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

In this engaging conversation, Erin Coupe, a former Goldman Sachs executive and founder of Authentically EC, shares her journey of personal transformation through rituals and meditation. She emphasizes the importance of self-leadership, advocating for daily practices that align with one’s values to avoid burnout. Erin discusses seeing AI as more than a tool, viewing it as a companion for self-discovery. Listeners will learn practical strategies for cultivating clarity, creativity, and resilience, perfect for anyone looking to take charge of their lives.

Srividya Jandhyala, a management professor at ESSEC Business School and author of The Great Disruption, discusses how geopolitics intricately shapes corporate strategy. She highlights the impact of a company's nationality on stakeholder reactions and market access. Jandhyala outlines four critical foundations for multinationals: market access, level playing fields, investment security, and institutional alignment. She emphasizes the need for businesses to monitor geopolitical shifts as they can dramatically influence decision-making, resilience, and competitiveness in the global market.

Colin M. Fisher, an Associate Professor at University College London and author of The Collective Edge, shares his expertise on high-performing teams. He discusses four essential elements: team composition, goal clarity, task interdependence, and social norms. Fisher reveals that ideal teams average 4.5 members to enhance cohesion, and stresses the need for clear, challenging goals. He also underscores the dangers of micromanagement and highlights the significance of psychological safety for fostering open communication and collaboration within teams.

Venkat Atluri, a senior partner at McKinsey and coauthor of The Ecosystem Economy, shares insights from over twenty years advising tech, media, and telecom leaders. He discusses the shift from isolated companies to collaborative ecosystems, emphasizing that true value creation comes from mutual benefits, not just a supplier list. Atluri stresses the importance of clear roles, responsibilities, and customer-centric strategies for successful partnerships. He highlights how failing to adapt, like Nokia and BlackBerry, can lead to missed opportunities and value destruction.

Marcy Syms, former CEO of Syms Corporation and president of the Sy Syms Foundation, shares her expertise in leadership and governance shaped by decades in retail. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and tough decision-making in leadership roles, especially during crises. Syms discusses the challenges of succession in family businesses, urging the need for codified roles to prevent conflicts. Additionally, she highlights the impact of educated consumers on retail and shares insights on philanthropy as a means to extend corporate values.

Why do even the most successful executives and management consultants secretly struggle with the belief that they’re not good enough?   In this conversation with Josh Davis, PhD (psychology & neuroscience, Columbia University, NLP trainer) and Greg Prosmushkin (trial lawyer turned entrepreneur), we unpack: Why top leaders and consultants battle with imposter syndrome How invisible mental models shape every decision and client interaction Why strategy, frameworks, and technical skill aren’t enough if this belief goes unchallenged Practical NLP tools to shift your mindset, reframe limitations, and lead with confidence How to communicate with influence by understanding someone else’s mental model   Whether you’re leading a strategy engagement, preparing for a board presentation, or positioning yourself for partnership, this discussion reveals how to break through limiting beliefs and unlock executive presence.   Key Takeaways for Executives & Consultants The real cost of “I’m not good enough” in leadership roles Why curiosity and modeling are underused tools in consulting How small language shifts transform client influence and team leadership A proven process for reprogramming your internal dialogue   Get Josh Davis & Greg Prosmushkin’s book: https://shorturl.at/ixLfi The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change   For advanced strategy, leadership, and executive presence training, visit: https://www.strategytraining.com   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

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