Strategy Hero

S2E12 - James Milsom - Behind the scenes of Strategy Hero

James Milsom, host of the Strategy Hero podcast, has spent two seasons uncovering the stories and strategies behind the world of business transformation, operational excellence, and strategy execution. As a seasoned marketer and thought leader at i-nexus, James has connected with practitioners, consultants, and unsung heroes to share their insights and experiences.

In this special episode, James takes the guest seat, reflecting on his journey as a host and the evolution of the podcast. He reveals the inspiration behind the show: creating a platform that replaces the watercooler conversations lost in a remote-first world, while highlighting the voices of those on the frontlines of strategy execution.

James shares lessons learned from the podcast, such as the importance of balancing structure with spontaneity in storytelling, building genuine relationships with guests, and capturing the humanity behind business strategies. He recalls standout moments, from deep conversations about leadership and culture to personal stories like the shared impact of family with Festus Akinbusoye.

S2E11 - Wes Bush - Building a Strategy for Product-Led Success

Wes Bush is the founder and CEO of ProductLed. He is the bestselling author of Product-Led Growth: How To Build a Product That Sells Itself and is one of the most sought-after product experts in the world. After working for some of the world’s fastest-growing companies in the world, today he trains teams around the globe how to turn their products into powerful growth engines.

Wes explains how PLG flips traditional sales-led methods by using the product itself to acquire, engage, and monetize users, enabling a frictionless and efficient customer journey. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ideal users, creating a clear organizational strategy, and aligning product, marketing, and sales teams for long-term success.

Listeners will learn how to avoid common pitfalls, from relying on surface-level tactics to underestimating the role of data in shaping user experiences. Wes also discusses the significance of fostering a product-led organization, addressing change management challenges, and continuously improving through experimentation and user feedback.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for CEOs and leaders eager to embrace PLG and align their teams with a data-driven, user-first approach to strategy execution. 

Find out more about Wes and ProductLed

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