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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 529, an interview with the author of Who Needs College Anymore?, Kathleen deLaski.   In this episode, Kathleen shares her journey from journalism to education reform. She talks about her time as a TV and digital journalist, White House correspondent, and Pentagon spokesperson, as well as her transition to education reform, founding the Education Design Lab in 2013, and her work on higher education innovation.   Kathleen discusses the changing role of college and the impact of the pandemic on workforce dynamics and the shift towards shorter, job-focused educational pathways. Her book, Who Needs College Anymore?, dives deeper into these topics.   Kathleen deLaski is an education and workforce designer, as well as a futurist. She founded the Education Design Lab in 2013 to help colleges begin the journey to reimagine higher education toward the future of work. Her non-profit has helped 1200 colleges, orgs and economic regions design shorter, more affordable pathways for learners to achieve their economic goals. She spends time as a senior advisor to the Project on Workforce at Harvard University and teaches human-centered design and higher ed reform as an adjunct professor in the Honors College at George Mason University. In a previous career, Kathleen spent twenty years as a TV and then a digital journalist, including time as ABC News White House correspondent. Followed by a political appointment as the first female Pentagon spokesperson.   Get Kathleen’s book here: https://www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org/ Who Needs College Anymore?: Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter 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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 528, an interview with the author of Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing your Best When it Matters Most, JP Pawliw-Fry.    In this episode, JP walks us through the concept of pressure management—how to reduce pressure in our personal and professional lives to better excel in whatever we do. He also discusses the importance of self-awareness, especially under pressure, and the concept of 'aggressive learning,' where high performers extract more information from experiences. JP shares how meditation can change one's relationship with stress and improve focus.   JP Pawliw-Fry is a world-renowned keynote speaker, and the author of the New York Times bestseller Performing Under Pressure which was named INC. Magazine’s Best Business Book of the Year. He teaches a leadership course at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Over the last 25 years, JP worked with leaders and high-pressure performers around the world — from Navy Seals and Olympic athletes to executives at global organizations like Intel, Coca Cola, and NASA.   Get JP’s book here: https://www.jppawliw-fry.com/the-book Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most   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  

Siri Chilazi, a Senior Researcher at the Harvard Kennedy School, dives deep into workplace gender equality in this enlightening discussion. She recounts her journey from the sciences to advocating for fairness at work. Siri emphasizes that systemic changes, like rethinking hiring practices and implementing regular pay audits, are more effective than traditional diversity training. Through her insights, she advocates for creating inclusive cultures where small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in gender equity.

Join Andrew Brodsky, an award-winning professor at the University of Texas and CEO of Ping Group, as he delves into the art of virtual communication. He introduces the PING framework—Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Behavior, and Goals—highlighting how to tailor communication methods effectively. Andrew discusses strategies to boost creativity and maintain trust in remote teams, while emphasizing the nuances of virtual interactions during the job recruitment process. Discover how minor adjustments can lead to major improvements in workplace communication!

Cindy Anderson, CMO at the IBM Institute for Business Value, and Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director of Thought Leadership at IBM, delve into the real value of thought leadership. They discuss its crucial role in client relationships, stressing that independent, data-driven content fosters trust rather than direct sales. They also explore the impact of AI on content creation and outline the characteristics of effective thought leaders. Their insights highlight the need for quality engagement in the evolving thought leadership landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of "Meet Every Learner's Needs," shares his expertise on educational fairness and personalized learning. He emphasizes the necessity of moving beyond videos to create engaging and tailored learning experiences. Robert also explores how empathy in leadership can adapt teaching to diverse learner needs, while suggesting innovative strategies for corporate training that enhance team performance. His perspectives draw from both legal education and real-world parenting experiences.

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 345, an interview with the Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, BCG’s think tank for new ideas in management and strategy. Martin has authored numerous books, including Your Strategy Needs a Strategy and The Imagination Machine, a handbook about how to systematically harness imagination to generate new ideas and transform businesses.   Get Martin's book here: https://rb.gy/qmifgx The Imagination Machine: How to Spark New Ideas and Create Your Company's Future.    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    

Lionel Barber, former editor of the Financial Times and renowned journalist, shares his insights on leadership and business transformation. He dives into his new book about Masayoshi Son, exploring the disruptor's remarkable journey and innovative strategies. Barber discusses essential qualities for success in journalism, effective communication skills, and the shift to subscription-based models. He emphasizes continuous self-improvement and the resilience needed to navigate challenges, providing valuable advice for aspiring professionals looking to make an impact.

Dr. Christie Smith, an experienced consultant and author of "Essential", discusses her career from Accenture to Apple, emphasizing the importance of empathy and adaptability in leadership. She highlights the need for strong client relationships and why personal credibility often outweighs brand identity. Christie also elaborates on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, the transformative impact of AI on the workforce, and the critical need for reskilling. Her insights advocate for a human-powered approach to leadership in today’s tech-driven world.

In this engaging discussion, Alison Wood Brooks, an Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and author of 'Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves,' shares insights into the art of conversation. She introduces the 'topic pyramid,' emphasizing the importance of small talk, tailored talk, and deep talk. Listeners learn strategies for navigating difficult conversations, like acknowledgment and empathy. Alison explains how mastering conversational skills enhances personal relationships and professional success, making every dialogue count.