The Strategy Skills Podcast: Management Consulting | Strategy, Operations & Implementation | Critical Thinking

Your company's next breakthrough isn't about doing more, but doing less with purpose.   In this episode, I speak with Bill Canady, CEO of two major industrial companies (OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products), a former U.S. Navy officer, and author of From Panic to Profit, about the operating system he's used to turn around billion-dollar businesses and lead through uncertainty.   Bill brings a rare blend of military discipline, private equity strategy, and grounded human leadership. With more than 3,600 employees and $1.5 billion in revenue under his care, he shares what really drives growth, and why focus, not frenzy, is the secret to long-term results.   We talk about: How Bill used 80/20 thinking to stabilize a struggling company during the pandemic Why “doing everything” is the death of momentum and how to identify your critical few The real reason most teams fail to deliver (hint: it's not effort) How AI is helping leaders focus on what matters and where human judgment still matters most Why you may need to say no to good ideas to unlock great outcomes The leadership triangle: visionary, operator, and prophet, and how to build teams that thrive   Bill also shares personal reflections on learning through failure, navigating high-stakes decisions, and how he's applying his own advice as a continuous learner and leader of leaders.   Whether you're in a turnaround, scaling up, or simply trying to get more focused in your business or career, this episode offers both strategic clarity and deeply practical tools for creating profitable, people-centered growth.   Bill Canady is the CEO of both OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in driving organizational growth, cutting costs, and boosting profitability. At OTC, he led a 43% increase in revenue and an 80% rise in earnings, with annual sales now exceeding $1 billion. At AEP, he oversees more than 3,600 employees and $1.5 billion in sales. A U.S. Navy veteran, Bill holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS in Business Administration from Elmhurst University. His Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS) has helped countless organizations overcome challenges and seize new growth opportunities.   Get Bill's book here: https://rb.gy/3a4mou From Panic to Profit: Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle   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

What if the key to innovation isn't a process, but a mindset that travels across boundaries, disciplines, and decades?   From international development to McKinsey to leading AI strategy at Microsoft, Dean Carignan has built his career at the intersection of systems, people, and impact. Now, as co-author of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, he's helping organizations rethink how real innovation happens, not just in startups or labs, but in legacy institutions and global companies.   In this episode, Dean shares lessons from two decades at Microsoft, where he's worked across Xbox, Office, cognitive services, and AI research. He also reflects on why innovation is ultimately about people, not products, and how leaders can create space for meaningful change, even inside complex organizations.   We explore: How Dean moved from solving global problems at the World Bank to driving change inside one of the world's largest tech companies The power of being a “boundary crosser” and why innovation happens in the in-between Why mission often outperforms money as a motivator, especially in hiring for impact The overlooked value of storytelling in innovation (and how case studies bring ideas to life) How AI is transforming not only productivity, but the very nature of scientific discovery Why learning to build with agents may be the most valuable skill of the next decade   Dean also shares practical examples of how he uses AI today, from research to writing to daily decision-making, and why “thinking about thinking” is the leadership advantage most people overlook.   Whether you're guiding a team through change, building a new product, or trying to stay ahead of the AI curve, this conversation offers a grounded, human-centered approach to innovation in a time of exponential possibility.   Dean Carignan's career spans international economic development, startup ventures, and strategic roles in technology. He is an alumnus of Georgetown University and INSEAD, he was a charter member of McKinsey & Company's advanced technology practice.   During his 20 years at Microsoft, he has guided new businesses, including the early internet division, Xbox, and multiple Al efforts through the critical growth phases to their first billion dollars in revenue.   Most recently, Dean has focused on leading AI innovations within Microsoft Research and the Office of the Chief Scientist. His intrapreneurial spirit, deep institutional knowledge, and expansive internal network made the behind-the-scenes perspective of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft   Get Dean's book here: https://www.innovationatmicrosoft.com/ The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft   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

In this episode, Kris speaks with Matthew Dixon, founding partner of DCM Insights and bestselling author, about his latest research on business development in professional services. Drawing on a global study of 3,000 partners, Dixon outlines five distinct sales profiles and highlights the “Activator” as the only approach consistently linked to higher revenue performance. Key insights: - Traditional models of client loyalty are eroding, with fewer clients returning automatically to the same firm. - Top performers distinguish themselves by proactively delivering value, leveraging internal and external networks, and consistently committing time to business development. - Effective firms drive adoption of these behaviors not through mandates, but by enabling teams with tools, mentorship, and a culture of collaboration. - Technology, including AI and network management tools, reduces the time required to execute these strategies, but success ultimately relies on human relationships and judgment. Dixon's upcoming book, The Activator Advantage, provides a practical guide for partners and leaders seeking to future-proof client engagement strategies in a more competitive and fast-changing market.   Matthew Dixon is the Founding Partner of DCM Insights. Matthew is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review and a WSJ bestselling author, with his books translated in a dozen languages.   Get Matthew's book here: https://rb.gy/a6ygc7 The Activator Advantage: What Today's Rainmakers Do Differently   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

What if your company's success depends less on what you build and more on what your people are chasing?   For Ken Rusk, digging ditches became the foundation for building something far more valuable: a company where employees don't just show up to work — they show up for their lives.   In this episode, I speak with Ken Rusk, nine-figure entrepreneur and author of Blue Collar Cash, about how he built his business by aligning personal dreams with company growth, and why creating a culture of ownership, vision, and peace is more powerful than chasing the next milestone.   Ken shares how he developed a visual goal-setting system that drives performance, why he made his company employee-owned, and how his leadership mindset shifted after overcoming personal and professional crises, including a health scare with his daughter and navigating the pandemic.   We talk about: How turning employees into goal-setters created unstoppable momentum Why giving up control was the best decision he ever made as a leader How to build long-term loyalty without high-pressure tactics or perks The difference between reacting and proacting as an entrepreneur What “comfort, peace, and freedom” really mean, and how to build toward them How to spot internal leaders (and how to help them thrive)   This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone building a business, leading a team, or simply looking to live more intentionally, not someday, but starting today.   Get Ken's book here: https://www.kenrusk.com/blue-collar-cash/ Blue-Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life   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

What if the key to driving real innovation isn't genius, but orchestration? Innovation is often seen as the domain of visionaries or tech geniuses. But in this episode, JoAnn Garbin, former Director of Innovation at Microsoft Cloud and co-author of The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, shows that true innovation is a craft: one grounded in discipline, collaboration, and conscious leadership. JoAnn brings a rare lens to the conversation — an engineer with a background in philosophy and performance, a systems thinker who has lived through startup exits, corporate reinvention, and a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Her approach to leadership, creativity, and risk is grounded not in theory but in lived experience.   We talk about: How real innovation happens inside complex, slow-moving organizations Why orchestration, not brilliance, is the most underrated leadership skill The critical role of community and trust in long-term innovation success How to build political capital without becoming “political” What cancer taught her about control, clarity, and letting go The mindset shift that makes innovation more accessible (and less magical)   JoAnn also shares how she navigates uncertainty with structured frameworks, how she invests in her learning every day, and why innovation, especially in an AI-powered future, must be inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered.   Whether you're leading change, launching something new, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-shifting world, this episode will expand how you think about creativity, courage, and what it really means to build something that lasts.   JoAnn Garbin is a former Director of Innovation in Microsoft's cloud business. She is the founder of Regenerous Labs, where she focuses on building practical solutions across industries that integrate sustainability and innovation.   Get JoAnn's book here: https://www.innovationatmicrosoft.com/ The Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft   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  

What if the leadership edge you're looking for doesn't come from working harder, but listening deeper?   We talk often about productivity, performance, and pushing through. But few conversations explore the quieter forces shaping our best decisions, like intuition.   In this episode, I speak with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, a director, writer, systems thinker, and an award-winning sustainability leader, about intuition as a source of strength, clarity, and resilience in both leadership and life.   Hrund shares how her work in post-conflict Kosovo with the UN led to burnout and a full reset — one that turned her toward the science and practice of intuition. Through personal stories, research, and the Icelandic concept of innsæi (“the sea within”), she explains how we can train our intuition as rigorously as we train our intellect.   We explore: How to know whether your intuition is guiding you, or your ego is pulling you Why many of us lose touch with inner guidance (and how to return to it) How to use an “attention journal” to strengthen your discernment The difference between insight and overthinking What it takes to create workplace cultures that respect sensing as much as data Why intuition is not the opposite of reason, but essential to it This episode is for anyone navigating uncertainty, complexity, or the quiet knowing that something needs to change. Whether you're leading a team, facing a major decision, or simply looking to reconnect with your inner compass, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical tools to help you find your way — from the inside out. Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Advisory Council member at Yale's International Leadership Centre and has been recognised for her work as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Cultural Leader and Yale World Fellow. She has qualifications from Yale, Harvard Kennedy School, the London School of Economics and Political Sciences, Oxford Said Business School and the University of Iceland.   Get Hrund's book here: https://hrundgunnsteinsdottir.com/ InnSaei: Heal, Revive and Reset with the Icelandic art of intuition   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

Dr. Tiffany Moon isn't just breaking stereotypes — she's rewriting the script.   In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Moon — board-certified anesthesiologist, founder of Aromasthesia, and former cast member of Bravo's Real Housewives — opens up about what it really takes to balance ambition, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and public scrutiny.   From immigrating to the U.S. at age 6 to graduating from college at 19 and medical school at 23, where she finished in the top ten percent of her class, to launching a wellness brand rooted in science and self-care, Tiffany's story is as raw and relatable as it is inspiring.   We cover: The culture of overachievement and how it can become an emotional cage The silent weight of perfectionism in high-achieving women How childhood trauma shaped her relentless drive and how she's healing from it Why asking for help isn't a weakness — it's a strategy The behind-the-scenes reality of being a doctor and a reality TV personality Why she's choosing presence over perfection in parenting, career, and business   Plus: Why even the most “put-together” people struggle with self-worth How Tiffany balances a medical career with being a mother, wife, and founder Why her social media presence is as real as it gets and why that matters   Tiffany also shares the surprising impact of being on reality TV, not on her brand, but on her identity, and why she now uses her platform to champion authenticity, self-care, and breaking generational cycles.   This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about legacy, self-awareness, and the courage to define success on your own terms.    Tiffany Moon, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, mother of twins, and author of Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection. She is also the founder and CEO of Aromasthesia Candles, Three Moons Wine, and LeadHer Summit. Tiffany has published over fifty peer-reviewed articles, is one of D Magazine's “Best Doctors,” and serves as an Oral Board Examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology. She was the first medical doctor and Chinese American cast member on Bravo's Real Housewives. Her story has been featured in Forbes, Variety, Harper's Bazaar, USA Today, and more. She lives with her family in Dallas, TX.   Get Tiffany's book here: https://rb.gy/5fvfl5 Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection   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  

What if the financial advice you trust is actually hurting your future? Mark Matson believes it is, and he has the data to prove it.   In this episode, I sit down with Mark Matson, founder of Matson Money and a pioneer in the evidence-based investing movement. With over $10 billion in assets under management, Mark has helped thousands of families and advisors break free from Wall Street myths, media-driven panic, and the illusion of market timing.   But Mark didn't start in finance. In fact, he nearly gave up on the entire industry — until a few key realizations (and one powerful idea from a Nobel Laureate) reshaped his approach to wealth entirely.   We talk about: The dangerous psychology behind most investing decisions and how to fix it Why traditional financial advice often fails to deliver real value What Wall Street doesn't want you to understand about your money The importance of storytelling in transforming investor behavior Why “doing nothing” is sometimes the smartest move in volatile markets   Mark also shares how he trains financial advisors to become coaches — not salespeople — and why aligning your portfolio with purpose is key to long-term success.   Whether you're an investor, advisor, or entrepreneur, this conversation will change how you think about money — and what it really means to grow wealth with integrity and intention.   Mark Matson is an American entrepreneur, author, and innovator in the fields of investing science and financial education. He is the creator of educational experiences, platforms, and tools that make Nobel Prize winning investing research accessible to investors and transform their relationship to money. Most notably, he is the creator of The American Dream Experience and the Matson Method.   Get Mark's book here: https://rb.gy/h4brr0 Experiencing The American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life   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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 547, an interview with Bernard Harris, an astronaut, physician, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential.   In this episode, Bernard Harris, the first African American astronaut to walk in space, shares his experiences and describes the thrill of launching into space as well as the physical challenges of microgravity. He discusses the significance of inner strength, resilience, and a growth mindset. His book, Embracing Infinite Possibilities, encourages self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and opening your mind to life's infinite possibilities, instilling hope in those who have yet to discover their own power.   Get Bernard's book here: https://rb.gy/fgx6d8 Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.   Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn't just about hearing words, it's about listening with purpose and presence.   In this episode, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener introduce the concept of Radical Listening: an intentional, culturally aware approach to making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from their research and coaching experiences, they explain why our intentions behind listening matter just as much as the act itself and how distractions, politeness, and even the need to be right can undermine true connection. They share practical strategies leaders can use to build stronger teams, navigate conflict, and create space for deeper conversations, even across cultural differences.   Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic and executive coach with an international reputation. He is Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland) and Principal Fellow at the Centre for Wellbeing Science at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Christian delivers consultancy, training, and executive coaching globally, regularly presenting in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. He is passionate about motorcycling, writing, and coaching.   Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a researcher, author, and consultant with 75 peer-reviewed academic articles and over 27,000 citations. His previous books include The Upside of Your Dark Side (New York Times bestseller, 2014) and the 2007 PROSE Award winner, Happiness. He has presented keynotes to Lululemon, Deloitte, Humana, AARP, the World Bank, and others. In 2024, Thinkers50 named Robert one of the “50 most influential executive coaches in the world.” He lives in Portland, Oregon, and enjoys drawing and rock climbing.   Get Radical Listening here: https://rb.gy/z5x7wt   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 545, an interview with the author of Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World, Dr. Eric Cole.   What do cybersecurity and entrepreneurship have in common? According to Dr. Eric Cole, a former CIA hacker turned tech entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert, they all require pattern recognition, disciplined thinking, and a commitment to doing what's right.    In this episode, Dr. Eric Cole shares his journey from an unprepared college student to a leading voice in digital security, and how those early days in the CIA shaped his approach to business and protecting intellectual property. He explains why companies need to secure their trade secrets, how leaders can make better decisions using data instead of emotion, and what it really takes to build a high-performance life—starting with health, clarity, and purpose.   Dr. Eric Cole, DPS is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, public figure, and best-selling author who has built a solid reputation in the cybersecurity industry over the last three decades. His career has advanced from starting as a professional hacker for the CIA to become the 44th President's commissioner on cybersecurity to currently advising companies and teaching professionals on how to implement security measures that serve as a business enabler.   Dr. Cole's accomplishments have earned him an induction into the Information Security Hall of Fame and have awarded him as a Cyber Wingman from the US Air Force. His recognition has caught the interest of current clients, who include international banking institutions, Fortune 500 organizations, Bill Gates, and Saudi Aramco. His entrepreneurial accomplishments include three successful exits building eight-, nine-, and ten-figure organizations. Secure Anchor Consulting is his fourth cybersecurity business venture.   Aside from his seasoned technical expertise, Dr. Cole is a well-known public figure and author of various publications. His eighth book, Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World, debuted at #1 on the Wall Street Journal's bestseller list. Dr. Cole is currently focusing on fulfilling his purpose of being on this planet to end suffering in cyberspace and his mission to secure cyberspace by making cyberspace a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.    Get Eric's book here: https://rb.gy/qjwsdz Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 544, an interview with the author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, Kevin Evers.   In this episode, Kevin shares insights from his new book on Taylor Swift, noting her strategic decision-making and marketing tactics that led her to where she is today. He stresses the value of trust and consistency in building a brand, citing Taylor Swift's $2 billion Eras Tour and her 2% market share in 2024. Kevin also underscores how Taylor treats her fans, leveraging fan engagement for marketing success, and how we can adopt it in the business world.   Kevin Evers is a Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review. Passionate about shaping groundbreaking research and amplifying pioneering ideas, he has edited bestselling and award-winning books on high performance, creativity, innovation, digital disruption, marketing, and strategy. He has also written popular articles on brain science, Hollywood blockbusters, the art of persuasion, and the unpredictability of success. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and an MFA in film studies from Boston University.   Get Kevin's book here: https://rb.gy/il50j1 There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift   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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 543, an interview with the author of The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money, Elizabeth Husserl.   Many people chase wealth as a number, but the truth is that true wealth is more than just money in the bank.   In this episode, Elizabeth challenges common assumptions about financial success and explores how fulfillment, stability, and meaning factor into what it really means to be wealthy. Elizabeth explains how our “scarcity brain” influences money decisions, why understanding your financial DNA matters, and how daily practices like journaling and meditation can transform your relationship with money. She also offers practical tools for building financial freedom and rethinking the emotional triggers that shape our financial lives.    Elizabeth Husserl is the first female principal and co-founder of a comprehensive boutique wealth planning firm, Peak 360 Wealth Management. She holds Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as a B.S. in Economics from Tulane University and an M.A. in East-West Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She is also a Certified Money Coach with the Money Coach Institute.    Get Elizabeth's book here: https://rb.gy/vwqdm9 The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money   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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 542, an interview with the author The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself!, Sébastien Page.   Ever wondered what truly drives successful leaders and how psychology plays a role?    In this episode with Sébastien Page, we explore the habits, mindset, and science behind great leadership. He shares lessons drawn from 20 years of experience and in-depth research in positive and sports psychology. Sébastien introduces the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) and explains how it can be applied to leadership and organizational success. He also shares insights from studying billionaires and what drives their success beyond money.   Sébastien Page is the Chief Investment Officer of T. Rowe Price. He manages the division responsible for managing Multi-Asset portfolios there. he has won six annual research-paper awards: two from The Financial Analysts Journal and four from The Journal of Portfolio Management. He appears regularly on CNBC and Bloomberg TV. He has been quoted extensively in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.   Get Sébastien's book here: https://rb.gy/mnu5an The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself!   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 541, an interview with the author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, Faisal Hoque.   In this episode, Faisal shares his journey from his early days developing software to becoming a business leader focused on strategy and impact. Faisal talks about how Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism, influences his approach to business and leadership, helping him stay grounded while pursuing innovation. He opens up about how his son's serious illness changed his outlook on life and business, driving him to use technology to improve medical treatments. We also discuss AI's effects on society, with Faisal offering practical advice for leaders on balancing technological advancement with human skills. Throughout our conversation, he shares simple practices that keep him sharp - from reading widely to constantly trying new things - and explains how focusing on the journey rather than just outcomes has shaped his success.   Faisal Hoque is recognized as one of the world's leading management thinkers and technologists. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, innovator, and #1 Wall Street Journal best-selling author with close to thirty years of cross-industry success. Faisal is the founder of SHADOKA, NextChapter, and other companies. He also serves as a transformation and innovation partner for CACI, an $8 billion company focused on U.S. national security.    As a founder and CEO of multiple companies, Faisal is a three-time winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50™ and Fast 500™ awards. He built his first commercial software product at the age of 20 while studying at the University of Minnesota. Since then, he has developed more than twenty commercial platforms and worked with leadership at the US DoD, US DHS, GE, MasterCard, American Express, Home Depot, PepsiCo, IBM, Chase, and others. For their innovative work, he and his team have been awarded several provisional patents in the areas of user authentication, business rule routing, and metadata sorting.   Get Faisal's book here: https://rb.gy/ocxp7b Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 540, an interview with the authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles.   What makes work truly meaningful, and how can leaders create it?    In this episode, Tamara Miles and Wes Adams, researchers and positive psychologists, have studied how leaders can intentionally promote cultures where people find purpose, connection, and challenge in their work. Drawing from their own career and research, they outline the practices that lead to lasting meaning, starting from onboarding and extending to everyday leadership behaviors like showing appreciation and building community. They also explore how AI can be developed to support human fulfillment, and why understanding generational differences is key to creating meaningful work environments for all.   Wes Adams is the founder and CEO of SV Consulting Group, where he works with high-performing companies to develop leadership excellence, build organizational resilience, and deepen employee engagement through a meaningful work lens. He has more than two decades of experience as a successful entrepreneur and strategic partner for clients including Microsoft, KPMG, BlackRock, Google, and the United Nations, along with a range of high-growth organizations. Wes has been featured at South by Southwest Interactive and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and his work has been covered by the New York Times, BBC News, Forbes, and Business Insider. His teams have won multiple Webby Awards and been recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Brands. His early career was spent launching and managing high-profile hospitality businesses for which he was nominated twice for a coveted James Beard Award.    Wes is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Applied Positive Psychology.    Tamara Myles is an accomplished consultant, author, and international speaker with over two decades of experience helping leaders improve business performance. She is the author of The Secret to Peak Productivity, which introduced her proprietary Peak Productivity Pyramid framework. Tamara's insights have been featured in leading publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, and Business Insider. She has worked with clients such as Microsoft, KPMG, MassMutual, and Google.    Tamara has a master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as an instructor in the master's program and a trainer for the world-renowned Penn Resilience Program. She is a professor in the Master of Science in Leadership program at Boston College, where she integrates cutting-edge research into practical applications for leadership and organizational success.   Get Meaningful Work here: https://rb.gy/fry7z5 Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 539, an interview with the author of From Panic to Profit: Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle, Bill Canady.   In this episode, Bill shares insights from his military background and how it shaped his leadership approach. Bill explains his Profitable Growth Operating System (PG OS) framework, including the five key components that drive business success. He also offers practical advice on pricing strategy, the need for a focused team, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Bill also shared insights on balancing personal and professional life and the critical role of mentorship in leadership success.   Bill Canady is the CEO of both OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in driving organizational growth, cutting costs, and boosting profitability. At OTC, he led a 43% increase in revenue and an 80% rise in earnings, with annual sales now exceeding $1 billion. At AEP, he oversees more than 3,600 employees and $1.5 billion in sales. A U.S. Navy veteran, Bill holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS in Business Administration from Elmhurst University. His Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS) has helped countless organizations overcome challenges and seize new growth opportunities.   Get Bill's book here: https://rb.gy/f8pkbf From Panic to Profit: Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 538, an interview with the coauthor of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives, Patricia Grabarek.   In this episode, Patricia talks about why workplace wellness matters and why it's important to have a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional health. She explains the gap in research on leadership practices that help create a healthy work environment and how leaders can balance getting results with supporting their employees. Patricia shares simple ways to make wellness a priority, like setting aside time for self-care and building a supportive team culture. She also talks about the challenges of bringing wellness initiatives into remote and hybrid work settings.   Patricia Grabarek is a co-founder of Workr Beeing and an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with a passion and expertise in workplace wellness, workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership development. Patricia has spent her career as a practitioner, mostly working in consulting but, recently taking on more internal roles, leading people analytics and talent vitality teams. Throughout her career, Patricia has worked with over sixty different client organizations from various industries, implementing solutions to improve wellness, diversity, retention, performance, and engagement within their organizations. In addition, she taught organizational psychology in the Masters of Applied Psychology Program at the University of Southern California.   Patricia was featured on Culture Amp's list of Top 25 Emerging Culture Creators for 2024 and has been featured in media outlets, including The L.A. Times, CBS News, and CBC Radio. Patricia received her PhD and MS in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and her BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.   Get Patricia's book here: https://workrbeeing.com/book/ Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives   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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 537, an interview with the author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, Jenny Wood.   In this episode, Jenny discusses her career journey and the key skills that helped her rise from an entry-level role to an executive over 18 years. She also discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, being strategic with time, and saying no to non-promotable work. Jenny shares the importance of obsessing over key projects, leading with enthusiasm, and breaking unwritten rules to stand out. Her book, Wild Courage, outlines nine traits for success, including being weird, shameless, and reckless.   Today's guest is Jenny Wood. In her 18 years at Google, she grew from entry-level to executive, and she most recently led a large operations team that helped drive billions of dollars of revenue per year. Jenny's writing has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Inc. She is a licensed private pilot, a daily hiker, an improv student, a tap dancer, and a zucchini bread connoisseur. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her two young children and her husband, Jon.   Get Jenny's book here: https://rb.gy/6sj1rj Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 536, an interview with the coauthor of Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In, Joel Salinas, MD.   In this episode, Joel Salinas talks about conflict resilience and how our brain reacts to disagreements. He explains how loneliness affects health, how conflicts activate pain-related brain areas, and shares techniques to manage stress. Joel also discusses brain plasticity, how age affects conflict resolution, and the power of focusing on positive outcomes to break negative thought patterns.   Joel Salinas, MD is a behavioral neurologist and clinician scientist at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, founder and Chief Medical Officer at Isaac Health, and former Harvard Medical School faculty. He is the author of Mirror Touch: A Memoir of Synesthesia and the Secret Life of the Brain.   Get Joel's book here: https://rb.gy/d1tqrx Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 535, an interview with the author of Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life, William Green.   In this episode, William Green talks about his journey from Oxford to becoming a renowned journalist. He shares stories of his unconventional career path, including impulsive moves to New York and Hong Kong, financial struggles, and being laid off during the financial crisis. William discusses how he learned to handle failure with grace and experienced a spiritual awakening at 40 that changed his outlook. He offers practical advice for writers and thinkers on focusing on quality over quantity and finding work that aligns with their unique talents and personality.   William Green has written for many publications in the US and Europe, including Time, Fortune, Forbes, Fast Company, The New Yorker, The Spectator, and The Economist. He edited the Asian edition of Time while living in Hong Kong, then moved to London to edit the European, Middle Eastern, and African editions of Time. Born and raised in London, William studied English literature at Oxford University and received a master's degree in journalism at Columbia University. He lives in New York with his wife and their two children.   Get William's book here: https://rb.gy/v1a282 Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 534, an interview with the author of The Science of Personal Power: How to Build Confidence, Create Success, and Obtain Freedom, Chris Lipp.   Powerful people operate with a fundamentally different mindset. While others seek approval and dodge accountability, influential individuals take ownership and remain anchored to their goals and values.   In this episode, Chris Lipp discusses the importance of personal power and the characteristics that differentiate powerful people from those who are not. He shares the habits and practices that help individuals attain and maintain power. Chris also provides strategies for regaining power in high-stress situations and emphasizes the significance of personal accountability and effective communication in both professional and personal contexts.   Chris Lipp is a social psychologist and author of The Science of Personal Power. He currently teaches at Tulane's Freeman School of Business.   Get Chris' book here: https://rb.gy/90n2z0 The Science of Personal Power: How to Build Confidence, Create Success, and Obtain Freedom   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    

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 533, an interview with the author of Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win, Anne Marie Anderson.   In this episode, Anne Marie Anderson shared her journey from being rejected by ESPN at 21 to working there for 35 years and becoming one of the most experienced female play-by-play announcers in the country. She discussed the importance of audacity, combining confidence with bold risks, and learning from rejection. In Cultivating Audacity, Anne Marie shares the system she developed to find the courage to confront hesitation and break down barriers that stood between her and the life she wanted.   Anne Marie Anderson is a 3x Emmy Award winning broadcaster, keynote speaker and author of Cultivating Audacity.   Get Anne's book here: https://rb.gy/yl2f8q Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 532, an interview with the author of Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life, Caroline Adams Miller.   In this episode, Caroline takes us through her journey of overcoming personal challenges to becoming an expert in positive psychology and goal setting. She breaks down why setting clear, challenging goals is so important and explains the difference between learning goals (developing new skills) and performance goals (improving existing ones). Caroline also talks about the role of accountability, having the right kind of support, and how self-belief and hope can make a big difference in our life. Caroline also discusses the unique challenges women face when setting goals and how feedback from role models and strong relationships can help us stay on track and succeed.   For over three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a pioneer with her groundbreaking work in the areas of the science of goal setting, grit, happiness, and success. She is recognized as one of the world's leading positive psychology experts on this research and how it can be applied to one's life and work for maximum transformation. She is the author of nine books, including My Name is Caroline, Getting Grit, Positively Caroline and Creating Your Best Life, which the "father of Positive Psychology," Dr. Martin Seligman, lauded in Flourish as "adding a major missing piece" to the world of goal setting.   She is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University and attained one of the first 32 degrees in the world in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.   Get Caroline's book here: https://rb.gy/x9iwik Big Goals: The Science of Setting Them, Achieving Them, and Creating Your Best Life   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 531, an interview with the author of Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In, Bob Bordone.   Most of us instinctively avoid conflict, seeing it as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth. What if the conversations you dread most could actually strengthen your relationships and lead to better outcomes?   In this episode, Harvard Law's Bob Bordone talks about negotiation and conflict resolution. He discusses seeing conflict as an opportunity instead of a threat, and shares practical tips for handling difficult conversations. The episode covers when to address or avoid conflicts, dealing with family disputes, and the importance of being a good listener. Bob also offers advice on understanding others' perspectives and dealing with uncooperative and difficult people.   Bob Bordone is a Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School and the Founder and Principal of The Cambridge Negotiation Institute, a boutique consulting firm providing coaching, consulting, and training in negotiation conflict resilience, mediation, and conflict resolution.   He spent 21 years teaching full-time at Harvard Law School where he founded the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program. He is co-author/co-editor of three books, including his latest, Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In.   Get Bob's book here: https://rb.gy/d1tqrx Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 530, an interview with a seasoned executive coach and the author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need), Sabina Nawaz.   In this episode, Sabina shares her journey from software development at Microsoft to advising C-level executives. She explains the dangers of pressure overpowering leaders and advocates for self-care and emotional intelligence. Throughout her journey as a leader, she realized the need for effective communication, urging leaders to seek feedback and practice active listening. Sabina introduces tools like the "joyline" to identify what brings joy and fulfillment and emphasizes the importance of celebrating self-acceptance and prioritizing continuous development through micro-habits like journaling and meditation. Her new book, You're the Boss, offers practical strategies for maintaining success and leadership effectiveness.   Sabina Nawaz who advises C-level executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world. During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from managing software development teams to leading the company's executive development and succession planning efforts for over 11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer directly.   Get Sabina's book here: https://rb.gy/tw6yuq You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 529, an interview with the author of Who Needs College Anymore?, Kathleen deLaski.   In this episode, Kathleen shares her journey from journalism to education reform. She talks about her time as a TV and digital journalist, White House correspondent, and Pentagon spokesperson, as well as her transition to education reform, founding the Education Design Lab in 2013, and her work on higher education innovation.   Kathleen discusses the changing role of college and the impact of the pandemic on workforce dynamics and the shift towards shorter, job-focused educational pathways. Her book, Who Needs College Anymore?, dives deeper into these topics.   Kathleen deLaski is an education and workforce designer, as well as a futurist. She founded the Education Design Lab in 2013 to help colleges begin the journey to reimagine higher education toward the future of work. Her non-profit has helped 1200 colleges, orgs and economic regions design shorter, more affordable pathways for learners to achieve their economic goals. She spends time as a senior advisor to the Project on Workforce at Harvard University and teaches human-centered design and higher ed reform as an adjunct professor in the Honors College at George Mason University. In a previous career, Kathleen spent twenty years as a TV and then a digital journalist, including time as ABC News White House correspondent. Followed by a political appointment as the first female Pentagon spokesperson.   Get Kathleen's book here: https://www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org/ Who Needs College Anymore?: Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won't Matter 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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 528, an interview with the author of Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing your Best When it Matters Most, JP Pawliw-Fry.    In this episode, JP walks us through the concept of pressure management—how to reduce pressure in our personal and professional lives to better excel in whatever we do. He also discusses the importance of self-awareness, especially under pressure, and the concept of 'aggressive learning,' where high performers extract more information from experiences. JP shares how meditation can change one's relationship with stress and improve focus.   JP Pawliw-Fry is a world-renowned keynote speaker, and the author of the New York Times bestseller Performing Under Pressure which was named INC. Magazine's Best Business Book of the Year. He teaches a leadership course at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Over the last 25 years, JP worked with leaders and high-pressure performers around the world — from Navy Seals and Olympic athletes to executives at global organizations like Intel, Coca Cola, and NASA.   Get JP's book here: https://www.jppawliw-fry.com/the-book Performing Under Pressure: The Science of Doing Your Best When it Matters Most   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 527, an interview with the coauthor of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results, Siri Chilazi.   In this episodes, Siri shares her path from studying chemistry to researching workplace gender equality. Based on her experience and academic work, she explains how workplace systems shape behavior more than individual choices. Siri advocates for practical changes like redesigning resumes and conducting regular pay audits rather than focusing on diversity training. Siri discusses how to create fairer workplaces and suggests that small changes in organizational culture can lead to significant improvements in gender equality.   Siri Chilazi is a senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School whose life's work is to advance gender equality in the workplace. Siri has an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA in Chemistry and Physics from Harvard College.   Get Siri's new book here: https://rb.gy/99mu86 Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 526, an interview with the author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, Andrew Brodsky.   In this episode, Andrew shares the nuances of effective virtual communication in the workplace. He introduces the PING framework (Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Behavior, and Goals) and discusses how different communication modes suit various objectives. Andrew also touched on strategies for maintaining creativity in virtual settings, building trust in remote teams, and the importance of leading by example even in a virtual environment.    Andrew Brodsky is an award-winning professor at The University of Texas. He is an expert in workplace technology, communication and productivity and serves as the CEO of Ping Group. Andrew earned a PhD in organizational behavior from Harvard Business School and BS from The Wharton School. He currently lives with his wife and two rescue dogs in Austin.   Get Andrew's new book here: https://rb.gy/ikgmit Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 525, an interview with the authors of The ROI of Thought Leadership: Calculating the Value that Sets Organizations Apart, Cindy Anderson and Anthony Marshall.   In this episode, Cindy and Anthony discuss how their work at IBM shaped their understanding of thought leadership's value in building client relationships and explain the quantifiable benefits of thought leadership. They also address how AI is impacting thought leadership creation and consumption, and the distinction between thought leadership and sales content. They stress the need for independent, data-driven content to build trust and relationships, not for direct sales. Their insights stem from decades of combined experience at organizations like the Project Management Institute and IBM's Institute for Business Value.   Cindy Anderson is the Chief Marketing Officer/Global Lead for Engagement & Eminence at the IBM Institute for Business Value.   Anthony Marshall is the Chair of the Board of Advisors for The Global Thought Leadership Institute at APQC and the Senior Research Director of thought leadership at the IBM Institute for Business Value.    Get The ROI of Thought Leadership here: https://rb.gy/3vv7wm   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 524, an interview with the author of Meet Every Learner's Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Students Can Succeed, Robert Barnett.   In this episode, Robert discussed his approach to educational fairness and equity and the importance of personalized learning experiences. He explained the need for engaging and challenging learning environments rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, highlighting the importance of tailoring learning to individual needs.   Robert Barnett co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project. Robert's approach - now known as the Modern Classroom instructional model - has empowered more than 80,000 educators, across all grade levels and content, in all 50 states and 180+ countries worldwide. Evaluators from Johns Hopkins found "overwhelming positive support" for this model's many benefits. Robert graduated cum laude from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and speaks English, French, and Spanish.   Get Robert's new book here: https://shorturl.at/2al4p Meet Every Learner's Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Students Can Succeed   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 345, an interview with the Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, BCG's think tank for new ideas in management and strategy. Martin has authored numerous books, including Your Strategy Needs a Strategy and The Imagination Machine, a handbook about how to systematically harness imagination to generate new ideas and transform businesses.   Get Martin's book here: https://rb.gy/qmifgx The Imagination Machine: How to Spark New Ideas and Create Your Company's Future.    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    

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 522, an interview with the author of Gambling Man: The Secret Story of the World's Greatest Disruptor, Masayoshi Son, Lionel Barber.   In this episode, Lionel discusses his career and insights on leadership, journalism, and business transformation. He talks about his tenure at the Financial Times and offers advice to young professionals on how to succeed in today's ever-changing and challenging world. In this interview, Lionel also shares key lessons from his new book and his research on SoftBank CEO and financial disruptor, Masayoshi Son, highlighting the insights we can learn from him.   Lionel Barber is the former editor of the Financial Times. As editor, he interviewed many of the world's leaders in business and politics, including US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Barber has cowritten several books and has lectured widely on foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and economics. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the Tate and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. He graduated in 1978 from St Edmund Hall, Oxford University, with a joint honors degree in German and modern history, and speaks French and German fluently.   Get Lionel's new book here: https://rb.gy/4svgv0 Gambling Man: The Secret Story of the World's Greatest Disruptor, Masayoshi Son   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 521, an interview with the author of Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human Powered Leadership, Dr. Christie Smith.   In this episode, Christie shares her career journey through boutique firms, Deloitte, Apple, and Accenture. She shares key lessons about building client relationships, emphasizing that consultants should focus on understanding client needs rather than pushing their own agenda. Christie explains that successful consulting leaders need empathy and adaptability, especially as workplaces change with new technology. She also talks about balancing work and family life, and how trust matters more than brand in building a successful career. Through her new project, the Humanity Studio, she now helps organizations deal with workplace challenges, particularly as AI becomes more common in business.   Dr. Christie Smith has over 35 years of experience advising the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies on strategy, leadership, culture, talent, and the impact of workforce technologies, including AI, and has led global talent teams at Deloitte, Apple, and Accenture.   Get Christie's new book here: https://shorturl.at/8aKhq Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 520, an interview with the author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves, Alison Wood Brooks.   In this episode, Alison shares how her experiences at Harvard shaped her understanding of one of the most critical skills for anyone in any industry: conversation. She introduces the concept of the “topic pyramid”, which includes small talk, tailored talk, and deep talk, and shares strategies for handling difficult conversations, such as using acknowledgment, affirmation, and hedging language. Alison shows why conversing more effectively can make a big difference in the quality of our close personal relationships and our professional success.   Alison Wood Brooks is an Associate Professor at the Harvard Business School. She created and teaches a cutting-edge course to MBA students and executives.    Get Alison's new book here: https://shorturl.at/WS7i1 Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves   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

In this episode with Rob Markey, we will discuss valuing and measuring customer loyalty. Rob highlights the gap between executives' intentions to prioritize customers and their actual practices, noting that only 8% of customers believe they receive exceptional experiences, despite 80% of executives thinking so. Rob discusses the need for companies to measure and manage customer lifetime value, using tools like Net Promoter Scores and customer segmentation. He also discusses the challenges of implementing customer-centric strategies, the importance of relationship recovery, and the role of leadership in driving these changes.   Rob Markey is a partner and director at Bain & Company and the founder of the firm's Global Customer Strategy and Marketing practice. He is a co-author of The Ultimate Question 2.0 and is the host of the Net Promoter System podcast. He is based in New York.   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  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 518, an interview with the author of Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior, Michael J. Lopez.   In this episode, Michael shares his consulting journey and leadership challenges that shaped his leadership style and led him to start his own firm. He shares his advice for consultants aiming to become partners in today's hybrid work environment.    Michael also discussed change and how deeply personal it is that it can't be approached with one-size-fits-all solutions. Lopez explains why change takes longer than expected, especially in adults, and warns against organizations' tendency to focus too much on immediate outcomes rather than the necessary process of transformation.   Michael J. Lopez is a leading voice in change, combining scientific principles and human behavior to unlock potential in individuals and organizations. With diverse experience across industries, he designs innovative strategies that drive transformation and accelerate performance, earning recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice.   Get Michael's new book here: https://shorturl.at/NSBAn Change: Six science-backed strategies to transform your brain, body, and behavior   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

In this episode, we dive into digital transformation consulting, exploring the top digital transformation challenges faced by today's technology leader from a large consulting firm working with C-suite executives on large-scale transformation projects. We'll discuss how emerging tech consulting is shaping the future and how to balance vision and practicality while staying up to date on technology trends, especially the rapid move from AI to generative AI. We cover the challenges of business case development and overcoming ambiguous requirements that often arise in these fast-paced engagements.    We also cover the challenges of staying up to date with consulting best practices, and skill-building for consultants to stay ahead of complex client demands at a time when there is almost no time left in leaders' days for skills development.    It is about adapting to change, managing client expectations, and leading teams through fast-paced tech adoption. Gain insights into delivering digital strategy, employing communication skills and strategic thinking to achieve industry impact.   We will also touch on benchmarking a 5-year vision, aligning stakeholder goals, and working in a lucrative consulting niche, even though it can be stressful.   It is not easy to build disruptive solutions to earn client trust while staying up to date on tech advancements. Whether you're new to continuous learning in consulting or an established professional, this video will give you ideas on navigating your consulting career successfully.   Also, learn how you can leverage knowledge from McKinsey, BCG et al. former partners, and resources from firmsconsulting.com and StrategyTraining.com to strengthen your consulting skills and stay relevant in a fast-changing world.   If you're ready to sharpen your consulting skills, get three exclusive gifts: Nine Leaders in Action eBook: https://specialoffers.firmsconsulting.com/gift McKinsey & BCG Winning Resume: https://firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Well-Managed Strategy Study Guide: https://firmsconsulting.com/overallapproach   Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/jUaO9WiR8NM?si=xGfAik9paUKV6zBE  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 516, an interview with the author of Change the Wallpaper: Transforming Cultural Patterns to Build More Just Communities, Nilanjana Dasgupta.   In this episode, Nilanjana discusses her career journey and research on implicit bias and diversity science. She highlights her groundbreaking 2001 study showing that implicit attitudes can be changed through exposure to counter-stereotypical media images. Nilanjana also discusses the importance of understanding and addressing subtle forms of discrimination, such as accent and social class, in professional settings. She advocates for evidence-based strategies over diversity training to foster inclusive cultures.   Her new book, "Change the Wallpaper," offers practical approaches to creating cultural change for equality and justice, focusing on situational forces that influence behavior and perceptions.   Nilanjana Dasgupta is a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts. She is a leader in research on implicit bias, diversity science, and designing interventions to create local culture change. Her passion is to translate science for social good.   Get Nilanjana's new book here: https://changethewallpaper.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

Today, we will answer a common question about how to determine office location preference to include on the consulting job application with firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain and when applying to firms like Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, et al. The thinking process will also be applicable when considering taking a leadership role in various parts of the world versus selecting a role in your hometown or closer to home. Question we received from one of our subscribers: “I've been told that the office locations you select on your full-time consulting job application can significantly impact your opportunities. I am considering applying to my hometown office (I am from the US) or applying to another country to get international experience. What is your advice on thinking about this and making a decision?” #McKinsey #consultinginterviews #caseinterview 

Students and consultants usually ask us for help with consulting specialization. This is a crucial question that consultants have to consider when mapping out their management consulting career path. Today's video will provide our perspective on this topic. Many consultants do not understand consulting specialization. Sector and type of work are not mutually exclusive. What does that mean? To specialize, you need to define your area of specialization around three areas. After watching this video, you will have a much better understanding of how to select your area of specialization as you are building your consulting career.   If you're ready to sharpen your consulting skills, get three exclusive gifts: Nine Leaders in Action eBook: https://specialoffers.firmsconsulting.com/gift McKinsey & BCG Winning Resume: https://firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Well-Managed Strategy Study Guide: https://firmsconsulting.com/overallapproach   Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/FIOSVGq2mNs?si=EhGqKZMOQWw495Sr    

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 513, an interview with the author of Leading Giants: A Leader's Guide to Maximum Influence, Dave Durand.   In this episode, Dave explains his decision to approach life as an adventure, without fearing mistakes and prioritizing the best ideas over being right. He talks about building successful organizations by creating the right culture, hiring for values and cultural fit, and adapting to technological changes. He shares how he balances personal and professional responsibilities, advising us to maintain order in life and strive for continuous improvement.   Dave Durand is a 9-figure founder. He has built and sold multiple businesses which have collectively done over one billion dollars in sales in industries including media, digital services, and leadership training. He has been named Most Respected CEO three times by Glassdoor and Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.   Get Dave's new book here: https://shorturl.at/qoogX Leading Giants: A Leader's Guide to Maximum Influence   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  

In this episode, we dive into the art and science of creating consulting storyboards early in a strategy study. We'll address a thoughtful question from Henry, a subscriber, about how consultants at firms like McKinsey, etc. can prepare storyboards so quickly without pre-determined answers.   You'll learn: - Why starting with the objective function is key.  - How decision trees, hypotheses, and targeted analyses guide our approach.  - Common mistakes in communication and how to avoid them.    If you're ready to sharpen your consulting skills, get three exclusive gifts: Nine Leaders in Action eBook: https://specialoffers.firmsconsulting.com/gift McKinsey & BCG Winning Resume: https://firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Well-Managed Strategy Study Guide: https://firmsconsulting.com/overallapproach   Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/-BbNqxtryHQ?si=XuAEOuzbjh2pIjXV  

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 511, an interview with the author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, Duncan Wardle.   In this episode, Duncan discusses how to promote creativity in business and explains how the subconscious mind generates better ideas when we're not at work. He introduces tools like "What If," "Where Else," and "How Else" to help teams think differently. The discussion also covers how businesses can adapt to AI advancements while maintaining human touch and creativity. His book, The Imagination Emporium, presents these concepts through characters that represent different aspects of innovation.   Duncan Wardle is the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney, where he spent 30 years fostering groundbreaking ideas. He now helps organizations like Apple, the NBA, and Spotify redefine problem-solving with practical tools that make innovation accessible and creativity actionable.    Get Duncan's book here: https://tinyurl.com/5n783ud5 The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation   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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 510, an interview with the author of Collaborative Disruption, Tom Muccio.   In this episode, Tom Muccio shares his experience leading Procter & Gamble's collaboration with Walmart. By breaking down corporate barriers and focusing on mutual understanding, Tom helped both companies grow dramatically and expand their business from $350 million to $8 billion. His approach focuses on respect, testing new ideas, and challenging traditional business norms through transparent communication and shared strategic goals.   Tom Muccio was the architect and first team leader of the groundbreaking process that turned an adversarial relationship between Walmart and P&G into one that created dynamic a win-win for both companies and has now been replicated in thousands of Customer-Supplier relationships around the world. P&G-Walmart groundbreaking relationship is outlined in his book "Collaborative Disruption."   Get Tom's book here: https://shorturl.at/GDNgl Collaborative Disruption: The Walmart and P&G Partnership That Changed Retail Forever   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  

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.

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 507, an interview with the authors of The M&A Failure Trap: Why Most Mergers and Acquisitions Fail and How the Few Succeed, Baruch Lev and Feng Gu.   In this episode, Baruch Lev and Feng Gu discuss the pitfalls of corporate acquisitions and the reasons why CEOs repeatedly make strategic errors that lead to costly mistakes. They argue that many acquisitions are driven by investor pressure and unrealistic expectations, with large deals often failing due to many factors including poor due diligence, lack of synergies, and talent retention challenges. Acquisitions should be a carefully considered last resort, not a knee-jerk strategic move.   Baruch Lev is a professor emeritus at NYU Stern School of Business, where he has taught and conducted research on mergers and acquisitions for decades. He worked formerly at UC Berkeley and the University of Chicago. His work has been widely cited in academic and professional circles (over 63,000 Google Scholar citations), and he is a leading authority on corporate finance and valuation.   Feng Gu is a professor of accounting at the University at Buffalo and has extensive experience in analyzing the financial aspects of corporate acquisitions. His research focuses on the economic consequences of corporate decisions and has been published in top-tier academic journals.   Get The M&A Failure Trap here: https://shorturl.at/YZydV   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

One of the most powerful tools management consultants from firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, et al. use to solve problems and communicate solutions to clients is the consulting storyboard. Whether you're new to consulting or just want to sharpen your storyboarding for consulting skills, this video is for you. Here are some of the topics we covered: - Why you should use consulting storyboard- Where storyboard fit in a consulting strategy study- How corporate strategy studies are different- What is a storyboard? - What are the biggest questions you have about consulting storyboards?  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

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 505, an interview with the author of The Resilience Plan, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier.   Resilience is a skill that can be developed, not a fixed personality trait. In this episode, Dr. Pelletier shares practical strategies for building resilience, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and creating a personal plan to manage stress and prevent burnout. She advises on how professionals can navigate challenges and maintain high performance while protecting their well-being.   Throughout her career in management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on the crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in corporate, insurance, and governance, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise in leadership. She has over 20 years of experience as a leadership psychologist, executive coach, and senior leader.    Marie-Helene is a Member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization, and past Director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented and authored and co-authored a number of industry and academic publications and has won numerous academic and industry awards. Dr. Pelletier is a highly rated instructor at the University of British Columbia, Sauder School of Business, Executive Education and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, an opt-in research community of business professionals. Her award-winning book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health, was named a “Top 5 Book to Read” by Inc. Magazine and Forbes.   Get Dr. Pelletier's book here: https://shorturl.at/iTfXg The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health   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