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Startups Don’t Know How to Make Decisions. That’s a Problem.
Startups don’t need more meetings—they need better decisions. If you’re struggling with how to make decisions that are fast and effective, use a simple framework: Context, Options, Decide, Execute (CODE). It brings clarity, avoids knee-jerk solutions, and keeps things moving.

Jon Katz
Jul 18, 20253 min read


A Comprehensive Startup Operating System Comparison: Why Circle Forward Completes the Puzzle
OKRs help you decide what you want to achieve. EOS helps make sure people follow through. But neither tells you how to actually get there. That’s why we built Circle Forward, a system that combines Alignment, Accountability, and Acceleration to help startups move fast, stay focused, and execute with confidence.

Jon Katz
Jul 11, 20254 min read


The 5 Mistakes Startups Make When Setting and Achieving Objectives
Most startups don’t struggle because of a lack of ambition. They struggle because of how they set and pursue their goals. In this post, I break down the five most common mistakes I see startups make when it comes to setting and achieving objectives, from misaligned quarterly priorities to treating goals like checklists instead of learning journeys. If you want to improve execution and actually hit the targets you set, start here.

Jon Katz
Jun 30, 20254 min read


Why OKRs Alone Won’t Cut It for Your High-Growth Startup
Discover why OKRs fall short for high-growth startups and how to build a modern business operating system that drives execution, accountability, and sustainable growth. Learn actionable strategies to align your team, set the right priorities, and accelerate toward your goals. Perfect for first-time CEOs and junior leadership teams navigating the chaos of scaling a VC-backed startup.

Jon Katz
Jun 26, 20255 min read


The Brutal Truth About Building a High-Growth Startup: Lessons from the Trenches & Traits of Successful Startups
Building a high-growth startup is a brutal journey, no matter the industry. From my 16+ years in the trenches—as an employee, advisor, consultant, and founder—I’ve seen more failures than successes. But the wins share common traits: relentless execution, constant learning, laser focus, unwavering grit, smart decision-making, and disciplined cash management.

Jon Katz
Jun 24, 20254 min read


Understanding Product-Market Fit: Why Churn Rate is Key to Understanding PMF
Discover why churn rate is the ultimate metric for validating Product-Market Fit (PMF) in early-stage, high-growth businesses. Learn how to measure churn, what constitutes a "good" churn rate (hint: aim for <5% annually), and why high churn is a red flag for retention issues. This comprehensive guide explores actionable strategies to reduce churn, boost customer retention, and achieve sustainable growth. Perfect for SaaS founders and product managers seeking data-driven insig

Russell Briscoe
Jun 23, 20257 min read


Why We Built Circle Forward: From EOS at Billd to a New System for Startups in Chaos
Implementing EOS at Billd changed how I thought about company building—but it also showed me its limits. Traditional systems like EOS and OKRs work well for scaling companies, but they fall short in the chaotic early stages. That’s why we built Circle Forward—a business management framework designed specifically for high-growth startups still learning, validating, and moving fast. It’s the system I wish every founder had from day one.

Jon Katz
Jun 22, 20253 min read


Why we created The Circle Forward Method
Most business systems—EOS, OKRs, Scaling Up—weren’t built for the chaos of early-stage startups. They assume stability and clarity that just doesn’t exist yet. That’s why we created the Circle Forward Method—a framework built specifically for high-growth startups. It focuses on Alignment, Acceleration, and Accountability and helps founders manage momentum, make better decisions, and learn faster—all without the overhead of outdated systems.

Jon Katz
Jun 20, 20253 min read
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