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

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

512 episodes — Page 6 of 11

403: Grooming corporate leaders (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we spoke about the approach and philosophy used by the study leadership team in a power sector corporate strategy study as they guide and mentor corporate leaders at the client. We discuss the four pillars on which our leadership philosophy is built and use practical examples to demonstrate how we help clients adopt these principles. The four pillars are: Sincere authenticity matters. Embrace – don't hide – leadership flaws. Forget about image. Focus on results. This approach is about helping corporate leaders be successful in the short term. If you would like to learn more about this leadership work, please read this article. 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

Dec 6, 202318 min

402: Consulting: Confidence & getting results (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss something that affects every consultant in the world: the issue of confidence – or even arrogance – and its role in getting results on a consulting engagement. We discuss the role that confidence plays in your career and look at what actually creates a competitive advantage in your career. We also look at an example that showcases the limited value of confidence in a consulting engagement. Click here to see the full study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. 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

Dec 4, 202317 min

401: How to conduct a value chain analysis (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we take a brief look at how to conduct a value chain analysis. Click here to see the full study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. 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

Nov 29, 20238 min

400: What the NYPD teaches us about complex corporate strategy (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss corporate strategy. In this episode, we explain why conventional and step-by-step strategy analysis will always yield incorrect answers in any corporate strategy study. 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

Nov 27, 202332 min

399: 5 tips to fight fatigue (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we shared five tips to fight fatigue. 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

Nov 22, 202316 min

398: Northwestern University Professor, Lan Nguyen Chaplin — How to Disrupt a System That Was Built to Hold You Back

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 398, an interview with a Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications, at Northwestern University, Lan Nguyen Chaplin. In this episode, we focused on how to disrupt a system that was built to hold you back. We also touched on to move past an embarrassing moment at work. Lan Nguyen Chaplin, Ph.D. is Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications, at Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. She is also a member of the Core Faculty, Golub Capital Social Impact Lab at Kellogg School of Management. She received her Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Minnesota (Carlson School of Management), and her B.A. in neuroscience with a concentration in behavioral medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. She was named one of the Top 50 Undergraduate Business Professors in the world by Poets & Quants (November 2018) and set a new record for top undergraduate professor nominations in the process. She has taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Villanova School of Business, University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she was also the Head Coach of the Illinois Women's Lacrosse Club team, and the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. Professor Nguyen Chaplin conducts research in the areas of children's consumer behavior and branding. She publishes in outlets including, Science, Harvard Business Review, Journal of Consumer Research, Psychological Science, Journal of Consumer Psychology, Child Development, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, and Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. Her research has been covered by TIME, Forbes, National Geographic, The New York Times, Fortune, Esquire Magazine, MSN, NBC Boston, ABC news radio, CBS news, Washington Times, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Parenting, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine, New York Magazine, Popular Science, Psychology Today, and Glamour. Her article with Marsha Richins titled "Material Parenting: How the Use of Goods in Parenting Fosters Materialism in the Next Generation," won Best Paper published in the Journal of Consumer Research (Financial Times top 50 business journals), in 2018 and was one of the most highly cited JCR articles in 2016. Her work on the development of materialism in children won one of the most prestigious awards in the marketing discipline—the ACR-Sheth award for public purpose research. She and her collaborators have presented their research throughout the USA and around the globe (Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, and Singapore). She serves on the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Public Policy & Marketing, Journal of Consumer Affairs, and Journal of Positive Psychology. Professor Nguyen Chaplin teaches at the Ph.D., MBA, and undergraduate levels and has received numerous teaching accolades. Visit Lan's website: https://lanchaplin.com/ 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

Nov 20, 202347 min

398: CEO and Founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, William Vanderbloemen — A guide to hiring the best talent

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 398, an interview with the author of Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest, William Vanderbloemen. In his book, William reveals how job seekers, employees, hiring managers and company leaders everywhere can stand out from their peers and become irreplaceable, building the careers they've always wanted. William Vanderbloemen has been leading the Vanderbloemen Search Group for 15 years, where they are regularly retained to identify the best talent for teams, manage succession planning, and consult on all issues regarding teams. This year, Vanderbloemen will complete their 3,000th executive search. Prior to founding Vanderbloemen Search Group, William studied executive search under a mentor with 25+ years of executive search at the highest level. His learning taught him the very best corporate practices, including the search strategies used by the internationally known firm Russell Reynolds. Prior to that, William served as a Senior Pastor at one of the largest Presbyterian Churches in the United States. Get William's book here: https://rb.gy/45lms Be the Unicorn: 12 Data-Driven Habits that Separate the Best Leaders from the Rest 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

Nov 15, 202341 min

397: Period case studies (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss a special type of case study called a period case study which is significantly harder to do, but incredibly useful. Most consultants prefer case studying the latest and greatest fad, which is extremely misleading, as explained in this podcast. Click here to see the full study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. 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

Nov 13, 202312 min

396: CEO OF KUSI Global, Inc. and Harvard University Fellow, Talia Fox — The Power of Conscious Connection

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 396, an interview with the author of The Power of Conscious Connection: 4 Habits to Transform How You Live and Lead. In this book, Talia shares her methodology for transforming how we live and lead by first tapping into our own power so that we can make choices that align best with what really matters to us as individuals. The Power of Conscious Connection is a blueprint for a more conscious, compassionate, and connected world. Each page of this book will stir you to the core, awaken your senses, and challenge you to commit to a new way of living and leading. In a time where division seems to prevail, Talia Fox reminds us of our potential for coming together. Talia Fox is the CEO of KUSI Global, Inc. She holds an M.Ed. in counseling psychology from Howard University and she is a Harvard University Fellow. An inspirational leader in every sense of the word, Talia is often referred to as the Jedi of Inspiration by her clients. With over two decades of experience in transforming thousands of executives from all sectors, she has become a visionary for leadership and legacy building. Her extensive background in psychology and education has given her the tools she needs to assist leaders in developing successful strategies for complex missions, ranging from defense systems to healthcare initiatives. As CEO of KUSI Global, Inc., Talia helps organizations like the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Harvard University, Transunion, the National Institutes of Health, Howard University, and the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs maximize human potential by leveraging strategic intelligence and helps individuals and organizations foster connected cultures and promote conscious equity. Get Talia's book here: https://shorturl.at/aiwAQ The Power of Conscious Connection: 4 Habits to Transform How You Live and Lead Visit Talia's website: https://kusitraining.com/ 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

Nov 8, 202352 min

395: The organizational design stream (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss the tough work being done by the Organizational Design team. We discuss the three tensions which drive all Organizational Design recommendations and the trade-offs required. We also spoke about the most important requirement to implement a new culture and structure at any company, and it is quite simple to do. As you will see, the Organizational Design stream is struggling in the study. Click here to see the full Corporate Strategy & Transformation study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. 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

Nov 6, 202315 min

394: Avoiding the strategy echo chamber (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss why you should avoid the strategy echo chamber. 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

Nov 1, 202314 min

393: What makes it a transformation study? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss what makes a study a "transformation study" and how to determine if an organization is going through a transformation or something else, such as restructuring. 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

Oct 30, 202322 min

392: USA Champion Gymnast turned entrepreneur & VC, Lisa Carmen Wang — Overcoming Good Girl Brainwashing

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 392, an interview with the author of The Bad Bitch Business Bible, Lisa Carmen Wang. The Bad Bitch Business Bible is Lisa's no-holds-barred guide for women who want to break free of Good Girl Brainwashing and take charge of their bodies, boundaries, and bank accounts. Interweaving intimate personal stories with large life lessons, Lisa shows you how to transform from insecure good girl to unapologetic Bad Bitch so you can start earning the money, power, and respect you deserve. Lisa Carmen Wang is the Founder & CEO of BAD BITCH EMPIRE, a community investment platform building unapologetic worth and wealth for women. She is a former 4-Time USA National Champion & Hall of Fame Gymnast turned serial entrepreneur, angel investor, venture capitalist, certified executive coach, and global speaker. She has been named Forbes 30 under 30 in Venture Capital, Entrepreneur Magazine's 100 Most Powerful Women, Fast Company Executive Board, and Red Bull Hero of The Year. Featured on WSJ, Forbes, Fortune, Reuters, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and more. Lisa began her career at a $15 billion dollar hedge fund, is a graduate of Yale University, and is on a lifelong mission to help women build unapologetic worth and wealth. Visit Lisa's website and check out her new book: https://www.lisawang.co/ 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

Oct 25, 202349 min

391: How to complete logical case studies? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss how to complete logical case studies. 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

Oct 23, 202310 min

390: $42 million in fees for one engagement (Problem)

In today's Strategy Skills podcast episode, Kris and Michael will share with you some key lessons you need to know related to the upcoming Mega Program called Innovating An Industrial Giant. This particular program is phase two as part of a larger series, phase one is called How to Sell Over $10 Million Consulting Studies, which we also called the Andrew program where all 214 episodes were already published on strategytraining.com. We decided to separate this discussion into three parts: person, assets, and problem. So, in this second episode of this three-part series, our focus will be on problem. 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

Oct 18, 202341 min

389: $42 million in fees for one engagement (Assets)

In today's Strategy Skills podcast episode, Kris and Michael will share with you some key lessons you need to know related to the upcoming Mega Program called Innovating An Industrial Giant. This particular program is phase two as part of a larger series, phase one is called How to Sell Over $10 Million Consulting Studies, which we also called the Andrew program where all 214 episodes were already published on strategytraining.com. We decided to separate this discussion into three parts: person, assets, and problem. So, in this second episode of this three-part series, our focus will be on assets. 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

Oct 16, 202353 min

388: President of WillowTree, Tobias Dengel — How AI Will Return Communication To Its Most Natural Form: Voice

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 388, an interview with the author of The Sound of the Future: The Coming Age of Voice Technology, Tobias Dengel. In his new book, Tobias answers why voice technology is the next big thing in technology, as big as mobile a decade ago and the internet in the late 90s, fundamentally altering the way companies do business. Tobias connects the dots about this emerging paradigm to vividly illustrate how business leaders can stay ahead of the game, rather than scrambling to catch up, as voice technology gradually reveals its power, creating a host of new winners and losers. Tobias Dengel is president of WillowTree, a TELUS International Company, a global leader in digital product design and development, with 13 offices in North America, South America, and Europe, headquartered in Charlottesville VA. The company has been named by Inc. magazine to the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing companies for 11 straight years. WillowTree, a TELUS International Company's clients include some of the best-known brands in the world, such as T Mobile, Mastercard, Capital One, HBO, Fox, Time Warner, PepsiCo, Regal Cinemas, Charles Schwab, Johnson & Johnson, Lidl, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inn, Canadian Broadcasting Corp, Synchrony Bank, Edward Jones Investments, and National Geographic. These industry leaders trust WillowTree, a TELUS International Company to design and develop their websites, apps, internal systems and voice interfaces. Get Tobias' book here: https://rb.gy/y4p29 The Sound of the Future: The Coming Age of Voice Technology 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

Oct 11, 202350 min

387: $42 million in fees for one engagement (Person)

In today's Strategy Skills podcast episode, Kris and Michael will share with you some key lessons you need to know related to the upcoming Mega Program called Innovating An Industrial Giant. This particular program is phase two as part of a larger series, phase one is called How to Sell Over $10 Million Consulting Studies, which we also called the Andrew program where all 214 episodes were already published on strategytraining.com. In today's session, we will get you up to speed on phase one. We also decided to separate this discussion into three parts: person, assets, and problem. So, in this first episode of this three-part series, our focus will be on the person—Andrew. 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

Oct 9, 202351 min

386: Three career path options for consulting partners (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss the 3 career path options that consultants face once they become partners. We discuss each career path and what it means for a consultant's career. These are differences that are crucial to know and understand because partner career paths that appear to be more attractive often lead to disappointing results. For example, did you know it is a really bad idea to emulate the career path of all the McKinsey and BCG partners who appear in the McKinsey Quarterly, BCG perspectives, and HBR? This counter-intuitive podcast will explain why. Many consultants don't spend enough time analyzing and considering the implications of following each career path. They take a superficial look at who are the partners most known and respected within the firm and try to emulate those partners. Yet, down the road, they often end up at a dead end. We further address which partner career path you should follow if your goal is to become a CEO one day. 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

Oct 4, 202313 min

385: When should you not brand yourself ex McKinsey (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we talk about one of the issues that we deal with at Firmsconsulting and which many ex employees of major consulting firms (e.g. ex McKinsey and ex BCG consultants) encounter as they embark on building their own boutique consulting firms or even when they join other consulting firm as employees. 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

Oct 2, 202311 min

384: Great Management Consultants are Artists (Strategy Skills classics)

How do you become an outstanding management consultant? Should you excel at analysis? Should you master problem-solving? Should you become the world's most gifted communicator? You could master all of the aforementioned items and still be an average management consultant at best. Great management consultants have all these skills but they have one more quality that makes them great, they are not just competent business people but they are also artists. For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we explain the mindset we encourage teams to use on the study. This is the mindset I used in my career and it is very different from what you would expect. 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

Sep 27, 202324 min

383: How to handle a "horrible" client (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we answer a question from our audience. Facing a "horrible" client is a common experience in the business world. You could say that it is part of the journey. It can be hard to know what you should do during this situation. But it is exactly in these types of situations that we learn a lot. 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

Sep 25, 202314 min

382: How and when a consultant must disagree (Strategy Skills classics)

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 382. For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics, where we discuss when a consultant must dissent and how it should be done. 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

Sep 20, 202313 min

381: How to get to $500k per month in 4 years (with Samuel Moses)

I recently had a great conversation with Sam Moses, which I think you will enjoy. We speak about how Sam managed to build a $500k in revenue per month business in just 4 years. We cover a lot of ground in this episode of the Strategy Skills podcast. Sam shares the most important points that anyone planning to start a business wishes to know. He discussed how to find the right manufacturer and supplier and how to build relationships with them. He generously shared the process of his business from manufacturing to delivery, how to manage SEO for an online business, how to find the right employees, and most importantly how to get customers and clients. As a bonus, Sam offered his advice to other entrepreneurs who are starting their own businesses. If you are thinking about starting your own business, or if you are already an entrepreneur, this episode is a must-listen. Samuel is the Founder and CEO of Sockrates Custom Socks, a company based in Boca Raton Florida which specializes in producing the highest quality custom socks at the fastest turnaround time. With over 4000 clients, Sockrates has emerged as the industry leader in its field with clients in the United States, Germany, France, Iceland, UK, Israel, and Canada. Visit Sam's website: ​​https://www.sockratescustom.com/ 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 Cheers, Kris

Sep 18, 202356 min

380: Private Equity Firm CEO on Power, Success and Getting Results (with Rick Walker)

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 380, an interview with an experienced founder, leader, and thinker across a variety of domains, Rick Walker. In this episode, Rick walks us through his leadership journey, how he built his first company in his 20's, the lessons he learned across multiple domains, and how he was able to do multiple things successfully, simultaneously. He also shared his views about fear, pride, faith, religion, and ethics in relation to leadership and business. Rick Walker scaled his first company to 400 employees when he was 26, and simultaneously, as Chairman, scaled a 53-country international nonprofit from 800 to 2,100 team members, simultaneously while helping his hometown of Houston attract over $5 Billion in job-creation investments. Rick's volunteer service also includes stints as a Director of a college in the middle east and Chairman of a $250 Million charitable foundation. His 3:30 AM wake-up call helps fit everything in. Rick hosts a podcast to help multi-domain leaders learn well - and has interviewed friends, who also happen to be world-class leaders, such as billionaires, musicians, members of the President's Cabinet, US Senate, US Congress, and great thinkers. The podcast is hosted inside a 13,000-square-foot mansion, which was the former party mansion of a Fortune 500 CEO, which Rick restored and uses for his family office, charitable events, and podcasts. Rick lives in Houston with his wife and 3 girls, where he spends much of his time serving alongside the best team members in his commercial real estate private equity firm. 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

Sep 13, 20231h 2m

379: Ex Microsoft AI Strategy Expert on Strategy and Vision in the era of Artificial Intelligence (with Brian Evergreen)

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 379, an interview with the author of Autonomous Transformation: Creating a More Human Future in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, Brian Evergreen. Autonomous Transformation provides a blueprint for leaders and managers who have aspired or attempted to harness artificial intelligence and its adjacent technologies for the betterment of their organization and the world, weaving strategy, management thinking, economics, systemic design, and philosophy into actionable steps with accompanying frameworks to create and sustain Profitable Good. Brian Evergreen is best known for his work advising FORTUNE 500 executives on artificial intelligence strategy. Building on his experiences working at Accenture, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft, Brian guest lectures at Purdue University and the Kellogg School of Management and is a Senior Fellow in the Economy, Strategy, and Finance Center of The Conference Board, sharing the unconventional and innovative methods and frameworks he developed leading and advising Digital Transformation initiatives at many of the world's most valuable companies. Brian is the founder of The Profitable Good Company, a leadership advisory company that partners with and equips leaders to harness the economic and societal of technology by creating a more human future in the era of artificial intelligence. Get Brian's book here: https://rb.gy/ejept Autonomous Transformation: Creating a More Human Future in the Era of Artificial Intelligence 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

Sep 11, 202349 min

378: Director of the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Dr. Andrew White — The New Archetype of Business Leadership

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 378, an interview with the director of the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School, Dr. Andrew White. In this episode with Dr. Andrew White, we delved deeply into the changes and challenges of leadership, as well as the reason behind the negative tone of discussions around leadership. Dr. White also discussed how to know if you are approaching leadership in the right way, the indicators of healthy leadership, and how leaders can assess themselves to be better leaders. Dr. Andrew White is the host of the Leadership 2050 podcast, on which he has interviewed the likes of former Unilever CEO Alan Jope and Mercedes F1 team CEO Toto Wolff. He is also the CEO of Transcend.Space, a leadership coaching company. Dr White's work focuses on the type of leadership needed to transcend 21st-century challenges. 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

Sep 6, 202336 min

377: The Fourth-Generation CEO of Premier Dental, Julie Charlestein — How to Create a Healthy Succession Plan

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 377, an interview with the author of How to Lead Your Family Business: Excelling Through Unexpected Crises, Choices, and Challenges, Julie Charlestein. In this book, Julie gets vulnerable about her experience as an emerging leader and ultimately CEO, who has worked to earn her colleagues' respect while navigating the succession to her father's company. Through stories full of candor and humor, Julie shares her leadership adventure, offering actionable strategies for those leading and working within their own family businesses. Julie Charlestein is a Philadelphia-based business leader and healthcare innovator who serves as the fourth-generation CEO of Premier Dental, just named a 2023 Top Ten Most Innovative Company in Wellness by Fast Company. Premier Dental is a global provider of innovative dental products used by dentists in 75 countries. Products range from hygienist instruments to teeth polishers to prosthetic mouth devices. As Charlestein likes to say: "You may not know our name, but we've probably been in your mouth." Heading the most trusted brand in dental products for over 100 years, Julie is an advocate for change and industry expert on integrating technology into modern dental practices to improve the treatment journey for both dentists and patients. She was recognized as one of Philadelphia Business Journal's "Most Admired CEOs," awarded the Silver Stevie Award as Female Executive of the Year and honored with the Gold Award by the Best in Biz Awards as Executive of the Year. She has served on the Dean's Advisory Board of the School of Dental Medicine at Harvard University and as the Chair of the Government Relations Committee for the Dental Trade Alliance and is a member of The Young Presidents' Organization (YPO). Get Julie's book here: https://rb.gy/d07jl How to Lead Your Family Business: Excelling Through Unexpected Crises, Choices, and Challenges Check out Julie's website: https://www.juliecharlestein.com/ 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

Sep 4, 202338 min

376: The Global Customer Growth and Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce, Tiffani Bova — The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 376, an interview with the author of The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth, Tiffani Bova. This book details exactly how your company can adopt an Experience Mindset, at scale. It's not enough to know that happy employees equals happy customers. You must have an intentional, balanced approach to company strategy that involves all stakeholders – IT, Marketing, Sales, Operations, and HR – with KPIs and ownership over outcomes. Tiffani Bova is the global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce, and the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Growth IQ. Over the past two decades, she has led large revenue-producing divisions at businesses ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 500. As a Research Fellow at Gartner, her cutting-edge insights helped Microsoft, Cisco, Salesforce, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle, SAP, AT&T, Dell, Amazon-AWS, and other prominent companies expand their market share and grow their revenues. She has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50 twice. She is also the host of the podcast What's Next! with Tiffani Bova. Get Tiffani's book here: https://rb.gy/bcal2 The Experience Mindset: Changing the Way You Think About Growth 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

Aug 30, 202345 min

375: The first Chief Digital Officer in the history of the Fortune 500, Atif Rafiq — Decision Sprint: The New Way to Innovate into the Unknown and Move from Strategy to Action

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 375, an interview with the author of Decision Sprint: The New Way to Innovate into the Unknown and Move from Strategy to Action, Atif Rafiq. In this book, Atif shares the breakthrough methods to put your company on the path to innovation, creativity, and growth. Atif has written Decision Sprint to pull the curtain back on the hidden management systems within your organization that impact how people think, collaborate, and make decisions. Atif Rafiq has blazed trails in Silicon Valley and the Fortune 500 for over 25 years. After rising through digital native companies like Amazon, Yahoo!, and AOL, Atif held C-suite roles at McDonald's, Volvo, and MGM Resorts. He oversaw thousands of employees as a global P&L, transformation, and innovation leader. Atif was the first Chief Digital Officer in the history of the Fortune 500, a pioneering role he held at McDonalds, and he rose to the president level in the Fortune 300. While leading business units, teams, and growth for companies, Atif has built a large following as one of today's top management thinkers. Over 500,000 people follow his ideas about management and leadership on LinkedIn, where he is a Top Voice, and his newsletter Re:wire has over 100,000 subscribers. Atif is passionate about helping companies push boldly into the future. He accomplishes this through Ritual, a software app revolutionizing how teams innovate and problem-solve, and through his work as keynote speaker, Board member, and CEO advisor. Get Atif's book here: https://rb.gy/kvxed Decision Sprint: The New Way to Innovate into the Unknown and Move from Strategy to Action 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

Aug 28, 202354 min

374: Wharton School Professor of Management and Vice Dean for the MBA for Executives Program, Mauro F. Guillén — Embracing a post-generational mindset to live a long and fulfilling life

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 374, an interview with the author of The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society, Mauro F. Guillén. In this book, Mauro unpacks a sweeping societal shift triggered by demographic and technological transformation. Guillén argues that outmoded terms like Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z have long been used to pigeonhole us into rigid categories and life stages, artificially preventing people from reaching their full potential. Mauro F. Guillén is one of the most original thinkers at the Wharton School, where he is Professor of Management and Vice Dean for the MBA for Executives Program. An expert on global market trends, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant. He combines his training as a sociologist at Yale and as a business economist in his native Spain to methodically identify and quantify the most promising opportunities at the intersection of demographic, economic, and technological developments. His online classes on Coursera and other platforms have attracted over 100,000 participants from around the world. He has won multiple teaching awards at Wharton, where his presentation on global market trends has become a permanent feature of over fifty executive education programs annually. He is the WSJ bestselling author of 2030: How Today's Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything. Get Mauro's book here: https://rb.gy/u9n0w The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society 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

Aug 23, 202346 min

373: CEO and co-founder of Reboot.io, Jerry Colonna — Leadership and the Longing to Belong

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 373, an interview with the author of Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong, Jerry Colonna. In this book, Jerry guides us on a journey of reunification with the disowned parts of ourselves, the myths and truths of our ancestors, as well as a deeper connection with those most affected by systems of exclusion. Jerry Colonna is the CEO, and co-founder, of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm whose coaches and facilitators are committed to the notion that better humans make better leaders. For nearly 20 years, he has used the knowledge gained as an investor, an executive, and a board member for more than 100 organizations to help entrepreneurs and others to lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Previous to his career as a coach he was a partner with JPMorgan Partners (JPMP), the private equity arm of JP Morgan Chase. He joined JPMP from Flatiron Partners, which he launched 1996 with partner, Fred Wilson. Flatiron became one of the most successful, early-stage investment programs in the New York City area. Jerry is the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up (2019), and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong (2023). Get Jerry's book here: https://rb.gy/h9a6aReunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong 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

Aug 21, 202344 min

372: Former President of Disney Stores Worldwide Jim Fielding — Leading Consumer Products Groups at the World's Largest Media Companies, Leading Disney Stores Worldwide, Time Management, Biggest Lessons Learned While at Disney

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 372, an interview with the author of All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically, Jim Fielding, where he delivers an inspirational leadership story told from the perspective of an out and proud LGBTQ+ executive. In the book, you'll explore a call-to-action for authentic servant leadership that encourages people to own their truth and bring out the best in themselves and their communities. Jim Fielding is a respected retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world's largest media companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and Twentieth Century Fox, Jim has built diverse cultures and visionary teams that excelled in competitive global markets. He served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide for four years, transforming its global consumer experience. He also served as CEO of Claire's Stores, Inc., a leading jewelry and accessories retailer. Jim's early experience spanned leading global retail companies, from The Gap to Lands' End. He mastered all aspects of vertical specialty retail, including supply chain, product design, store operations, and visual merchandising. An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation and was a founding member of the Dean's Council for the Hamilton Lugar Global and International School. Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation's premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. He also participates in the Women's Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle. Jim has served as a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross, as well as an executive-in-residence for IU Ventures and Indiana University's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has endowed several scholarships at IU to support overseas study, international internships, and advocacy leadership training. Jim lives in Atlanta with his partner, Joseph, and their dogs, Cricket and Olive. In the summers, you will find them in Leland and Northport, Michigan. Get Jim's book here: https://rb.gy/ax3aj All Pride, No Ego: A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically. Jim Fielding. 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

Aug 16, 20231h 0m

371: McKinsey's Emily Field — Power to the Middle, Reimagining the Roles of a Mid Level Manager, The Key to the Future of Work

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 371, an interview with the author of Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work, Emily Field. In this book, McKinsey thought leaders Bill Schaninger, Bryan Hancock, and Emily Field call for a profound reimagining of managers and their roles. They explain how middle managers are uniquely positioned close to the ground but with a crucial connection to company strategy, enabling them to guide their organizations through periods of rapid and complex change, as well as to help shape the new world of work. Emily Field is a partner in McKinsey's Seattle office. She helps organizations with distributed workforces deliver on their performance goals, with the role of the manager front and center. Emily holds a BA in government from Georgetown University. Get Emily's book here: https://rb.gy/q4qmv Power to the Middle: Why Managers Hold the Keys to the Future of Work 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

Aug 14, 202358 min

370: Harvard MBA Manisha Thakor — Financial Services Thirty Years Career, Hungry Ghost Mindset, How to Stop Being a Workaholic, Dealing with Work Addiction

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 370, an interview with the author of MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough", Manisha Thakor. In this book, Manisha shares her candid journey out of the Cult of Never Enough—a painful mindset that tells you the money you earn, accomplishments you achieve, and praise you receive is always insufficient. Manisha Thakor has worked in financial services for more than thirty years, with an emphasis on women's economic empowerment and financial wellbeing. A nationally recognized thought-leader in this space, Thakor has been featured in a wide range of publications including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, NPR, PBS, CNN, Real Simple, and Women's Health. Prior to writing MoneyZen, Thakor co-authored two personal finance books for women in their twenties and thirties. Today her work focuses on helping people of all ages to balance financial health and emotional wealth. Thakor earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, her BA from Wellesley College and is both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). She splits her time between Portland, Oregon and rural Maine. Her website is MoneyZen.com. Get Manisha's Book here: https://rb.gy/od9zz MoneyZen: The Secret to Finding Your "Enough" 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

Aug 9, 202356 min

369: World leading expert on perfectionism, Thomas Curran — The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 369, an interview with the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, Thomas Curran. In his book, Thomas calls for both introspection and broader, societal change. He shows what we can do as individuals to resist the modern-day pressure to be perfect, and in so doing, win for ourselves a more purposeful and contented life. Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and the author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as "the first to compare perfectionism across generations." His TED talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Get Thomas' book here: https://rb.gy/6m35h The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, Thomas Curran. 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

Aug 7, 202353 min

368: Should I email the full deck to participants before the strategy workshop? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills, where we answer a question, "Should I email the full deck to participants before the strategy workshop?" 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

Aug 2, 202314 min

367: Are the analyses always the same for a strategy workshop? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills, where we covered a topic about analyses. - Are the analyses always the same for a strategy workshop? In other words, what determines the analyses you should undertake for a strategy workshop? - How does one set objectives for the workshop? - How many strategy workshops should be completed during an engagement? - Why are top-down analyses so important? 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

Jul 31, 202319 min

366: What if the client demands more analyses? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills, where we cover a topic about what to do if the client demands more analyses. 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

Jul 26, 202323 min

365: What happens if the client asks for proof of the strategy? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills, where we cover a topic about what happens if the client asks for proof of the strategy. 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

Jul 24, 202320 min

364: How confident must I be to lead the workshop? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills, where we cover a topic about understanding the readiness and level of confidence required to go out there and lead. 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

Jul 19, 202322 min

363: What is corporate strategy? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss the most important concepts you need to understand in order to advance your career. Be reminded about what is Corporate Strategy and how is it different from the other types of strategies. 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

Jul 17, 202312 min

362: What is a conceptual thinker? (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic where we explain what it means to be a conceptual thinker and how to demonstrate this skill. If you work at any major consulting firm – and especially if you want to be promoted – you must prove you are a conceptual thinker. The only problem is that it is hard to define the word conceptual. In this podcast, we explain a similar problem experienced by a consultant on the Corporate Strategy & Transformation Study and how I helped them improve. The definition also explains why a conceptual thinker is a functional specialist (in strategy, operations, corporate finance, etc.) and almost never a specialist in sectors. 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

Jul 12, 202310 min

361: Former McKinsey Consultant Darryl Stickel — Building Trust With Consulting Clients, Testing Trust Deficit Within Your Team, Sharpening Trust as a Skill, The Most Effective Levers You Can Pull To Build Trust

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 361, an interview with the author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, Darryl Stickel. In his book, Darryl outlines his groundbreaking Trust Unlimited blueprint for building trust. Stickel moves away from the traditional approach of influencing people's willingness to trust—the con artist's tactic—to employing one or more of ten levers, which leaders can "pull" to close the gap between how much they are trusted and how much they should be. This approach also makes them more trustable and increases trust where it is deficient. Darryl Stickel is one of the world's leading experts on trust with over twenty years of experience. His Ph.D. ¨Building Trust in Hostile Environments¨ from Duke University established him as a global leader for governments, businesses and NGOs on practical approaches to building trust. Darryl has worked for Mckinsey & Company in their Toronto office, as well as advised the Canadian Military on trust building in Afghanistan. He has served as faculty for the Luxembourg School of Business and the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California and recently completed his book Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World. His contribution to the field of trust has been recognized by his nomination to the Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America; Trust Around the World. Get Darryl's book here: https://rb.gy/3boas Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, Darryl Stickel 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

Jul 10, 202352 min

361: Why you should read Bill Matassoni's memoir (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss why everyone should read Bill Matassoni's book, MARKETING SAVES THE WORLD. Every now and then, someone comes along and makes the subject of management both fun and insightful. That's what Bill Matassoni has done in his memoir—a combination of compelling stories and contrarian substance—that covers his forty-year career selling what he calls "ephemeral things." In addition to the memoir, Bill plays host to a series of videos that are entertaining, irreverent, and filled with his conviction that marketing is the primary driver of progress in both commercial and social markets. MARKETING SAVES THE WORLD: Stories Why Capitalism Works. Bill Matassoni https://rb.gy/2gjss Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jul 5, 202318 min

360: Columbia University's Steven Cohen, Environmentally sustainable growth

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 360, an interview with the author of Environmentally Sustainable Growth: A Pragmatic Approach, Steven Cohen. In this book, Steven explores the causes of environmental degradation and examines what sustainability looks like in practice and outlines realistic paths toward a renewable resource–based economy, demonstrating that, in many respects, the shift to sustainability is already underway. Steven describes a range of public policy and infrastructure initiatives that can encourage cleaner production in the private sector and consumption in everyday life. Steven Cohen is senior vice dean of the School of Professional Studies and professor of the practice of public affairs in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is also the director of the Earth Institute's Research Program on Sustainability Policy and Management as well as two other master's programs in environmental sustainability. Cohen previously worked for the EPA and currently serves on the board of directors of the Willdan Group. He is the author of Sustainability Management, Understanding Environmental Policy, and The Sustainable City. Get Steven's book here: Environmentally Sustainable Growth: A Pragmatic Approach. Steven Cohen: https://rb.gy/gew25 Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jul 3, 202349 min

359: Ex senior McKinsey Partner and worldwide strategy practice co-leader, Kevin P. Coyne (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic with Kevin P. Coyne, founder of Coyne Scientific. He is the former Director and co-leader of both McKinsey's Worldwide Strategy Practice and CEO transitions practice, and the host of The Consulting Offer II Kevin attended the Harvard Business School after his junior year of college. He simultaneously graduated from both Rice University and Harvard in 1978 and joined McKinsey as the youngest associate ever and one of the youngest principals ever appointed. During a 27 year career at McKinsey Kevin advised clients on a variety of issues and across a broad range of industries including banking, consumer goods, venture capital, industrial, telecommunications and the public sector. His primary area of focus was corporate strategy. He has worked one-on-one with over twenty-five different CEOs. Kevin has been an active leader in civic roles throughout his career. He served as an Executive Assistant and sole policy advisor to the Deputy Secretary of the United States Treasury, the second ranking department official in the Reagan Administration. In that role he advised on Brazil's economic growth, served as an intermediary between Britain and Argentina after the Falklands war and advised on opening Japan's capital markets. He recently co-led several pro-bono efforts, including the following: Setting up the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund Leading the Atlanta and London Olympic Games committees on several initiatives Leading the team supporting former US President Carter on the Atlanta Project helping low-income citizens Kevin has co-written 6 Harvard Business Review articles, 12 McKinsey Quarterly articles and 2 bestselling business books, as well as many other articles across influential business publications. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jun 28, 202339 min

358: Workshop structure, process and outcome (Strategy Skills classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Strategy Skills classic from week 4 of the Corporate Strategy & Transformation study. The previous podcasts discussed each of the elements which together comprise the visioning workshop. This podcast discusses the workshop structure, how we ran it, and the overall outcome. Click here to see the full study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jun 26, 202317 min

357: Philosopher Ivo Brughmans — Paradoxical Leadership, Management Consulting, Polarities, Dilemmas, The Metaphor of the Bus, Being Driven from Inside

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 357, an interview with the author of Paradoxical Leadership: How to Make Complexity an Advantage, Ivo Brughmans. Paradoxical Leadership reveals how to transform divisive dilemmas into creative solutions and paralyzing polarization into a constructive dialogue. Ivo Brughmans studied philosophy, international politics, and business management. He worked for twenty-five years for a global management consulting firm, supporting organizations in redesigning and transforming their business. Ivo is fascinated by paradoxes and the challenge of bringing together opposite approaches. Connecting opposite poles has been a common thread throughout his own life and work: as a philosopher working with practical business challenges, as a rationalist relying on his intuition, and as a workaholic enjoying doing simply nothing at all. Ivo has written several books on this theme, developing a "both/ and" perspective as a radical alternative to our current way of living, managing, governing, and coaching. He has a deep conviction that this perspective helps create more sustainable solutions to the challenges of the twenty-first century, providing the fundamentals for a fulfilled and balanced life, for better-performing and more innovative organizations, and for a better world. Ivo lives in Antwerp, Belgium. He gives keynotes, leads workshops and training programs on paradoxical leadership, and works with public and private organizations throughout Europe and around the globe. For more information check https://paradoxical-leadership.com. Get Ivo's book here: https://rb.gy/322nl Paradoxical Leadership: How to Make Complexity an Advantage. Ivo Brughmans Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jun 21, 202359 min

356: Former Bain & Company Director Michael Farmer — Differences Between McKinsey, Bain and BCG, Strategy Consulting, Helping Ad Agencies and Their Clients Navigate the Changes in the Media Landscape, Transformation of a Creative Ad Agency (Huge)

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 356, an interview with the author of Madison Avenue Makeover: The Transformation of Huge and the Redefinition of the Ad Agency Business, Michael Farmer. He also wrote the award-winning Madison Avenue Manslaughter, an inside view of fee-cutting clients, profit-hungry owners, and declining ad agencies (Third Edition, 2019). In this episode, Michael speaks about the time he worked for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, and the differences between the three consulting firms. He also shared his advice for those aspiring to build their consulting firm and discussed the technique that helped him write his first book, Madison Avenue Manslaughter. Finally, Michael shared his experience of helping in the Transformation of a Creative Ad Agency (Huge). Michael Farmer is Chairman and CEO of Farmer & Company LLC, a strategy consulting firm for advertisers and agencies. He also serves as Professor of Branding and Integrated Communications at The City College of New York (CCNY). He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and was previously a Director of Bain & Company. Connect with Michael here: https://www.farmerandco.com/ Get Michael's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Avenue-Makeover-transformation-redefinition/dp/1911687646 Madison Avenue Makeover: The Transformation of Huge and the Redefinition of the Ad Agency Business. Michael Farmer. Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

Jun 19, 20231h 3m