The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

Brad Englert, a former Accenture partner and CIO, emphasizes the power of genuine relationships in career advancement. He shares insights on navigating corporate politics and building trust, highlighting how effective mentorship can unlock opportunities. Brad offers practical strategies for creating lasting client connections and discusses the impact of proactive communication on leadership success. His own journey illustrates the importance of adaptability in the face of change, making his experiences valuable for anyone looking to enhance their influence and resilience in their career.

Robert E. Siegel, Stanford Graduate School of Business professor, venture capitalist, and former executive, shares the leadership lessons he learned working with Intel’s legendary CEO, Andy Grove, and other amazing leaders, and how to thrive in today’s era of conflicting pressures.   In this in-depth conversation, we explore the concept of the systems leader, someone who can innovate while delivering results, balance global and local priorities, and combine decisiveness with humility. Drawing from his work with leading CEOs, his investing career, and his experiences in fast-moving industries, Robert explains how leaders can adapt and stay relevant, even as AI, economic shifts, and political uncertainty reshape the business world.   What you’ll learn in this episode: How Andy Grove influenced Robert’s approach to leadership and decision-making Why the most effective leaders thrive in environments of “cross-pressures” Practical steps for staying relevant as technology and AI transform industries The importance of balancing execution with long-term vision Stories from Robert’s career as an operator, investor, and Stanford professor   About Robert Siegel: Robert is a Lecturer in Management at Stanford GSB, a venture capitalist, and a board member for multiple technology companies. His work blends academic research with real-world experience, guiding executives at the highest level.   Get Robert’s new book here: https://shorturl.at/Zhv9N The Systems Leader: Mastering the Cross-Pressures That Make or Break Today’s Companies   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

L. David Marquet, a former nuclear submarine commander and author of Leadership Is Language, revolutionizes the way we think about leadership. He shares his journey from traditional command to a collaborative approach that empowers teams. Key insights include replacing permission with intent to boost ownership and clarity. Marquet also discusses the importance of separating doing from thinking to enhance decision-making. He advocates for cultivating a 'student mindset' to combat organizational biases and urges leaders to embrace feedback for growth.

Sarah Elk, Senior Partner at Bain & Company and global leader of its operating model work, brings a clear, pragmatic lens to why so many large-scale change efforts fail to stick. Drawing on decades of advising multinational organizations, she diagnoses the structural and behavioral traps that cause transformations to stall, and shares the disciplines that make change durable.   Elk emphasizes that transformation is not a one-off program but an enduring capability that must be “led from the top and embedded in the culture.” She cautions against outsourcing responsibility to a program office: “If the CEO is not leading it and the leadership team isn’t engaged in the change, you might get something done, but it will erode quickly.”   Key Insights from the Conversation: Clarity on Non-Negotiables Many failed transformations lack a shared definition of the “non-negotiables” in the new operating model. Without them, execution becomes fragmented. “You have to be crystal clear on what’s standard and what’s flexible.”   Outcomes Over Activity Successful change efforts anchor to measurable business results, not just activity metrics or generic benchmarks. “It’s not about hitting 80 percent of a checklist. It’s about whether you’ve moved the needle on the outcomes you care about.”   Leadership Alignment Is a Continuous Process Alignment isn’t built in a single offsite; it requires ongoing dialogue, joint problem-solving, and confronting decisions that challenge entrenched interests. “You need the leadership team acting as one—every week, every month—not just at the kickoff.”   Manage Change Fatigue Overloading the organization erodes momentum. Sequencing initiatives and celebrating visible early wins tied to strategy helps sustain energy. “People get tired. You have to show progress and give them space to breathe.”   Governance, Incentives, and Talent Must Evolve Together Elk warns that without parallel changes to systems and structures, “behavior will revert to what it was before.”   The discussion reframes transformation from a high-profile event into a muscle organizations must build and maintain. For executives seeking change that endures beyond the initial push, Elk offers a blueprint grounded in operational rigor, leadership accountability, and cultural realism.   Get Sarah’s book here: https://shorturl.at/Tyotz Doing Agile Right: Transformation Without Chaos   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach   McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

John Horn, a professor at Washington University's Olin Business School and ex-McKinsey strategist, shares his insights on understanding competitive behavior through game theory. He debunks the myth of irrational competitors, emphasizing that their actions often have logical motives. Horn introduces a four-step framework for effective competitor analysis, highlighting the importance of empathy in strategic decision-making. He also discusses how entrepreneurs can leverage these strategies and the role of structured simulations in anticipating competitor moves.

Kate Smaje, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Global Leader of McKinsey Digital, shares her insights on digital transformation. She highlights that successful change must involve the entire organization, not just tech teams. Smaje critiques outdated performance metrics, advocating for value-driven assessments. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to AI and continuous transformation. She also addresses the importance of empowering employees and rethinking internal structures for effective innovation in the digital age.

Consultants often face the challenge of navigating disagreements with clients. The key is balancing dissent while maintaining positive relationships. Effective communication is highlighted as vital for resolving conflicts, enabling clear articulation of recommendations. Techniques for fostering collaboration and understanding within teams are also discussed, showcasing how dissent can lead to better outcomes when approached thoughtfully.

Join Rachelle Robinett, founder of Pharmakon Supernatural and a passionate educator in holistic health, as she explores plant-based ways to enhance cognitive performance. She emphasizes that stimulants only mask fatigue, advocating for a rhythm-based approach to energy management. Rachelle highlights the importance of selecting herbs based on their effects, not trends, and shares actionable strategies to integrate herbs like Panax ginseng into daily life. Discover how to promote wellness naturally and challenge conventional notions of performance.

Vanessa Druskat, an organizational psychologist and professor at the University of New Hampshire, dives into the critical role of team emotional intelligence. She highlights how mutual trust and constructive emotional expression are vital for high-performing teams. Druskat explains that it's not a lack of conflict that defines success, but the ability to navigate it effectively. She also emphasizes the importance of leaders modeling emotional competence and the need for team norms that support adaptability in complex situations. Team emotional intelligence often outperforms individual technical skills.

Join Margaret Moore, a Harvard Medical School faculty member and former biotech CEO, as she shares her insights on effective leadership. She introduces the concept of the 'quiet ego,' revealing how self-awareness can improve decision-making. Moore challenges traditional strength-based approaches by advocating for empathy and creativity in leadership. She articulates how intuition can be cultivated through stillness, and emphasizes the balance between humility and strength. Discover her nine essential capacities for transformative leadership!