The Tech Strategy Podcast

Jeffrey Towson

A podcast by TechMoat Consulting on the strategies of the best digital companies in the US and China / Asia.

Tech Strategy offers:

-Deep dives into the strategies and business models of leading tech companies.

-Lessons on important digital concepts.

Lots more information available at Jefftowson.com and techmoatconsulting.com

To marketers, I do not have podcast guests.

This podcast is not investment advice. Me and any guests may get the numbers or information wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant. Investing is risky. Do your own research.

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Episodes

CRAs Are the Path From Digital Operating Activities to Moats (2 of 2) (201)
28-12-2023
CRAs Are the Path From Digital Operating Activities to Moats (2 of 2) (201)
This week’s podcast is Part 2 of Capabilities, Resources and Assets (CRAs). They are a key part of strategy. And link operating performance with structural advantages. Here is Part 1.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Key points:Point 1: Operating performance and structural advantage are separate parts of strategy and management.Point 2: But they are also linked. By a select list of capabilities, resources, and assets (CRAs)Point 3: Operating activities create and maintain CRAs, which can be tangible and intangible.Point 4: Sometimes CRAs can manifest as competitive advantages and barriers to entry.Point 5: CEOs need to identify moats. And then chart a path of critical CRAs to build and rebuild them.McKinsey’s Framework for Intangible AssetsInnovation / Creative Assets. Digital and Analytics Assets. Human and Relational Assets. This has two sub-types. This is any time, effort or money spent on:Building individual or organizational skills through training within an organization. Building ecosystems and networks external the organization is also important. Brand Assets. ——–I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the Show.
The 4 Pillars of Baidu's AI Cloud Strategy (2 of 2) (200)
27-12-2023
The 4 Pillars of Baidu's AI Cloud Strategy (2 of 2) (200)
This week’s podcast is part 2 of a deep dive into Baidu Cloud, a leading provider of cloud and intelligence services. And arguably China’s AI leader.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here are the four pillars:Pillar 1: Baidu AI Cloud Is an Innovation Platform Pushing to Reach Critical MassPillar 2: Baidu AI Cloud Is Also Moving to Become a Technology Standard Deeper in the AI Tech StackPillar 3: Baidu’s AI-Focused Cloud Has 2 Advantages Over Other Innovation PlatformsPillar 4: Baidu's AI Cloud Is a Flywheel in Industry-Specific Intelligence ------------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the Show.
Why TikTok Shop is a Big Problem for Etsy (194)
20-12-2023
Why TikTok Shop is a Big Problem for Etsy (194)
This week’s podcast is a deep dive into Etsy. And how it is leaning into the creativity and human connection aspects of marketplaces.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here are my 5 questions (thus far) for assessing the viability of a specialty ecommerce company.Is the company sufficiently differentiated in the user experience?Can the company compete and/or differentiate in logistics or infrastructure without ongoing spending?Does the company have a strong competitive advantage in a circumscribed market?Is there a clear path to significant operational cash flow?Has the company avoided markets and situations that are attractive or strategic for the major ecommerce companies?Here are the mentioned articles and podcasts:Etsy and How to Predict the Winners in Specialty Ecommerce (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)Pinduoduo, Etsy, and OTC: How Specialty Ecommerce Can Thrive Against the Giants. (Tech Strategy – Podcast 97)———–I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
3 Factors Will Determine the Future of Verisign Inc. (191)
17-12-2023
3 Factors Will Determine the Future of Verisign Inc. (191)
This week’s podcast is a deep dive into Verisign, Inc (Nasdaq: VRSN). It focuses on the biggest factors for the future of the company.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.——–Related articles:A Digital Strategy Breakdown of Salesforce. Spoiler: It’s Awesome (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)A Strategy Breakdown of Arm Holdings (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)3 Digital Concepts Powering ARM Holdings (2 of 4) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:CA16: State-Granted Competitive AdvantagesStandardization Network EffectsSubstitutesFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:Verisign Inc---------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
Digital Strategy Lesson: CRAs Are the Path From Operating Activities to  Competitive Advantage (1 of 2) (190)
15-12-2023
Digital Strategy Lesson: CRAs Are the Path From Operating Activities to Competitive Advantage (1 of 2) (190)
This week’s podcast is Part 1 of Capabilities, Resources and Assets (CRAs). They are a key part of strategy. And link operating performance with structural advantages. You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to our China Tech Tour.Key points:Point 1: Operating performance and structural advantage are separate parts of strategy and management.Point 2: But they are also linked. By a select list of capabilities, resources, and assets (CRAs)Point 3: Operating activities create and maintain CRAs, which can be tangible and intangible.Point 4: Sometimes CRAs can manifest as competitive advantages and barriers to entry. Point 5: CEOs need to identify moats. And then chart a path of critical CRAs to build and rebuild them. —---–Related articles:Lessons in Digital Operating Basics from Ram Charan. Part 1 of 2 on “Rethinking Competitive Advantage”. (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 98)Meituan vs. Ctrip vs. Alibaba: Who Will Win in China Services? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 22)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Capabilities, Resources and AssetsIntangible AssetsSerial MoatsFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:n/a——-----I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
The 4 Digital Concepts Powering Salesforce, Inc. (Tech Strategy - Podcast 189)
09-12-2023
The 4 Digital Concepts Powering Salesforce, Inc. (Tech Strategy - Podcast 189)
This week’s podcast is a deep dive into Salesforce, Inc. It focuses on the biggest competitive strengths of the company.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here are the comments by Eddie Wu at Alibaba:Aliviews: Eddie Wu on Alibaba’s Q2 Earnings——–Related articles:A Digital Strategy Breakdown of Salesforce. Spoiler: It’s Awesome (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)A Strategy Breakdown of Arm Holdings (1 of 3) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)3 Digital Concepts Powering ARM Holdings (2 of 4) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:SaaSSwitching Costs: Financial, Procedural, Relational and RiskEconomies of Scale: Fixed Costs: Specialized, Cumulative and NicheEnterprise Software: CRMFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:Salesforce Inc---------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment, legal or tax advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. This is not investment advice. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 2 of 2) (186)
06-12-2023
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 2 of 2) (186)
This week’s podcast is Part 2 of an introductory explanation for the Digital Operating Basics. This is a very useful framework for thinking about digital transformation.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the China Tech Tour.Here is my summary of digital operating basics (Dr. Ram’s book combined with some of my own thinking):Rapid Growth at Small Incremental Cost. And Without Constraints.Never-Ending Personalization and Customer Improvements.Digital Core for Management and Operations.Connectedness, Interoperability and Coordination-Based Operating Models (Including Platforms and Ecosystems).Leadership and Management.People, Culture and Teams.Sustainable Cash Engine that Scales——–I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 1 of 2) (185)
17-11-2023
Digital Strategy Lesson: An Intro to the Digital Operating Basics (Part 1 of 2) (185)
This week’s podcast is Part 1 of an introductory explanation for the Digital Operating Basics. This is a very useful framework for thinking about digital transformation.You can listen to this podcast here, which has the slides and graphics mentioned. Also available at iTunes and Google Podcasts.Here is the link to the TechMoat Consulting.Here is the link to the China Tech Tour.Here is my summary of digital operating basics (Dr. Ram’s book combined with some of my own thinking):Rapid Growth at Small Incremental Cost. And Without Constraints.Never-Ending Personalization and Customer Improvements.Digital Core for Management and Operations.Connectedness, Interoperability and Coordination-Based Operating Models (Including Platforms and Ecosystems).Leadership and Management.People, Culture and Teams.Sustainable Cash Engine that Scales--------Related articles:Lessons in Digital Operating Basics from Ram Charan. Part 1 of 2 on “Rethinking Competitive Advantage”. (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 98)Meituan vs. Ctrip vs. Alibaba: Who Will Win in China Services? (Jeff’s Asia Tech Class – Podcast 22)From the Concept Library, concepts for this article are:Digital Operating BasicsFrom the Company Library, companies for this article are:n/a--------I write, speak and consult about how to win (and not lose) in digital strategy and transformation.I am the founder of TechMoat Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that helps retailers, brands, and technology companies exploit digital change to grow faster, innovate better and build digital moats. Get in touch here.My book series Moats and Marathons is one-of-a-kind framework for building and measuring competitive advantages in digital businesses.Note: This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research.Support the show