Company Media Kit

Every decision a leader makes has a cost. Some are immediately visible, while others accumulate quietly in the background, eventually creating obstacles that threaten a company’s progress. Welcome to the world of Executive Debt.

In this groundbreaking book, Monty Fowler unravels the unseen burden that arises from leadership choices—the cumulative effect of quick fixes, shortcuts, and deferred decisions that weigh down even the most successful organizations. Executive Debt dives deep into the forms of debt that leaders inadvertently accrue, strategic missteps, operational inefficiencies, cultural pitfalls, and talent gaps. Fowler offers practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to help you spot, manage, and ultimately eliminate these invisible obstacles before they drag your company down.

> Uncover Hidden Liabilities

> Identify and Tackle Exec Debt

> Execute Actionable Strategies

> Learn from Real-World Cases

These excerpts reflect the book’s central themes, offering insights into leadership, decision-making, & the hidden costs of short-term thinking:

• “Executive Debt isn’t about money, nor is it about code. It’s about the cumulative burden that accrues when leaders make decisions—large and small—without fully considering the long-term impact on their organizations. It’s the cost of shortcuts, quick fixes, and deferred decisions that, over time, create a heavy load that can weigh down even the most successful companies.”

 

• “The consequences of unchecked Executive Debt are varied and far-reaching. Loss of agility is one of the most obvious signs. As Executive Debt accumulates, the organization finds it harder to pivot and adapt to new challenges. Decision-making slows to a crawl, opportunities are missed, and the competitive edge dulls.”

 

• “Great decision-making doesn’t come from luck—it’s built by leaders who are willing to pause, challenge their own thinking, and explore multiple paths forward. Using tools like scenario planning or the OODA Loop isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about giving yourself the space to see opportunities and risks with fresh eyes.”

 

• “The mindsets that drive Executive Debt are deceptively simple, familiar, and even comforting in their own ways. But what we overlook is that each of these habits carries a hidden cost. Left unchecked, they accumulate slowly, layering inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and cultural stagnation until the company can no longer bear the weight.”

 

• “When leaders chase immediate gains—whether to meet quarterly targets, satisfy shareholders, or respond to competitive pressures—they can inadvertently compromise the long-term health of their organizations. This book is a guide to recognizing these decisions for what they are: temporary fixes that can create more profound and entrenched issues if left unchecked.”

 

• “Every leadership misstep is waste. Over time, these mistakes can escalate into crises, damaging productivity, reputation, and morale. Leaders must adopt a ‘leadership kaizen’ mentality, continuously improving and minimizing waste to avoid accumulating Executive Debt.”

 

• “The silent nature of Executive Debt makes it especially dangerous. Like a small leak in your foundation, it can remain unnoticed for years, gradually eroding the structure until the cracks are too large to repair. The sooner you recognize it, the sooner you can act to mitigate its damage.”

 

• “Decisions made in the heat of the moment—under pressure from stakeholders or competitors—often seem necessary, but they come with a hidden cost. The cumulative impact of these choices, if unchecked, leads to inefficiencies, strategic drift, and weakened culture.”