The Chief Strategy Officer Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Beckman, Chief Strategy Officer of Ulteig. Ulteig specialized in infrastructure solutions across power, renewables, transportation, and water. Sarah is an experienced structural engineer, shedesigning energy systems spanning the continental U.S., and also spent time in sales before moving into her current role leading corporate strategy. Her deep technical roots give her a unique perspective on solving complex problems and leading transformation in a traditionally slow-moving, high-stakes industry. Today, she’s focused on preparing Ulteig—and the entire sector—for an era defined by AI, electrification, and the race to build faster than ever before.  Sarah brings a powerful systems-thinking lens to transformation in one of the most critical—and traditionally slow-moving—sectors: energy infrastructure. Things we’ll cover in this conversation: How to drive innovation inside mission-critical industries where the cost of failure is high Why aligning strategy to purpose and stakeholder value is key to building urgency without panic How Sarah applied engineering skills to transform a sales strategy and sunset a commoditized offering What CSOs can do to prepare for industry-wide disruption—from AI demands to a nuclear energy renaissance The leadership behaviors and organizational systems that actually make strategy stick Whether you're preparing to pivot, wrestling with internal resistance, or rethinking how to build a transformation-ready culture—this episode is packed with practical wisdom from the front lines.Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks

Eric Woodard, Head of Strategy at Primerica and former Bain consultant, dives into the world of agile budgeting. He argues that the traditional 12-month budgeting model is outdated in today’s fast-paced business landscape. Eric explains why companies must rethink their budgeting cycles and the importance of dynamic, strategy-driven funding. He highlights the critical difference between funds for running the business versus changing it and stresses that people, not systems, are the biggest barriers to adopting new budgeting practices.

If you’re a strategy leader stepping into M&A or refining your inorganic growth strategy, there’s one relationship that can either propel you forward or hold you back: your relationship with investment bankers. In this episode, we dive deep into the often opaque world of investment banking with two strategy executives who’ve worked across both sides of the deal table.    Together, our guests bring more than 40 years of combined experience across investment banking, M&A strategy, and corporate development—having led acquisitions and divestitures in both public and private companies, across industries and borders.  Michael Arlotto is the Global Head of Corporate Development and Ventures at Kenvue, an American consumer health company and the proprietor of many brands you’ve heard of, like Band-Aid, Benadryl, Neutrogena and Tylenol.  Chris Nuttall is the Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Bazaarvoice, an American tech company that helps brands collect and leverage UGC, which stands for user-generated content. Together, the three of us explore:- How to assess and build the right relationship with an investment banker  - What “transformative M&A” really means—and how to pull it off  - The soft skills and cultural fit that matter just as much as deal terms  - How to avoid M&A regret by starting with strategy and ending with integration  - Why successful M&A is less about buying a company—and more about buying into a multiyear business plan    Whether you’re planning your first acquisition or fine-tuning your approach to external growth, this episode will help you build stronger partnerships, avoid costly missteps, and execute deals that deliver long-term value.Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinkernetwork.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networksLearn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks

Claudio Ludovisi, strategy and marketing academic and former Disney ABC strategy lead. David Zapata, corporate strategy leader in Latin American banking who built Bancolombia’s purpose. They explore making purpose a real strategic lever. Conversations cover how purpose should drive decisions, create competitive advantage, personalize via AI, and be measured with simple KPIs.

Kevin Ilcisin, SVP of Strategy and Corporate Development at NI, and Alok Agrawal, Chief Strategy Officer at Celestica, bring rich M&A insights to the table. They discuss the critical difference between strategy and M&A, emphasizing that M&A is merely a tool. The duo shares tips on identifying the right acquisition targets and managing due diligence, highlighting cultural fit's importance. They also delve into post-merger integration challenges, stressing the need for a dedicated team to realize synergies and successful integration.

In this episode, we’re diving into an increasingly hot topic for chief strategy officers: joining external advisory boards. We feature three accomplished chief strategy officers who serve on numerous public and private boards : Desiree Castillejos, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of M&A for Scutum Group North America; Prasad Padman, Chief Strategy Officer of Moog; and Sukanya Soderland, former CSO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Together, they share their experiences and provide actionable advice for CSOs looking to expand their influence and impact through board service. In this episode we talk about: How to craft a compelling board bio that highlights your unique value The importance of networking in securing board opportunities and practical tips and tactics for “board-specific-networking" The unique attributes and differentiators CSOs can highlight to strengthen their board resume and increase their chances of selection Important considerations, risks, and factors you don't want to overlook when evaluating board service Entry points for strategy officers who are looking to land their first external board position Whether you’re considering your first board position or looking to refine your strategy for securing your next board opportunity, this episode is packed with insights to guide your journey.Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks

Joanne Sheppard, a strategic advisor specializing in AI within the science sector, joins Ed Knapp, CTO at American Tower, and Prashant Kelker from ISG to explore the intricacies of AI investments. They discuss how to strategically integrate AI into corporate frameworks while managing risks. Key topics include building robust data infrastructures, empowering employees through technology education, and emphasizing ethical considerations in AI usage. Their insights offer a roadmap for Chief Strategy Officers navigating the revolutionary landscape of artificial intelligence.

In this episode, we're joined by Eric Goldstein, Chief Strategy Officer at TIAA, to explore the challenges and opportunities of setting up and operating a strategy office. With over six years at TIAA and an impressive background in investment banking at JP Morgan and management consulting at McKinsey, Eric brings a wealth of experience to the table. We dive into Eric’s journey of centralizing the strategy office at TIAA, the importance of aligning strategy with business goals, and how he navigates the complexities of managing a large, mission-driven financial services organization. We'll also discuss the role of the strategy office in fostering cross-functional collaboration, setting organizational KPIs, and striking the right balance between strategy development and execution. Key questions and topics we tackle include: A breakdown of the TIAA strategy office responsibilities How to decide whether to centralize or decentralize the strategy office Keys to building a high-performing strategy team A CSOs role in setting KPIs, metrics, and measurements in the organization How to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders Eric’s top 3 recommendations for new strategy officers to drive success Join us for an in-depth conversation with Eric Goldstein as we uncover the secrets behind building and operating a successful strategy office.  Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks

In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the intricate process of designing and operating a successful strategy office. This is a critical discussion for any newly appointed CSO or those looking to fine tune their existing strategy office. Our guests today are two seasoned Chief Strategy Officers who have navigated the complexities of building strategy offices in different industries. We’re joined by Roopa Unnikrishnan, the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at IDEX Corporation, and Eric Chesin, the Chief Strategy Officer at Anywhere Real Estate who have both made significant strides in shaping the strategic direction of their organizations.In this episode, we explore how these leaders set up their strategy offices from the ground up, how they adapted to the evolving needs of their industries, and the challenges they faced along the way. We’ll discuss the importance of aligning with the CEO and board, building the right team, and maintaining agility in a constantly changing business environment. We’ll cover: How do you determine the focus areas for a strategy office? Tips for managing stakeholders and building relationships and influence Four filters for managing the capacity of the strategy office and CSOs deciding what problem to work on and which to say “no” to  The three things every CSO should do when they get promoted to the role or start at a new company Join us as we uncover the strategies and insights that have helped these leaders successfully navigate the complexities of their roles and drive meaningful change within their organizations. Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks

In this episode, we are joined by three chief strategy officers who are also responsible for sustainability in their organizations. Alpa Sutaria of WestRock, Paula Kovarsky of Raizen, and Maisie Ganzler of Bon Apetit Management Company.In this episode, we explore why companies might choose to make sustainability a core responsibility of their strategy officers. We'll discuss the benefits of integrating sustainability into the strategic framework and examine the challenges that come with this responsibility. Our expert guests share insights on overcoming these hurdles, offering practical advice and innovative solutions. Some of the key questions we address include: When and why should sustainability be a strategic priority for companies? What are the main challenges faced by strategy officers when incorporating sustainability into their plans? How can companies effectively balance short-term financial goals with long-term sustainability objectives? Where should a Chief Strategy Officer start if their organization is considering making sustainability a part of their role? Join us as we uncover the strategies and mindsets of organizations where sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a vital component of success. Learn more about Outthinker's community of chief strategy officers - https://outthinker.com/Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/outthinker-networks