This New Way

Charlene Li, Disruptive Leadership Expert, on Customer-Centric Strategy, Big Gulp Moments, and AI Transformation

Oct 31, 2024

In this discussion, Charlene Li, a New York Times bestselling author and digital transformation expert, shares her insights on leading through disruption. She emphasizes the importance of creating customer-centric organizations and identifies 'Big Gulp' moments that challenge leaders to embrace risk. Charlene highlights how generative AI can serve as a transformative force, advocating for collaboration and a culture of listening. With real-world examples, she offers strategies for navigating change and fostering innovation in a rapidly evolving landscape.

44:40

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Episode guests

Charlene Li

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Leaders must prioritize future customer needs to drive innovation and ensure organizational relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Promoting psychological safety and embracing disruption allows teams to innovate effectively, fostering a culture of resilience and growth within organizations.

Deep dives

The Importance of Understanding Future Customers

Leaders should look beyond their current customer base to anticipate the needs of future customers, as this insight is vital for long-term organizational success. Recognizing the evolving landscape helps align team roles with strategies aimed at serving these future customers effectively. A strong focus on potential clients, especially those not currently served well, enables organizations to innovate and stay relevant. By continuously assessing market trends and customer needs, leaders can ensure that their teams are not only prepared but also strategically aligned for upcoming challenges.

Intro

2min

Empowering Leadership Through Vulnerability

4min

Navigating Disruption for Growth

17min

Navigating Big Gulp Moments in Leadership Decisions

4min

Embracing Small Risks for Big Opportunities

2min

Harnessing Generative AI for Business Transformation

16min

In episode 21 of season 2, we sit down with Charlene Li, New York Times bestselling author and expert in digital transformation and disruptive leadership. Known for her impactful books, including The Disruption Mindset, Open Leadership, and Groundswell, Charlene shares insights from her latest book, Winning with Generative AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success, which provides a strategic approach to harnessing the potential of generative AI as a leader.

In this episode, Charlene dives into the art of leading through disruption and creating growth-focused, purpose-driven organizations. She explores how leaders can shift from maintaining the status quo to actively pursuing change that aligns with future customer needs. Charlene also shares her unique framework for identifying “Big Gulp” moments — decisions that challenge leaders to embrace risk confidently — and practical methods to make AI a transformative force within teams and companies.

With real-world examples and actionable strategies, Charlene breaks down the three critical questions every leader should ask to stay aligned with evolving markets and build a resilient organization. She also shares stories from her career, and her journey from Harvard Business School to becoming a sought-after advisor for top executives.

Tune in to learn Charlene’s strategies for leading in a rapidly changing world, leveraging AI for competitive advantage, and fostering a company culture ready to tackle future challenges.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to lead change, think strategically, and future-proof their organization!

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TIME-STAMPED SHOW NOTES:

[03:04] Vulnerability makes you a better leader

[07:30] The connection between growth and disruption

[09:02] “Big G” versus “small g" growth

[11:33] Building a disruption-ready organization

[17:23] 3 questions every employee should be able to answer

[23:42] “Big Gulp” moments in decision-making

[28:49] The importance of decision-making preparedness