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

Leslie Grandy, a former executive at Apple, Amazon, and other tech giants, discusses the hidden power of creativity in leadership roles. She shares her journey from the film industry to tech, emphasizing adaptability and resilience. Grandy highlights three key skills for fostering creativity: enduring ambiguity, sustaining momentum, and resourceful problem-solving. She warns against consensus-driven thinking and encourages cultures that embrace risk-taking. Additionally, she offers insights on utilizing AI as a creative partner and the importance of authenticity in innovative environments.

In this enlightening talk, Bill George, former Medtronic CEO and Harvard professor, discusses leading with authenticity in a rapidly changing world. He encourages emerging leaders to take initiative and solve unaddressed problems rather than waiting for titles. George shares insights on fostering innovation through direct customer engagement, emphasizing that breakthroughs come from empathy, not just data. He advocates for risk tolerance in leadership and highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in driving meaningful change.

Steve Hanke, an esteemed economist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, critiques central banks for misinterpreting inflation trends by overlooking the money supply. He argues that inflation is primarily a monetary phenomenon, not a byproduct of external shocks. Hanke emphasizes the significance of the quantity theory of money in predicting inflation, revealing that today's financial woes stem from past decisions. He also compares U.S. and Chinese monetary policies, shedding light on the consequences of mismanagement in money supply growth.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Edmans, a Professor of Finance at London Business School and author, critiques the narratives around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He highlights how flawed data interpretations and biases skew corporate strategies. Edmans warns against reliance on correlation-based studies, emphasizing issues like reverse causality and omitted variable biases. He advocates for a broader view of diversity that incorporates unique experiences over superficial traits, while also addressing the challenges faced by dissenters in academics and consulting.

Tim Koller, co-author of Valuation and a corporate finance expert, explores vital strategies for capital allocation in today's economic climate. He discusses how share buybacks can reflect disciplined decision-making, not failure. Koller highlights the risks of diversifying without a competitive advantage, drawing on historical missteps in various sectors. He emphasizes the role of CEOs in direct capital allocation and warns against neglecting long-term investments in favor of short-term gains, advocating for transparency and learning from prior project failures.

James Turk, an executive coach and CEO of The Turk Group, dives into the essence of impactful leadership. He shares insights on the shift from 'getting' to 'giving' in leadership, revealing why clarity and second chances are vital. James discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and perfectionism, offering advice on redefining success. His personal journey, including the motivations behind his book, The Giving Game, underscores the power of empathy in leadership. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to lead authentically.

Hernan Tagliani, a multicultural marketing expert and award-winning strategist for Fortune 500 companies, dives into the critical intersection of culture and commerce. He argues that many brands miss long-term growth by neglecting multicultural strategies and misconceptions about Hispanic consumers. Hernan emphasizes the concept of 'transcreation' over mere translation and shares success stories of building trust with communities. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in achieving cultural relevance and the importance of risk-taking in personal and professional growth.

Bill Canady, CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products, discusses his military discipline and strategic mindset in leading billion-dollar companies. He emphasizes the importance of 80/20 thinking to stabilize businesses and why doing fewer things with intent drives growth. Canady shares insights on organizational success through a leadership triangle and the necessity of saying no to good ideas for greater outcomes. He also highlights how AI can assist leaders in focusing on critical areas while valuing human judgment.

Dean Carignan, co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, has spent two decades shaping AI strategy at the tech giant. He discusses the importance of a mindset for innovation beyond just processes, emphasizing that creativity thrives in the spaces between disciplines. His insights highlight how AI enhances productivity and transforms work, allowing individuals to focus on meaningful tasks. Carignan also shares the power of storytelling in fostering innovation and reveals why mission-driven work often surpasses financial incentives in attracting talent.

Matthew Dixon, Founding Partner of DCM Insights and bestselling author, dives into his latest research on the changing landscape of professional services. He reveals the 'Activator' profile of business developers who create client value proactively. Traditional trusted advisor roles are becoming obsolete, as personal value and genuine connections take precedence. Dixon discusses how AI and tech can enhance client relationships while emphasizing grassroots efforts in organizational behavior change. Discover the mindset shifts that can redefine your approach to client engagement!