#520 The Costlexity Trap: When Growth Becomes Expensive | Barbara Wittmann interviewed by Niels Brabandt

When does growth become expensive? In this leadership interview, Barbara Wittmann joins Niels Brabandt to discuss one of the most overlooked business risks in scaling organisations: the Costlexity Trap, the point where growing complexity and rising costs begin undermining sustainable growth. From fragmented software subscriptions and AI tool overload to ERP decisions, operational maturity, investor expectations, and scaling challenges, this conversation delivers essential insights for founders, executives, investors, operational leaders, and decision-makers. Topics include: • What the Costlexity Trap actually means  • Why fast growth often increases hidden costs  • ERP systems, technology decisions, and operational risk  • How scaling organisations can avoid costly mistakes  • Why founders need operational clarity before investment  • The "middle phase" of growth and when it begins  • Investor expectations and technology spending  • Sustainable growth, operational leadership, and business transformation This episode is essential listening for CEOs, founders, start-up leaders, operational executives, private equity professionals, scale-up organisations, and decision-makers navigating rapid growth. Host: Niels Brabandt EMBA MBA MSc / [email protected] Contact Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/