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

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!

Ken Rusk, a nine-figure entrepreneur and author of *Blue Collar Cash*, shares his journey from ditch digger to successful CEO. He emphasizes the importance of aligning personal dreams with corporate growth, fostering a culture of ownership among employees. Ken discusses how empowering workers as goal-setters has driven company momentum and why relinquishing control transformed his leadership style. He also reflects on finding comfort and peace in work and life, offering insights on loyalty and proactive leadership strategies.

JoAnn Garbin, former Director of Innovation at Microsoft Cloud and founder of Regenerous Labs, discusses how innovation thrives in collaboration rather than through individual brilliance. She emphasizes the need for community and trust in sustainable innovation, sharing insights on navigating workplace politics and building political capital. JoAnn draws from her experiences, including a life-altering cancer diagnosis, to illustrate the importance of adaptability and embracing risk. She also highlights the power of AI in democratizing creativity and making innovation accessible to all.

Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, an award-winning sustainability leader and Yale fellow, discusses the power of intuition in leadership. She shares her transformative experience in post-conflict Kosovo, where she confronted burnout and rediscovered her inner clarity. Hrund emphasizes that intuition isn’t the enemy of reason but a vital complement to it. Listeners learn how to distinguish between intuition and ego, utilize attention journaling, and foster workplace cultures that embrace intuitive decision-making. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that listening deeply can lead to powerful insights.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Tiffany Moon, a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and former reality TV star, shares insights on balancing ambition, motherhood, and public scrutiny. She discusses overcoming perfectionism and the emotional challenges high-achieving women face. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of asking for help as a strength and choosing presence over perfection in her parenting and career. She also reflects on how her reality TV experience shaped her identity and advocates for authenticity and self-care in today’s demanding world.

Mark Matson, founder of Matson Money and an innovator in evidence-based investing, discusses the pitfalls of traditional financial advice. He reveals how many investors are misled by Wall Street and the psychology that drives poor decisions. Mark emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and the value in 'doing nothing' during market volatility. He also reflects on a life-changing medical experience that reshaped his views on purpose, relationships, and ethical investing, urging a shift towards aligning financial strategies with personal values.

Bernard Harris, the first African American astronaut to walk in space, shares his inspiring journey from dreamer to pioneering astronaut. He recounts the exhilaration of space shuttle launches and the peculiar challenges of microgravity. Harris emphasizes the significance of resilience and embracing one's inner strength. His reflections on viewing Earth from space highlight our shared humanity and the transformative power of self-discovery. Through his book, he encourages listeners to conquer fear and unlock their highest potential.

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.   Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about listening with purpose and presence.   In this episode, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener introduce the concept of Radical Listening: an intentional, culturally aware approach to making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from their research and coaching experiences, they explain why our intentions behind listening matter just as much as the act itself and how distractions, politeness, and even the need to be right can undermine true connection. They share practical strategies leaders can use to build stronger teams, navigate conflict, and create space for deeper conversations, even across cultural differences.   Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic and executive coach with an international reputation. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland) and Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Christian delivers consultancy, training, and executive coaching globally, regularly presenting in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. He is passionate about motorcycling, writing, and coaching.   Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a researcher, author, and consultant with 75 peer-reviewed academic articles and over 27,000 citations. His previous books include The Upside of Your Dark Side (New York Times bestseller, 2014) and the 2007 PROSE Award winner, Happiness. He has presented keynotes to Lululemon, Deloitte, Humana, AARP, the World Bank, and others. In 2024, Thinkers50 named Robert one of the “50 most influential executive coaches in the world.” He lives in Portland, Oregon, and enjoys drawing and rock climbing.   Get Radical Listening here: https://rb.gy/z5x7wt   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