Amid the excitement of getting back to a semblance of business as usual, you’re probably asking yourself a lot of questions—as in, what is the new normal and where do I go from here?  This podcast is the next episode in a new series for CFOs, controllers—really, anyone in finance—asking big questions, like: how do we emerge from a crisis stronger than before? Each week, we’ll focus on a different area that may need your focus in this period of recovery. This week, host Heather Horn sits down with Paul Leinwand, PwC Strategy& Principal, to discuss how companies can emerge stronger through a focus on their unique capabilities, preparing for disruption, and connecting employees to the company’s purpose.

Topics include:

0:52 - Overview. We’re in a different environment, so how can companies shape their own future? We begin by framing how to think about strategy during moments of change. 

2:54 - Agility and differentiation. Waiting to see what happens is no longer a viable option. The bar has been raised on getting to market, launching new projects, and learning. Here we discuss the importance of making strategic decisions that are both meaningful—and have realistic timelines.

10:13 - Identify strengths. How can companies identify what’s behind their successes and use those strengths in other areas? Paul explains.  

17:22 - Tactical investments. Paul and Heather talk about how to evaluate the bets companies make from a strategic perspective.

23:36 - Future outlook. We close with the ways companies can embrace the new environment and take charge of their own future.

Paul Leinwand is a thought leader on strategy, growth, and capability building for Strategy&, PwC's strategy consulting group. He is a co-author of three books, Strategy That Works: How Winning Companies Close the Strategy-to-Execution Gap, The Essential Advantage: How to Win with a Capabilities-Driven Strategy, and Cut - - Costs and Grow Stronger, as well as several articles in the Harvard Business Review and strategy+business. He currently teaches at Kellogg as an Adjunct Professor of Strategy.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 25 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].