Martin Reeves, Chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute, delves into the nuanced world of strategy, addressing its complexities in both personal and business spheres. In an engaging discussion, he highlights the scarcity of truly exceptional strategies and underscores the necessity of evaluating success progressively over time. Through his conversation with Dominic Monkhouse, Reeves elaborates on CEOs' critical role in executing strategies and the hurdles involved in preserving an innovative culture as organisations expand. He sheds light on why keeping strategies confidential can be beneficial, the adaptability required in strategic planning, and the risks posed by complacency and an inward focus.

This podcast highlights the vital role of imagination and creativity in spurring innovation and fostering organisational change. They dissect the challenges associated with implementing transformative ideas, emphasising the need to move beyond conventional procedures and navigate internal politics effectively. The power of storytelling and the ability to mobilise enthusiasm for new ideas are discussed as pivotal tools in driving change. The conversation touches on the importance of framing the right questions, the paradox of hierarchy and innovation, and the need for depoliticisation and depth of debate in business. Martin shares insights from his book 'The Imagination Machine' and recommends other books on innovation and strategy.

On today’s podcast: 

• Great strategies are rare and enduring success is hard to achieve.
• The role of CEOs in strategy execution is important but not the dominant factor.
• Secrecy in strategy is not as valuable as having robust and evolvable scripts.
• Complacency and internal focus can hinder innovation and change.
• Imagination is a crucial aspect of strategy and should be given more attention. Change is a strategic problem that requires understanding the forces of change and resistance and working on both sides of the equation.
• Imagination is triggered by surprise and the ability to detect anomalies and changes in the world.
• Selling ideas and driving change requires storytelling, galvanising energy, and making it clear why the change is in everyone's best interest.
• Mental models can limit creativity and innovation, and it's important to challenge existing mental models and embrace counterfactual thinking.
• Depoliticisation and depth of debate are crucial for effective strategy and innovation.
• Ambidexterity is the ability to balance the focus on running the current business with preparing for the future.
• Diversity is important for variation and selection, but it requires a focus on both ethical and evolutionary aspects.
• Curiosity drives innovation and learning, and listening is a skill that can be continuously improved.
• Simplicity and focus are more valuable than comprehensive and exhaustive lists of strategies and actions.
• The biggest myth in business is that it's mostly a financial equation when in reality, it's about serving human ends and using human means to achieve them.

Follow Martin:

Website

LinkedIn

Your strategy needs a strategy

Recommended reading:

Co-Intelligence: Living and working with AI

Obliquity: Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly

The Intelligence of Intuition

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Are you ready to demystify the complex world of artificial intelligence in the workplace? Are you unsure about how AI can transform your business strategy and operational efficiency? If you're grappling with these modern challenges, then this week’s episode of Mind Your F**king Business should be the top one in your playlist.

This week we dive into the world of AI with the brilliant Asha Saxena, CEO and founder of Women Leaders in Data and AI (WILDA), and an admired technology veteran with 30 years of experience. As an innovator, author, and esteemed professor at Columbia University, Asha brings a wealth of knowledge in big data, analytics, and the transformative power of AI. She articulates the necessity of a role we'll soon come to know as the Chief AI Officer – a role tasked with marrying technology with business and strategic data implementation.

Asha goes beyong beyond the mere technicalities and explores the human side of tech. Her book, "The AI Factor," penned during the pandemic, aims to simplify AI concepts for business leaders and tackles the crucial issue of biases in AI models, which have far-reaching impacts on society. With Women Leaders in Data and AI, she promotes diversity in technology spheres and emphasises inclusive AI development.

Whether you're the head of a company contemplating using AI in your operations or a professional eager to upscale your skill set for a future integrated with AI, this episode will give you the insights you need for your journey.

On today’s podcast: 

• The role of tech leaders addressing gender bias
• AI in business strategy
• A peek into the future of Artificial Intelligence

Follow Asha:

Website

LinkedIn

The AI Factor

Recommended reading:

Good To Great

Great By Choice

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Sales and marketing strategies can make or break your business. That's why we invited no other than TEDx speaker, advisor and business author, Simon Severino for a new episode of Mind Your F**king Business.

In this episode, Simon unpacks the intricacies of coaching across multiple domains, from the sales floor to the spiritual journey, all aimed at accelerating both personal and professional growth. We'll explore the significance of clear communication within a team and why having a structured sales approach can mean the difference between closing a deal and watching it slip through your fingers.

Dominic and Simon also talk about creating "flywheels" to drive business, the power of role-play in sales meetings to boost confidence, and why training is as essential in business as it is in sports.

Simon also offers a treasure trove of advice for solo entrepreneurs—from establishing structured processes to reducing reliance on the founder within 90 days. He'll explain why some tech founders flounder with sales and how his strategies can turn the ship around and create a culture brimming with opportunities.

Whether you're a solopreneur, a tech founder struggling with sales, or simply someone passionate about mastering the art of business, this episode is tailored for you.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• How can solopreneurs focus on their Genius
• The Importance of role plays in sales
• 90 days cycles to accelerate a big business

Follow Simon:

Website

LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

The Power Of Moments

The Sales Acceleration Formula

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get Mind Your F**king Business

Today we have a very special episode for you. It’s the first of our newly branded Mind Your F**king Business podcast. 

If you are a leader struggling to steer your company through the complexities of transformation in the digital age, our guest this week will bring you the answers. John Rossman, former Amazon executive, and best-selling author, joined Dominic Monkhouse for a truly enlightening conversation.

Not just content with shaping Amazon's strategies, John co-authored Big Bet Leadership, a crucial playbook for leaders navigating the uncharted waters of major transformations.

In a riveting conversation, John dismantles the intricacies of innovative leadership, discussing everything from the dangers of "zombie projects" to finding your company's "fish hook in the eye." With insights drawn from his extensive background and expertise, John maps out the terrain of high-stakes decision-making with the precision and acumen that only a seasoned expert can offer.

Whether you're at the helm of an enterprise or simply intrigued by the mechanics of successful strategic changes, this episode will equip you with the insights to set your compass towards triumph in a hyper-digital landscape.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• The key elements and complexities of a Big Bet
• Finding your company’s ‘Killer Feature’
• Dealing with Innovation ‘zombie projects’
• Looking to the future of business

Follow John:

LinkedIn

Big Bet Leadership

The Amazon Way

Recommended reading:

Elon Musk

How big things get done

Switch. How to change things when change is hard

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Mentioned in this episode:

Get The Book Mind Your F**king Business

Mind Your F**king Business Book

Are you ready to explore the intersection of passion, leadership, and the groundbreaking world of AI in the tech industry? If you're intrigued by how AI is revolutionising the marketplace and the ways in which businesses can stay ahead of the curve, then this episode of The Melting Pot with Dominic Monkhouse is a must for you today.

This week we had the pleasure of learning from Scott Chasin, Chief Technology Officer at Pax8, a leading cloud marketplace for managed service providers. Scott's extensive background in technology and cybersecurity, coupled with his transformative insights on artificial intelligence, positions him as a vanguard in the cloud commerce sector. His keen understanding of how passion drives quality within the workplace, and how it's cultivated through thoughtful leadership and a nurturing culture, makes Scott a true maven in engineering dynamic business environments.

In this episode, Scott shares why he believes AI is not just evolutionary but revolutionary, and those who are not embracing it might soon find themselves out of business. He also shares the exciting journey of Pax8’s record months in operations—bucking the narrative of a global recession—and how their business model is innovatively leveraging AI to redefine the way software and hardware services are provided to small and medium-sized businesses. 

Scott delves into the Pax8 partner ecosystem, consisting of over 30,000 MSPs, and their strategy in utilising AI to fine-tune customer lifecycle solutions, thereby sculpting a three-sided marketplace ripe with opportunities.

Moreover, Scott reflects on the resilience and adaptability required to thrive as a unicorn company, underscoring the importance of sustainable growth and conscientious execution. He also weighs in on the potential of remote work and the hybrid models that may shape the future of the workforce. 

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• Embracing The AI Revolution
• Pax8: Passion And Innovation
• How Can Leaders Develop People’s Passion
• How To Hire And Retain Great People

Follow Scott:

LinkedIn

Pax8

Recommended reading:

This Is How They Tell Me The World Ends

In Plain Sight

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This week we're diving deep into customer experience, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence with a returning guest, Joseph Michelli. He is an organisational consultant extraordinaire and the author behind Customer Magic – The Macquarie Way, his new book out on Kindle today in the UK. 

Joseph shares his insights on the non-negotiable personality traits for success in technology careers, the inherent service gene, the grit to work hard, and the strategic vision to see beyond immediate gratification. He will unpack the fascinating story of Macquarie Technology Group and their bold move from outsourcing to onshoring, hiring savvy university students part-time, and creating a formidable talent pool.

Macquarie’s contrarian approach has positioned them exceptionally well in the tech world. Joseph will their clever transition from legacy systems to dominating the cloud business, their diverse revenue streams, and their winning philosophy which intertwines top-tier customer service with solid profitability.

A deeply insightful episode with Joseph. He never disappoints. 

Download and listen today to enjoy the full conversation!

On today’s podcast: 

• The Macquarie Way
• What it takes to be a great place to work
• A high-performing hiring process
• Mcquarie’s contrarian approach

Follow Joseph:

Website

LinkedIn

X 

Customer Magic – The Macquarie Way

Recommended reading:

Think Like A Horse

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This week on The Melting Pot, we dive into the depths of business value, purpose, and profitability with none other than the inquisitive and insightful Bo Burlingham. As a journalist and the author of excellent books including Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top, and Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big,  Bo is no stranger to the keys to long-lasting business success.

In this episode, Bo imparts wisdom gleaned from 40 years in business, shedding light on dynamic business models and discussing the principles vital for business resilience. He talks about protecting gross margins, the perils of debt, and the agility needed to adapt to industry changes.

Bo also introduces us to the world of "evergreen companies" – organisations rejecting the short-termism of outside funding in favour of purpose-driven, employee-focused, and steady internal growth.

This episode is a treasure trove of business acumen, discussing the qualities that make a company not just big, but genuinely great—impacting communities, forming personal connections with customers, and employing unique organisational strategies.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• Evergreen companies and what they have in common
• What makes a great business
• Small Giants: what makes them successful and how can they fail
• The Great Game Of Business: key takeaways

Follow Bo: 

Website

LinkedIn

Small Giants

Finish Big

Recommended reading:

No Man’s Land

The Great Game of Business 

Great by Choice 

Managing Corporate Lifecycles

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This week we're set for a riveting discussion with Andrew McAfee, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT and the ingenious author of The Geek Way. In this episode, Andrew and Dominic explore the realm of “geek companies" — organisations that defy the conventional corporate playbook through their technology-driven services and groundbreaking strategies.

Andrew shared his unique perspective on why companies like Uber and Airbnb – while not traditional tech firms – epitomise the behaviours and characteristics of this new breed of business. He will explore the essential norms that set these companies apart—science, speed, ownership, and openness—and how these principles fuel high performance and break the shackles of hierarchy and deference that often hold back conventional organisations.

During this insightful conversation, Dominic and Andrew dived into the birth of the agile movement, the fallacy of the "Liars’ Club," and the critical importance of autonomy and empowerment in nurturing a successful, forward-thinking workforce. 

Don’t miss this genuinely insightful episode where we blend the ingredients of business performance, corporate culture, and high-performing teams into a concoction that's bound to challenge your perceptions.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast: 

• What is the Geek Way
• The Core Norms of Geek Companies
• So-Called Tech Firms: Are They Really? 
• Lessons From Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk
• The Importance of Transparency and Speed in Project Management

Follow Andrew:

Website

LinkedIn

Twitter

The Geek Way

Recommended reading:

The Knowledge Machine

Elon Musk

How Big Things Get Done

Right Kind of Wrong

The Secret of Our Success

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Are you harnessing the untapped genius within your organisation and leading with the conviction needed to navigate through chaos? If you're questioning your leadership methods or your ability to break down complex concepts, we have an absolutely fascinating episode for you. 

This week we delve into the mind of Simon Bowen, a mastermind in distilling intuitive brilliance into structured know-how. Simon is celebrated for applying geometric principles to streamline and demystify dense ideas, transforming the way leaders communicate. Beyond his expertise, Simon also shares his experiences winning an extraordinary array of prizes by finding and analysing patterns, showcasing the practicality of his analytical strategies.

During their conversation, Simon shared his critical views on leadership, especially during pivotal organisational growth spurts. Dominic and Simon also discussed pushing through discomfort to maintain a connection with teams, irrespective of size. Simon also uncovers the compelling art of visual storytelling, presenting a methodology that flips resistance to engagement.

For anyone involved in business, sales, marketing, or simply intrigued by the mastery of influential communication, this episode promises to equip you with strategies for leadership and clarity.

A quick note: to fully enjoy this episode we recommend you to watch it on YouTube. 

It’s a truly remarkable episode worth watching to experience and understand Simon’s insights. 

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast:  

• The power of drawings to understand the world
• Thinking in models and patterns
• Unpacking the Genius: from intuitive to organised
• The different dimensions of value

Follow Simon:

Website

LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

Go-Givers Series

Napoleon Hill

Outwitting the Devil

Someone has to be the most expensive. Why not make it you?

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Are you leveraging the full potential of your sales team? Do you have a clear strategy for hiring and nurturing top sales talent? And, are you curious about how to infuse your sales approach with vigour and vision? If you’re grappling with these considerations, then today's episode of The Melting Pot is an essential listen for you.

This week, we learned from Jamie Hamer, CEO and co-founder of Bolt Cover, a trailblazing insurance tech startup revolutionising the way insurers connect with retailers and manufacturers. Jamie isn’t just a seasoned CEO – he’s a master salesman with a passion for building high-performance sales cultures and an eye for what it takes to succeed in transactional sales environments.

In this episode, Jamie uncovers the art of defining values, setting expectations, and the power of hiring through referrals. He delves into the intricate relationship between sales team dynamics and business growth stages, advocating for data-driven decision-making as outlined in his sales-focused book, The Exceptional Sales Career. 

Jamie’s book is not just a collection of anecdotes; it’s a testament to the strength of networking, evidenced by his lucrative investment in a US solar company. He also offers practical advice from evaluating business ideas to the nuances of introverted versus extroverted selling. Furthermore, our discussion pivots to the balance between office and remote working settings, the integration of insurance products into retail, and the tailored approach needed for sales team management.

For business leaders and entrepreneurs, the insights Jamie offers on the importance of patiently refining business ideas, coupled with the practical coaching tips he shares from his tenure at Southwestern Consulting, stand out as essential guidance for those striving for excellence.

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast:

• Connecting insurers to independent retailers and manufacturers
• The keys to hiring great salespeople
• How to build high-performance sales teams
• The importance of self-talk

Follow Jamie Hamer:

 Website

LinkedIn

The Exceptional Sales Career

Recommended reading:

The Challenger Sale

The Jolt Effect

From Impossible To Inevitable

The Go-Giver series

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Are you tapping into the mind of Generation Z effectively? Have you considered the nuances of their consumer behaviour and their impact on your brand strategy? If you find yourself second-guessing or simply curious, this week’s episode of The Melting Pot is a must-listen for you.

This week, we learned from Jay Richards, the innovative entrepreneur behind the game-changing platform, Imagen Insights. Having been sought out by the NFL’s head of retail to craft a marketing campaign rich with Gen Z insights, Jay recognised a persistent challenge for brands: how to rapidly and effectively engage with this dynamic demographic. Out of this, Imagen Insights was born – connecting companies like Amazon, Google, Nike, and others with Gen Z to shape their product design, marketing strategies, and macro-level brand questions.

During their conversation, we’ll learn more about Jay’s innovative '’Imagen Index', its applicability beyond the limits of social listening, and the nuanced dynamics it reveals within Gen Z's political and social engagement, particularly in the context of the ongoing U.S. election cycle. They further discuss the pandemic’s lasting impacts on youth development, the rise of zero-party data, and the integration of AI within research methodologies.

For business leaders, marketers, and strategists seeking a rigorous, informed approach to engaging with Gen Z, Jay offers not only his perspective but also practical tools that eschew performativity for authenticity. 

Download and listen today!

On today’s podcast:

• Understanding Gen Z
• The Imagen Index 
• The role of social listening and social media
• Gen Z’s core values and political views
• Using AI in qualitative research

Follow Jay Richards: 

Website

LinkedIn

Recommended reading:

The Psychology of Money

Hooked

Elon Musk

Steve Jobs

Viola Davis: Finding Me

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