A flywheel, in a business context, is a metaphor used to describe a self-reinforcing cycle that gains momentum over time. The concept is borrowed from the mechanical flywheel in physics, which stores rotational energy.
jim collins
BUSINESS: A flywheel is used to illustrate how different components of a business can work together to create a virtuous cycle that builds momentum. For example, a company might use customer experience to drive loyalty, which leads to increased sales and growth, which then allows for further investment in customer experience. The focus is on the accumulation of energy or momentum, where each part of the process builds upon the previous, leading to accelerated growth or improvement.