What does it really mean to “be more strategic”?

And why are so many talented leaders told they need this skill - without being shown how to develop it?

In this episode I’m joined by Charlie Curson, strategy consultant, leadership coach, and author of Be More Strategic. Together, we unpack why strategy so often feels intimidating, how it’s different from planning, and how leaders can build the confidence to think and act more strategically - even in uncertainty.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why “be more strategic” is such common (and unhelpful) feedback for leaders
2. The difference between strategy and planning — and why confusing the two causes problems
3. How creativity plays a vital role in strategic thinking (even if you don’t see yourself as “creative”)
4. Practical ways to manage uncertainty — without needing all the answers
5. Why future-focused thinking doesn’t come naturally to everyone (and how to develop it)
6. Decision-making styles, procrastination, and how to make better calls with imperfect information
7. Charlie’s four-level framework for becoming more strategic — from self-awareness to scaling impact

This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like you increase your impact and build a happy and high performing team. Each episode delivers focused, actionable insights you can implement immediately, to be better at your job without working harder.

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1. 1:1 Leadership Coaching with Carla – get support to help you get your voice heard at work, lead with confidence and develop your career. Book a discovery call

About Charlie Curson

Founder of Mandarin. Strategic advisor, investor, facilitator and accredited leadership coach with 25+ years across 250+ organisations (including VISA, McDonald’s, Unilever, Experian, Volkswagen Group, L’Oréal, Barclays). Lifelong “tinkerer” obsessed with making things faster, better, smarter, who challenges assumptions and turns clarity into action. He helps leaders and teams build strategic capability and momentum.

Author of Be More Strategic: 12 Essential Practices to Build the

Life and Career You Want. Find out more, and get your copy

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