S3E7 - Rita McGrath - Innovation in a Shifting World
Ever wonder how to succeed in a world that’s always changing? Professor Rita McGrath from Columbia Business School is disrupting how many of us think about strategy. Rita shares why holding onto fixed plans or competitive edges doesn’t cut it anymore, with examples like Kodak’s missteps and how companies like Fujifilm stay agile by empowering small teams to innovate fast.
Rita offers her take on how AI is here to boost human creativity rather than replacing it. She also shares practical tips from her upcoming book on navigating the digital economy, urging leaders to spot shifts early and embrace uncertainty to stay ahead in a constantly evolving world.
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S3E6 - Neil Jurd OBE - Leading Through Chaos and Change
What does it take to lead with clarity in chaos? Neil Jurd OBE, former British Army officer, Sandhurst instructor, and LeaderConnect founder, shares how he guides global organisations. Shaped by high-stakes military operations, Neil’s philosophy hinges on connection and clear direction.
In this episode, we unpack why leadership feels complex, how pausing sharpens decisions, and explore his five principles, including the OODA loop—a rapid decision-making tool. Through “behaviour labs,” Neil builds trust and purpose, empowering billion-pound firms.
Discover how Neil Jurd’s insights can transform your leadership, bringing calm and focus to even the most turbulent environments.
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S3E5 - Ray Collis - Reframing Transformation with Super Projects
What drives a project to transform an organization? In this episode, Ray Collis, co-founder of Growth Pit Stop, shares his “super projects” formula—blending ambition, confidence, alignment, complexity, and collaboration. You’ll learn how successful leaders manage bold initiatives by embracing uncertainty and fostering seamless team alignment. Ray’s “pit stop” strategy—pausing to regroup and refocus—offers a practical way to navigate challenges and keep momentum.
From Big Pharma’s hidden innovators to boardroom successes, Ray’s insights reveal how to turn complexity into opportunity, celebrate small wins, and ask, “What does my team need to thrive?” empowering you to lead with clarity and unlock your team’s full potential.
Listeners can get an advance copy of Ray's book, Super Projects, by clicking this link.
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S3E4 – Jim Longshore – Strategy Execution Isn’t About Firefighting
In this episode, Jim Longshore, Vice President at SBTI and author of The ABCs of Strategy Execution, shares insights from over 25 years of driving Lean Six Sigma deployments across manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance.
Jim reflects on his early career experiences at American Standard and Trane, where the integration of Lean and Six Sigma first clicked, and how understanding measurement systems and capability analyses transformed his approach to strategic problem-solving. He outlines the key components of a successful deployment, from having a single project hopper and champion, to building infrastructure that aligns improvement work directly to business strategy.
Drawing from real-world stories, like why recordable injury rates were misleading or how misjudged patient placement disrupted hospital staffing, Jim makes a compelling case for curiosity, clear metrics, and data-driven decision-making. He also weighs in on the future of Lean Six Sigma, the role of AI, and why leaders must resist rewarding heroics over consistency.
For anyone involved in operational excellence or strategy execution, Jim’s advice is simple but powerful: stop fighting fires, start preventing them.
Connect with Jim
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S3E3 - Hensley Sejour - The Power of Curiosity
In this episode, Hensley Sejour, Principal at Black Tech Nation Ventures, shares how a mindset rooted in curiosity and community has guided his unconventional path—from PhD chemical engineer and 14-year BP veteran to AWS product manager and now venture capital leader.
Hensley reflects on pivotal career moments, including how a move to Alaska unlocked a journey toward an MBA at Carnegie Mellon and a transition into tech and investing. Drawing on experiences in process design, operations, and strategy, he unpacks lessons on stakeholder alignment, human-centered design, and the value of real-world execution before strategic planning.
He also explores the parallels between oil refineries and startups, the role of mentorship in career growth, and how learning—whether from books, people, or setbacks—can be a lifelong competitive advantage. For aspiring leaders navigating career change, Hensley’s advice is clear: you’re capable of more than you think.
Connect with Hensley
Published on the last Wednesday of every month, the Strategy Hero podcast delves into the world of business strategy and transformation.
Each cast shines a spotlight on a Strategy Hero – inspirers, boundary pushers, and leaders of change from all walks of life – armed with practical advice on what it takes to achieve your goals.
Episodes explore topics around operational excellence, Lean management, process improvement, change management, and much, much more.
Available where all great podcasts live, listen on-demand today, and discover the Strategy Hero inside you.
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