E12 Expert talks: Three Curveballs for a Strategy Consultant

How do you interview the guy who literally wrote the book on strategy?You challenge him.You throw him curveballs.Three to be exact.So I did just that with Alex M.H. Smith, author of No Bullshit Strategy.I threw him:• A story from my own life — losing 27 kilos and beating chronic hand eczema• A look at Moneyball — and what it teaches us about doing what others won’t• A fictional case study — based on real strategy challenges I see in corporate L&DWhat came back was gold.We talked about:• Why most businesses aren’t stuck from indecision—but from inaction• Why agency beats cleverness• Why leaders sometimes need to channel their inner dictator• And what an "Arnold Goal" is — and why you probably need oneIf you're building something, leading something, or just figuring out your next move—this one’s for you.Note: Alex isn’t a coach.This is part of a new thread in the show where we occasionally bring in experts, medical professionals, and professors. We call these “expert talks.”The heart of the show remains on coaching—but these episodes help us zoom out, shift perspective, and move from surviving to strategically thriving.Top Takeaways:• Strategy is often misunderstood and requires courage• Execution is harder than deciding• Every great business is built on a unique opinion• Agency is crucial for implementation• Simpler strategies often win• Understanding the value exchange is key• Big goals lead to big growth• Completion isn’t everything• Focus on value, not just renewals• A bold opinion can set you apartAlex’s book: www.basicarts.org/bookSponsored by InnerBuddiesInnerBuddies helped me lose 30kg, beat eczema, and get my energy back—by studying my gut health.They send you a microbiome test kit, analyze your gut, and give you a personalized dashboard with real insights.Try it at www.innerbuddies.com and use code WELLERGUTS for a discount.