Let’s be real. You can scroll through a thousand “business tips” articles, and most will tell you the same tired stuff: “Work hard! Network! Have a vision!” But if you want to play in the big leagues, like CEO-of-ExxonMobil big, you need something better. Enter Darren Woods, the mastermind behind ExxonMobil’s corporate dominance.
This isn’t just about oil and gas; it’s about business warfare. So grab your notepad (or, let’s be honest, your phone), because we’re about to break down six killer business strategies Woods used, so you can dominate your own industry.
1. Master the Art of the Long Game
Woods doesn’t play for quarterly wins; he plays for decades. While most businesses chase quick cash, ExxonMobil has been laying down 50-year strategies like it’s playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
Your takeaway? Stop thinking in weeks. Start thinking in years. If you’re launching a startup, ask yourself: Will this idea still be profitable in 2034? If not, tweak it.
Pro Tip: Want to develop a long-term mindset? Read “The Long Game” by Dorie Clark. It’s packed with practical strategies for thinking big. Grab it on Amazon.
2. Turn Critics Into Free Publicity
ExxonMobil gets its fair share of haters (hello, environmentalists), but instead of hiding, Woods leans in. Every time someone shouts, “Big Oil is evil!” ExxonMobil uses it as an opportunity to talk about innovation and sustainability efforts.
Your takeaway? Negative press isn’t always bad. If someone criticizes your business, use it as a chance to tell your story better. Smart brands know that controversy = attention.
Action Step: Next time you get a bad review, publicly respond with confidence and turn it into marketing gold.
3. Dominate Before Others Even Enter the Game
ExxonMobil doesn’t compete in the energy space; it owns it. While others are still debating market entry, ExxonMobil already has infrastructure locked down.
Your takeaway? Be so ahead of the curve that when competitors finally show up, you’ve already won.
Quick Win: Thinking about starting a business? Get into an industry before it explodes. AI, renewable energy, and cybersecurity are goldmines right now.
4. Diversify, But Stay Focused
Woods knows that putting all your eggs in one basket is stupid, but so is putting them in a hundred different baskets. ExxonMobil invests in oil, gas, and renewables, but it never loses focus on energy.
Your takeaway? Expand, but stay in your lane. If you’re running an online business, add products related to your niche, not random trends.
Smart Move: Start with one core skill, then build on it. If you’re a graphic designer, add branding services. If you’re a content creator, monetize with online courses.
5. Make Ruthless, Data-Driven Decisions
Darren Woods doesn’t rely on gut feelings, he relies on data. When ExxonMobil makes a move, it’s backed by cold, hard numbers.
Your takeaway? Stop guessing. Start tracking. Whether it’s sales, social media growth, or customer feedback, track everything and make decisions based on real data.
Tool Recommendation: Want to get better at tracking numbers? Try “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, it’s all about small, measurable improvements. Get it on Amazon.
6. Surround Yourself With Power Players
Woods isn’t making billion-dollar decisions alone. He surrounds himself with the smartest minds in the industry.
Your takeaway? Your network = your net worth. Stop hanging out with people who aren’t pushing you forward. Find mentors, join masterminds, and cut out the dead weight.
Next Step: Not sure where to find powerful connections? Join business communities, attend industry events, and read books by top CEOs.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Level Up
Darren Woods didn’t wake up one day as CEO of ExxonMobil, he played the game strategically. And now, so can you.
- Think long-term
- Use criticism as fuel
- Be first in your market
- Expand smartly
- Make data-backed moves
- Surround yourself with winners
Now, your move: Which of these tactics will you implement first? Drop a comment below!