Case Study - Start Up Strategy - Wireless Company
Our mandate was to develop the “big picture” strategy
and to coach the members of the Executive Team.
Context
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) conducted an auction of new licenses for high-bandwidth, RF frequencies in the United States so that consumers would have more options for wireless communications and to encourage competition in the digital, wireless market. The intent was to provide consumer options to the entrenched Southern California mobile market. As a result of the auction, Whitesell & Company was invited to help the new company develop and operationalize an organizational strategy that would culminate in a market launch in less than two years using pioneer technology.
Due to the long-range revenue implications of this new technology, our startup client had a market valuation of well over $1 billion before gaining one subscriber to their service. Secure, high-speed wireless service, with virtually no interfering noise, was a powerful offering even if it wouldn’t exist for a few years.
During the 2-year project, the total number of employees grew from less than 100 to over 1,500 people. Our mandate was to develop the “big picture” strategy and to coach the members of the Executive Team. We acted as the day-to-day voice of the executive team and facilitated communication among the managers and staff in the various business functions.
Whitesell & Company guided the executive team through the creation of their Mission, Vision and Strategic Objectives at the first strategy session in Ojai, California. The strategy was updated and refined during four subsequent, offsite executive summits that we facilitated.
Our approach was high-touch in a high-tech world and involved ongoing engagement with pivotal individuals and teams. Part of this process involved actively defusing conflicts among people and departments that were working extremely long hours to make the vision a reality. Whitesell & Company used a variety of instruments, including one of the most powerful personal and organizational tools in existence, The Birkman Method®.
Outcome
The company launched the new digital network successfully in three phases over a period of one year. The valuation of the company increased substantially due to the quality of the system and the success of the product offerings within various markets. This organization was successful by any metrics applied and they established a new standard for wireless communications in North America.