Everyone tries to simplify success in business with an equation. I’ve resisted this simplicity because sometimes an equation complicates business. But at times it can be beneficial.
Consider the success the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had in mitigating diseases in Africa. Through data analysis, their team identified that a large percentage of infections occurred around the borders of African countries. During interviews with medical personnel and country leaders, it was determined that each country thought the other country had taken care of those villages close to their borders with vaccinations and supportive hygiene tools. The solution to reducing the disease by more than 80% was simply identifying where the disease was, putting some energy and coordination behind the effort, and executing on the needed steps.





