Profit on paper does not always translate into cash in the bank. Many businesses in Ireland run into difficulties not because they are unprofitable, but because their cash is tied up in stock, slow customer payments, or tight supplier deadlines. This is where working capital planning becomes critical. By actively managing the balance between receivables, payables, and inventory, businesses can improve day-to-day liquidity, reduce financial stress, and create the confidence to invest in long-term growth.

Many businesses already track financial metrics like profit margins, debt ratios, or cash flow. But knowing what these numbers are isn’t enough. To truly benefit, business leaders must use them to inform strategic decision-making, from hiring and pricing to expansion and investment.

When we think of reinvention, we often imagine scrappy startups pivoting to survive. But for mature companies with legacy reputations, reinvention is more complex. It’s less about radical change, more about careful recalibration. A recent segment on Bloomberg’s Wall Street Week offered a timely look into how one such business, New Balance, is managing this ongoing challenge.