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About Onwards

Practical assessment and advice for companies that want to improve

Onwards is an ecosystem of tools and advisors for ambitious businesses. Onwards Insights is the first product: a fast way to see where a company stands, what is holding it back, and what to improve next.

Our vision

Onwards is building an ecosystem and toolset that helps people and businesses succeed worldwide, starting with Onwards Insights.

Origin

Onwards is founded by Anders Ottesen, a Norwegian entrepreneur, business developer, and management consultant. The company is built on a simple observation: most business advice is only useful when it fits the company situation. Knowing what and who to believe is the foundational challenge when receiving business advice.

Why now

AI and robotics are entering the workplace and reshaping how many organizations operate. The expert consensus is that AI and robotics represent a fundamental technological shift with an impact comparable to, or greater than, the Industrial Revolution.

We believe that by 2035, AI and robotics will be capable of matching or exceeding most human capabilities in the workforce. Companies have strong economic incentives to replace human labor with machines, and that process is already underway.

Humans need a way to stay competitive against this new labor force, and Onwards is here to help. Whether you want to master your craft or use AI in a way that maintains quality and integrity, we provide you with what you need to stay ahead of the curve.

Starting point

Research shows that in terms of corporate performance: a tiny minority of "superstar" or high-growth firms drive nearly all net growth, wealth creation, and productivity gains, while the vast majority (between 75-98%) stagnate or decline in real terms. The pattern is global, though intensity varies by region. Small- and medium sized companies employ most people worldwide, while a small number of superstar firms create most of the net value and growth.

Decision makers and management have an outsized impact on corporate performance. The World Management Survey shows that superior management practices explain 20-33% of productivity differences between firms and countries. A one-standard-deviation improvement in management quality delivers 20-45% higher labor productivity and better profitability, while CEOs who focus on vision and strategy drive about 7% higher sales and stronger results per employee.

This creates tremendous opportunity for decision-makers and leaders at every level. Onwards equips ambitious managers and decision-makers with targeted frameworks and tools to sharpen their decision-making, drive meaningful change, and achieve superstar-level results in their organizations. Companies in growth also typically hire more people, in order to manage increased workloads and create new capabilities.

You can help

If you believe in the mission, we would be happy to collaborate.

  • Specialists and advisors looking to help or get more customers
  • Partners and business developers with experience, knowledge, and tools
  • Course and content providers looking for people ready to learn
  • Other collaborators who believe in the mission and want to help

Read how the assessment works, or contact us if you want to collaborate.