The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

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The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

CEOs and business leaders, management consulting senior partners, ground-breaking professors, thought-provoking writers and journalists, record-setting athletes and coaches, and award-winning actors and celebrities discuss the key issues facing the business world and broader society. Get free access to our newsletter, Monday Morning at 8 am, along with sample episodes from our training programs on www.strategytraining.com. Go to https://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo.

  1. 6 HR AGO

    504: The CEO's Dilemma: When to Speak Out on Political and Social Issues

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 504, where we interview Ex Harvard Kennedy School researcher Matt Kohut, the author of Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication.   In this episode, Matt discusses the role leaders play in public communication. Drawing from his book "Speaking Out," he explores how CEOs can engage with political and social issues while balancing stakeholder perspectives, organizational values, and potential risks. Matt also shares practical advice on effective public speaking, managing communication anxiety, and building communication skills that help leaders connect authentically with their audiences.   Matthew Kohut is the managing partner of KNP Communications where he prepares CEOs, elected officials, and public figures for events such as live television appearances. Matt has taught at George Washington University and held a fellowship at Bennington College. His writing has appeared in publications from Harvard Business Review to Newsweek.    Get Matt’s book here: https://shorturl.at/htduE Speaking Out: The New Rules of Business Leadership Communication   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    43 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    503: Ex-Amazon Executive: How Leaders Win by Making Big Bets

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 503, where we are doing round 2 with John Rossman. John was an early Amazon executive and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile & the Gates Foundation. He is the co-author of Big Bet Leadership and a keynote speaker and advisor.    In this episode, John Rossman discusses the insights from his recent book, Big Bet Leadership, on how companies can manage major strategic initiatives ("big bets") that involve significant risks. He explains why organizations need to test ideas before making big commitments and stay focused on key priorities. John describes how companies can adapt to increasing digitalization through careful planning and controlled experiments.   John Rossman is an author, executive advisor and keynote speaker on digital transformation, leadership, and business reinvention. With a career spanning consulting roles at renowned brands like Novartis, Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Walmart, and T-Mobile, he brings extensive expertise in solving complex business challenges and driving customer-centric solutions. As an early Amazon executive, Rossman played a pivotal role in launching the Amazon Marketplace in 2002, shaping its transformative impact.   Rossman is the author of four influential books on leadership and business innovation, including the bestseller “The Amazon Way” and his recent release “Big Bet Leadership.” He served as senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and senior technology advisor to the Gates Foundation, where he honed his strategic acumen in driving organizational change and creating enduring enterprise value.   Today, Rossman is a sought-after keynote speaker renowned for his insights into leadership for innovation and transformation. His work focuses on practical applications of Amazon’s Leadership Principles to foster innovation, drive growth, and navigate digital disruption effectively.   Get John’s book, Big Bet Leadership, here: https://shorturl.at/XLpaB   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    36 min

  3. 20 NOV

    502: Ex McKinsey and Founder of the LIS on How Interdisciplinary Learning Shapes Tomorrow's Leaders

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 502, an interview with Ed Fidoe, the founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), the first institution in decades to be granted degree-awarding powers from inception in the UK and offers an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum focused on tackling complex global issues such as inequality, sustainability, ethics, and AI. In this episode, Ed shares his journey from child actor to McKinsey consultant to educational innovator. Throughout the conversation, Ed emphasizes the importance of broad intellectual curiosity, the growing impact of AI on education, and the need for future leaders to develop skills beyond traditional academics. His story illustrates how combining consulting expertise with educational vision can drive meaningful change in learning institutions.   Before LIS, Ed co-founded School 21, an acclaimed school designed to nurture children from diverse backgrounds, achieving Outstanding Ofsted within two years. He also founded Voice 21, a leading oracy education charity. Ed’s latest endeavour involves expanding the LIS’ offering to include a future-proof MBA challenger, alongside the existing undergraduate, master, and leadership programs.   From his early days as a child actor on ‘Woof!’, and setting up a theatre production company with Oscar-nominee Matt Charman, to his tenure at McKinsey & Co., Ed’s journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of change. His transformative vision has attracted educators from esteemed institutions worldwide, united by a shared belief in LIS’s mission to reshape higher education. Ed’s narrative is one of passion, innovation, and purpose, promising to inspire and challenge conversations about the future of learning.   Learn more about Ed here: https://speakonpodcasts.com/ed-fidoe/   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    56 min

  4. 18 NOV

    501: From Harvard Engineer to Inc. 5000 CEO: David G. Ewing on How to Build a Successful Business

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 501, an interview with the innovative CEO of Motiv, David G. Ewing where we speak about entrepreneurial resilience and customer experience innovation.    In this episode, David shares his journey from early struggles during the 2000 tech recession to building a successful Oracle partnership that transformed his business. He candidly discusses overcoming self-doubt through meditation and mindfulness, while offering practical insights on testing business concepts and managing multiple ventures. The conversation explores how Motiv creates "moments of wonder" in customer experience, the value of the Entrepreneurs Organization community, and practical strategies for work-life integration.    David G. Ewing has revolutionized the realm of customer experience since 1998. With a keen understanding that altering customer attitudes drives ideal behaviors, David has transformed this insight into substantial revenue growth for over 500 clients. A Harvard cum laude graduate in Engineering, his leadership acumen has not only propelled Motiv to the Inc 5000 list of America's fastest-growing companies but has also generated millions in additional revenue for his clients. Beyond his professional prowess, David's leadership extends to the community as the president of The Entrepreneur's Association, Austin Texas Chapter, where he's committed to unlocking every entrepreneur's potential. Outside the boardroom, David is the proud coach of his son's robotics team and cherishes his 19-year marriage, considering it his crowning achievement.   Learn more about David here: https://www.davidgewing.com/   Here are some free gifts for you:   Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    54 min

  5. 13 NOV

    500: Keith Ferrazzi on 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 500, an interview with an entrepreneur and global thought leader in high-performing teams and Chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight and its Research Institute, Keith Ferrazzi.   In this episode, Keith takes us through his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in a poor immigrant family to becoming a global leader in relationship-building and team performance.   Keith introduces us to the concept of teamship, a profound shift from today’s hierarchical model to sharing the load among a team that elevates one another and the organization to achieve exponential results. He shared the 10 critical shifts to teamship and how to adopt these transformative practices to build high-performing teams.   Keith Ferrazzi, a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, Competing in the New World of Work, and his newest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith is an acclaimed global executive team coach, who stands at the forefront of transformative leadership having coached the transformation of Fortune 500 corporations, the World Bank, fast growth Unicorns and even governments of entire countries. The founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight, Keith spearheads behavioral shifts in leadership and high impact teams, empowering organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of business.   Keith's research can be found in prestigious publications including Harvard Business Review, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine, where his columns serve as valuable insights for business leaders.   Get Keith’s new book here: https://shorturl.at/DNHur Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    41 min

  6. 11 NOV

    499: Steps to Becoming a Fractional C-Suite Executive with Sara Daw

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 499, an interview with the author of Strategy and Leadership as Service, Sara Daw. Her new book provides businesses with access to the complete range of functional, emotional, and collective intelligence at the C-suite level by moving their positions from the “pay-roll” to an “access-role.”   In this episode, Sara discussed strategies for advancing a career to the C-suite, including joining the right organization with clear career paths and development opportunities, and how to find a mentor and a sponsor within the organization to help open doors and realize career ambitions.   Sarah took us on her journey to becoming a fractional CFO and finding her first few clients, a motivational story of persistence and not giving up. Additionally, Sara shares her advice on marketing strategies, time management, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life.   Sara Daw is an entrepreneur, researcher, writer, speaker and future of work expert. Listed in the 2024 E2E Female 100, Sara is passionate about designing the future of work for C-level talent and organizations. As well as publishing the first research on the Access Economy for C-suite talent in her second book, Strategy and Leadership as Service, she is Co-Founder and Group CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberti Group, the global number one provider of part-time and fractional C-suite professionals. Sara is a graduate in Chemistry from Oxford University, a Chartered Accountant, holds an MBA from The London Business School, and a Mastère Spécialisé® in Consulting and Coaching for Change, run jointly by Oxford University (Saïd Business School) and HEC Business School in Paris.   Get Strategy and Leadership as Service here: https://shorturl.at/I3TSS   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    45 min

  7. 6 NOV

    498: INSEAD Professor on Rethinking Your Growth Logic with Triple Fit Strategy

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 498, an interview with the coauthor of Triple Fit Strategy: How to Build Lasting Customer Relationships and Boost Growth, Christoph Senn.    In this episode, Christoph introduces us to the concept of the "Triple Fit Strategy," a groundbreaking approach to strategy and sales with the power to transform businesses. It replaces the traditional single product-market fit with a three-fold alignment: planning, execution, and resource fit.   Christoph Senn is an adjunct professor of marketing at INSEAD, one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools. He is also Codirector of the INSEAD Marketing & Sales Excellence Initiative (MSEI). He frequently works with leading companies, including BASF, Coca-Cola, General Electric, Hoffmann-LaRoche, Konica Minolta, Maersk, Microsoft, Otis, Pfizer, Schindler, Sonos, Vodafone, and many more. He is also Chairman of boutique consultancy AMC and the founder and CEO of Valuecreator, a software startup advancing the practice of value co-creation.   Get Christoph’s book here: https://shorturl.at/n70UA Triple Fit Strategy: How to Build Lasting Customer Relationships and Boost Growth   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    51 min

  8. 4 NOV

    497: More Effective Leadership Through Conversations with Topaz Adizes

    Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 497, an interview with the author of 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships, Topaz Adizes.  Topaz After a decade of exploring human connections through 1,200+ conversations in his Emmy Award-winning experience design studio, Topaz Adizes founder of The Skin Deep, popular on TikTok (1.2M) and Youtube (905k), is bringing his knowledge of the power of questions to the workplace.   In this episode, Topaz shares his filmmaking journey leading to creating "The And," a project focused on deep, human conversations. He emphasizes that in order to have meaningful conversations, we need to consider giving well-constructed questions, avoiding binary ones, and fostering a safe space for dialogue. Topaz also touched on creating impactful conversations by setting intentions, using connective questions, and ensuring participants feel safe and heard. He also highlights the significance of deep listening, which involves engaging the whole body and feeling, and how these types of conversations enhance relationships and personal growth.   Topaz Adizes is an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experienced design architect. He is an Edmund Hillary fellow and Sundance/Skoll stories of change fellow. His works have been selected to Cannes, Sundance, IDFA, and SXSW; featured in New Yorker magazine, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times; and have garnered an Emmy for new approaches to documentary and Two World Press photo awards for immersive storytelling and interactive documentary. He is currently the founder and executive director of the experience design studio The Skin Deep. Topaz studied philosophy at UC Berkeley and Oxford University. He speaks four languages and currently lives in Mexico with his wife and two children.   Get Topaz’s book here: https://shorturl.at/lj2Ro 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations and Deeper Relationships   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

    49 min
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CEOs and business leaders, management consulting senior partners, ground-breaking professors, thought-provoking writers and journalists, record-setting athletes and coaches, and award-winning actors and celebrities discuss the key issues facing the business world and broader society. Get free access to our newsletter, Monday Morning at 8 am, along with sample episodes from our training programs on www.strategytraining.com. Go to https://www.firmsconsulting.com/promo.

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