Inside the Strategy Room

Speakers reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing CFOs in the digital age, emphasizing the need for new skills. They discuss the expanded responsibilities of CFOs beyond finance duties and their crucial role in decision-making. The potential of digital and analytics for CFOs is explored, including robotics and automation. The challenges and opportunities of embracing digital analytics are discussed, along with the importance of a mindset shift for CFOs in the digital age.

The podcast discusses the constant and rapidly increasing pace of disruptive change, using the example of the SS Savannah. It explores historical examples of disruptive change in the shipping industry, the impact of disruptive changes on various contexts, and the importance of effective communication in navigating disruptive change. It also highlights the successful reinvention of Domino's Pizza through focusing on digital accessibility and improving their offerings. The podcast emphasizes the need to reinvent and succeed in the era of disruption, considering the rapid pace of change and implications of an aging population and declining workforce in China.

The podcast discusses digital transformations at established companies and the role CFOs play in driving them. It explores the challenges of digital disruptions, the importance of defining digital and the role of CFOs in setting the tone, the significance of digital M&A, strategies to overcome obstacles faced by incumbents, and tips for CFOs to identify and predict competitors' digital moves.

Explore the concept of resilience in a corporate context and its impact on decision-making. Learn about the importance of superior insight and counterintuitive decision-making. Discover how companies can react quickly to downturns through strong analytical capabilities and scenario planning. Find out the immediate steps CFOs can take to help their company become more resilient. Understand the significance of decision making, objectivity, governance, and adaptability in times of crisis.

Paula Ramos, a partner at New Jersey office, and Tom Meakin, a partner at London office, discuss the correlation between gender diversity and corporate performance. They explore strategies to enhance gender diversity, the impact of internal and external CEO appointments, and the importance of improving diversity in the workplace through bias-free processes and resources.

This podcast episode features a conversation between Chris Bradley and Rob McLean, discussing Rob's book 'Bulletproof Problem Solving'. They explore how problem-solving can be applied to various aspects of life and work. They also delve into topics such as the abundance of analytical tools, the link between walkability and obesity, the impact of new analytical techniques, and the role of machine learning in strategy. They highlight how tools and algorithms have made problem-solving more efficient.

This podcast explores the dynamics of successful innovation and the importance of assembling the right team. It discusses training and development for high-performance innovation teams, optimizing the integration of acquired innovative teams, and the essentials of innovation and high-performance teams. The podcast emphasizes the role of talent, team configuration, culture, and operating model in creating a successful innovation culture.

Andy West, an expert in M&A strategies, discusses the trends in conglomerates, challenges in divesting assets, and the strategy of active portfolio management in M&A deals. Emphasizes the importance of proactive decision-making, CEO responsibility in portfolio rebalancing, and investing in overall strategy.

This podcast explores the expanding responsibilities of CFOs, including their involvement in digital activities, resolving issues outside of finance, and driving change in the C-suite agenda. It delves into the challenges faced by CFOs in balancing short-term performance expectations with the need for a long-term view. The podcast also discusses the vital role of CFOs in talent management and the importance of finance knowledge across all roles. Additionally, it explores the role of the CFO in digital transformation and the importance of leadership energy and a long-term view in navigating the journey.

This podcast explores how activist investors improve the performance and value of target companies. It discusses the global growth of activist investors, strategies for targeting companies, and how companies can prepare for and respond to activist attacks. It also delves into Cognizant's management team addressing investor Elliot's demands and the process of private conversations before public proxy.