team -Find ways to help the company grow What are the benefits of doing a T3 vs. hiring an Acumen Learning consultant? Our T3 approach offers several advantages. Firstly, it is a more cost-effective solution, allowing organizations to allocate resources efficiently. If you’re hoping to put several hundred people through a business acumen course, T3 might be the option for you! Our Building Business Acumen Essentials T3 program offers flexibility in terms of delivery and scheduling. While there may be some differences in delivery experience between internal trainers and external consultants, the T3 model emphasizes facilitation over teaching, ensuring effective knowledge transfer within the organization. Can I get certified as an individual? The Building Business Acumen Essentials certification process is tailored for organizational deployment rather than individual certification. Essentially, an individual certification is tied to a company AND an individual. An individual will get certified under their company and can use their skills to teach the course within that company they get certified with. What does the certification process look like? The certification process typically spans a 10-hour training session, divided into 2 days. You will first experience the course content on day one and then you will learn how to effectively deliver it on day two. We highly encourage the facilitators to teach the course within the first 90 days to maintain proficiency. Additionally, ongoing support is provided through resources like David Covey, a Master Trainer for the program, and a community of T3 facilitators for continuous learning and development. If this sounds like a great program for you and your teams, reach out: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #financialacumen #financialstrategy #learninganddevelopment #HR #leadershipdevelopment #training #businesssuccess  #businessacumentraining #financialacumentraining #business #furtheringbusinessacumen

Today we have Cam Crockett here today to talk about preparing for a sales call. Cam has a financial background, has been in several sales roles, and is now a financial consultant at Acumen Learning. Let’s get right to it! Question: Cam, can you explain why sales reps are spending more time preparing for sales calls nowadays? Sales reps are dedicating more time to prepare for sales calls because in the world of enterprise selling, it's crucial to come to the call with situational understanding. This level of preparation is just as important as having empathy and consultative selling skills. Think about how likely you are to talk with a salesperson over the phone about a problem you don’t even have. Understanding the person's situation and needs can make or break the situation. Question: What should I do when I have limited time to prepare for a sales call, like 10 minutes or less? I have 4 quick and easy steps that I always do if I don’t have enough time to do a real deep dive. The first thing I do is gather basic information about the company. Find out their industry, the number of employees they have, and their top-line revenue growth. You can get these answers from sources like YAHOO! Finance, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn. The second step is to check the company’s investor relations page. Look for information about their next earnings release date. Knowing this can provide insights into their budget cycle and priorities for the coming months. Review the slide deck from their last earnings release and their press releases for significant updates. The third thing I would do is make sure you really understand the person you’re going to be talking to. Visit their LinkedIn page to learn about their job title, job description, career experience, and any commonalities you might share, such as mutual connections or interactions with similar companies or schools. And last, I would be overly curious. Put yourself in your contact's shoes. Consider what you would focus on and what your priorities would be if you were in their role. Question: Can you give me an example of using these four steps to prepare for a sales call? Certainly. When I was preparing for a call I had with Delta Airlines, I used these steps. I really quickly gained an understanding of their threefold strategy as they were coming out of the pandemic: brand loyalty, balance sheet strength, and driving efficiency. At the time, they were aiming to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023 using this strategy. This information obviously really helped me to understand which questions to ask and which areas to address when speaking with my contact. Question: Why is it important to review a company's investor relations page and press releases before a sales call? These feel like really long documents to look at for every person you speak with. It’s important to note that when you’re in a consultative sales role, your job is to gain trust and know your contacts. It’s not to make 100 calls a day and talk to random people you don’t know. So for these contacts, reviewing the investor relations page and press releases is crucial because they contain valuable information about the company's financial health, upcoming events like earnings releases, recent acquisitions, new product launches, and key executive hires. Understanding these updates can help you tailor your approach and conversation during the sales call to align with the company's current goals and priorities. Question: You’ve said that you scour their LinkedIn before talking with them. How can looking at your contact's LinkedIn profile help in preparing for a sales call? Visiting your contact's LinkedIn page allows you to gather information about their job title, job description, career experience, and any shared connections or interactions. This knowledge helps establish rapport and find common ground, making the conversation more personal and relevant during the sales call. Question: You mentioned thinking from your contact's point of view. Can you speak on why it’s essential to get curious and think from their perspective before a sales call? Getting curious and putting yourself in your contact's shoes helps you anticipate their needs, priorities, and goals. This perspective allows you to tailor your approach, ask relevant questions, and offer solutions that align with their objectives, making the sales call more productive and engaging. Question: How does business acumen help you prepare for a sales call? Business acumen is a valuable skill that aids in preparing for a sales call by providing a deep understanding of the business landscape, industry trends, and the specific challenges and opportunities facing the prospect. It enables you to approach the call with a strategic mindset, allowing you to ask insightful questions, offer tailored solutions, and ultimately build stronger relationships with your clients. Question: That seems so beneficial! Just last question I want to touch on…Cam, can you give us a tangible example of how business acumen helped you in your sales career? Absolutely. Let me share an experience from a CLO (Chief Learning Officer) event where business acumen played a crucial role in my sales career. I was at this event where many learning and development leaders from major companies attend. During a networking session, I struck up a conversation with a chief learning officer from a Fortune 500 company. As we discussed their company's training needs, it became apparent that they were looking for a way to align their employee development programs with their strategic financial goals. Having sold business acumen training, I better be well versed in the subject. So, drawing from my experience, I could immediately grasp the challenges they were facing. Their company needed a training solution that not only improved employee skills but also directly contributed to their bottom line. I shared examples of how our customized business acumen training had helped other clients achieve precisely that, providing tangible ROI through improved decision-making and financial understanding at all levels of the organization. This discussion resonated with the CLO, as I was able to address a critical pain point, they were experiencing. Our ability to bridge the gap between employee development and financial success, thanks to our business acumen training, not only captured their interest but led to a successful partnership that has continued to thrive. This experience showcased how business acumen can be a game-changer in sales, enabling us to understand and address our clients' most pressing needs and challenges effectively. Activity: Now that we understand how to quickly prepare for a sales call, let's engage in a learning activity you can do during your next team meeting: Exercise: Rapid Sales Call Preparation Scenario Assignment: Assign each team member a hypothetical scenario where they have a sales call in 10 minutes. Provide details about the company they will be calling, the industry, and the contact person. Research: In the given time, ask team members to quickly gather information using the four steps outlined by Cam: Basic company information (industry, number of employees, revenue growth). Check the company’s investor relations page for key financial insights. Review recent press releases for updates. Visit the LinkedIn profile of the contact person for insights into their role and background. 3. Sharing and Discussion: Each team member briefly shares the information they gathered with the rest of the team. Discuss the most relevant and impactful insights for the sales call. 4. Role-Play: Teams engage in quick role-playing exercises where one team member takes on the role of the salesperson and another as the prospect. Emphasize the use of the gathered information to tailor the conversation and build rapport. 5. Debrief: Facilitate a short debrief discussion on the effectiveness of the rapid preparation and how the information gathered influenced the simulated sales call. This exercise aims to highlight the importance of swift yet comprehensive research in sales call preparation, using your time effectively. Teams will grasp the significance of quick, insightful information gathering to navigate time constraints while ensuring they understand the prospect's company and individual roles. It prompts discussions on how comprehending the prospect's situation profoundly shapes the sales approach, fostering an appreciation for tailored conversations aligned with the prospect's goals. Ultimately, this rapid preparation exercise reinforces practical applications of the discussed sales techniques, encouraging collaboration and sharpening the team's ability to think on their feet in dynamic sales scenarios. Continue your Learning... The Impact of Business Acumen on the Sales Process Building Business Acumen for Sales 5 ways to improve your Sales Calls Next Steps... Get a Demo of our Business Acumen Training for Sales: Executive Overview for Sales and Marketing: Test your Business Acumen with this Quick quiz: Download the Earnings call workbook: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #financialacumen #financialstrategy #learninganddevelopment #HR #leadershipdevelopment #training #businesssuccess #finance #businessacumentraining #financialacumentraining #sales #salestraining #salessuccess

Press Release OREM, Utah – September 1, 2023 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: A Prominent Medical Device Company’s Sales Leaders Drive Growth and Margins with Acumen Learning’s Customized Business Acumen Training Acumen Learning, a renowned leader in business acumen training, has once again received strong support from industry leaders. The Chief Human Resources Officer at a medical device company had previously taken an Acumen Learning course during their time at a prominent pharmaceutical company. Impressed by the positive impact of the training, they eagerly wanted to introduce customized business acumen training in their new role at the medical device company. To address the competitive nature of the medical device industry, Acumen Learning was brought in to equip the organization’s sales leaders with crucial business skills and encourage continuous learning. The primary focus of the training was to help these leaders understand the delicate balance between growth and margins, aligning their roles with the company’s strategic objectives. The training deepened their grasp of financial concepts and strategic priorities, enhancing their effectiveness in their respective positions. The customized business acumen course provided sales leaders with essential business tools while highlighting the importance of an ongoing journey of business acumen development. This empowerment enabled them to make well-informed decisions that not only positively influenced profit margins but also fueled sustainable growth. Additionally, the training fostered alignment, enabling participants to seamlessly connect their roles to the overarching company strategy, all while emphasizing the benefits of continuous business acumen learning. The success of the partnership between Acumen Learning and the medical device company highlights the transformative potential of business acumen training in driving organizational success. Acumen Learning takes pride in working with 7 of the 10 largest medical device companies worldwide. Supporting Quotes: “It was very interesting and gave valuable insights into how the team views the financials and what is important to them and to us as a company,” wrote the Head of Financial Planning at this medical device company. “The value was tremendous. Finance is shaping the way the business goes forward.” “You took a difficult concept and brought it into something that is easy to understand. You make it relatable and delivered it in an engaging way.” “This wasn’t just a dump of content. It taught us how to apply it to our business,” wrote the Head of Sales at this medical device company “When senior leaders delivered their forecasts for 2024, most, if not every one of them referenced the 5 drivers. The way we educate and the way we deliver language is to be consistent in our approach.” “Our partnership with this medical device leader highlights our commitment to empowering organizations through tailored learning experiences,” says Weston Winegar, Director of Business Development at Acumen Learning. “Business acumen is not a destination; it’s a continuous learning journey," notes President of Acumen Learning, Ben Cook. "At Acumen Learning, we’re dedicated to guiding organizations on this path, just as we’ve done with the sales leaders at this well respected medical device company. Their journey reflects our commitment to empowering individuals and teams as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.

The Importance of Business Acumen for the Finance Industry: In the fast-paced world of financial services, success hinges on technical expertise and a broader strategic perspective and engagement. Finance professionals are tasked with more than just crunching numbers — they are entrusted with driving organizational growth, navigating industry trends, and delivering value to stakeholders. However, achieving these objectives requires more than proficiency in accounting or financial analysis. It demands a deep understanding of business dynamics, market forces, and strategic imperatives — in other words, business acumen. In this article, we delve into the importance of business acumen in empowering finance professionals to excel in their roles, navigate industry complexities, and drive strategic initiatives that propel their organizations forward. Developing Strategic Perspective: Traditionally, finance professionals have been lauded for their technical prowess in areas such as financial modeling and budgeting. While these skills are undeniably important, they only scratch the surface of what it takes to succeed in today's dynamic financial landscape. To truly excel, finance professionals must broaden their perspective beyond the balance sheet and embrace a strategic mindset that encompasses the broader context of their organizations and industries. This entails understanding market trends, regulatory developments, competitive dynamics, as well as aligning financial objectives with broader business goals. Our financial consultant Ryan Hunt highlights the common gap between technical expertise and strategic insight among finance professionals in his video Business Acumen for Finance People. Despite their proficiency in financial analysis, many finance professionals struggle to translate their knowledge into actionable insights that drive business value. They are most likely incredibly smart in their role (in the finance side of the business), but can they see the bigger picture? By developing a deeper understanding of the broader business environment, finance professionals can enhance their strategic impact and position themselves as valuable partners to their organizations. Navigating Industry Trends: The financial services industry is in a perpetual state of evolution, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer preferences. If you can’t keep up, or without the foresight or knowledge of business acumen, you company will die. In such a dynamic environment, success requires more than just keeping pace with change — it demands proactive engagement and strategic adaptation. As McKinsey and Company noted, "In a competitive environment of rising cost pressures, where rapid action and response is imperative, financial institutions must modernize their technology function to support expanded digitization of both the front and back ends of their businesses." For finance professionals, staying informed of industry trends is essential for anticipating market shifts, identifying growth opportunities, and mitigating risks. By leveraging their business acumen to understand the implications of industry trends on their organizations, finance professionals can position themselves as strategic advisors and drivers of innovation within their organizations. Fostering Strategic Engagement: So, how can finance professionals cultivate and leverage their business acumen to drive strategic engagement and success? Firstly, it requires a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Finance professionals must actively seek out opportunities to broaden their skill sets, whether through industry conferences, certifications, or networking events. According to the World Finance Council, attending conferences and keeping a mindset of continuous learning helps more than just your skills. It gives you educational chances you might not have had. It allows you to network with people you wouldn’t normally be surrounded by. It gives you opportunities to meet new sellers and providers, and it positions you as a specialist. Additionally, fostering cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing can provide valuable insights into the broader business context and help finance professionals connect their financial expertise with strategic imperatives. You won’t last in a finance profession if you stay stagnant…even if you’re highly skilled. To stay relevant and knowledgeable you must be continuously learning. In a LinkedIn article titled Finance and Business Acumen skills, it says “Without finance and business acumen there is no career advancement, there is no entrepreneurship.” Ben Cook, the President of Acumen Learning emphasizes the transformative power of business acumen in driving innovation, efficiency, and value creation within financial organizations in the video Why BA is Essential for Financial Services. By understanding where to innovate, where to invest, and how to operate more efficiently, finance professionals can align their efforts with broader business objectives and drive sustainable growth. Measuring Success: Ultimately, the true measure of success lies in the tangible impact finance professionals have on their organizations. While traditional metrics such as revenue growth and profitability are important indicators of financial performance, they only tell part of the story. Success should also be measured in terms of strategic alignment, stakeholder satisfaction, and the ability to drive positive change within the organization. By leveraging their business acumen to drive strategic initiatives and deliver measurable results, finance professionals can elevate their contributions and position themselves as indispensable assets to their organizations. Business Acumen: The Prerequisite for Success in Finance In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, business acumen is not just a desirable trait — it's a prerequisite for success in the industry. Finance professionals who embrace a strategic mindset, can keep up with industry trends, and leverage their expertise to drive meaningful change are well-positioned to thrive in their roles and make a lasting impact on their organizations. By investing in their professional development, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and embracing the transformative power of business acumen, finance professionals can unlock new opportunities, drive strategic initiatives, and elevate success in the dynamic world of financial services. Referring back to the LinkedIn article, the author states “Business acumen is very much needed for all finance professionals, without it is very hard to provide insights and support better decisions…Today business acumen is needed regardless of the function however for finance professionals to provide strategical advice these skills are crucial, or in other words, they need full picture on all aspects of the business.” If you’re looking to advance your finance career, find passion and relevance of your role to the bottom line, and learn how the financial industry can stay relevant and continue to thrive, Acumen Learning’s business acumen courses are a great way to accomplish these. Reach out to us today to learn more! ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #financialacumen #financialstrategy #learninganddevelopment #HR #leadershipdevelopment #training #businesssuccess #people #businessacumentraining #financialacumentraining #financialservices #financialindustry #finance #financialeducation #financialliteracy #financeprofessional

Press Release OREM, Utah – September 8, 2023 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: Leading tax firm who specializes in tax services, software, technology and consulting, partners with Acumen Learning for customized business acumen courses to enhance business skills and employee engagement. In response to the tax firm’s strategic goals, Acumen Learning engaged in a transformative initiative focused on enhancing business acumen among the firm’s executives and management teams. The tax firm, a dynamic organization with a history of rapid acquisition and inorganic growth, faced the challenge of integrating diverse business units and fostering an understanding of how their business operates. They sought to bridge the knowledge gap between tax experts and support staff while aligning their workforce’s capabilities with the broader business landscape. Acumen Learning created and delivered a customized business acumen program to 350 individuals spanning all functions within the tax firm. The business acumen training delved into the five core business drivers critical to the firm’s success: cash, profit, assets, growth, and people. Participants were provided with insights into these drivers, the levers to influence them, and an understanding of how their role contributes to them. The partnership between Acumen Learning and the tax firm yielded remarkable results. It successfully bridged the gap between all professionals, fostering a sense of engagement and a shared understanding of the firm’s operations. Acumen Learning proudly welcomes a leading tax firm as its newest graduate. We are dedicated to helping organizations unlock their full potential and guiding them on the learning journey of business acumen. Supporting Quotes: “The goal of COO Corner is to empower every team member with the knowledge to grasp how they are a valuable, vital part of our success. Our latest session on business acumen focused on how we all can better understand, appreciate, and amplify the impact we make together! Special thanks to Acumen Learning for their expertise and collaboration,” wrote the communications executive at this tax firm. “This was the best session of the year.” “It was a superb session and loved Ryan’s energy and delivery style, he is a total legend.” “Through a customized business acumen program, the gap between accounting and tax professionals and their dynamic support staff has been significantly minimized,” wrote Weston Winegar, director of business develompent at Acumen Learning. “This transformative initiative has empowered individuals to navigate the complexities of their organization’s rapid acquisition history, fostering a unified understanding of their business operations and driving enhanced performance.” “Working closely with our client, we’ve achieved something remarkable," notes Ryan Hunt, Senior Financial Consultant at Acumen Learning. "In a dynamic organization marked by rapid acquisitions, our customized business acumen program has united 350 individuals under a common understanding of our business drivers. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about fostering a shared vision of success that transcends roles and departments.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.

The aerospace and defense industry continuously pushes the boundaries of human achievement. However, amid innovation and progress, the industry faces unique challenges that demand a strong understanding of business dynamics. If individuals in the industry want to distinguish themselves and thrive amidst competition, they have grasp financial metrics, recognize the value of their role, and understand how their company makes money. 1. Understanding Industry Dynamics The aerospace and defense industry operates within a complex ecosystem where companies often find themselves navigating intricate customer relationships and intense competition for talent. With customers having significant influence over pricing and program viability, companies must develop strategies that not only meet customer demands but also ensure profitability and sustainability. There aren't a lot of companies that have to make a sale before creating their product. Aerospace and defense companies don’t necessarily have “customers”, they have partners. They have a client who wants to purchase a product and build it together. Understanding industry dynamics is paramount as companies navigate intricate customer relationships and intense talent competition. As highlighted in a Forbes article discussing the transformations of the aerospace and defense industries, there are evolving dynamics between airlines and manufacturers as carriers seek to enhance customer experiences and reduce their carbon footprint. As passenger expectations and environmental concerns drive innovation, aerospace companies face increasing pressure to deliver technologically advanced solutions. From ensuring nonstop connectivity to addressing environmental sustainability, the industry must innovate across multiple fronts to meet the demands of both consumers and regulators. The aerospace and defense sector must embrace transformative technologies and collaborative partnerships to thrive amidst uncertainty. By leveraging industry insights and strategic foresight, companies can navigate these challenges and position themselves for sustained success in an ever-evolving market. In this dynamic landscape, the aerospace and defense sector must leverage business acumen to embrace transformative technologies and forge collaborative partnerships to thrive amidst uncertainty. By integrating industry insights and strategic foresight into their decision-making processes, companies can effectively navigate these challenges and position themselves for sustained success in an ever-evolving market. Business acumen empowers industry leaders to make informed decisions, seize opportunities, and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, ensuring that they remain competitive and resilient in the face of uncertainty. 2. Overcoming Challenges From pricing pressures to talent acquisition and technological disruption, companies must strike a delicate balance between controlling costs and fostering innovation to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Let’s dive into some of these challenges: Pricing Pressures: In the aerospace and defense industry, the delicate balance between cost efficiency and quality is constantly tested. Recent fluctuations in material prices, such as the notable surge in titanium costs, exemplify the volatile nature of the market. As essential components like titanium experience unprecedented price hikes, aerospace manufacturers are compelled to reassess their procurement strategies to mitigate financial strain. Implementing astute pricing models and supply chain optimization techniques becomes imperative to maintain competitiveness and profitability in the face of such challenges. Business acumen enables companies to navigate these turbulent waters, fostering resilience and agility in adapting to fluctuating market dynamics. Talent Acquisition: A critical concern plaguing aerospace and defense companies is the exodus of younger talent coupled with the impending retirement wave. The allure of tech giants and innovative startups often eclipses the appeal of traditional aerospace careers, exacerbating the industry's talent shortage. Leveraging business acumen, companies can revamp their recruitment strategies, offering enticing incentives and career advancement opportunities to attract and retain top-tier talent. Technological Disruption: The rapid pace of technological advancement brings both promise and risk for the aerospace and defense industry. Disruptive innovations, spanning from advanced propulsion methods to autonomous aircraft, reshape the operational landscape, challenging traditional paradigms and business models. Embracing these technological leap demands a shift in organizational mindset and operational frameworks. Whether seamlessly integrating cutting-edge solutions or overhauling existing infrastructures to accommodate transformative technologies, companies must proactively embrace change. Business acumen empowers industry leaders to anticipate disruptive forces, seize emerging trends, and navigate a strategic path toward sustainable growth and innovation. Business acumen is the key to overcoming challenges. Through strategic foresight, financial savvy, and adaptive leadership, companies navigate pricing pressures, talent acquisition hurdles, and technological disruption. By making astute decisions and striving for excellence, the sector thrives amidst uncertainty, shaping a future marked by resilience and innovation. 3. Empowering the Workforce At the heart of every industry’s success lies its workforce. And aerospace is no different. Engaged employees equipped with business acumen are much better positioned to drive innovation, make informed decisions, and align with organizational goals. 61% of employees are never trained on business principles, and investing in employee development is a great place to start. Financial literacy and strategic thinking can yield significant returns in terms of efficiency, productivity, and overall performance, especially in the aerospace and defense industry. Business Acumen and Aerospace and Defense In conclusion, the aerospace and defense industry not only thrives on innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight but needs it to be successful. By cultivating a culture of business acumen and leveraging insights from industry dynamics, companies can navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and drive sustainable growth. As the industry continues to evolve, the role of business acumen will remain paramount in shaping its trajectory toward greater success and impact. For organizations seeking to enhance their business acumen and drive performance, customized training programs offer a valuable opportunity to equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's dynamic business environment. Reach out to us today to learn more. Continue your learning... Get a demo of our business acumen training: Attend a preview of our course from the CEO of Acumen Learning: Business Acumen Self Assessment: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #financialacumen #financialstrategy #learninganddevelopment #HR #leadershipdevelopment #training #businesssuccess #people #businessacumentraining #financialacumentraining #aerospace #defense #aerospaceindustry

Change is an inevitable part of business, there's no way around it, only through it. In this Q&A with Ben Cook, President of Acumen Learning, we explore how the business landscape has evolved and what that means for developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's world. From navigating digital disruption to adapting to shifting consumer expectations, this Q&A offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you embrace change and stay ahead of the curve. Let's dive right in! Question: Ben, in your video, Changing with Business Acumen, you obviously mention the importance of business acumen in change management. Could you elaborate on how having good business acumen can help organizations determine what should change and why it's beneficial for them in the long term? Absolutely. Business acumen plays a crucial role in change management. When you have a strong understanding of the broader business landscape, including market dynamics, the competitive landscape, customer expectations, your supply chain nuances, and also things like your regulatory realities, you can better identify what aspects within your organization need to evolve. Business acumen allows you to see the bigger picture, distinguishing between what should remain the same for competitiveness and what needs to change for the organization's long-term viability and success. Question: So...there is some real benefit to understanding how to communicate the compelling reason for change. How does business acumen help leaders effectively communicate the "why" behind a change initiative? Excellent question. Business acumen provides the language of business and financials, which is vital when communicating the reasons for change. When leaders can explain not just what needs to change, but also why it's necessary in terms of its impact on innovation, customer perception, and your market competitiveness, it is much easier to get the team’s buy-in to what you are changing and can become more bought-into the solution. Understanding the financial implications and consequences of not changing is also essential to convey the urgency and importance of the transformation. Question: So then how does business acumen help individuals in different roles within an organization understand their role in the change and align with it? Yeah, this is a vital part of being a leader… not only making good decisions but also ensuring they understand the human element involved in the changes that are needed. Business acumen enables individuals to see how their specific roles fit into the broader organizational change. People are all looking for meaning in their roles. Whether you're in IT, operations, supply chain, HR, or any other department, having a solid understanding of business acumen allows you to grasp the context of your responsibilities within the larger direction the company is moving and the ‘why’ the company is doing it and how my part is vital in its success. It helps employees connect the dots between their daily tasks and the organization's overall transformation which adds an important layer of ‘why I should care and why I should support.’ Question: Ben, can you provide examples of how leaders can use business acumen to inspire and communicate change both upwards, downwards, and across their organization? Certainly. Business acumen provides the language needed to inspire and communicate change effectively. When communicating upwards to executives, using strategic business and financial language can help gain the support and resources from the senior leaders. When speaking to employees, simplifying the message to make it relevant, relatable, and actionable is key. And when communicating with peers, it's about showing how your change aligns with their specific goals that might be slightly different than yours. Business acumen helps convey the financial & strategic benefits of the change and each person's role in it, making the change process more efficient and successful. Question: Ben,"Grow or Die" is a saying that I think most of us have heard over the years. Harvard Business Review published an article back in 2018 and, in my opinion, I think it's more relevant today than ever. How does business acumen contribute to speeding up change management, and why is this acceleration important? Accelerating change is vital in today's fast-paced business environment. Technology and global nature of markets means business cycles move so much faster than they have before. Moves in the market happen so much faster and require that same urgency and immediacy from the market participants. Business acumen helps by enabling individuals to find the "why" behind change, identify opportunities, assess risks, secure buy-in from key stakeholders, and make well-informed decisions quickly. In a world where agility and responsiveness are critical, business acumen provides the tools to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances and seize opportunities before competitors do. Question: Ben, the article suggests that business acumen helps individuals gain a bigger picture perspective on how changes impact their organization. Can you explain how business acumen allows employees to see the ecosystem that their businesses participate in and make better decisions during times of change? Certainly. Business acumen helps employees step back and see the larger industry ecosystems they are involved in. It allows them to understand how different components of the business’ value chains interact and how changes in one area can ripple through the entire ecosystem. This broader perspective equips employees to make informed decisions during times of change because they can anticipate how their actions and decisions will affect other parts of the organization and thus the industry, their customers, and even their shareholders. Question: Ben, the article mentions cost-cutting strategies but also warns about the risks of cutting too deeply. Can you share insights on how business acumen can help leaders make informed decisions when it comes to cost-cutting without jeopardizing their core business? Absolutely. Business acumen allows leaders to understand the core of their company's revenue generation. It helps identify which costs are ancillary to the core business and can be trimmed without undermining essential functions, impacting quality, or slowing down the process of innovation. After all, you can’t cut your way to prosperity. You need to be aware of the inefficiencies and duplication of effort and then involve top talent in brainstorming innovative ideas to drive efficiency improvements. In doing this, leaders can then make more informed, more strategically-aware decisions about cost-cutting that protect the core business while ensuring its long-term sustainability. Question: Ben, the article emphasizes the importance of helping employees understand costs and the company's direction, especially during challenging times like recessions. How can organizations effectively help their teams develop business acumen, and why is this crucial? Developing business acumen among teams is essential during challenging times. Organizations can achieve this by providing training and education on financial literacy, cost levers, and the company's strategic goals. When employees understand the financial aspects of the business and the reasons behind decisions, they are more likely to see cost-cutting measures as strategic choices rather than knee-jerk reactions. This understanding fosters a sense of alignment and engagement, making the organization more resilient during difficult periods. Question: Ben, it's clear that developing business acumen is crucial for navigating change effectively. Can you also shed some light on how Acumen Learning, your organization, can specifically help team members, regardless of their roles, whether they're executives, in HR, sales, managers, or finance professionals, to better align with the goals of their company and excel in change management? Certainly, I'd be happy to. Acumen Learning specializes in equipping professionals from various backgrounds and roles with the essential skills of business acumen. Our tailored training programs are designed to empower individuals at all levels of an organization. Whether you're an executive, an up-and-coming manager, or a finance professional, our training can help you understand the financial aspects of your business, your industry, your customers & competitors, and the strategic goals of your company in light of the bigger picture. ACTIVITY: Now that you've explored the impact of change within a business, let's do a learning activity you can do with your team: Exercise 1: Change Impact Simulation Introduce a simple scenario, like changing a key process or implementing new technology. Split up into groups, each group will represent a different department affected by this change. Ask each group to discuss and predict how the change might affect their assigned department. Consider how it could influence daily tasks, teamwork, and relationships with other departments. Have the groups share their ideas with the whole team. Discuss the potential challenges and opportunities presented by the change. This exercise will help you understand how changes in one part of the company have a domino effect on the entire business. By seeing how alterations impact different departments, you'll learn the importance of considering the broader impact of changes and how interconnected the various aspects of your organization are. This awareness can guide smarter decision-making when implementing changes, fostering a more comprehensive and effective approach to managing transitions within your company. Continue your learning... Changing with Business Acumen Recession Proof Your Business Navigating Change in the Workplace with Business Acumen Get a demo of our business acumen training: Attend a preview of our course with CEO, Kevin Cope: Test your Business Acumen with this Quiz: ✅ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Business Acumen videos! ✅ Follow us on LinkedIn @AcumenLearning to keep up with all company updates! ✅ For more on our business acumen training visit our website! #businessacumen #businessstrategy #learninganddevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #salessuccess #financialstrategy #financialacumen #businesssuccess #workplaceskills #skills #businessacumenskills #business #HR #Humanresources #change #navigatingchange #recessionproof

Press Release OREM, Utah – June 1, 2023 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: A large SaaS organization partners with Acumen Learning to align all employees to a common strategy through customized business acumen courses. As part of their company-wide initiative, this leading SaaS company is committed to equipping non-finance leaders with essential business acumen skills, empowering them to drive success. Simultaneously, the initiative enables executives to enhance their financial awareness, fostering stronger leadership within the industry. By prioritizing the upleveling of their leaders, they recognize that better decision-making leads to improved margins and overall organizational success. Acumen Learning delivered a highly customized, one-day business acumen course designed specifically for mid to upper-level managers, with a focus on enhancing their understanding of the corporate mission. This comprehensive program successfully engaged participants from sales, marketing, IT teams, and the leadership team, paving the way for wider adoption of the course across the entire organization in the future. The business acumen course had great results. It was well perceived by participants and the leadership team who gave it a Net Promoter Score of 92. This means that the participants found it highly applicable and would recommend this course to their peers. Acumen Learning is excited to continue expanding its reach into the technology sector. This partnership adds another industry-leading company to our portfolio, solidifying its reputation as a trusted provider of business acumen training across diverse sectors, including top-tier players in the SaaS industry. Supporting Quotes: “Really helpful. A great mix of theory with practical application which helped my retention so much. I loved that we used our own financials and could really understand how it applied to us. I came in with very little knowledge and feel like I have a great jumping off point for future learning. Also, Greg made it super engaging!” "Outstanding! Grounding it in our actual company performance really brought the content to life!” “Super helpful. Something I’ve always wanted to learn and want to continue to learn. Will be practicing the earnings call review exercise to keep it fresh. Greg was excellent and patient and well-paced.” “Very interactive, helpful resources, great that we applied concepts directly to our company’s results.” “I thought this course was excellent. I am leaving more knowledgeable in this area than when I came in. I definitely need to continue to be intentional in reinforcing the learning going forward. I appreciate the tools, tips and resources to continue with that.” “Great course, lots of energy, well-tailored to our company.” “Empowering leaders with essential business acumen skills is crucial across all industries, and I have the privilege of witnessing it firsthand,” says Greg Kandare, Senior Financial Consultant at Acumen Learning. “It has been a pleasure to observe the growth of these SaaS leaders as they align with the company’s vision and enhance their financial awareness.The participant’s commitment to learning and making informed strategic decisions is truly amazing.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.

Press Release OREM, Utah – July 12, 2023 Download the Business Acumen Press Release: News Facts: One of the Nation’s Top 5 car rental companies recognized the importance of aligning its leaders to the overall company strategy by implementing business acumen training. This Fortune 500 company asked Acumen Learning to deliver a keynote presentation to regional, district, and general managers across the country as part of the company’s yearly Leadership Advancement Program. The company’s executives identified a need to bridge the gap in business acumen, believing that doing so would enhance profitability and improve employee understanding of the company’s strategy. After realizing the transformative effect, they have made the decision to expand our partnership and introduce additional sessions nationwide. Our targeted approach, utilizing the 5 Driver Model, perfectly aligns with the company’s strategic initiatives. By analyzing key factors such as cash, profit, assets, growth, and people, we empowered employees to think like CEOs, enabling them to make impactful decisions that drive business growth. We offered a comprehensive review of the leadership team’s strategic mindset through the company’s annual report, highlighting the clear alignment of executive goals with the 5 drivers and their commitment to measuring performance. Our objective was to help these leaders clarify their roles and empower them to make meaningful contributions to the company’s success. Acumen Learning has delivered customized business acumen courses to several companies on the Fortune 500 list, including 32 of the Fortune 50, further cementing its reputation as a top provider of business acumen training. Supporting Quotes: “The aim of this keynote was to underscore the indispensable role of business acumen for employees,” explains Brian Peterson, director of business development at Acumen Learning. “The executives were genuinely astonished by the existing gap and expressed immediate enthusiasm to bridge it. They have committed to expanding classes and integrating the building business acumen course across multiple sectors within the company.” “It has been clear to us in our 20+ years of working with every industry, every function, and in every geography, that every business needs smarter businesspeople at all levels,” says Ben Cook, President of Acumen Learning. “Business acumen equips each individual with the knowledge, insights, and mindset to make business-savvy decisions, seize new opportunities, and drive sustainable success. In today’s complex and interconnected world, developing strong business acumen is not just a competitive advantage; it is an essential skill for thriving in any role or industry.” “This Fortune 500 company has its strategy in the right direction," says Monty Magleby, Senior Financial Consultant at Acumen Learning. "We utilize a 5-driver model to vividly illustrate how executives conceptualize strategy and performance. It’s as if this company’s CEO crafted their company around these 5 drivers. It was enlightening to demonstrate to the employees how this 5-driver model accurately reflects executive thinking and showcases how this company’s strategic initiatives are perfectly aligned with cash, profits, assets, growth, and people.” About Acumen Learning Founded in 2002, Acumen Learning's highly customized business acumen and sales training programs have helped organizations develop employees who are more engaged, efficient, and effective in their work. To further support its mission, Acumen Learning published, Seeing the Big Picture – Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, in 2012 which quickly became a #1 Wall Street Journal and a New York Times bestseller. More than 20 years later, Acumen Learning has been trusted by more than 200 organizations on six continents to help employees understand how their company makes money, and to take real steps towards improving that process.