Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, delves into the nuanced world of strategy, addressing its complexities in both personal and business spheres. In an engaging discussion, he highlights the scarcity of truly exceptional strategies and underscores the necessity of evaluating success progressively over time. Through his conversation with Dominic Monkhouse, Reeves elaborates on CEOs' critical role in executing strategies and the hurdles involved in preserving an innovative culture as organisations expand. He sheds light on why keeping strategies confidential can be beneficial, the adaptability required in strategic planning, and the risks posed by complacency and an inward focus.

This podcast highlights the vital role of imagination and creativity in spurring innovation and fostering organisational change. They dissect the challenges associated with implementing transformative ideas, emphasising the need to move beyond conventional procedures and navigate internal politics effectively. The power of storytelling and the ability to mobilise enthusiasm for new ideas are discussed as pivotal tools in driving change. The conversation touches on the importance of framing the right questions, the paradox of hierarchy and innovation, and the need for depoliticisation and depth of debate in business. Martin shares insights from his book 'The Imagination Machine' and recommends other books on innovation and strategy.

On today’s podcast:

• Great strategies are rare and enduring success is hard to achieve.
• The role of CEOs in strategy execution is important but not the dominant factor.
• Secrecy in strategy is not as valuable as having robust and evolvable scripts.
• Complacency and internal focus can hinder innovation and change.
• Imagination is a crucial aspect of strategy and should be given more attention. Change is a strategic problem that requires understanding the forces of change and resistance and working on both sides of the equation.
• Imagination is triggered by surprise and the ability to detect anomalies and changes in the world.
• Selling ideas and driving change requires storytelling, galvanising energy, and making it clear why the change is in everyone's best interest.
• Mental models can limit creativity and innovation, and it's important to challenge existing mental models and embrace counterfactual thinking.
• Depoliticisation and depth of debate are crucial for effective strategy and innovation.
• Ambidexterity is the ability to balance the focus on running the current business with preparing for the future.
• Diversity is important for variation and selection, but it requires a focus on both ethical and evolutionary aspects.
• Curiosity drives innovation and learning, and listening is a skill that can be continuously improved.
• Simplicity and focus are more valuable than comprehensive and exhaustive lists of strategies and actions.
• The biggest myth in business is that it's mostly a financial equation when in reality, it's about serving human ends and using human means to achieve them.

Follow Martin:

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Your strategy needs a strategy

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Co-Intelligence: Living and working with AI

Are you ready to demystify the complex world of artificial intelligence in the workplace? Are you unsure about how AI can transform your business strategy and operational efficiency? If you're grappling with these modern challenges, then this week’s episode of Mind Your F**king Business should be the top one in your playlist.

This week we dive into the world of AI with the brilliant Asha Saxena, CEO and founder of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WILDA), and an admired technology veteran with 30 years of experience. As an innovator, author, and esteemed professor at Columbia University, Asha brings a wealth of knowledge in big data, analytics, and the transformative power of AI. She articulates the necessity of a role we'll soon come to know as the Chief AI Officer – a role tasked with marrying technology with business and strategic data implementation.

Asha goes beyong beyond the mere technicalities and explores the human side of tech. Her book, "The AI Factor," penned during the pandemic, aims to simplify AI concepts for business leaders and tackles the crucial issue of biases in AI models, which have far-reaching impacts on society. With Women Leaders in Data and AI, she promotes diversity in technology spheres and emphasises inclusive AI development.

Whether you're the head of a company contemplating using AI in your operations or a professional eager to upscale your skill set for a future integrated with AI, this episode will give you the insights you need for your journey.

On today’s podcast:

• The role of tech leaders addressing gender bias
• AI in business strategy
• A peek into the future of Artificial Intelligence

Follow Asha:

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LinkedIn

The AI Factor

Recommended reading:

Good To Great

Great By Choice

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Get Mind Your F**king Business

Sales and marketing strategies can make or break your business. That's why we invited no other than TEDx speaker, advisor and business author, Simon Severino for a new episode of Mind Your F**king Business.

In this episode, Simon unpacks the intricacies of coaching across multiple domains, from the sales floor to the spiritual journey, all aimed at accelerating both personal and professional growth. We'll explore the significance of clear communication within a team and why having a structured sales approach can mean the difference between closing a deal and watching it slip through your fingers.

Dominic and Simon also talk about creating "flywheels" to drive business, the power of role-play in sales meetings to boost confidence, and why training is as essential in business as it is in sports.

Simon also offers a treasure trove of advice for solo entrepreneurs—from establishing structured processes to reducing reliance on the founder within 90 days. He'll explain why some tech founders flounder with sales and how his strategies can turn the ship around and create a culture brimming with opportunities.

Whether you're a solopreneur, a tech founder struggling with sales, or simply someone passionate about mastering the art of business, this episode is tailored for you.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast:

• How can solopreneurs focus on their Genius
• The Importance of role plays in sales
• 90 days cycles to accelerate a big business

Follow Simon:

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LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

The Power Of Moments

The Sales Acceleration Formula

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Get Mind Your F**king Business