The Strategy Skills Podcast: Management Consulting | Strategy, Operations & Implementation | Critical Thinking

In a world that often rewards taking, James Turk believes the most powerful leaders are the ones who give clarity, opportunity, second chances, and their full attention.   In this episode, I speak with James Turk, who is an executive coach, CEO of The Turk Group, and author of The Giving Game, about what it truly means to become the kind of leader others want to follow.    We explore: Why most new leaders struggle and how to set them up for success from day one The difference between “getting” and “giving” leadership and why it changes everything Why he nearly didn’t make the phone call that launched his business How to lead through imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and personal doubt What to do when your definition of success starts to shift and how to build a business that matches it How giving away the spotlight can strengthen your brand, your business, and your people James also shares the personal story behind The Giving Game, and how his childhood experiences gave him a lifelong belief in

What if cultural relevance isn’t just a marketing strategy but a business imperative?   In this episode, I speak with Hernan Tagliani, a multicultural marketing expert, award-winning strategist for Fortune 500 companies, and author of The Hispanic Market for Corporate America and Multicultural Mainstream, that explains how brands can drive lasting growth by truly understanding and serving Hispanic consumers.   Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Hernan shares how he rebuilt his career from the ground up after moving to the U.S., started his agency with a single client, and went on to lead multicultural strategy for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. His approach? Culture before language. Data before assumptions. And storytelling that builds trust, not just transactions.   We explore: Why many brands are missing out on long-term growth by overlooking multicultural strategy The biggest myths corporate leaders still believe about U.S. Hispanic consumers Why translating a campaign isn’t enough and h

Your company’s next breakthrough isn’t about doing more, but doing less with purpose.   In this episode, I speak with Bill Canady, CEO of two major industrial companies (OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products), a former U.S. Navy officer, and author of From Panic to Profit, about the operating system he’s used to turn around billion-dollar businesses and lead through uncertainty.   Bill brings a rare blend of military discipline, private equity strategy, and grounded human leadership. With more than 3,600 employees and $1.5 billion in revenue under his care, he shares what really drives growth, and why focus, not frenzy, is the secret to long-term results.   We talk about: How Bill used 80/20 thinking to stabilize a struggling company during the pandemic Why “doing everything” is the death of momentum and how to identify your critical few The real reason most teams fail to deliver (hint: it’s not effort) How AI is helping leaders focus on what matters and where human judgment st

What if the key to innovation isn’t a process, but a mindset that travels across boundaries, disciplines, and decades?   From international development to McKinsey to leading AI strategy at Microsoft, Dean Carignan has built his career at the intersection of systems, people, and impact. Now, as co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, he’s helping organizations rethink how real innovation happens, not just in startups or labs, but in legacy institutions and global companies.   In this episode, Dean shares lessons from two decades at Microsoft, where he’s worked across Xbox, Office, cognitive services, and AI research. He also reflects on why innovation is ultimately about people, not products, and how leaders can create space for meaningful change, even inside complex organizations.   We explore: How Dean moved from solving global problems at the World Bank to driving change inside one of the world’s largest tech companies The power of being a “boundary crosser” and why innovation happ

What if the strategies you trust most are quietly keeping you from your next level of growth?   In professional services, we’re taught that strong delivery and trusted relationships lead to more business. But what if that model no longer matches how clients actually buy?   In this episode, I speak with Matthew Dixon, the co-founder of DCM Insights and bestselling author of The Challenger Sale and The Jolt Effect, about his latest research and book, The Activator Advantage. Based on a global study of 3,000 partners across consulting, law, accounting, and professional services, Matt reveals that the top rainmakers aren’t the most experienced or connected; they’re the ones who act differently.   He introduces the concept of the Activator: a business developer who proactively creates client value before the engagement even starts, connects deeply across networks, and builds trust by helping people, not just closing deals.   We explore: The five types of business developers and why only one correlates with high

What if your company’s success depends less on what you build and more on what your people are chasing?   For Ken Rusk, digging ditches became the foundation for building something far more valuable: a company where employees don’t just show up to work — they show up for their lives.   In this episode, I speak with Ken Rusk, nine-figure entrepreneur and author of Blue Collar Cash, about how he built his business by aligning personal dreams with company growth, and why creating a culture of ownership, vision, and peace is more powerful than chasing the next milestone.   Ken shares how he developed a visual goal-setting system that drives performance, why he made his company employee-owned, and how his leadership mindset shifted after overcoming personal and professional crises, including a health scare with his daughter and navigating the pandemic.   We talk about: How turning employees into goal-setters created unstoppable momentum Why giving up control was the best decision he ever made as a leader How

What if the key to driving real innovation isn’t genius, but orchestration? Innovation is often seen as the domain of visionaries or tech geniuses. But in this episode, JoAnn Garbin, former Director of Innovation at Microsoft Cloud and co-author of The Insider’s Guide to Innovation at Microsoft, shows that true innovation is a craft: one grounded in discipline, collaboration, and conscious leadership. JoAnn brings a rare lens to the conversation — an engineer with a background in philosophy and performance, a systems thinker who has lived through startup exits, corporate reinvention, and a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Her approach to leadership, creativity, and risk is grounded not in theory but in lived experience.   We talk about: How real innovation happens inside complex, slow-moving organizations Why orchestration, not brilliance, is the most underrated leadership skill The critical role of community and trust in long-term innovation success How to build political capital without becoming “pol

What if the leadership edge you’re looking for doesn’t come from working harder, but listening deeper?   We talk often about productivity, performance, and pushing through. But few conversations explore the quieter forces shaping our best decisions, like intuition.   In this episode, I speak with Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, a director, writer, systems thinker, and an award-winning sustainability leader, about intuition as a source of strength, clarity, and resilience in both leadership and life.   Hrund shares how her work in post-conflict Kosovo with the UN led to burnout and a full reset — one that turned her toward the science and practice of intuition. Through personal stories, research, and the Icelandic concept of innsæi (“the sea within”), she explains how we can train our intuition as rigorously as we train our intellect.   We explore: How to know whether your intuition is guiding you, or your ego is pulling you Why many of us lose touch with inner guidance (and how to return to it) How to use an “a

Dr. Tiffany Moon isn’t just breaking stereotypes — she’s rewriting the script.   In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Moon — board-certified anesthesiologist, founder of Aromasthesia, and former cast member of Bravo’s Real Housewives — opens up about what it really takes to balance ambition, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and public scrutiny.   From immigrating to the U.S. at age 6 to graduating from college at 19 and medical school at 23, where she finished in the top ten percent of her class, to launching a wellness brand rooted in science and self-care, Tiffany’s story is as raw and relatable as it is inspiring.   We cover: The culture of overachievement and how it can become an emotional cage The silent weight of perfectionism in high-achieving women How childhood trauma shaped her relentless drive and how she’s healing from it Why asking for help isn’t a weakness — it’s a strategy The behind-the-scenes reality of being a doctor and a reality TV personality Why she’s choosing presence over perfection i

What if the financial advice you trust is actually hurting your future? Mark Matson believes it is, and he has the data to prove it.   In this episode, I sit down with Mark Matson, founder of Matson Money and a pioneer in the evidence-based investing movement. With over $10 billion in assets under management, Mark has helped thousands of families and advisors break free from Wall Street myths, media-driven panic, and the illusion of market timing.   But Mark didn’t start in finance. In fact, he nearly gave up on the entire industry — until a few key realizations (and one powerful idea from a Nobel Laureate) reshaped his approach to wealth entirely.   We talk about: The dangerous psychology behind most investing decisions and how to fix it Why traditional financial advice often fails to deliver real value What Wall Street doesn’t want you to understand about your money The importance of storytelling in transforming investor behavior Why “doing nothing” is sometimes the smartest move in volatile marke

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 547, an interview with Bernard Harris, an astronaut, physician, venture capitalist, philanthropist, and author of Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential.   In this episode, Bernard Harris, the first African American astronaut to walk in space, shares his experiences and describes the thrill of launching into space as well as the physical challenges of microgravity. He discusses the significance of inner strength, resilience, and a growth mindset. His book, Embracing Infinite Possibilities, encourages self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and opening your mind to life's infinite possibilities, instilling hope in those who have yet to discover their own power.   Get Bernard’s book here: https://rb.gy/fgx6d8 Embracing Infinite Possibilities: Letting Go of Fear to Find Your Highest Potential   Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproac

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 546, an interview with the authors of Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener.   Most conversations barely scratch the surface, because true connection isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about listening with purpose and presence.   In this episode, Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener introduce the concept of Radical Listening: an intentional, culturally aware approach to making others feel seen, heard, and valued. Drawing from their research and coaching experiences, they explain why our intentions behind listening matter just as much as the act itself and how distractions, politeness, and even the need to be right can undermine true connection. They share practical strategies leaders can use to build stronger teams, navigate conflict, and create space for deeper conversations, even across cultural differences.   Prof. Christian van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) is a leading academic and ex

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 545, an interview with the author of Cyber Crisis: Protecting Your Business from Real Threats in the Virtual World, Dr. Eric Cole.   What do cybersecurity and entrepreneurship have in common? According to Dr. Eric Cole, a former CIA hacker turned tech entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert, they all require pattern recognition, disciplined thinking, and a commitment to doing what’s right.    In this episode, Dr. Eric Cole shares his journey from an unprepared college student to a leading voice in digital security, and how those early days in the CIA shaped his approach to business and protecting intellectual property. He explains why companies need to secure their trade secrets, how leaders can make better decisions using data instead of emotion, and what it really takes to build a high-performance life—starting with health, clarity, and purpose.   Dr. Eric Cole, DPS is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, public figure, and best-selling author who has built a solid reputati

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 544, an interview with the author of There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift, Kevin Evers.   In this episode, Kevin shares insights from his new book on Taylor Swift, noting her strategic decision-making and marketing tactics that led her to where she is today. He stresses the value of trust and consistency in building a brand, citing Taylor Swift's $2 billion Eras Tour and her 2% market share in 2024. Kevin also underscores how Taylor treats her fans, leveraging fan engagement for marketing success, and how we can adopt it in the business world.   Kevin Evers is a Senior Editor at Harvard Business Review. Passionate about shaping groundbreaking research and amplifying pioneering ideas, he has edited bestselling and award-winning books on high performance, creativity, innovation, digital disruption, marketing, and strategy. He has also written popular articles on brain science, Hollywood blockbusters, the art of persuasion, and the unpredictability of

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 543, an interview with the author of The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money, Elizabeth Husserl.   Many people chase wealth as a number, but the truth is that true wealth is more than just money in the bank.   In this episode, Elizabeth challenges common assumptions about financial success and explores how fulfillment, stability, and meaning factor into what it really means to be wealthy. Elizabeth explains how our “scarcity brain” influences money decisions, why understanding your financial DNA matters, and how daily practices like journaling and meditation can transform your relationship with money. She also offers practical tools for building financial freedom and rethinking the emotional triggers that shape our financial lives.    Elizabeth Husserl is the first female principal and co-founder of a comprehensive boutique wealth planning firm, Peak 360 Wealth Management. She holds Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses, as well as a B.S. in Economics from T

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 542, an interview with the author The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless principles to improve your management of individuals, teams… and yourself!, Sébastien Page.   Ever wondered what truly drives successful leaders and how psychology plays a role?    In this episode with Sébastien Page, we explore the habits, mindset, and science behind great leadership. He shares lessons drawn from 20 years of experience and in-depth research in positive and sports psychology. Sébastien introduces the PERMA model (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment) and explains how it can be applied to leadership and organizational success. He also shares insights from studying billionaires and what drives their success beyond money.   Sébastien Page is the Chief Investment Officer of T. Rowe Price. He manages the division responsible for managing Multi-Asset portfolios there. he has won six annual research-paper awards: two from The Financial Analysts Journal and four

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 541, an interview with the author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, Faisal Hoque.   In this episode, Faisal shares his journey from his early days developing software to becoming a business leader focused on strategy and impact. Faisal talks about how Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism, influences his approach to business and leadership, helping him stay grounded while pursuing innovation. He opens up about how his son's serious illness changed his outlook on life and business, driving him to use technology to improve medical treatments. We also discuss AI's effects on society, with Faisal offering practical advice for leaders on balancing technological advancement with human skills. Throughout our conversation, he shares simple practices that keep him sharp - from reading widely to constantly trying new things - and explains how focusing on the journey rather than just outcomes has shaped his success.   Faisal Hoque is recognized as one of the world’

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 540, an interview with the authors of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles.   What makes work truly meaningful, and how can leaders create it?    In this episode, Tamara Miles and Wes Adams, researchers and positive psychologists, have studied how leaders can intentionally promote cultures where people find purpose, connection, and challenge in their work. Drawing from their own career and research, they outline the practices that lead to lasting meaning, starting from onboarding and extending to everyday leadership behaviors like showing appreciation and building community. They also explore how AI can be developed to support human fulfillment, and why understanding generational differences is key to creating meaningful work environments for all.   Wes Adams is the founder and CEO of SV Consulting Group, where he works with high-performing companies to develop leadership excellence, build organizational resilie

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 539, an interview with the author of From Panic to Profit: Uncover Value, Boost Revenue, and Grow Your Business with the 80/20 Principle, Bill Canady.   In this episode, Bill shares insights from his military background and how it shaped his leadership approach. Bill explains his Profitable Growth Operating System (PG OS) framework, including the five key components that drive business success. He also offers practical advice on pricing strategy, the need for a focused team, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. Bill also shared insights on balancing personal and professional life and the critical role of mentorship in leadership success.   Bill Canady is the CEO of both OTC Industrial Technologies and Arrowhead Engineered Products (AEP). With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in driving organizational growth, cutting costs, and boosting profitability. At OTC, he led a 43% increase in revenue and an 80% rise in earnings, with annual sales now exceeding

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 538, an interview with the coauthor of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives, Patricia Grabarek.   In this episode, Patricia talks about why workplace wellness matters and why it’s important to have a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional health. She explains the gap in research on leadership practices that help create a healthy work environment and how leaders can balance getting results with supporting their employees. Patricia shares simple ways to make wellness a priority, like setting aside time for self-care and building a supportive team culture. She also talks about the challenges of bringing wellness initiatives into remote and hybrid work settings.   Patricia Grabarek is a co-founder of Workr Beeing and an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist with a passion and expertise in workplace wellness, workplace culture, employee engagement, and leadership development. Patricia has spent her career as a practit