The Lake Wobegon Effect and Using External Reality Checks

Leadership in data-driven organizations requires a delicate balance of technical expertise and human understanding. As businesses navigate unprecedented uncertainty in global markets, geopolitics, and technological change, the role of data as a source of truth becomes increasingly vital. But how do you create a culture where data informs decisions at every level? What separates leaders who merely collect data from those who leverage it to drive bold, transformative action? For data professionals looking to advance their careers, the challenge extends beyond technical skills to understanding how data connects to broader business strategy and organizational purpose.

Carolyn Dewar is the founder and global co-leader of McKinsey & Company’s CEO Practice, where she partners with CEOs, founders, boards, and senior executives to help them maximize their effectiveness and lead their organizations through critical moments, including hypergrowth, transformation, crises, and mergers. Drawing on her extensive research and experience, Carolyn works with leaders across all stages of the CEO journey to drive large-scale organizational change, set bold strategies, and shape company culture to align leadership teams, manage external stakeholders, and optimize executive time and operating models. She helps CEOs develop the mindsets and frameworks needed to succeed in their role, ensuring they deliver lasting impact and sustainable growth.

A recognized thought leader, Carolyn is the co-author of CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest (a New York Times bestseller) and A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership. She publishes the monthly Strategic CEO newsletter and has contributed over 30 articles to Harvard Business Review, The Conference Board, and McKinsey Quarterly. Carolyn is also a member of the McKinsey Global Institute Council, which advises on MGI’s research on global economic, business, and technology trends. With over 25 years of experience advising clients across industries, including financial services, technology, and consumer sectors, Carolyn is also a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist at global conferences.

In the episode, Richie and Carolyn explore common mistakes for CEOs, the unique responsibilities of a CEO, the importance of data-driven decision-making, fostering a data-centric culture, aligning data and business strategies, and much more.

Links Mentioned in the Show:

• CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest
• Connect with Carolyn
• Skill Track: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leadership
• Related Episode: From Panic to Profit, Via Data with Bill Canady, CEO at Arrowhead Engineered Products
• Rewatch RADAR AI 

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