
Trigger Strategy
We’re Tom and Corissa from Trigger Strategy Group. In each episode, we dig into strategy and sense-making while taking our baby for a walk.Our work is about embracing uncertainty and complexity, making sense of the world so we can act in it.We cover strategy, organisation design, facilitation, research and experimentation, peppering our chats with anecdotes, rants and occasional adorable babbling from the baby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jan 16, 2024 • 28min
013: How experiences shape us
The podcast explores how personal experiences shape decision-making, from navigating complexity in personal vs. business environments to transformative university modules. It delves into decision-making processes through shopping scenarios and gaining fresh perspectives through reading aloud exercises.

Jan 16, 2024 • 21min
012: Psychological safety is an emergent property
Explore the intriguing concept of psychological safety and its critical role in team dynamics. Discover how it's an emergent property, influenced by various aspects of workplace culture, rather than something that can be simply turned on. Hear personal anecdotes that reveal the complexities of employee loyalty and the harsh realities of competitive environments. The discussion challenges common misconceptions about workplace toxicity and the subjective nature of support within teams, shedding light on what truly fosters trust and collaboration.

Jan 16, 2024 • 19min
011: Make stand ups useful with coherent pitches
Stand-up meetings often fall flat, becoming mere 'busyness theatre.' The hosts share their horror stories from poorly organized gatherings and emphasize the need for clarity and structure. They discuss the evolution of these meetings in agile environments and the importance of effective pitches for designers. Psychological safety and authentic relationships within teams are crucial for honest communication. Finally, listeners receive practical strategies to enhance engagement and accountability, transforming these meetings into valuable interactions.

26 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 21min
010: Rules, norms, heuristics and a stacking block toy
The hosts tackle when to follow rules and when to break them, using Montessori-style stacking toys as a springboard for creativity. They discuss how structured play versus free creativity can shape innovative learning environments. The journey into copywriting reveals the importance of understanding and challenging creative norms. They highlight the need for clarity in writing while balancing innovation with simplicity. Lastly, the conversation reflects on the value of embracing failure and taking small risks in innovation, illustrated with playful analogies.

12 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 36min
009: Using Pitch Provocations to poke the market - Part 3
Dive into the art of crafting pitch provocations swiftly and effectively, emphasizing the importance of time management and audience engagement. Discover the stark contrast in how venture capitalists and startups view failure and what it means for innovation in the fashion industry. Explore experimental market testing methods that allow for rapid feedback and iteration, while encouraging honest experimentation. Learn how genuine feedback can transform product development and strategies for engaging the market in meaningful ways.

13 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 27min
008: Using Pitch Provocations to poke the market - Part 2
Dive into the nuances of engaging customers effectively by overcoming the 'curse of knowledge.' Discover how to refine business ideas through real-world experimentation and the risks of neglecting market validation. Listen in as the complexities of survivorship bias in entrepreneurship are unpacked, challenging conventional success narratives. The discussion also deepens around the evolving nature of purpose in leadership, especially during economic downturns. This thought-provoking conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

14 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 32min
007: Using Pitch Provocations to poke the market - Part 1
Discover how founders can flip the script by prioritizing market understanding over product development. Explore the art of pitch provocations and their role in effectively communicating value. Delve into the delicate balance between specialization and generalization in market strategy. Learn how to challenge and refine product ideas through contrasting thoughts. Understand the importance of capturing genuine customer feedback without falling into jargon traps, all while navigating emotional responses in qualitative research.

11 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 27min
006: OKRs, moon landings and oil fires
Exploring the challenges of OKRs, the discussion critiques their effectiveness in modern business and contrasts historical roots with today’s needs. The importance of user understanding in software design is emphasized, alongside insights on using OKRs for meaningful organizational growth. With anecdotes from the moon landings, the speakers illustrate how manageable objectives can drive ambition. Realistic goal-setting and data-driven decision-making are highlighted as crucial for navigating the complex landscape of user experience and project planning.

12 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 22min
005: The bucket of features problem
Explore the bucket of features problem that plagues both startups and corporations. Discover how adding more features often leads to consumer confusion instead of solving core issues. Delve into the challenges of balancing feature development with strategic market positioning. Learn innovative methods for assessing performance and promoting customer-focused messaging. Finally, understand the importance of market engagement and direct testing in uncovering true customer desires for successful product development.

12 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 28min
004: Beans, noses, elephants and startups
The podcast delves into the challenges of convincing individuals in business to prioritize UX and alternative strategies, using the analogy of 'beans and noses'. It highlights the struggle between emotions and data in decision-making, the journey of a team in product development, and the difficulties of changing beliefs in startup ventures.