Strategy Hero

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

In this episode, Ryan Henson, the CEO of the Coalition for Global Prosperity talks about building a network of relationships and an internal culture to drive change on a global scale. His work has built an organization that is educating the senior political leaders of the UK on the changes needed in international development and social mobility. The lessons in this episode can be applied to any organization looking to build a change culture. Connect with Ryan on Linkedin

Jeroen Kraaijenbrink is a distinguished author, consultant, and thought leader in the realms of strategy, innovation, and organizational development. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Kraaijenbrink has established himself as a pivotal figure in guiding organizations towards sustainable growth and competitive advantage. In this episode, Jeroen takes us through how organizations can build the foundations for strategic thinking, and grow an organization of strategic thinkers. Connect with Jeroen on Linkedin

Former Group Director of Strategy for Rexam Plc, Kit is now the Managing Partner of Strategy Together, where she leads a network of strategy consultants - but Kit's focus on personal strategy is what we explore in this episode. From leading groups of leaders on an Antarctic expedition, to setting a roadmap to developing one's strategy, this episode is all about setting yourself up for success, in whatever endeavors you are pursuing.   Connect with Kit on LinkedIn

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, partnerships have become more than just keys to success; they're now the very foundation for many enterprises. Join us in this episode as we delve into the 'Decade of Ecosystems' with Jay McBain, Chief Analyst - Channels, Partnerships & Ecosystems at Canalys. Drawing from his impressive 30-year career in advising and working with channel businesses, Jay sheds light on the dramatic transformation businesses must undergo to adapt to the technology-driven era. From industries like automotive and medical devices to construction and consumer goods, Jay outlines the essential steps every company must take not only to thrive in the new world but simply to stay relevant. Connect with Jay McBain

Featuring amazing guests such as Charlie Sharman of the Kaizen Institute, Canalys Chief Analyst Jay McBain and Jack Soos, former Director at Pratt and Whitney. Season Two is packed with insights into the world of strategy, leadership and business transformation.

Since 2017, Philippe has operated as an independent coach under Henko, with a focus on building high-performing leadership, teams and organizations in digital business. Philippe has worked with organizations such as Lloyds Banking Group, Deutsche Bank, Carnival UK, KFC and a number of start-ups, facilitating complex digital / Flow transformation initiatives as the main Change coach. In this episode, Philippe talks about how you can bring Flow Agility to the frontlines of any organization through value stream alignment, flow-based operating models and a renewed focus on excellence.

As the democratically elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom, Festus is responsible for the public safety of over half a million people.   Join us as Festus shares his perspective on leadership in law enforcement. He advocates for leading from the "shop floor" to gain an authentic insight into the organization's performance. From the implementation of Gemba walks to conducting town halls, we uncover the strategies he employs to instigate change and rally the 2500-strong police and support staff in a single, strategic direction.   This episode provides a compelling glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement and the transformative power of effective leadership, and an unexpected personal touch about the people who influence us in life the most. Follow Festus on x.com

In this episode, James Davies dives into the often-overlooked area of strategy, creation. With converged markets, fragmented supply chains, and a new world of living and working.   James lays out his observations of what businesses and organizations are doing to rethink their strategic priorities. Moving away from focusing on strategy execution, instead, they are looking at the beginning by placing emphasis on strategy creation. Connect with James Davies

In this episode, Fredrik Fjellstedt, a Master Enabler at Business Through People, looks at the everyday challenges of businesses trying to implement Hoshin Kanri and Lean. Detailing out how the 4Cs of Hoshin Kanri - Clarity, Courage, Commitment, and Consensus, translate to meaningful breakthrough results in different organizations. Fredrik shines a new light on why businesses struggle to get their strategy off the ground. With just a change of mindset, Fredrik proves that Hosh doesn't have to be difficult. Learn more about Fredrik Fjellstedt and Business Through People

As the first Chief Digital Officer for the UK Department Of Health, and now a consultant and non-executive director, Rachel has lived and breathed digital transformation. Delving into her extensive experience, Rachel emphasizes the paramount importance of placing people at the core of any digital transformation endeavor, revealing the pivotal role it plays in achieving remarkable success.   Through anecdotes and real-life examples, Rachel illustrates how organizations can navigate the complexities of digital transformation by prioritizing the empowerment and engagement of their people. By fostering a culture that values inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning, she argues, organizations can unlock the full potential of their digital initiatives. Discover more about Rachel Neaman

In this episode, Pascal Dennis answers the question "Is Lean enough?". Looking at where the Toyota Production System has taken us so far, and why it falls short to tackle the complexity of the modern era.   Pascal explains that whilst TPS provides an excellent foundation for organizations, it takes more than that to set the future for innovation in the digital world.   Discover more about Pascal Dennis and Lean Pathways

The Strategy Hero podcast is a podcast that delves into the world of business strategy and transformation, featuring insights and experiences from some of the most successful leaders in the field. The podcast will explore various topics such as operational excellence, lean management, process improvement, change management, and more. Each episode will feature a different expert in the field, who will share their unique perspective and offer practical advice for listeners looking to improve their strategic approach.