Kyocera Newsletter

Courageous growth: Six strategies for continuous growth outperformance

South Africans went into 2024 knowing that the economy would remain uncertain ahead of the general elections, and many businesses and individuals have put a squeeze on budgets and spending until the outcome is becomes clearer. 

As an international business founded in Japan in 1959, Kyocera has experienced the ebb and flow of multiple global social and economic events (positive and negative) over the years and we’ve gained a firm understanding that it’s the actions we continue to take before, during, and after challenging periods that determines continued growth and positive business outcomes. 

Growth outperformance doesn’t take place by chance, which is why our motto for this FY is “Creating value and generating growth”. It occurs when we partner to grow value together and have the courage to maintain our focus, plan ahead to the next stage, all while protecting our sales and innovations. 

Recent McKinsey research shows that the following six mindsets and strategies are the crux of what sets growth outperformers apart:  

1. Build an innovation culture and mindset
   We talk about innovation a lot at Kyocera, it’s what sets us apart and keeps us focussed on the future.
2. Commit to sustainable, inclusive growth
   Sustainability can’t be reserved for the “good times” alone. It’s part of a strategic imperative to grow a business in the most transparent and ethical way possible.
   
3. Grow your core with data, analytics, and AI
   Growth is an infinite ambition that has no finish line. At Kyocera, we recognise the need to adapt to the world around us, and the best way to do this is based on the data about the changing needs of our customer.
4. Expand into right-to-win businesses
   Companies that continue to discerningly pursue growth through adjacent and breakout businesses by leveraging their unique capabilities, networks and market positioning tend to generate the strongest shareholder returns
5. Shrink to grow when necessary
   We do this at Kyocera by continuously listening and adapting to what our customers require. We focus our attention on what’s working.
6. Mobilise people to capture value quickly
   Kyocera's trajectory of innovation, underpinned by a commitment to its people through our philosophy, sets it apart in the technology sector. 

Given the historic disruptions of the past five years, companies need to build business-wide resilience to ensure continuous growth. No matter the environment, we can choose growth by setting an aspirational mindset and culture, and activating pathways for successful business. 

Jimmy de Waal - Sales and Marketing Director - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa