e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.
As part of our newly introduced ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.
In this episode, we feature Darryl Dickens, Founder of Out-Position, a company specialising in positioning and Category Design for tech startups, innovators, and growth-oriented enterprises.
Dickens shares his personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.
The driving force
A valued contributor, Dickens joined us in April with his debut article. Since then, his contributions have garnered over 4,000 views. His motivation as an e27 contributor is based on his desire to be a part of a thriving startup community.
“I like the e27 community feel and wanted to participate in it. It’s been a really good experience! It feels good to be part of this tribe,” he expressed.
Also Read: How Category Design drives productivity and efficiency
How it all began
Dickens, a former corporate executive, held leadership positions in marketing at both regional and global levels, including a tenure as CMO for a Nasdaq-listed company. His career also included participation in several major acquisitions before he ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his own company five years ago.
Currently, he collaborates with two or three promising startups annually, working alongside those genuinely committed to establishing a legendary category and company.
The category is the strategy
Dickens’s primary areas of expertise and passion for facilitating this goal include crafting compelling points of view, implementing Category Design, and devising ecosystem strategy and optimisation.
“An increasing number of executives are recognising the pivotal role of their category in achieving overall success. They understand that they have the ability to shape the market and category in their favour,” he said.
Advice for budding thought leaders
Dickens advises, “Read a ton, write regularly, and trust your ability to create something novel and useful for others to read.”
Also Read: Mind the category curve: Are you driving it or will it drive right over you?
Juggling too many things?
Dickens wishes he had known what he knows today during his corporate career! During his off-duty hours, he seeks solace in remote settings where he enjoys activities such as surfing, kayaking, and diving.
“You have to unplug sometimes, exercise and meditate regularly, and spend time with friends and family,” Dickens emphasizes. “This not only enhances your productivity and perspective but also makes you more effective at work.”
Staying in the loop
To stay well-informed, Dickens primarily leverages his personal network and maintains regular interactions with startups and their leadership. He recommends reading the book Play Bigger and visiting out-position.com for a more comprehensive exploration of Category Design.
“Your business and company will always be in a category, so either you define it, or someone else will,” Dickens asserts. “To achieve this, it’s crucial to have a compelling point of view, emphasizing the problem you are addressing rather than leading with your product or company description.”
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The post Spotlighting Darryl Dickens: Shaping success through Category Design appeared first on e27.