Inside the Strategy Room

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI and former leader at Salesforce and Square, discusses the transformative power of AI in finance. She highlights how generative AI enhances efficiency and decision-making, revolutionizing finance functions. Sarah emphasizes the evolution of skill sets needed in the finance world and the importance of community in fostering trust. Additionally, she shares insights on empowering women entrepreneurs through authentic storytelling and discusses career advice rooted in networking and personal growth.

Join transformation experts John Parsons, a senior partner in Calgary, Dominic Skerritt, a partner in New York, and Mary Lass Stewart, a knowledge expert in Chicago, as they explore the pivotal role of communication in organizational change. They discuss how leaders can energize teams and drive commitment during challenging transformations. The trio highlights a three-part framework for employee engagement, the significance of effective work distribution, and how to empower change champions to foster lasting change.

Alex D’Amico, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, dives into the future of strategy in a rapidly changing landscape. He explains how generative AI is revolutionizing the creation of unique insights while cautioning against the risks of generic strategies. The discussion covers the challenges of data overload and its impact on decision-making. D’Amico emphasizes the need for corporate agility and the importance of stakeholder engagement, highlighting how to navigate social dynamics to ensure successful strategy execution despite uncertainties.

Join Charles Conn, an investor and environmentalist, and Rob McLean, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, as they explore the value of 'imperfectionism' in strategic decision-making. They discuss how adopting a mindset that embraces calculated risks can drive innovation. The guests introduce the 'dragonfly eye' concept, emphasizing multiple perspectives for breakthroughs. They also highlight Amazon's incremental approach in financial services and the importance of storytelling in securing support for strategic initiatives.

Dominic Barton, board chair for Rio Tinto and former Canadian ambassador to China, joins Frithjof Lund, a McKinsey senior partner in corporate governance, and Ziad Haider, a specialist in geopolitical risk. They dive into how boards can navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive risk management, creating dedicated units for geopolitical insights, and the evolving roles of non-executive directors. They stress the need for structured frameworks and transparency in addressing uncertainties while aligning board and executive strategies.

Rachel McKlindon, an associate partner at McKinsey and a leader in transformation for industrial clients, joins in an insightful discussion on sustaining transformation success. They dive into the critical cultural shifts required for long-term change, the importance of integrating transformation into daily operations, and the role of accountability in measuring success. The conversation also explores how innovation, effective communication, and a supportive organizational culture can keep momentum alive and drive meaningful progress.

Marla Capozzi, a McKinsey partner and founder of CEO Alpha, along with Claudy Jules, a former McKinsey partner, delve into the vital role of talent in private capital. They discuss the challenges of sourcing and retaining top talent as key to driving value in organizations. Insights from CEO interviews highlight the strategic shift in roles for HR leaders. They also touch on the importance of culture and governance, sustainable investment strategies, and the intricate link between effective talent management and long-term success.

Join retired CIA Director John Brennan, who led the agency's modernization from 2013 to 2017, as he shares his insights on embracing change in organizations. He discusses the cultural hurdles that hinder collaboration and the importance of adaptive leadership in the intelligence community. Brennan emphasizes that modernization is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Learn about the challenges of transforming large institutions, the need for continuous workforce engagement, and strategies for fostering collaboration across diverse units.

Saahil Goel, co-founder and CEO of Shiprocket, shares his journey of transforming India's e-commerce landscape. He discusses the rapid digital shift empowering small businesses and the startup ecosystem’s evolution. Saahil highlights how Shiprocket supports independent retailers with logistics and sales management. The conversation also touches on leveraging Generative AI to enhance communication and operational efficiency, alongside strategies for fostering innovation in a growing company. His insights illuminate the path for aspiring entrepreneurs in India.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Gorsky, former chair and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, shares insights from his impressive tenure leading the healthcare giant. He delves into the critical balance between strategic vision and operational execution, emphasizing adaptive strategies grounded in data. Alex discusses the value of fostering trust and communication within teams, as well as the characteristics that make companies successful—innovation, bold decisions, and strong leadership. His reflections on cultivating strategic leaders and the importance of engaging with a board enhance the conversation.