Announcing my new book...

Unconvention
A Small Business Strategy Guide

My new book looks at how small businesses survived and thrived through the pandemic, with lessons for all small business owners to leverage their natural advantages to stay ahead of the competition. Available in retail on September 23rd, 2025.

Unconvention book cover

Pre-Order Available Now!

Attend a conversation in your city

View all

The Underdog Principles


positioning
Positioning

The ability to focus on a set of customers who value what makes you unique

Positioning

Big companies must appeal to everyone, you have the freedom to focus on your customers. Its ok to put your personal favorite products on the shelves, if customers love your taste. You don't have to offer every type of french pastry when you have fantastic coffee. Success comes from leaning into what makes you special.

proximity
Proximity

The deep understanding that comes from direct customer interactions

Proximity

Big companies spend millions trying to understand their customers through data and research. You gain that understanding from serving your customers every day. This direct connection gives you insights that big businesses can't match and informs your decisions to grow and adapt changing needs.

purpose
Purpose

The freedom to build something meaningful beyond just making money

Purpose

Unlike large corporations driven by financial metrics, you can build your business around your values and vision. Whether it's serving your community, pursuing your passion, or feeding your family, a purpose beyond profit gives you more ways to grow and the freedom to be creative in solving problems.

Interested in applying these principles to your business?

Recent Activities
speaking
Utilizing Data, Machine Learning and AI

Utilizing Data, Machine Learning and AI

December 8, 2022

ABS West Summit

podcast
Building a SaaS Company

Building a SaaS Company

April 1, 2017

Unleashed

podcast
Unconvention

Unconvention

July 4, 2025

Getting Work to Work

podcast
Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: Small Businesses Strategies During Uncertainty

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: Small Businesses Strategies During Uncertainty

June 19, 2025

Beyond Fulfillment

podcast
How Consultants Can Win Big Without Copying Big Firms

How Consultants Can Win Big Without Copying Big Firms

May 14, 2025

Consulting Growth Hour

Latest Articles
Sri Kaza

About Sri

Sri Kaza is a business leader and small business advocate with a career spanning corporate strategy, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedicated support for small businesses.

After earning degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, he began his career at McKinsey & Co., advising Fortune 500 companies. This was followed by executive roles focused on supporting small businesses, including serving as CEO of ForwardLine Financial, where he helped tens of thousands of small businesses achieve their goals.

Through his extensive experience working with both large corporations and small businesses, Sri developed the Underdog Principles — a framework that helps small businesses leverage their inherent advantages to compete and thrive in any market.

Copyright 2025

Sri Kaza