Every organisation has blind spots - those unseen areas that hide both challenges and opportunities. While sometimes these blind spots stem from poor management decisions or operational incompetence, more often they're natural consequences of business evolution, market dynamics, and human nature. Let's be honest: occasionally, the emperor really isn't wearing any clothes. But typically, blind spots emerge from more nuanced circumstances.

In my years working across media, marketing, and non-profit sectors, I've observed blind spots arising from various sources:

Common Sources of Blind Spots:

• Risk management decisions ("We've always done it this way")

• Resource allocation priorities ("We don't have time/budget to explore that")

• Market comfort zones ("This has worked well for us")

• Legacy systems and processes ("Our current setup is too complex to change")

• Success-driven complacency ("If it's not broken, why fix it?")

• Poor leadership or management ("The team lacks direction or accountability")

• Skill gaps in key areas ("We don't have the right expertise")

• Organisational dysfunction ("Politics are preventing progress")

The reality is that while sometimes blind spots result from clear failures in leadership or competence, more often they are complex challenges that emerge from multiple factors. The key isn't to assign blame but to identify opportunities for positive change. When approached with honesty, empathy, and strategic thinking, these moments of recognition, regardless of their source, become powerful catalysts for transformation.

Through these case studies, I share how various organisations discovered and addressed their blind spots, leading to significant growth, innovation, and resilience. Some stories involve overcoming genuine leadership challenges or skill gaps, while others showcase how well-run organizations can still have significant blind spots in specific areas. Each case demonstrates that blind spots, once illuminated, can become the very foundation of strategic advantage and sustainable success.

What makes these transformations particularly fascinating is how they often reveal unexpected strengths within organisations. Capabilities and potential that were always present but previously unseen. The process isn't just about fixing problems or addressing incompetence; it's about unlocking new possibilities and pathways to growth, regardless of the initial cause.

1.Business Change and Transition & Digital Transformation Blind Spots

Case Study: Crisis-Driven Digital Evolution (Ultima Media)

Blind Spot: Over reliance on physical print publishing & operations and traditional revenue streams

Solution Approach:

• Rapid digital activation strategy

• Cost restructuring

• Digital product development

• Business Intelligence

Results: 6,000 new registrations, sustainable digital revenue stream

Case Study: Print-to-Digital Evolution (Archant Dialogue)

Blind Spot: Limited digital service offering despite market trends

Solution Approach:

• Redefined business model

• Streamlined portfolio

• Expanded digital capabilities

• New pricing structure

Results: £1.4m revenue growth, £900k margin improvement

2.Financial Control Blind Spots

Case Study: Festival Turnaround (Edinburgh International Film Festival)

Blind Spot: Inadequate financial controls despite significant funding

Solution Approach:

• Emergency restructuring

• New funding sources

• Improved cash-flow

• Strategic plan development

Results: £250k efficiency savings, £500k additional funding, £200k profit

Another example is a business that scaled too quickly combined with lack of sales resource, poor debtor payments and as a result poor cash-flow. Solution was either loan or invoice discounting to alleviate short term funding requirements.

Case Study: Procurement Optimisation (Various)

Blind Spot: Hidden cost inefficiencies in supplier contracts

Solution Approach:

• Comprehensive contract audit

• Supplier renegotiation

Results: £12m in savings across services

3.Data and Technology Blind Spots

Case Study: CRM Transformation (Ultima Media)

Blind Spot: Fragmented data management affecting growth

Solution Approach:

• Systematic data audit

• Cross-departmental integration

• Technology stack optimisation

Results: £150,000 cost savings, unified data view

Case Study: Consumer Understanding (Universal Pictures)

Blind Spot: Traditional approach to customer segmentation

Solution Approach:

• New segmentation model

• Digital distribution strategy

Results: 34% revenue increase, 41% contribution improvement

Another example is a business that suffered increasing ‘unsubscribes’ because full database was receiving all of the same marketing communications. Solution was to refine the date, de-dupe, segment and tailor communications to specific audiences.

3.Sustainability Blind Spots

Case Study: ESG Integration (European Field Sales Company)

Blind Spot: Missing ESG framework in operations

Solution Approach:

• Comprehensive ESG strategy

• Third-party partnerships

• Stakeholder communication

Results: Established Net Zero targets, improved tender competitiveness

Case Study: Carbon Footprint Management (Learning Provider)

Blind Spot: Lack of environmental impact measurement

Solution Approach:

• Carbon footprint audit

• Emissions reduction planning

Results: PPN 06/21 compliance, improved operational efficiency

4.Strategic Growth Blind Spots

Case Study: Brand Extension (BBC Worldwide)

Blind Spot: Untapped revenue opportunities in existing IP

Solution Approach:

• Strategic licensing

• Multi-channel expansion

Results: £500k+ incremental revenue

Case Study: M&A Alternative Thinking (Various)

Blind Spot: Fixed mindset on acquisition strategy

Solution Approach:

Flexible partnership approach

Strategic alignment focus

Results: Successful strategic partnership instead of acquisition