This Strategist Turns Business Thinking on Its Head, and You Will Learn Why and How in This Short Intro
Dear business leaders and aspiring strategists,
In this post, I’m excited to introduce one of my favorite writers and mentors — someone who’s become a key influence in my own journey as a strategist.
I wish I’d discovered his books and articles decades ago — it would have made me a better leader. But it’s never too late to learn, which is why I’m sharing the insights of this brilliant strategist with you.
Svyatoslav Biryulin brings over 26 years of business leadership experience to the table, including 13 years as a CEO.
He’s led organizations across industries like manufacturing, retail, and wholesale, developing a knack for spotting what works and what doesn’t.
In 2016, he transitioned from corporate leadership to consulting, with one mission: to show businesses that strategy isn’t about jumping from one quarterly target to the next — it’s about building a sustainable future.
From the Boardroom to the Writer’s Desk
Svyatoslav’s career has been anything but ordinary. He climbed the corporate ladder, took the helm as CEO, and then boldly redefined his career to focus on strategy consulting.
His expertise has culminated in his book, Red and Yellow Strategies: Flip Your Strategic Thinking and Overcome Short-Termism, which challenges leaders to think beyond the immediate horizon.
“Strategy isn’t a buzzword. It’s about making decisions today that your future self — or company — will thank you for,” he explains.
From Thought to Ink: A Writer’s Journey
Svyatoslav’s love for writing is as strong as his passion for strategy. Early dreams of becoming a professional writer eventually found their outlet in thought leadership articles and his book. But his writing stands out for a reason: it’s direct, insightful, and refreshingly readable.
“Too many strategy articles feel like an endurance test,” he says. “I aim to make mine useful and, dare I say, enjoyable.”
He began sharing his ideas on Medium but soon found Substack to be the perfect platform. “Substack is where I can connect directly with readers, no algorithms or distractions — just ideas and dialogue.”
The Core of His Writing: Practical, Relatable, Effective
Svyatoslav doesn’t just write to share ideas but he writes to make strategy accessible. Articles like Blue Ocean Fallacy and Don’t Stare at the Speedometer — Look at the Road resonate with readers because they tackle complex concepts with clarity and a touch of realism.
His approach to writing can be summed up in three key principles:
- Consistency: “Writing is like exercise — you must keep showing up to see results.”
- Clarity: “The best insights are simple. If it takes a paragraph to explain a concept, it’s time to rethink it.”
- Engagement: “Writing isn’t a monologue. When readers share their thoughts, it’s a chance to deepen the conversation.”
More Than Strategy: A Well-Rounded Thinker
When he’s not dissecting business challenges, Svyatoslav keeps life balanced with cycling, hiking, and diving into books that push him to think differently. Some of his favorites include Peter Drucker’s Managing for Results and Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow.
Even during a hike, his mind often drifts to strategy. “There’s something about being out in nature that clears the clutter and helps you focus on what matters,” he notes.
Svyatoslav encourages emerging writers to focus on learning rather than immediate success. “Good writing doesn’t happen overnight. Each article, each draft, is a stepping stone. And don’t forget — start with a strong opening. It sets the tone for everything that follows.”
Svyatoslav’s journey as a strategist and writer is far from over. With two more books in the pipeline and a growing community of readers, he’s on a mission to help leaders worldwide embrace long-term, impactful strategies.
If you want to learn more about him you can check out an interview conducted by my mentor Dr Mehmet Yildiz last year. Svyatoslav also writes on his website having his own blog at digitalmehmet.com. The interview was published by Substack Boost Pilot as Svyatoslav is a founding member like me.
You can connect with Svyatoslav via his Medium account, Substack publication, and LinkedIn profile. He is also a member of ILLUMINATION Slack Workspace, which is free and moderated for Medium, Substack, and Patreon writers/readers. If you want to be a member send a request via this link.
You may also check out his educational and inspiring book “Red and Yellow Strategies: Flip Your Strategic Thinking and Overcome Short-termism.
Here is a review of the book by Dr Yildiz.
Meet Other Writers I Introduced
I love introducing new writers to potential readers. It is a hobby and giveback activity in my retirement years. Every authentic writer deserves visibility. I have also introduced several writers, so please consider exploring their profiles and inspiring stories.
If you want to be featured, I do it as part of the Friends of ILLUMINATION initiative explained by Dr Yildiz so please leave a comment on this story or contact me on Slack.
Why I Like Hidden Gem Timothy Agnew and Why You Should Explore His Writing on Medium Timothy Agnew
Meet Dr Adam Tabriz, MD, on Health & Science Publication of ILLUMINATION Dr. ADAM TABRIZ
“Magic Is Present. An Introductory Story About Substack Mastery” Dr. Gabriella Korosi
Meet Ethiraj Srinivasan: The Data Engineer Who Lives a Thousand Lives Ethiraj Srinivasan
Meet Veroonica O E: Tech Wizard, Product Manager, and a New Writer Veroonica O E
Meet Naya Monroe on My Health & Science Publication of Illumination on Medium.com Naya Monroe, BCBA, LCDC-I
Congratulations, William F. Spivey, for the Recognition by the “African American on the Move Book Club” William Spivey
Meet Lawson Wallace on My Health and Science Publication on Medium Lawson Wallace
If you are a new writer, please check out our updated submission guidelines before sending your first draft so that our editors can publish them quickly. Here are the links to the guidelines:
ILLUMINATION, Curated Newsletters, SYNERGY (Newsletter Booster), Technology Hits, ILLUMINATION Book Chapters, Readers Hope, and Magnetic Newsletter Pro.
I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Substack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.
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