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growth index calendar    Jul 08, 2026

Electrifying Growth Episode 76: Healthy Urgency: The Growth Advantage AI Can't Create

Principal Ben Laufer joins Managing Partner Chris Sugden for episode 76 to unpack the 2026 Growth Index, Healthy Urgency, customer retention, and how AI amplifies strong organizations

Chris Sugden
Chris Sugden

 

 

What separates companies that consistently outperform from those that struggle to maintain momentum? According to our 2026 Growth Index, the answer is Healthy Urgency.

In this episode of Electrifying Growth, Managing Partner Chris Sugden sits down with Principal Ben Laufer to unpack the research behind this year's Growth Index, including why customer retention emerged as the strongest predictor of long-term financial performance, and how AI delivers the greatest impact in organizations that already operate with strong alignment, efficiency, and sustainability.

This episode shares practical insights on building organizations that execute with discipline, retain customers more effectively, and create the conditions for AI to become a true competitive advantage.

Download the 2026 Growth Index here.

 

 

Interested in guest-starring on Electrifying Growth? Apply Here to be a guest!
Chris Sugden

Chris is Managing Partner and Chairman of the firm's investment committee. A leading fintech executive and investor for over 25 years (before fintech was fintech), Chris' investment expertise and exits span payments, capital markets and wealth management segments, and track record includes leading dozens of new investments and over 60 rounds of financing.