Leadership: Stagnation Kills Your Business, 3 Times

Petronas Twin Towers
Petronas Twin Towers held the title of the tallest building in the world for six years (Flickr)

Your business has been thriving, and the pipeline is well filled with work? Don’t get comfortable too soon. Stagnation kicks in fast nowadays, and kills your business‘ innovation, its growth, and its people.

1. Innovation 

The speed of transformation that we are currently witnessing is challenging all of us to think differently. Every industry can be disrupted, there is no safe habour. So we need to deliver our products and services in a way that is relevant today, not yesterday.

Minor product iterations do not work forever. We need to prepare product revolutions, not just iterations on what we were selling since ten years. Establishing an innovation lab engages our employees to think in innovative ways and lift our business to new heights.

2. Growth

We need to adjust our business development plan to drive business growth. This should not be a static document. Customer and market definition are changing fast and we need to adopt this in our sales strategy and in our product development.

This does not work without data. Therefore we need to implement a data strategy. Our data strategy guides our entire business how to collect and analyze data, and how to generate the insights that we use for our decisions. If we do not take advantage of data, our competition will do.

3. People

Sushi Google DoodleIt is essential for leaders to recognize that you cannot possibly manage everything. We need to employ great people. But recruiting is not the end. We need to keep your talents, empower them, and motivate them to take initiative in their roles. Stagnation will rotate employees out of the company.

Offering free sushi and laundry service might impress our new hires from university. Experienced and independent employees will be more interested in career perspectives. We should establish personal development plans for everyone, not just for the designated managers.

Although it is important for leaders to set such a career framework, we should not forget to invest in your employees‘ training. Both, hard skills (technical) and soft skills (non-technical), are mandatory because they each play very important roles in the development of our employees.

In Summary

Yesterday’s innovations are tomorrow’s commodities. We need to invest in innovations, otherwise we will face disruptive competition. Creating insights from data is important for the iterative adjustments on our business development plan. Offering personal development plans and proper training avoids stagnation for your employees, which is causing brain drain.

This post is also published on LinkedIn.

Hyper Kickoff Event: 5th Frankfurt Analytics + Tableau User Group Meetup

Tableau Hyperfest: Hyper Kickoff Event at Tableau's Frankfurt office
Tableau Hyperfest: Hyper Kickoff Event at Tableau’s Frankfurt office

We’d like to invite you to the 5th Frankfurt Analytics + Tableau User Group Meetup.

Join us for the global launch of Tableau’s super fast data engine, Hyper! Hyper brings faster data refreshes and query performance to Tableau extracts, plus increased scalability in a platform-wide update.

This is your opportunity to get to know the Hyper dev team, hear from Tableau beta customers about their hands-on Hyper experience, and participate in live Q&A. Best of all, learn more about Hyper’s patent-pending technology as well as some of the other features headed your way in 10.5. (Viz in Tooltip, anyone?)

Tableau is hosting the Hyperfest meetup – come and celebrate with the community and the world on the upcoming release of Hyper. In addition to the Hyper presentation, we will also have food, drinks and Tableau swag, so don’t miss it!

-> Sign Up <-

Tableau Hyperfest meetup event page
Sign up for free at the Hyperfest meetup event page

Agenda

9:00pm: Doors Open

9:30pm: Presentations:

10:30pm: Drinks & Networking

11:00pm: Live Hyperfest Viewing Party

Midnight: Event Concludes

Livestream: Follow us on Twitter @FraAnalytics and check for the livestream and additional content!

Feedback and ideas: Let us know if you’d like to discuss a particular topic or if you want to become one of our future speakers – email or twitter.

Bitfinex Invitation Code: Binance als Alternative für IOTA

Bitfinex Mobile App Screenshot
Bitfinex ist nun eine geschlossene Platfform, Anmeldung nur noch mit Einladungscode

Seit einigen Wochen ist die Plattform Bitfinex besonders beliebt, da sich dort Ether in IOTA tauschen lässt. Auch die Konvertierung von Euro ist seit einiger Zeit direkt auf der Handelsplattformen möglich. Jedoch ist, auf Grund des Ansturms, Bitfinex seit gestern eine geschlossene Plattform („members only“). Die Registrierung bei Bitfinex ist nur noch mit einem Einladungscode möglich.

Bitfinex-Einladungscodes bald limitiert verfügbar

Sobald Bitfinex neue Kontingente an Einladungscodes freischaltet, werde ich diese nach dem Prinzip first-come-first-served per Email versenden. Sollten Sie Interesse an einem sogenannten Bitfinex Invitation Code haben, können Sie sich hier eintragen:

[contact-form-7 id=“1870″ title=“Bitfinex“]

Binance als Bitfinex-Alternative für IOTA-Handel

Sie möchten mit dem Handel von IOTA nicht auf Bitfinex warten?

Bitfinex ist nicht die einzige Plattform, die derzeit den Handel mit IOTA ermöglicht. Auch Binan​ce​ bietet IOTA an, die Website gibt es mittlerweile sogar mit deutscher Oberfläche. Dort steht als Handelspaar momentan BTC-IOTA zur Verfügung.

Sie müssen also zuerst Bitcoin kaufen und an Binance senden, wenn Sie auf Binance IOTA kaufen möchten. Falls Sie noch keine Bitcoins besitzen, können Sie welche bei Coinbase (Kreditkarte oder Überweisung) oder bei bitcoin.de (Marktplatz) kaufen.

IOTA attraktiv für Beimischung im Kryptoportfolio

Viele Anleger sehen IOTA zunehmend als interessante Beimischung zur Diversifizierung in einem Kryptoportfolio, wie jenes, das ich kürzlich vorgestellt habe. Einer Twitter-Umfrage zufolge, wird IOTA neben Ripple als zukunftsträchtige Komponente gewertet:

How to Diversify a Long-term Crypto Portfolio

Close-up of a golden Bitcoin, representing digital currency and its role in building a diversified crypto portfolio for long-term investments.
Bitcoin coin symbolizing cryptocurrency investments and crypto portfolio strategies.

Last Friday, it was my pleasure to give an Executive Talk at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. While the focus of my presentation was Digital Transformation, plenty of the questions raised by the audience were about cryptocurrencies and how to build a diversified crypto portfolio.

Frankfurt School (@FrankfurtSchool) highlighted the session on Twitter, noting: „Our #FSEMBA students are especially interested in the use cases of today’s Executive Talk.„

After receiving follow-up emails from participants seeking guidance, I decided to expand on the topic in this blog post. For additional insights into blockchain and artificial intelligence trends, I recommend reading my related post: Digital Banking: The Opportunities of Blockchain, AI, and Machine Learning.

Why Invest in Cryptocurrencies?

The cryptocurrency market has shown explosive growth, with returns exceeding 1200% since early 2017. Finding this kind of return on investment (ROI) elsewhere is challenging. For example, a $500 investment in January 2017 could have grown to $6000 within a year!

This guide provides a framework for building a long-term cryptocurrency portfolio based on diversification and risk management principles.

Crypto Portfolio Allocation Strategy

I recommend balancing your portfolio with up to five coins in the Top 10 market cap, making up 70-85% of your investment, and complementing it with smaller altcoins in promising projects for the remaining 15-30%. This mirrors Timothy Chong’s analysis of Markowitz-style crypto optimization.

Top Cryptocurrencies for Long-term Investment

Bitcoin (40%)

Bitcoin (BTC) remains the foundation of most crypto portfolios, often referred to as „digital gold.“ It is considered a safer long-term investment due to its market dominance and steady growth.

  • Price (as of time of writing): $16,708
  • Gain Over Past Year: 2,170%
  • Market Cap: $278 B (#1)
  • Circulating Supply: 16,734,237 BTC

Ethereum (30%)

Ethereum (ETH) is the leading platform for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, driving significant innovation in decentralized finance (DeFi).

  • Price (as of time of writing): $470
  • Gain Over Past Year: 5740%
  • Market Cap: $45 B (#2)
  • Circulating Supply: 96,272,074 ETH

Litecoin (10%)

Litecoin (LTC) is often referred to as the „silver“ to Bitcoin’s „gold.“ Its faster block generation time (2.5 minutes) and lower transaction fees make it ideal for payments.

  • Price (as of time of writing): $170
  • Gain Over Past Year: 4690%
  • Market Cap: $10 B (#5)
  • Circulating Supply: 54,255,483 LTC

Ripple (10%)

Ripple (XRP) focuses on enabling fast and low-cost international money transfers. It has gained traction among financial institutions for cross-border payments.

  • Price (as of time of writing): $0.25
  • Gain Over Past Year: 3500%
  • Market Cap: $9.6 B (#4)
  • Circulating Supply: 38,739,144,847 XRP

Monero (10%)

Monero (XMR) is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses advanced cryptography to ensure transaction anonymity. It has become a go-to option for users seeking privacy.

  • Price (as of time of writing): $264
  • Gain Over Past Year: 3370%
  • Market Cap: $4 B (#9)
  • Circulating Supply: 15,449,232 XMR

Outlook

As cryptocurrencies continue to evolve, they are likely to become the backbone of decentralized economies. Technologies like smart contracts and blockchain interoperability will pave the way for a seamless global financial ecosystem. In the next decade, we may see tokenized assets replacing traditional stocks and bonds, making financial services more accessible worldwide.

Additionally, privacy-focused coins like Monero will grow in importance as regulators impose stricter oversight, driving demand for anonymous transactions.

Quantum-resistant blockchains could also emerge as a critical innovation, securing cryptocurrencies against future quantum computing threats. The integration of artificial intelligence in blockchain governance may further revolutionize decision-making processes in decentralized networks.

FAQs About Crypto Portfolios

Q: Isn’t it too late to start buying cryptocurrencies now?
A: No. With growing adoption, Bitcoin could still reach 100,000 EUR/BTC and beyond in the coming years.

Q: Where can I buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins?
A: Coinbase and Binance are popular exchanges for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Sign up on Coinbase now and receive $10 in BTC!

Q: How can I securely store my cryptocurrencies?
A: Use hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S or create paper wallets for offline storage.

Final Thoughts on Building a Crypto Portfolio

Building a diversified cryptocurrency portfolio requires careful planning and research. The examples shared in this guide highlight promising projects and balanced strategies to help manage risks.

I welcome your thoughts and questions in the comments or on Twitter:

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

From Singapore Business to Scuba Diving: Exploring Tioman and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Panoramic view of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

After a grueling week-long business trip in Singapore, I was ready for some much-needed rest and relaxation. And what better way to unwind than by exploring the underwater world of ABC Bay in Tioman, Malaysia?

I hopped on a bus from Singapore to Tioman Island and was immediately greeted by lush rainforest and crystal clear waters. The island was smaller than I expected, but it was packed with activities to keep me busy. Of course, scuba diving was the main attraction and ABC Bay did not disappoint. The colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life made for an unforgettable experience.

Apart from diving and snorkeling, Tioman Island also offers a range of activities for visitors. You can go trekking in the island’s lush rainforest, explore the cascading waterfalls, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. The island also has several historical sites, including the remains of a Dutch fort and a Chinese temple.

After a few days of diving, I was ready to move on to my next destination: Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia was a stark contrast to the laid-back island atmosphere of Tioman. I spent my days wandering the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds. The Petronas Towers were a definite highlight, as were the Batu Caves and Merdeka Square.

Watch as Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers come alive in this stunning 4K timelapse, capturing the city’s transition from a glowing afternoon to a dazzling night skyline. Watch the video on YouTube.

The Batu Caves are located inside a limestone hill and can be accessed by a long flight of stairs. At the top of the stairs is a temple complex with colorful statues and ornate architecture. The sun is shining brightly in the blue sky, casting a warm glow over the entire scene.

But what really stood out to me during my time in Kuala Lumpur was the food. Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and it did not disappoint. One of my favorite dishes was nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, and peanuts. I also loved trying all the different types of satay, especially the chicken and beef varieties.

Overall, my trip to Tioman and Kuala Lumpur was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for world-class diving or delicious food, Malaysia has something for everyone. So why not add it to your travel bucket list?