What exactly are growth catalysts?

Growth Catalysts are structural or situational advantages that augment and accelerate your growth system. Think of them as a superpower that wraps around your foundation: when the foundation is strong, catalysts massively amplify it (along with the rest of your growth engine).

At a high level, there are two types of catalysts: 

1. System-level flywheels: self-reinforcing and compounding, with high ceilings and defensibility
2. Boosters: high-leverage advantages but less defensible and lacking the self-reinforcing dynamic

In short, catalysts are your X-factor. They explain why seemingly similar companies diverge, and why some achieve outsized, durable, compounding outcomes.

Sounds great, right? They are. But quick reality check: While it can feel like magic when they work, catalysts aren’t miracle workers. With a bad foundation, a growth catalyst can't save us. At least not for long.