Strategy Hero

S2E10 - Simon Wardley - The Power of Wardley Mapping

In this episode, Simon Wardley, creator of Wardley Maps, explores how mapping brings clarity to strategy and complex decision-making. Wardley shares how his frustration with vague corporate strategies led to his development of the Wardley Mapping methodology, inspired by a bookstore conversation about The Art of War. Wardley Maps visually map out an organization’s strategic landscape by illustrating user needs, capabilities, and how these evolve, helping organizations understand their context and make informed decisions.

Simon emphasizes that most organizations miss optimization opportunities by relying on narratives and unstructured tools, whereas mapping reveals hidden constraints, avoids unnecessary investments, and fosters collaborative, objective dialogue. From national defense to healthcare, Wardley Maps have proven valuable across industries by providing a structured approach to understanding and acting within a competitive landscape. 

Connect with Simon on Linkedin

S2E9 - Grant Elder - Mastering Change Leadership

In this episode, we explore the 27-year career of Grant Elder, a seasoned change management leader, known for his expertise in fostering transformation through empathy and communication. Grant reflects on his experiences leading complex organizational change, emphasizing the critical role of strategic planning, environmental analysis, and the engagement of employees through processes like Catchball and Gemba walks.

Grant outlines the importance of data-driven decision-making and how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are reshaping the landscape of change management and business transformation. He stresses that there is no universal strategy for successful change, advocating for a tailored approach that takes operational intricacies into account. Throughout the discussion, Grant explains the value of meticulous planning and sustained employee involvement as key drivers of successful transformation and execution in organizations.

Connect with Grant on LinkedIn.

S2E8 - Paul Niven - The evolution of the balanced scorecard

In this episode, we delve into the extensive career of Paul Niven, a renowned expert in strategy execution with a focus on the balanced scorecard and OKR (Objectives and Key Results) frameworks. Paul shares his journey from public accounting to pioneering the balanced scorecard in the early 1990s, leading to significant improvements in organizational performance. He has since authored several influential books and collaborated with over 500 organizations worldwide.

Paul discusses the evolution of the balanced scorecard, particularly its application in Fortune 500 companies, and explores the transition to OKRs, which provide greater flexibility and autonomy for employees at all levels. He advocates for a hybrid approach that integrates both models, emphasizing the importance of setting specific, challenging goals and the need for internal champions to drive successful OKR adoption.

The conversation also touches on the future of OKRs and their potential integration with broader management systems, as well as the importance of continuous learning for professionals in strategy execution.

Connect with Paul Niven on LinkedIn.

S2E7 - Jack Soos - Bridging the functional and the operational

In this episode, we explore the career of Jack Soos, whose diverse background spans sociology, biochemistry, and leadership. Jack has developed a keen understanding of the importance of empathy and active listening, which he applies to his leadership practices. He shares insights on fostering trust, promoting employee growth, and the necessity of ongoing learning.

Jack has tackled the challenges of cross-functional collaboration, advocating for leadership that builds partnerships rather than imposing directives. He emphasizes the critical role of psychological safety in the workplace and the need to balance performance with employee well-being.

Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

S2E6 - Garvan Callan - Stradaptability

In this episode, we delve into the career journey of Garvan Callan, an expert in strategy, transformation, and leadership. With a rich background that includes roles at Danske Bank and the Bank of Ireland, Garvan has honed his focus on digital innovation over the past 18 years.

This experience culminated in the creation of his advisory practice, ONEZERO1, where he helps business leaders develop and implement transformative strategies. Beyond his advisory work, Garvan contributes to the community through his book, “Digital Business Strategy,” and his teaching fellowship at Trinity Business School. Join us as we explore Garvan’s insights and experiences in simplifying complexity and driving impactful change.

Connect with Garvan

S2E5 - Charlie Sharman - The Future of Kaizen

In this episode, Charlie Sharman, an advisor at the Kaizen Institute and co-author of the book "Strat to Action," delves into the future of Kaizen. Known for his candid and sometimes controversial insights, Charlie outlines the key areas businesses should focus on for effective process improvement. He examines the relative importance of people, processes, and data in the quest for continual improvement, leaving no stone unturned in this comprehensive discussion.

 

This episode was recorded before the passing of Charlie on the 4th of January 2024. You can read about his legacy here.