The Strategy Gap AchieveIt

Given how dynamic and complex our world is, there’s no place for rigid and siloed approaches to strategy.

This week, Michael Olaye, SVP and Managing Director of Strategy and Innovation at R/GA, shares his thoughts on developing strategy from a starting-point of flexibility and collaboration. While internal processes and expertise play a vital role in achieving an organization’s goals, too often teams miss out on game-changing solutions and methodologies by refusing to collaborate with outside agencies and industries that provide invaluable perspectives and insights. Michael, Joe, and Jonathan share personal experiences and dissect some useful case studies that illustrate why partnership and agility should be at the core of strategy development.

Join us as we discuss:
The evolution of strategy over the yearsWhen it's more advantageous to pursue an internal development versus an external partnershipBringing users into the product and strategy development processHow small companies can have massive impacts on much larger organizationsNotes: Link to Ted Talk discussed during the episode --> https://www.ted.com/talks/knut_haanaes_two_reasons_companies_fail_and_how_to_avoid_them/transcript

Sometimes a strategy fails because it’s a poor strategy. But sometimes it fails because it’s not really a strategy at all.

So what are the attributes of a strategy—and how does it differ from other measures implemented to help an organization achieve its goals? Joining us to answer this question (and many others) is Dr. Alok Tewari, Vice President of Operations Strategy and Execution. Alok has leveraged over 20 years of experience in strategy and global business transformations to cultivate an understanding of organizational goals and the multilayered approach to developing strategy within a variety of industries.

Join us as we discuss:Separating an organization’s operational aspects from its strategic actionsImplementing technology for strategic ends—even in legacy industriesHow (and when) to recognize and admit when a strategy needs to be abandoned Communication and alignment across departments to effectively implement strategy

When it comes to generative AI, most people are asking the wrong question: Is it good or bad? But the better way to approach this omnipresent topic is by figuring out the RIGHT way to implement the tech into your strategy and processes.

To talk about this, we’re joined by Lisa Esch, Senior Vice President and Chief of Strategy, Innovation, and Industry Solutions at NTT DATA. Lisa provides a crash course on all things generative AI, LLMs, and the risks and calculations any type of organization should be factoring into their decision-making surrounding AI. Lisa’s experiences in healthcare tech—and the lessons she’s learned from witnessing how AI has shifted the industry’s landscape—provide an excellent case study for anyone asking how this game-changing can fit into their operations.

Join us as we discuss:The vital role of governance in AI adoption and implementationHow to think beyond point solutionsThe “build vs. buy” questionWhy leaders need to strive for alignment and prioritization

Negotiations don’t have to lead to one-sided solutions or unfavorable compromises. In fact, when it comes to effective strategy execution and revenue operations, they shouldn’t!

This week, we’re joined by George DeVardo, VP of Revenue Operations and Strategy at Enthusiast Gaming, who shares his belief in the value of trust and understanding when working toward solutions between decision-makers and team members—whether you’re working within an organization or assisting as a third-party. We also explore how third parties can provide valuable perspectives to help a team arrive at a workable and timely solution, rather than making decisions for them as a subject matter expert.

Join us as we discuss:The concept of the best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA)Why it’s important to be able to say “No” when developing strategyClarity and prioritization in the planning processThe difference between internal and external negotiations

Today’s episode features an in-person one-on-one conversation between Joe and Jonathan as they trade thoughts on common mistakes that leaders make in strategy execution, as well as the consequences of those mistakes. Using the news of some costly missteps (and even more costly blame-shifting) from entertainment executives as a jumping-off point, the co-hosts cover everything from effective communication to smart prioritization.

Join Jonathan and Joe as they discuss:Closing the feedback loop, even if you’re not using the feedbackLeaders being fully present and participatory whenever possibleConsidering the perspectives of team members at every level of the organization

The Secrets to Building & Maintaining an All-Star team…

Today we get to sit down with Eric Patten, EVP of Operations at Kingstree, as he takes us through his personal approach to team building and increasing productivity. Eric’s 31 years of experience in nursing helps in his unique role to build effective teams and create long-term relationships with clients. Hear more about how Eric strategically builds and assesses teams, handles workplace turnover, responds to feedback, and approaches customer service.

Join as we discuss:Assessing Team Fit in ProjectsTeam Building and Turnover in the WorkplaceCommunication, Feedback, and Teamwork in Customer ServiceLeadership, Positivity, and Mentorship in Healthcare