One of the things I've enjoyed most since starting ANT is the variety of businesses and people I've been speaking to.
Different sectors, different ambitions, different challenges. But it's got me thinking about how we identify commercial opportunities.
We naturally tend to think about growth in terms of winning customers, launching products or entering new markets.
Yet some of the most interesting opportunities come from joining up things that already exist.
A supplier relationship that could open an entirely new market. An existing customer base that could benefit from a complementary service. A conversation between two businesses that leads to something neither had previously considered.
And sometimes, simply knowing the right person to pick up the phone to.
None of this is particularly complicated. But when you're immersed in running a business, it's not always easy to see what's possible beyond the immediate priorities.
Having spent years running commercial organisations, I'm finding that a fresh perspective, some curiosity and a willingness to make things happen can be a powerful combination.
Not every opportunity needs a new strategy, a bigger budget or another consultant. Sometimes it just needs someone to join the dots.