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

Sara Daw, co-founder and CEO of The CFO Centre and The Liberti Group, shares her expertise as an entrepreneur and future of work expert. She discusses vital strategies for breaking into the C-suite, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and networking. Daw recounts her own transition to a fractional CFO, detailing the balance of career ambitions and personal life. Listeners learn about effective marketing strategies for attracting clients and the necessity of adaptability in today's business landscape. The conversation is rich with insights into leadership development and the entrepreneurial journey.

This week’s guest is Christoph Senn, an adjunct professor at INSEAD and founder of Valuecreator. He introduces the transformative Triple Fit Strategy, which aligns planning, execution, and resources to enhance customer relationships and drive growth. Christoph discusses the interplay between B2B and B2C marketing, emphasizing structured frameworks for success. He also highlights essential leadership qualities needed for nurturing customer connections and shares resources for further learning, making this conversation a must-listen for aspiring business leaders.

Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning writer and the mind behind The Skin Deep, shares his insights on fostering meaningful conversations in work and relationships. He discusses the art of asking well-constructed questions and creating safe spaces for dialogue. Topaz emphasizes the power of deep listening and the importance of setting intentions for impactful conversations. He also touches on building connections in our digital age and how genuine interactions can lead to personal and professional growth.

Mark Taylor, a prize-winning healthcare journalist and author of "Hospital, Heal Thyself," dives into the pressing issues of hospital inefficiencies and the healthcare system. He discusses the challenges posed by outdated practices and for-profit models that jeopardize patient care. Highlighting innovative strategies like 'surgical smoothing', Mark reveals how top hospitals have saved billions while improving patient outcomes. The conversation also touches on the nursing crises during COVID-19 and the importance of systemic reforms to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

Eugene Litvak, President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Optimization and a Harvard adjunct professor, dives into the complex world of hospital management. He reveals how overcrowded emergency departments and nursing shortages plague healthcare, driving up costs and delaying surgeries. Eugene outlines innovative strategies for improving hospital efficiency, enhancing patient care, and retaining nursing staff, with success stories from institutions like Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. His insights aim to save lives and billions of dollars.

Brian Solis, a world-renowned futurist and author, discusses transformative leadership techniques in this engaging conversation. He emphasizes the need for a 'Mindshift' to embrace AI-driven change and the importance of curiosity in leadership. Brian critiques traditional executive mindsets, advocating for a beginner's mind to unlock innovation. He shares insights on fostering creativity and building communities of change agents, urging leaders to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Mark Abraham, a senior partner at BCG and founder of the firm's Personalization business, discusses the evolution of personalization strategies in the age of AI. He highlights how brands like Starbucks and Spotify excel at tailoring customer experiences. Mark emphasizes the shift from mass marketing to individual customer delight, the challenges of organizational inertia in banking, and the need for data-driven, agile approaches. He also explores how AI transforms customer interactions, making personalization a cornerstone of modern corporate strategy.

David C. Edelman, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and former CMO of Aetna, dives into the future of AI and personalization. He explores the evolution of marketing strategies influenced by tech advancements, using real-world examples like Starbucks. The conversation highlights the five promises of personalization and emphasizes continuous experimentation with AI to enhance customer experiences. Edelman also critiques traditional procurement inefficiencies, advocating for innovative data integration to drive operational success.

Megan Hellerer, a former Google executive turned career coach, shares her profound journey from success to fulfillment. After realizing her high-pressure role was misaligned with her true self, she emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice. Her insights on building a coaching practice highlight how to find the right clients and address their common struggles. Megan challenges the traditional notion of purpose, advocating for a fluid approach to fulfillment that prioritizes curiosity and adaptability.

Alison Fragale, a Distinguished Scholar of Organizational Behavior at UNC Chapel Hill and author of *Likeable Badass*, dives into the nuances of workplace dynamics for women. She discusses the balancing act of kindness and competence and how to navigate the status game effectively. Alison shares insights on using humor and reciprocity to enhance relationships and build assertiveness. Learn how to negotiate with difficult parties while maintaining respect, and discover strategies for leveraging behavioral science to amplify career success.