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

Scott Levy, an adjunct lecturer at Harvard and former investment banker, dives into his fascinating career transition from Wall Street to public education. He shares insights on risk management in finance and how those lessons apply to education. Scott discusses common misconceptions executives have about AI and urges leaders to consider practical use cases. He explains the importance of resilience, drawing from his experiences during crises, and emphasizes the role of school boards in democracy, highlighted in his book, Why School Boards Matter.

Lynn Smith, a former national news anchor for NBC and CNN, now coaches Fortune 500 leaders on executive communication. She redefines public speaking as an internal skill rather than just performance, tackling the 'brain bully'—that harsh inner critic. Lynn shares her journey from freezing on stage to embracing resilience, showing that audiences value authenticity over perfection. She emphasizes the importance of intentional structure over rigid scripts and provides actionable tools for overcoming mental obstacles, managing energy, and enhancing communication skills.

Seth Levine, a venture capitalist and co-author of Capital Evolution, alongside award-winning journalist Elizabeth McBride, delve into the future of capitalism. They discuss the shift from shareholder primacy to a more inclusive approach led by top CEOs like Jamie Dimon. The duo highlights the alarming decline in economic mobility and argues for the critical role of ownership in reshaping capitalism. They emphasize businesses' new responsibilities in driving economic reform and explore the impact of AI on future work dynamics, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Bree Groff, a workplace culture expert and author of "Today Was Fun," explores how joy and fun aren't just fluff but are crucial for creativity and performance. She reflects on her mother’s teaching approach, emphasizing that work can produce 'the best days.' Bree discusses how AI can either enhance or diminish workplace joy and urges leaders to redefine success beyond profits to include employee happiness. Ultimately, she encourages seizing daily moments of joy and fostering genuine connections at work.

Shirin Behzadi, a former gas station cashier turned billion-dollar CEO and author, shares her incredible journey from adversity to corporate success. She reveals how a strong vision and resilience shaped her leadership style. Shirin discusses the importance of asking for opportunities, finding the secret sauce to scale businesses, and leveraging personal growth through challenges. Additionally, she explores the future of leadership in an AI-driven world, emphasizing the need for aligning technology with human strengths.

Vic Malhotra, a former McKinsey senior partner and coauthor of influential leadership books, dives into the challenges modern CEOs face, including the tech revolution and shifting consumer behavior. He emphasizes the importance of setting bold aspirations and making tough resource allocation choices. Malhotra highlights the successful transformation of Microsoft under Satya Nadella, advocating for a culture of continuous reinvention and adaptability. With the rise of AI, he argues every leader must integrate technology deeply into their strategy.

Klaus Kleinfeld, former CEO of Siemens and Alcoa, shares insights from his 40-year leadership career. He argues that energy management surpasses time management for performance. Leaders must embrace AI or face obsolescence, with skills like creativity and relationship-building remaining vital. Klaus highlights the importance of purpose in focusing energy and discusses practical steps for staying current with AI. He offers techniques for overcoming burnout and warns about the societal disparities widening between those who leverage AI and those who don't.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Ben Swire, former design lead at IDEO and founder of Make Believe Works, unpacks how psychological safety can be intentionally designed in teams. He contrasts experiential culture with traditional methods, emphasizing that trust grows through practice, not just theory. Ben introduces the concept of 'safe danger'—a balance of safety and risk-taking essential for innovation. He also discusses how AI enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them, urging leaders to leverage empathy and creativity in an AI-driven future.

Scott Harris, a New York City real estate broker with over $2 billion in sales, shares insights from his book, The Pursuit of Home. He reframes homeownership as an emotional journey, emphasizing clarity and empathy. Harris discusses the importance of hiring the right real estate agent to enhance client connections and how small offers can reveal true buyer motivations. He warns against common buyer and seller mistakes, illustrates the need for systematic approaches in business, and highlights community-focused leadership during crises.

Jim Murphy, a New York Times bestselling author and performance coach, discusses how leaders can cultivate resilience and reframe fear. He explains that fear often stems from self-centeredness, undermining peak performance. By anchoring identity in deeper values, individuals can find long-term stability. Murphy also offers methods to rewire trauma using neuroplasticity, emphasizing the journey of facing fears through willingness questions. His insights encourage a balance of joy and suffering, leading to a purpose-driven life.