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

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.

Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, dives into the transformative power of imagination in business strategy. He discusses a systematic six-stage process for developing ideas and emphasizes the crucial role of creativity in organizational renewal. Reeves highlights innovative leadership methods that foster engagement and ambitious goals, using Unilever's success in India as a prime example. The conversation also reveals how blending human creativity with artificial intelligence can drive growth and innovation in today's dynamic landscape.

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.

Rob Markey, a Partner at Bain & Company and founder of their Global Customer Strategy practice, joins to discuss customer loyalty and retention. He reveals a staggering disconnect between executive perceptions and customer experiences, with only 8% of customers feeling valued. Markey emphasizes the importance of measuring customer lifetime value and adopting customer-centric strategies. He also highlights the role of leadership in implementing these changes and the necessity of recovering customer trust to enhance loyalty.

Michael J. Lopez, a former managing director at EY and KPMG and author of "Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior," shares his insights on navigating change management. He discusses how personal experience shapes consulting approaches and the unique challenges of leading in a hybrid work environment. Michael emphasizes that change is a gradual process requiring time and effort, and he explores the role of AI in consulting while affirming the irreplaceable value of human intuition.