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

Marshall Goldsmith, a globally recognized executive coach and two-time Thinkers50 #1 leadership thinker, shares powerful insights on democratizing learning and the role of AI in coaching. He emphasizes maintaining adult-to-adult relationships in coaching, fostering leadership growth through feedback and accountability. Goldsmith introduces his AI platform designed to make knowledge accessible, illustrating how technology can augment personal growth. He also discusses the significance of mindset and simplification in making impactful life choices.

In this conversation, Ben Orlin, a math teacher turned full-time writer, shares his journey to make math engaging for everyone. He discusses the challenges of teaching math and the surprising success of his first book, 'Math with Bad Drawings.' Ben advocates for viewing math as a valuable tool rather than an intimidating subject. He also explores the evolving landscape of math education, reflecting on educational opportunities in Asia, and shares strategies to master complex subjects while keeping learning enjoyable.

In this engaging conversation, communication experts Deborah Shames and David Booth, co-founders of Eloqui, share their insights on public speaking. They emphasize the importance of audience-centric storytelling using the OSB framework to create memorable narratives. The duo discusses the power of dramatic tension and vivid imagery in presentations to captivate audiences. Listeners will discover actionable tips for authentic communication, commanding attention in meetings, and overcoming stage fright while connecting genuinely with their audience.

Discover effective strategies for tackling tough client questions during executive workshops. The importance of a strong consultant mindset is discussed, along with practical examples that showcase adaptability and communication skills. Explore how critical thinking and problem-solving techniques like brainstorming can turn challenges into opportunities. Learn the crucial skills needed to confidently engage with clients, even when immediate answers are not available.

Dr. Sam Adeyemi, a global speaker and strategic leadership expert, shares insights from over 25 years of influencing millions through media and leadership training. He discusses his journey from engineering to ministry, revealing how adversity shaped his mission to empower others. Sam emphasizes the importance of data in business focus and the power of personal branding through storytelling. He also highlights collaboration, effective communication, and the impact of social media on professional identity. Get ready for inspiration and practical strategies!

Dive into the complexities of financial modeling for market entry strategies. Discover how a financial model for a foreign bank's entry into the U.S. was evaluated against real market conditions. Learn about the challenges in predicting costs and profits, and the importance of aligning model inputs with actual data. This engaging discussion sheds light on the balance between model complexity and reliability, offering insights for anyone interested in strategy and finance.

Deborah Ancona, a professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management and founder of the MIT Leadership Center, explores the intriguing concept of 'family ghosts' that shape leadership behaviors. She discusses how personal histories influence executives' styles, the struggle between resilience and perfectionism, and strategies for overcoming familial challenges. Ancona emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in navigating today's AI-driven landscape, encouraging leaders to learn from their experiences while fostering effective team dynamics.

Delve into the complexities of strategic brainstorming in the energy sector, where staying focused is crucial. Discover a decision tree technique designed to enhance productivity in executive meetings. Explore effective methods for high-level discussions in banking, emphasizing the importance of structured frameworks. Learn how to tackle environmental constraints while leading critical conversations and making informed decisions. This classic revisit highlights key levers in industry-focused discussions, ensuring no vital detail gets overlooked.

Discover the magic of storyboarding in management consulting! Learn how early storyboards enhance analysis and guide impactful storytelling. Explore the transition from raw data to a compelling narrative, ensuring clarity and organization in your findings. Uncover techniques for crafting effective headlines that resonate with your audience. This insightful journey dives deep into the art and importance of structured communication in consulting projects!

Discover how great firms like McKinsey and BCG define leadership as a legacy-building endeavor. Explore the shepherding role of leaders in nurturing future talent while maintaining ethical standards. The importance of trust, risk-taking, and delegation plays a key role in empowering teams and ensuring smooth leadership transitions. Delve into the philosophy of consulting leadership that emphasizes service and preparation for ongoing success. True leadership is about creating lasting value for future generations.