John Cobb
@jcobb.pholus.co
Founder of @pholus.co. Helping leaders protect reputation, prevent failure, and regain momentum when conventional playbooks fall short.
Pinned
John Cobb
@jcobb.pholus.co
· 19d
South Africa Opens, Zimbabwe Closes, Mozambique Restricts: SADC Integration Is Breaking
Three neighboring countries just announced opposite economic policies within 48 hours. Your regional strategy is now obsolete.
open.substack.com
If you have SADC exposure, now is the time to reevaluate your position.
Liderar em mercados frágeis exige mais do que visão: exige disciplina quando tudo ao redor insiste no improviso.
January 10, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Liderar em mercados frágeis exige mais do que visão: exige disciplina quando tudo ao redor insiste no improviso.
Exit strategy isn’t about timing the peak. It’s about protecting downside when the unexpected hits.
January 10, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Exit strategy isn’t about timing the peak. It’s about protecting downside when the unexpected hits.
In Mozambique, formality matters. Titles, greetings, respect aren’t details, they’re the entry point to influence.
January 10, 2026 at 2:08 AM
In Mozambique, formality matters. Titles, greetings, respect aren’t details, they’re the entry point to influence.
You don’t need to solve their whole crisis in one talk. Just keep them from making it worse in the next hour.
January 9, 2026 at 8:14 PM
You don’t need to solve their whole crisis in one talk. Just keep them from making it worse in the next hour.
Governança séria é saber dizer não quando o “sim” é mais tentador.
January 9, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Governança séria é saber dizer não quando o “sim” é mais tentador.
Most breakthroughs come after the hardest moments of restraint. Stay steady long enough to see the pattern shift.
January 9, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Most breakthroughs come after the hardest moments of restraint. Stay steady long enough to see the pattern shift.
Pressure reveals character. The choice is simple: break under it, or sharpen because of it.
January 9, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Pressure reveals character. The choice is simple: break under it, or sharpen because of it.
Buyers often overpay for businesses with strong customer acquisition engines. That’s marketing.
January 8, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Buyers often overpay for businesses with strong customer acquisition engines. That’s marketing.
Fraud is emotional because trust is broken. Calm is strategic because recovery is still possible.
January 8, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Fraud is emotional because trust is broken. Calm is strategic because recovery is still possible.
Marketing is proof of demand. Buyers pay premiums for proof.
January 8, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Marketing is proof of demand. Buyers pay premiums for proof.
Without an exit strategy, you’re gambling that conditions stay favorable. They rarely do.
January 8, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Without an exit strategy, you’re gambling that conditions stay favorable. They rarely do.
An exit strategy is a map. Without it, urgency will dictate your direction.
January 7, 2026 at 8:14 PM
An exit strategy is a map. Without it, urgency will dictate your direction.
The best exit strategies are written when no one thinks they’re needed.
January 7, 2026 at 3:17 PM
The best exit strategies are written when no one thinks they’re needed.
Every project here is touched by politics. Good advising balances neutrality with pragmatism.
January 7, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Every project here is touched by politics. Good advising balances neutrality with pragmatism.
Good exits are engineered. Bad exits are forced. Only one preserves reputation.
January 7, 2026 at 3:38 AM
Good exits are engineered. Bad exits are forced. Only one preserves reputation.
El marketing sólido eleva el valor de una empresa mucho antes de la venta.
January 6, 2026 at 11:24 PM
El marketing sólido eleva el valor de una empresa mucho antes de la venta.
Surprise visits are tools, not weapons. Use them to build accountability, not fear.
January 6, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Surprise visits are tools, not weapons. Use them to build accountability, not fear.
Exit planning clarifies who you’re really building for: buyers, heirs, or creditors.
January 6, 2026 at 10:50 AM
Exit planning clarifies who you’re really building for: buyers, heirs, or creditors.
Numbers told one story. The bank accounts told another. When “verified” statements mask cash disappearance, this is how leadership can still act fast. 🔗 www.pholus.co/the-ac...
January 5, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Numbers told one story. The bank accounts told another. When “verified” statements mask cash disappearance, this is how leadership can still act fast. 🔗 www.pholus.co/the-ac...
Good marketing is the cheapest way to add real equity before you sell.
January 5, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Good marketing is the cheapest way to add real equity before you sell.
When a founder spirals, don’t counter with logic alone. Match their urgency with calm clarity. Then show the next small step.
January 5, 2026 at 3:17 PM
When a founder spirals, don’t counter with logic alone. Match their urgency with calm clarity. Then show the next small step.
Founders confuse attachment with value. Exit strategy forces you to separate the two.
January 5, 2026 at 6:04 AM
Founders confuse attachment with value. Exit strategy forces you to separate the two.
You discover your local partner’s funds are tainted. It’s not just ethics — it’s liability. Here’s how to protect your company before the damage spreads. 🔗 www.pholus.co/what-t...
January 4, 2026 at 11:24 PM
You discover your local partner’s funds are tainted. It’s not just ethics — it’s liability. Here’s how to protect your company before the damage spreads. 🔗 www.pholus.co/what-t...
La credibilidad es el activo más difícil de construir y el más fácil de perder.
January 4, 2026 at 3:17 PM
La credibilidad es el activo más difícil de construir y el más fácil de perder.
La reputación corporativa no se hereda. Se defiende día a día.
January 3, 2026 at 11:24 PM
La reputación corporativa no se hereda. Se defiende día a día.