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

Delve into the complex role of government in economics, challenging traditional notions of market intervention. Discover how governments fulfill societal needs that the private sector often overlooks, advocating for strategic investments and potential handoffs. Explore the parallels between government operations and large corporations, especially in sectors like energy. Gain insights into the strategic considerations of public service delivery and the impact of tariffs on energy generation, emphasizing the balance between public welfare and economic viability.

In this engaging discussion, Brian Gottlieb, a former home services entrepreneur, shares his journey from a $3,000 startup to nearly $1 billion in sales. He emphasizes the importance of clear strategy and strong leadership in building high-performance teams. The conversation touches on fostering community through innovative business practices and the vital role of a solid company vision. Gottlieb also explores balancing family and entrepreneurship, showcasing how mindset transformation is key to personal and professional growth.

Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business and author, shares her vast leadership insights. She discusses her transformation from an engineer to a leader, highlighting core values shaped by her immigrant background. The conversation delves into navigating organizational politics with emotional intelligence and balancing results with relationships. Anne emphasizes the importance of leading inclusively and humanity's role in modern leadership, especially for younger generations. Her 'Lead Big' framework advocates for a holistic approach to driving impact in work and workplace dynamics.

The discussion delves into the pitfalls of superficial financial analysis and why halting all unprofitable investments can harm a company's core. It highlights the strategic categorization of investments and the importance of evaluating them beyond immediate cash flow. Additionally, the podcast explores how accepting short-term losses in a broader portfolio can lead to long-term growth, especially in government projects. The conversation emphasizes critical thinking in investment decisions and the complex interplay between short-term setbacks and overall economic benefits.

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.