Christina Spade launches Alexun Advisory: A new era in strategic consulting
A fresh perspective on long-term business strategy
Christina Spade, a seasoned financial executive with a rich history at Showtime and CBS Corp., has embarked on a new venture. She has launched Alexun Advisory, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding companies through long-term operational and planning decisions. This move marks a significant shift in the consulting landscape, offering a unique approach to value creation and strategic foresight.
The vision behind Alexun Advisory
Spade’s vision for Alexun Advisory is to stand out in a crowded market of consulting firms. Her focus is on helping companies at various stages of their growth cycles to plan and strategize for the long term. This is not just about immediate gains but about creating sustainable value over time. Spade has been leveraging her expertise in an advisory capacity to startups, including ventures in the AI sector, which has further honed her understanding of the industry’s needs.
“I’ve always focused in my career on the importance of value creation for a company. That has always really resonated with me as a priority. It’s more than just a buzzword,” Spade shared in a recent interview.
The challenge of value creation
Creating value is a complex process, especially for companies in the entertainment industry, such as Hollywood studios and networks. The challenge lies in ensuring that the products and services a company offers continue to gain value over time. This can be particularly difficult when a company is preoccupied with its day-to-day operational strategy.
“Based on my years of experience, I am able to help CEOs see how to create value. You have to have the right people, the right business strategy, a nimbleness, and the financial wherewithal to make it happen,” Spade explained.
The essence of Alexun
The name Alexun is derived from a concept that signifies a powerful stimulator while emphasizing humanity. This boutique operation, based in New York, aims to bring a human touch to the often impersonal world of business consulting.
Spade’s extensive background includes 20 years as a senior financial executive and ultimately CFO at Showtime Networks. She was promoted to CFO for CBS in 2018, where she played a crucial role in the 2019 merger with Viacom. After leaving CBS, Spade had a brief tenure as CEO of AMC Networks in 2022, during a period of significant upheaval in the pay-TV sector.
A new approach to consulting
Since her departure from AMC Networks, Spade has been working as a private consultant for various firms. This experience has sharpened her understanding of the demand among C-suite executives for coaching and guidance on long-term decisions, investment, and capital allocation plans. Alexun Advisory positions itself as a contrast to other large media and entertainment advisory firms that often focus on handling restructurings and other tasks on a project-by-project basis.
“There is a need for this type of focus,” Spade said. “It’s important to create greater awareness about the importance of long-term goals and how they help define a company’s mission, purpose, and what value-creation means for them.”
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For those passionate about cinema, TV series, and music, the implications of Spade’s new venture are profound. The entertainment industry is in a constant state of flux, with new technologies and consumer preferences continually reshaping the landscape. Companies that can navigate these changes with a clear, long-term strategy are more likely to produce the kind of content that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time.
Consider the impact of strategic foresight on some of the most beloved TV series and movies. Shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones didn’t just happen by accident. They were the result of careful planning, investment in talent, and a deep understanding of audience preferences. Similarly, in the music industry, albums like Adele’s 21 and Beyoncé’s Lemonade are products of strategic vision and long-term planning.
In-depth analysis and distinctive comments
Spade’s approach with Alexun Advisory is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced business environment. Companies often get caught up in the urgency of immediate tasks, losing sight of their long-term goals. By emphasizing the importance of value creation and strategic foresight, Spade is offering a much-needed service that can help businesses thrive in the long run.
Her insights into the entertainment industry are especially valuable. The sector is notorious for its volatility, with trends and consumer preferences shifting rapidly. A firm like Alexun Advisory can provide the stability and strategic direction that companies need to navigate these changes successfully.
Christina Spade’s launch of Alexun Advisory represents a significant development in the world of business consulting. Her focus on long-term value creation and strategic foresight offers a fresh perspective that is both timely and necessary. For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, this approach promises to bring more thoughtful and enduring content to the forefront.