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Operational Velocity

Operational Velocity

By: Gautam Basu
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Operations is the last unfair advantage in business. Operational Velocity unpacks this advantage through four lenses: value creation through operations, operations-first leaders, technology as operational leverage, and private equity and the operating model. This series is hosted by Dr. Gautam Basu.

© 2026 Operational Velocity
Episodes
  • Ep. 1 Introduction to Operational Velocity

    Ep. 1 Introduction to Operational Velocity
    Jun 10 2026

    This is the introductory episode of Operational Velocity, where host Gautam Basu lays out the thesis that underpins everything Operational Velocity is: cash flow is an operational outcome, not a financial one. That every metric your board cares about (e.g.) EBITDA margin, free cash flow conversion, return on capital employed has an operational driver sitting upstream of it. The episode works through four lenses: value creation through operations, operations-first leaders, technology as operational leverage, and what private equity has taught us about operational urgency. Each lens is a different way of seeing the same truth, that the gap between a business running at 70% of its potential and one running at 95% is not a strategy gap. It is an operations gap. Case studies include Zara's supply chain as a margin strategy, Tim Cook's operational transformation of Apple, Alan Mulally's colour-coded discipline at Ford, and the real reason Lou Gerstner saved IBM. Plus a critical look at if AI is creating operational leverage in 2026.

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    26 mins
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