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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 509, an interview with a renowned innovation cultivator, speaker, and founder of Creativity Partners, Jamie Woolf.   In this episode, Jamie shared her remarkable experience working at Pixar under Ed Catmull's leadership and explained its unique culture that combines art and technology to drive innovation. She explained the concept of “constructive disruption” at work and how leaders can build healthy, innovative, and creative workplaces where everyone feels free to speak up, be heard, and support employees in bringing their authentic selves to work.   Jamie Woolf was the first Director of Culture at Pixar Animation Studios where she was recruited to be a force for “constructive disruption.” Jamie has 30+ years of experience practicing organizational psychology and draws on her impactful work with organizations like Google, Dreamworks, University of California, and Pixar Animation. Visit Jamie's blog here: https://www.creativity-partners.com/blog    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  

McKinsey's Marvin Bower: Father of Management Consulting | 19 Rules That Shaped McKinsey In this video, we dive deep into the legacy of Marvin Bower, the man who turned McKinsey & Company into the gold standard of management consulting. Known as the "father of management consulting," Marvin Bower’s vision, integrity, and groundbreaking leadership set McKinsey apart and established consulting as a respected profession. Discover the 19 rules that Marvin Bower enforced at McKinsey to ensure consultants upheld the highest standards, from wearing specific attire to prioritizing client interests above all else. Learn why these principles helped build McKinsey into a preeminent global firm and what they can teach us about leadership, values, and success. 🎯 Listen till the end to uncover: The story of Marvin Bower’s rise and his role in shaping modern consulting. 19 rules that McKinsey consultants had to obey or leave the firm. Key lessons from Marvin Bower’s leadership that you can apply in your career. 📖 For more insights: Marketing saves the world - https://amzn.to/40NW7UN McKinsey’s Marvin Bower - https://amzn.to/4hPACZP  💡 Want to learn how to become a trusted advisor for your clients? Start by understanding Marvin Bower's philosophy.  Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-GURIMZqS7Y?si=7cR9ffF4yd-yVcfB   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   Nine Leaders in Action: www.firmsconsulting.com/gift   Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Baruch Lev and Feng Gu, co-authors of The M&A Failure Trap, share their insights on why 70% of mergers fail. Lev, a leading authority in corporate finance, and Gu, an expert in corporate acquisitions, discuss the pitfalls of over-optimism and lack of due diligence in M&As. They introduce a unique scorecard that evaluates key success variables like deal size and employee dynamics. The conversation highlights the crucial need for strategic planning and accountability to avoid costly acquisition mistakes.

Explore the transformative power of storyboarding in management consulting. Discover how storyboards enhance communication, engage clients, and streamline problem-solving. Learn about the unique aspects of corporate strategy studies and the iterative nature of refining storyboards. The discussion also draws intriguing parallels between consulting and the animation industry, showcasing techniques for effective storytelling. Uncover the biggest questions about consulting storyboards and enhance your strategic skills!

Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a leadership psychologist and author of The Resilience Plan, shares insights on building resilience to prevent burnout in high-performance cultures. She emphasizes that resilience is a skill that can be developed through strategies like exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality sleep. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a personal resilience plan and adapting leadership styles to maintain mental well-being. Additionally, Pelletier explores the evolving landscape of workplace mental health and the impact of lifestyle choices on overall performance.

In this discussion, Matt Kohut, managing partner of KNP Communications and author of "Speaking Out," shares his expertise on the delicate balance CEOs must strike when addressing political and social issues. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and stakeholder alignment, offering practical tips for effective public speaking. Kohut also explores the evolving expectations of leaders in a distrustful society, highlighting their role in fostering trust through transparent communication. His insights shed light on how authenticity can enhance a leader's connection with their audience.

John Rossman, an early Amazon executive and senior advisor at T-Mobile and the Gates Foundation, shares his insights on strategic leadership and innovation. He emphasizes the importance of making 'big bets' while thoroughly testing ideas before full commitment. Rossman discusses the value of focus in decision-making to avoid costly failures and highlights how creating a fun team atmosphere can enhance performance. He advocates for balancing ambitious goals with celebrating small victories, fostering a mindset open to innovation and learning from failure.

Ed Fidoe, founder and CEO of the London Interdisciplinary School, shares his remarkable journey from child actor to McKinsey consultant to education innovator. He discusses the limitations of traditional schooling and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to tackle complex global issues. Fidoe emphasizes the role of AI in reshaping education and the importance of broad intellectual curiosity for future leaders. He also unveils an innovative MBA program designed to address today's pressing challenges, fostering a new generation of thinkers.

David G. Ewing, a Harvard-trained engineer and CEO of Motiv, shares his inspiring journey to the Inc. 5000. He discusses the power of strategic partnerships, revealing how a pivotal collaboration with Oracle transformed his company. David candidly addresses overcoming self-doubt through meditation, emphasizing its role in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into creating exceptional customer experiences and the importance of work-life integration, as he balances leading a company with coaching his son's robotics team.

In a compelling discussion, Keith Ferrazzi, a global leader in high-performing teams and bestselling author, shares his insights on shifting from traditional leadership to a more inclusive model he calls 'teamship.' He explains how this approach fosters accountability, empathy, and high performance among team members. Keith also highlights practical strategies for building trust and embracing technology in teamwork. Personal stories of resilience and collaboration illustrate how these transformative practices can elevate organizations beyond competition.