The best way to predict the future is to create it. And I believe everyone is in the business of creating their own future—not just CEOs or some big-shot executives.
Welcome to One Inch Ahead
Hey there! I’m Howard Yu—born and raised in Hong Kong, now calling Switzerland home as the LEGO® Professor of Management and Innovation at IMD. Yes, that's a real thing! At IMD, I lead the Center for Future Readiness with support from the LEGO® Brand Group.
I've spent years studying what makes companies tick (and what makes them topple). I've created something called the Future Readiness Indicator, to measure how prepared a company is for the long haul, based on things like innovation, research development, and financial health. This work has been featured on places like Bloomberg, CNBC, and BBC—not to brag (okay, maybe a little). We use it to rank the world’s biggest companies.
But let me tell you, my real surprise is that what applies to CEOs or billion-dollar corporations actually means a lot for small- to medium-sized companies in terms of people leadership. So, whether you are leading a team of 5, a solo entrepreneur, or overseeing a global division with 10,000 employees, the universal principles at the very core remain the same.
My mission is to cut through the noise and help people see what really matters in their work life. Because, let's be honest, there's a lot of hype out there. I aim to provide tools, insights, and clarity to help you focus on what moves the needle.
Beyond the indicator, I've written a book called LEAP: How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied. It's all about how to stay ahead when your competitors can copy your every move. (Spoiler alert: it's not about building higher walls, it's about continuous reinvention.)
Why am I on Substack?
I believe in the power of shared learning. Everything I write here is rooted in the research and classroom insights we develop at IMD. One Inch Ahead is my way of extending that dialogue—bringing together practical tips, actionable frameworks, and behind-the-scenes stories about how companies (and individuals) achieve greatness. So, jump in, subscribe, and let’s stay future-ready.
A Few More Tidbits About Me:
I've been named a Thinkers50, which is basically like the Oscars for management thinkers. In 2023 I won the Thinkers50 Strategy Award.
Before all this, I was a banker, but I traded in my spreadsheets for a much more exciting life of teaching and research at Harvard Business School and now IMD.
Oh, and as a proud Hong Kong native, I have an endless appreciation for good dim sum and excellent tea.
Thanks for stopping by and being part of this community!
@2025. Howard Yu International Limited
