The Strategist

Be the Leader Your Business Needs

By: Cynthia Montgomery

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 6 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on an acclaimed professor's legendary strategy course at Harvard Business School, The Strategist offers a radically new perspective on a leader's most vital role.

"Are you a strategist?" That's the first question Cynthia Montgomery asks the business owners and senior executives from all over the world who participate in her highly regarded executive education course. It's not a question they anticipate or care much about on opening day. But by the time the program ends, they cannot imagine leading their companies to success without being - and living the role of - a strategist.

Over a series of weeks and months, Montgomery puts these accomplished executives through their paces. Using case discussions, after-hours talks, and participants' own strategy dilemmas, she illuminates what strategy is, why it's important, and what it takes to lead the effort. En route, she equips them to confront the most essential question facing every business leader: Does this company truly matter? In doing so, she shows that strategy is not just a tool for outwitting the competition; it is the most powerful means a leader has for shaping a company itself.

The Strategist exposes all business leaders - whether they run a global enterprise or a small business - to the invaluable insights Montgomery shares with these privileged executives. By distilling the experiences and insights gleaned in the classroom, Montgomery helps leaders develop the skills and sensibilities they need to become strategists themselves. It is a difficult role, but little else one does as a leader is likely to matter more.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2012 Cynthia A. Montgomery (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Great book, with lots of good examples

I liked the book, even though looking at the accompanying PDF was needed (not great for any audio book).
The strategist offers a great insight on the person behind the strategy and gives an interesting perspective on the strategy topic itself, building up on Porter's work.
However, listening to this audiobook after having listened to "7 Powers", make this book feel somewhat not concrete enough, that's why I gave only 3 stars. The strategist is nonetheless a good book, worth listening for everyone interested in the topic.

Really Good

was amazing if you need to how and know are strategic you need to obtain

Explains technical terms well with case studies

The narration of this books is oddly slow and drawn out. After a couple minutes, I had to change the narration speed to 1.25X. I felt like the voice did not fit the story.

As a graduating undergrad, this book aligned well with technical theories and strategies taught in my class. This book focusses on the theoretical aspect of business where entrepreneurs are forced to think deeply about their company. This book does not do well with the everyday aspects or functions within businesses. There are other books for that. This book provided case studies such as Ikea to explain strategy changes and implementation.

Awesome!

What made the experience of listening to The Strategist the most enjoyable?

Must read for any entrepreneur looking for some focus and action!

What did you like best about this story?

Real-life examples, case studies.

What about Karen White’s performance did you like?

Quality.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Not sure.

Any additional comments?

Great book.

Inspiring and Great Tool

This was an easy read. It feels like I was in the room for the sessions Cynthia Mongomery was teaching. In addition, the tools she provides are usable, not just fluff. Some conferences and seminars I've attended provide "tools" to take back to the office that are just like some companies so-called strategies—full of fluff but not useful or informative. I've already put to use some of the tools provided with this book. Thank you Cynthia Montgomery!

So much more than a book on strategy

Don't be fooled by some of the reviews that say this is nothing more than the basic MBA material or simply a book on Strategy. Cynthia Montgomery has captured the very essence of what is required to move a business to the next level and while it might be based on years of teaching and research at Harvard Business School it the message that underlies each story, tool and technique that is missed by the majority of MBA students.

The book has a very easy to follow and great style. Analogies are well thought through, develop into the teaching method nicely and follow the case-in-point style of learning. In fact I found myself often relating each of the examples back to my own business and realising where the fundamentals of the business need to be worked on. But back to the book...the message is relatively simple:

- Have a clear, well defined and meaningful purpose;
- Create alignment within the business;
- Understand the fundamentals that drive success with in alignment with the purpose;
- Remember that strategy development start on day 1 and never ends...there is simply no end point where strategy is 'completed'.

The wrap up of the book is simple...to be a strategist you must first be a leader...strategy never ends, it is a continuous cycle process where we have a core purpose, a driving forces, a reason for living and we consider how that reason changes the world. This makes it easy to change, adapt and move through the challenges that a competitive landscape offers. From Gucci to IKEA, both businesses had their fair share of challenges and issues...but the ever evolving art of strategy lead them through to be the businesses they are today. Often thanks to the leadership but always thanks to the purpose!

So yes...this appears to be MBA 101 but think about it...how many MBA graduates do you know that would not land a job in your business, be able to lead and develop a business to great heights or simply are text book managers but not strategic leaders. The Strategist is aimed squarely at anyone that thinks they know all about strategy because they have an MBA...after all many great strategist do not have an MBA yet we teach their thinking and refer to their success in many MBA classes. This is a great book and yes...I have an MBA and still found myself in awe of the author, the approach and the learnings I took out of this book.

A must read for every business person and one that I am sharing with my Leadership Team!

It's Ok, there R better books on Business Strategy

What did you like best about The Strategist? What did you like least?

What I liked about this book: It brings interesting examples of strategy driven business turnarounds. The author presents the "Strategy Wheel" which is a simple and straightforward framework for aligning functional areas to the company's central strategic purpose. (Can be used as a complement to Porter's Value Chain)
What I didn't like about this book: In my opinion this is a book for people who are not yet very familiar with the Business Strategy concepts. If you have read Michael Porter's books or "The Blue ocean Strategy", you may get bored.

What three words best describe Karen White’s performance?

The narrator is too slow, even for a non native english speaker

Any additional comments?

Recommended: Understanding Michael Porter (Magretta)

Great Content. Narration is better at 1.5

What did you love best about The Strategist?

Short, sound content. Just enough case histories to apply the method outlined in the book.

What other book might you compare The Strategist to and why?

The only other strategy book that is this valuable, is Blue Ocean Strategy - at least the first half. This one is much easier to apply.

What three words best describe Karen White’s voice?

Better at 1.5x

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for a business book on strategy that will be of value - that is, sound and directly applicable, then this is the book for you. You'll want to own it in hardback, too, after you listen to it. Worth your time.

Great read

Cynthia Montgomery relays great lessons through real life case studies. Great book for any strategist looking to gain further insight.

Solid concepts with great examples

the book was great. The vm was a bit annoying with their pauses and emphasis.