The Strategy Gap

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause are joined by Tino Mantella, a seasoned executive with vast experience across industries including nonprofits, technology, and government. Tino shares his insights on the critical elements of strategic planning, the power of conscious capitalism, and the importance of aligning organizational culture with leadership goals.

From balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches to developing performance standards that drive real results, Tino’s approach to strategy is both refreshing and practical.Tune in to discover how Tino has navigated complex organizational challenges and how his unique perspectives can help leaders bridge the gap between strategy creation and execution.


Why You’ll Want to Tune In:

• Learn how to effectively balance top-down and bottom-up input in strategic planning.
• Discover the principles of “conscious capitalism” and how it can boost engagement and purpose.
• Get tips on developing performance standards that guide, rather than punish, teams.
• Hear practical advice on building alliances within your organization to make strategic decisions stick.
• Explore ways to foster a culture that aligns with and supports strategic goals.

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause interview Abhay Jain, VP of Strategy and Business Development at A+E Networks. They explore strategy creation, innovation, and execution in various organizations, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems to attract the right talent for startups.

Abhay shares insights on commercial real estate, focusing on lifestyle and startup incubation, and highlights the need for customer-centric strategies. The conversation covers planning horizons, fostering innovation while avoiding the "hippo effect," and the cultural differences between startups and large corporations. Abhay also offers advice on career flexibility and adapting to new opportunities. Tune in for practical insights on strategic planning and innovation!
Why you'll want to tune in:

• Discover unique strategies from top experts who share tips for overcoming common business challenges and fostering innovation.
• Learn from case studies and stories across industries that highlight successful strategic planning and innovation.
• Find practical tips and tactics you can apply in your organization to drive growth and enhance adaptability in today's changing markets.

In Episode 31 of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause speak with with Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Banks. Eric brings over two decades of experience leading financial services organizations through transformational change and has extensive expertise in fintech, digital banking, strategy development, and leadership.

Together, they look at how Eric's extensive experience offers innovative insights for driving customer value. They over how diverse perspectives can drive strategic success and why a human-centered approach is crucial for effective technology implementation. Whether you're a business leader seeking sustainable growth strategies or simply passionate about future trends, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire and motivate you.

Why Tune In?

• Learn how strategic foresight can go beyond analytics to prepare your organization for future challenges.
• Discover real-life examples of technology that genuinely adds value and enhances customer experiences.
• Be inspired by stories and scenarios that highlight the importance of collaboration and adaptive strategies for growth.

In this episode:

00:00 Bridging Strategy Creation and Execution for Leaders

04:43 Apple's Financial Services and Strategic Efficiency

06:47 Energy Company's Foresight: Anticipating Tesla's Disruptive Potential

11:47 Incorporating Pandemic Preparedness in Strategic Planning

14:07 Disruption in Traditional Real Estate: Changing Business Models

19:35 Harnessing Foresight for Strategic and Innovative Success

23:16 Holistic Impact of Technology on Human Life

27:27 European Grocery Chains Introduce Community-Focused Slow Checkout Lanes

28:30 Trader Joe's: A Community-Focused and Enjoyable Shopping Experience

31:47 Anticipating Future Podcasts: Appreciating Valuable Insights

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause sit down with Isha Dhar, a talented leader currently heading Global Sales Strategy and Operations for Netflix's new ads platform. With over 15 years of experience in sales operations, business development, and analytics at big names like Meta Platforms and Dell Technologies, Isha offers a treasure trove of insights. She’s got an MBA from UNC and an engineering degree from India, and she’s now based in Austin, Texas.

The conversation kicks off with Isha sharing why sales operations is so vital. She highlights its close connection to business metrics and customer needs. Isha’s passion for her field shines through—she got into sales operations almost by chance, and those experiences have been incredibly rewarding. She underscores the importance of data-driven insights for making strategic decisions and aligning sales strategies with the broader business goals.

Another big topic of discussion is how to handle failure with a “fail fast” mindset. Isha emphasizes learning from mistakes to continually improve processes. She also talks about the importance of cross-functional collaboration, urging listeners to break down silos within organizations so strategies can be executed effectively across departments. Drawing from her diverse experiences, she notes how approaches can vary depending on corporate culture and the growth stage of an organization.

Before wrapping up, Isha shares some great leadership tips: trust your instincts, build solid relationships, and prioritize data-driven decisions. These principles have been key to her success and are sure to resonate with anyone looking to grow in their career.

In this episode:

00:00 Passionate About Understanding and Influencing Business Success

05:45 Variations in Sales Operations: Revenue, Planning, Execution Strategies

07:02 Key to Success: Right Jobs, Data-Driven Insights

11:39 Turning Failure into a Learning Opportunity in Leadership

16:20 Evaluating Data to Set Precedents for Business Interests

19:21 The Importance of Building Relationships and Effective Communication

22:31 Embracing Good Intentions in Every Conversation

24:29 Impact of Organizational Structure on Decision-Making and Collaboration

27:58 Trusting the Process: Embracing Growth and Learning

Jonathan and Joe sit down with Cheryl Farr, founder of Signal Brand Innovation, for a powerful deep dive into what makes or breaks a brand. Drawing from her work with giants like Nike and Coca-Cola, Cheryl reveals why true brand leadership goes far beyond logos and slogans—it’s about staying authentic to your core values.
 
From Minnetonka Moccasins’ rebranding success to Allbirds’ missteps, and a conversation about Southwest Airlines, this episode uncovers the real challenges and triumphs in brand strategy. Cheryl’s bold insights on brand filters and leadership-driven authenticity will have you rethinking how strategy and branding intertwine. If you care about brand loyalty and leadership, you won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode:

• 00:00 - Apple's Brand Strategy: Consistent Perception Management
• 6:05 - How Consistent Brand Connection Cultivates Customer Loyalty
• 10:16 - Balancing Brand Loyalty with Leadership Decisions in Organizations
• 12:38 - Employee Engagement: Key to External Brand Success
• 15:04 - Starbucks CEO's Daily Commute by Private Jet
• 18:13 - The Crucial Role of CEO Integrity in Brand Longevity and Reinvention
• 23:27 - Finding Your Brand's True, Meaningful, and Different Filters
• 24:45 - Company Reassesses Identity to Innovate Future Strategy
• 29:02 - Using Brand as a Vision Tool for Future Commitment
• 32:24 - Advice for Your Younger Strategy Practitioner Self

In this episode of "The Strategy Gap", hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause engage in a robust conversation with Marc Mertz, the Chief Strategy Officer at Kaweah Health. Marc, who has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, delves into the significant role of a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). He explains that a CSO is pivotal in leading the development of the strategic plan, engaging various teams in the process, and overseeing the plan’s execution throughout the year. Marc highlights that his position allows him to focus on conceptual strategic thinking, such as developing new services and market positioning, as opposed to being absorbed by day-to-day operational responsibilities.

The discussion further explores the challenge of balancing immediate operational pressures with strategic foresight, especially in a high-stakes environment like healthcare. Marc shares his insights on encouraging executives and staff to allocate mental space for strategic thinking by conducting visioning sessions. He also talks about the importance of transforming complex strategic plans into simplified formats, such as a single-page document that includes the organization’s mission, vision, pillars, and measurable outcomes. This approach not only enhances understanding and visibility but also ensures the strategic plan remains a functional tool rather than a neglected document.

Moreover, the episode emphasizes the vital components of execution and accountability in strategic planning. Marc discusses the use of tools like AchieveIt to track progress, ensure timely updates, and maintain visibility across the organization. He also underscores the significance of regular updates and presentations to leadership teams and the board, which fosters continuous engagement and accountability. The conversation touches on the necessity of annual reviews to adjust plans as needed while celebrating milestones and successes to keep the momentum going. By engaging all levels of the organization and maintaining a structured review process, Marc firmly believes that strategic plans can transition from static documents to dynamic guides that drive meaningful progress.

In this episode:

• 0:00 The Role of the Chief Strategy Officer in Healthcare
• 4:19 Strategic Thinking for Executives During Crisis
• 8:34 Community-Informed Strategic Planning for Organizational Success
• 10:17 Including Stakeholders in Plan Execution: Focusing on Benefits
• 15:44 Scorekeeping and Visibility in Strategic Planning
• 17:41 Managing Control and Pressure in Professional Settings
• 20:43 The Power of Consistency in Achieving Change
• 25:41 The Importance of Adhering to One-Year Plans
• 27:35 Navigating the First Year: Patience and Focus

Curious about how universities are navigating the fast-changing landscape of higher education?

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause welcome Shawn Daley, the Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at George Fox University, for a deep dive into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of academia.

Discover how higher ed institutions are borrowing strategies from for-profit sectors to stay competitive, hear firsthand how Shawn is revolutionizing student and parent experiences with ideas borrowed from the hospitality and tech industries, and gain insight into the financial hurdles facing smaller schools. If you're looking to understand the next wave of change in higher education, this episode is a must-listen.

Here's what you'll learn in the episode:

• 00:00 - George Fox: Overcoming FAFSA Challenges and Growing
• 3:07 - Challenges of University Governance in a Changing Market
• 7:46 - Exploring the Influence of Hospitality in Real Estate and Urban Planning
• 13:10 - Monthly Staff Meetings and Initiative Reviews 
• 17:04 - Facilitating Faculty Collaboration Through Market Research Team Involvement
• 20:00 - The Chaotic Life of an Administrator
• 23:55 - The Future of Technical and Leadership Training
• 26:06 - Challenges of Higher Education Partnerships
• 29:40 - Enhancing Academic Career Success through Broader Sector Understanding

In today’s episode, Joe and Jonathan speak with Strategy & Revenue Operations Leader Lester Ang about the crucial balance between big-picture strategy and detailed work in strategy and revenue operations. A seasoned strategy and revenue operations advisor with a robust background in global teams and growth transformation, Lester brings no shortage of insights when it comes to effective leadership transitions and the role of listening, understanding, and adaptability to gain trust and credibility within any organization.

Join us as we discuss:

• How understanding people’s backgrounds helps when transitioning from an analyst role to a manager role
• Striking a balance between considering a variety of opinions with asserting one’s expertise and experience
• What challenges arise when it comes to incentivizing individuals in cost centers 
• When to zoom in on the details vs. when to zoom out for a broader view

When it comes to navigating turbulence and developing strategy in the face of challenges, few industries are more weathered than education. With how quickly education standards and practices are evolving—and how many stakeholders are involved—it’s hard to think of many areas that have more lessons to offer to all manner of strategists.

This week, Larkin Briley, Assistant Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Belmont University, speaks with Joe and Jonathan about how higher education is navigating turbulent times, including the looming "enrollment cliff" and the decreasing perceived value of degrees. Larkin shares his insights on strategic planning and adaptation, highlighting the use of the OKR framework to align goals and emphasize impactful outcomes.
Join us as we discuss:

• Effective methodologies for setting priorities and measurable outcomes
• Balancing qualitative and quantitative measurements in strategic planning
• The importance of embracing fast iteration and learning from failure

For humans, the fear of change is so real and pervasive that there’s a word for it: metathesiophobia. Even if you didn’t know about this clinical term until now, you’re probably aware that organizations and teams of all types suffer from a fear of change—especially because there’s no shortage of examples of change being implemented ineffectively due to poor strategy or leadership.

In today’s episode, Joe and Jonathan are joined by Lindsey Joerger, Senior Director of Strategy Implementation at USP, who shares her insights on leading without authority and driving effective change management in the realm of strategy. 

Join us as we discuss:

• How to manage change while preserving core organizational values and practices
• The stages of change implementation: storming, forming, and norming
• Crucial elements for building trust within an organization to effectively implement change 
• The need to crystallize a shared vision and goal among team members