Inside the Strategy Room

Jim Fitterling, Chair and CEO of Dow Inc., discusses his pivotal role in the transformative merger with DuPont, creating three distinct businesses. He emphasizes the vital importance of innovation and customer-centricity in today’s competitive market. Fitterling touches on the challenges of fostering inclusivity and maintaining morale post-merger. He also shares insights on sustainability efforts and the need for transparency to bolster client loyalty, driving a supportive organizational culture that enhances employee engagement.

Join Julia McClatchy, a McKinsey partner and growth strategist, Blair Epstein, leader in CEO excellence, and Eric Sherman, communications guru. They discuss how CEOs can master the art of stakeholder engagement through authentic communication. Discover the EDGE framework for storytelling, the need for a cohesive narrative, and the role of collaboration in effective communication. They also share insights on navigating crises and how successful leaders adapt their strategies to foster deeper connections, driving organizational success.

Judy Marks, the Chair, President, and CEO of Otis Worldwide Corporation, discusses her journey leading one of the few Fortune 500 companies headed by a woman. She shares insights on navigating geopolitical changes and the importance of local decision-making across 200+ countries. Judy emphasizes sustainability as a corporate duty, detailing initiatives for energy efficiency and emissions reduction. She explores the evolving role of CEOs post-COVID-19, stressing strategic adaptability and the need for innovation while envisioning a legacy of growth and excellence.

Celia Huber, a Senior Partner at McKinsey specializing in board effectiveness, Frithjof Lund, leading global board services, and Nina Spielmann, an expert in simplifying governance structures, dive into the evolving role of corporate boards. They discuss how boards can transition from compliance-driven entities to proactive catalysts for strategic change. The trio also emphasizes the importance of enhancing CEO-board collaboration and adapting to complexities like cybersecurity and ESG challenges, making governance more dynamic and effective.

Niamh Corbett, Head of Americas for Board Intelligence, and Edward Norton, actor and co-founder of Zeck, delve into the transformative role of technology in board communications. They explore how cloud-based platforms and AI can revolutionize decision-making by enhancing transparency and streamlining meeting processes. The conversation highlights the challenges of traditional communication methods and advocates for modern strategies that improve efficiency. Insights on fostering productive board interactions and the balance between AI and human oversight add depth to their discussion.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI and former leader at Salesforce and Square, discusses the transformative power of AI in finance. She highlights how generative AI enhances efficiency and decision-making, revolutionizing finance functions. Sarah emphasizes the evolution of skill sets needed in the finance world and the importance of community in fostering trust. Additionally, she shares insights on empowering women entrepreneurs through authentic storytelling and discusses career advice rooted in networking and personal growth.

Join transformation experts John Parsons, a senior partner in Calgary, Dominic Skerritt, a partner in New York, and Mary Lass Stewart, a knowledge expert in Chicago, as they explore the pivotal role of communication in organizational change. They discuss how leaders can energize teams and drive commitment during challenging transformations. The trio highlights a three-part framework for employee engagement, the significance of effective work distribution, and how to empower change champions to foster lasting change.

Alex D’Amico, a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, dives into the future of strategy in a rapidly changing landscape. He explains how generative AI is revolutionizing the creation of unique insights while cautioning against the risks of generic strategies. The discussion covers the challenges of data overload and its impact on decision-making. D’Amico emphasizes the need for corporate agility and the importance of stakeholder engagement, highlighting how to navigate social dynamics to ensure successful strategy execution despite uncertainties.

Join Charles Conn, an investor and environmentalist, and Rob McLean, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, as they explore the value of 'imperfectionism' in strategic decision-making. They discuss how adopting a mindset that embraces calculated risks can drive innovation. The guests introduce the 'dragonfly eye' concept, emphasizing multiple perspectives for breakthroughs. They also highlight Amazon's incremental approach in financial services and the importance of storytelling in securing support for strategic initiatives.

Dominic Barton, board chair for Rio Tinto and former Canadian ambassador to China, joins Frithjof Lund, a McKinsey senior partner in corporate governance, and Ziad Haider, a specialist in geopolitical risk. They dive into how boards can navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. The conversation highlights the importance of proactive risk management, creating dedicated units for geopolitical insights, and the evolving roles of non-executive directors. They stress the need for structured frameworks and transparency in addressing uncertainties while aligning board and executive strategies.