What we've learnt over the last decade about business acceleration

Over the last ten years, the business landscape has transformed dramatically, and it continues to do so. AI has gone from theory to application, hybrid work models have become the norm, and customer expectations have accelerated. The pace of change, which was once cyclical, can now feel relentless.  

At smart/tasking, we’ve spent this time embedded in businesses across sectors, helping them not just adapt to this pace, but learn how to really thrive in it. And we’ve seen first-hand that “business acceleration”, one of our core service offerings, isn’t just about speed. It’s about making the right things happen more efficiently, with clarity, confidence, and capability. 

Here’s what the last decade has taught us: 

1) Embrace tech - but don’t lose the human touch 

This rise of AI and automation has made it easier to streamline, scale and simplify. We’re big believers in working smarter, and tech plays a central role in that, but the businesses that truly accelerate are those that: 

• Use tech as an enabler, not a crutch. The best outcomes happen when automation removes the noise, freeing people to focus on the work that matters.   

• Know what humans are still best at. AI can analyse data quickly, but it’s human judgement, empathy and curiosity that drive meaningful decisions. Might AI one day have these human superpowers? Only time will tell… 

2) Leadership alignment isn’t optional  

When companies grow quickly, alignment can slip. Different teams sprint in different directions, priorities clash, and momentum stalls. 

What we’ve learned is that acceleration very much depends on unified leadership: 

• One direction, many voices. When leadership teams are aligned in vision and execution, the rest of the business follows.   

• Communication is the glue. It’s not enough to agree once in a boardroom. Teams need regular, visible alignment across plans and priorities. 

3) Clarity beats speed every time 

When organisations move fast without a shared understanding of the ‘why’, it leads to rework, burnout, and missed opportunities. We’ve seen it time and again. 

True acceleration is purposeful: 

• Clear direction creates confidence (and action). Teams who understand the goal move faster and with less friction.  

• Slow down to realign. Taking a moment to reassess can avoid weeks of wasted effort later. 

4) Continuous learning and adaptability 

The most successful businesses are the ones that not only expect but embrace change in a proactive way, and that comes down to people. 

• Equip teams to learn and adapt. Whether through training, mentoring, or simple knowledge-sharing, growth happens when people are supported and encouraged to stretch. 

• Listen, then lead. Businesses that routinely seek feedback, from customers, teams, partners, are the ones that evolve with confidence. 

We’ve worked alongside ambitious businesses for a long time, and one thing is clear: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to business acceleration. The right pace, direction, and rhythm will always depend on your people, your pressures, and your purpose. 

But in every case, the shift starts with one question: What’s getting in the way? 

It’s rarely a lack of talent or tech. More often, it’s noise, friction, overload, or long-held assumptions. That’s why our work begins by creating space and offering a fresh perspective: to help you focus, ask better questions, and move forward with clarity. 

Because business acceleration isn’t about cramming more in. It’s about working differently, freeing people up to be more efficient, more effective, and to do what they’re brilliant at. If you’re looking for that space and perspective, please get in touch, we’d love to talk.