Cost Optimization can save or destroy a company

Reducing cost is an addicting drug for its immediate dollar feedback to your pockets. You taste it once and start wanting to reduce more and more. You’ll lose features, performance, and customers, but rationalize it’s worth a certain tradeoff. Sometimes, it is a good idea. But when the spiral becomes the main focus, you are in a DANGER zone. I saw this happen 3 times, in a startup, in a medium business, and in a Fortune500. I share a story from my own experience to explain the danger and opportunity of reducing costs.