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

Raj Sisodia, a marketing professor and co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, explores how businesses can become forces for good. He critiques mainstream marketing's harmful effects and outlines four pillars of Conscious Capitalism: purpose, stakeholders, conscious leadership, and caring culture. Sisodia also discusses how AI can enhance supportive business models and shares inspiring stories, like that of Bob Chapman, who prioritized people over profit, demonstrating that caring organizations can thrive.

Byron Loflin, Global Head of Board Advisory at Nasdaq and co-author of 'CEO Ready,' discusses what truly makes an effective CEO beyond just stellar performance. He reveals that boards seek humility, curiosity, and genuine relationships. Loflin shares a lesson from Ronald Reagan on the importance of interest in others and warns that unchecked ego can derail leadership. He highlights the necessity for aspiring CEOs to cultivate key skills and emphasizes the urgency for leaders to understand AI's relevance in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Harvard economist John Campbell, co-author of Fixed, dives into the pitfalls of our financial system that disadvantage everyday investors. He uncovers how even educated individuals mismanage mortgages, housing choices, and retirement savings, compounding inequality. Campbell highlights the detrimental impact of not refinancing and the misconception of real estate as guaranteed wealth. He shares actionable advice for high earners on leveraging employer matches and simplifying investment choices while cautioning against the blind use of technology in finance.

Phil Gilbert, former General Manager of Design at IBM and author of "Irresistible Change," shares insights from leading a massive cultural transformation. He discusses how design thinking reshaped IBM's approach to product development and customer engagement. Phil emphasizes the importance of empathy and direct communication with customers. He also reveals strategies for scaling change across a vast organization while managing internal politics. Gilbert argues that viewing change as a product can help foster a culture open to innovation.

Bob Chapman, a transformative CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and co-author of 'Everybody Matters,' discusses the importance of human dignity in leadership. He shares how his approach reshaped the company into a $3.6 billion enterprise by fostering a culture of care. Chapman emphasizes that everyone is 'somebody's precious child' and that business models must be designed with people in mind. He highlights the value of relationships over transactions and argues that today's challenges stem from a 'poverty of dignity,' urging leaders to create environments where every individual feels valued.

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.