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Unconvention Now Available on Spotify!

The Award winning strategy guide small business owners, now available as an audiobook. Learn about the Underdog Principles for building resilient, profitable businesses.

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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
Featured Author — Non-Obvious 7-Minute Meetup @ SXSW 2026

Featured Author — Non-Obvious 7-Minute Meetup @ SXSW 2026

March 15, 2026

Non-Obvious Company

podcast
Former McKinsey Partner Sri Kaza Exposes the Brutal Truth About Scale, Profit and Why Founders Fail (#520)

Former McKinsey Partner Sri Kaza Exposes the Brutal Truth About Scale, Profit and Why Founders Fail (#520)

February 25, 2026

The Deep Wealth Podcast

podcast
Why Small Wins Beat Big Plans & Build Stronger Businesses

Why Small Wins Beat Big Plans & Build Stronger Businesses

October 27, 2025

Hello Chaos

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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 2026

Sri Kaza