What drives a project to transform an organization? In this episode, Ray Collis, co-founder of Growth Pit Stop, shares his “super projects” formula—blending ambition, confidence, alignment, complexity, and collaboration. You’ll learn how successful leaders manage bold initiatives by embracing uncertainty and fostering seamless team alignment. Ray’s “pit stop” strategy—pausing to regroup and refocus—offers a practical way to navigate challenges and keep momentum.

From Big Pharma’s hidden innovators to boardroom successes, Ray’s insights reveal how to turn complexity into opportunity, celebrate small wins, and ask, “What does my team need to thrive?” empowering you to lead with clarity and unlock your team’s full potential. Listeners can get an advance copy of Ray's book, Super Projects, by clicking this link.

In this episode, Jim Longshore, Vice President at SBTI and author of The ABCs of Strategy Execution, shares insights from over 25 years of driving Lean Six Sigma deployments across manufacturing, healthcare, and insurance.

Jim reflects on his early career experiences at American Standard and Trane, where the integration of Lean and Six Sigma first clicked, and how understanding measurement systems and capability analyses transformed his approach to strategic problem-solving. He outlines the key components of a successful deployment, from having a single project hopper and champion, to building infrastructure that aligns improvement work directly to business strategy.

Drawing from real-world stories, like why recordable injury rates were misleading or how misjudged patient placement disrupted hospital staffing, Jim makes a compelling case for curiosity, clear metrics, and data-driven decision-making. He also weighs in on the future of Lean Six Sigma, the role of AI, and why leaders must resist rewarding heroics over consistency.

For anyone involved in operational excellence or strategy execution, Jim’s advice is simple but powerful: stop fighting fires, start preventing them.

Connect with Jim

In this episode, we delve into the extensive career of Paul Niven, a renowned expert in strategy execution with a focus on the balanced scorecard and OKR (Objectives and Key Results) frameworks. Paul shares his journey from public accounting to pioneering the balanced scorecard in the early 1990s, leading to significant improvements in organizational performance. He has since authored several influential books and collaborated with over 500 organizations worldwide.

Paul discusses the evolution of the balanced scorecard, particularly its application in Fortune 500 companies, and explores the transition to OKRs, which provide greater flexibility and autonomy for employees at all levels. He advocates for a hybrid approach that integrates both models, emphasizing the importance of setting specific, challenging goals and the need for internal champions to drive successful OKR adoption.

The conversation also touches on the future of OKRs and their potential integration with broader management systems, as well as the importance of continuous learning for professionals in strategy execution.

Connect with Paul Niven on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we explore the career of Jack Soos, whose diverse background spans sociology, biochemistry, and leadership. Jack has developed a keen understanding of the importance of empathy and active listening, which he applies to his leadership practices. He shares insights on fostering trust, promoting employee growth, and the necessity of ongoing learning.

Jack has tackled the challenges of cross-functional collaboration, advocating for leadership that builds partnerships rather than imposing directives. He emphasizes the critical role of psychological safety in the workplace and the need to balance performance with employee well-being. Connect with Jack on LinkedIn

In this episode, we delve into the career journey of Garvan Callan, an expert in strategy, transformation, and leadership. With a rich background that includes roles at Danske Bank and the Bank of Ireland, Garvan has honed his focus on digital innovation over the past 18 years. This experience culminated in the creation of his advisory practice, ONEZERO1, where he helps business leaders develop and implement transformative strategies. Beyond his advisory work, Garvan contributes to the community through his book, “Digital Business Strategy,” and his teaching fellowship at Trinity Business School. Join us as we explore Garvan’s insights and experiences in simplifying complexity and driving impactful change. Connect with Garvan

In this episode, Charlie Sharman, an advisor at the Kaizen Institute and co-author of the book "Strat to Action," delves into the future of Kaizen. Known for his candid and sometimes controversial insights, Charlie outlines the key areas businesses should focus on for effective process improvement. He examines the relative importance of people, processes, and data in the quest for continual improvement, leaving no stone unturned in this comprehensive discussion.

This episode was recorded before the passing of Charlie on the 4th of January 2024. You can read about his legacy here.

In this episode, Ryan Henson, the CEO of the Coalition for Global Prosperity talks about building a network of relationships and an internal culture to drive change on a global scale. His work has built an organization that is educating the senior political leaders of the UK on the changes needed in international development and social mobility. The lessons in this episode can be applied to any organization looking to build a change culture. Connect with Ryan on Linkedin

Jeroen Kraaijenbrink is a distinguished author, consultant, and thought leader in the realms of strategy, innovation, and organizational development. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Kraaijenbrink has established himself as a pivotal figure in guiding organizations towards sustainable growth and competitive advantage. In this episode, Jeroen takes us through how organizations can build the foundations for strategic thinking, and grow an organization of strategic thinkers. Connect with Jeroen on Linkedin

Former Group Director of Strategy for Rexam Plc, Kit is now the Managing Partner of Strategy Together, where she leads a network of strategy consultants - but Kit's focus on personal strategy is what we explore in this episode. From leading groups of leaders on an Antarctic expedition, to setting a roadmap to developing one's strategy, this episode is all about setting yourself up for success, in whatever endeavors you are pursuing.

Connect with Kit on LinkedIn

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, partnerships have become more than just keys to success; they're now the very foundation for many enterprises. Join us in this episode as we delve into the 'Decade of Ecosystems' with Jay McBain, Chief Analyst - Channels, Partnerships & Ecosystems at Canalys.

Drawing from his impressive 30-year career in advising and working with channel businesses, Jay sheds light on the dramatic transformation businesses must undergo to adapt to the technology-driven era. From industries like automotive and medical devices to construction and consumer goods, Jay outlines the essential steps every company must take not only to thrive in the new world but simply to stay relevant. Connect with Jay McBain

Featuring amazing guests such as Charlie Sharman of the Kaizen Institute, Canalys Chief Analyst Jay McBain and Jack Soos, former Director at Pratt and Whitney. Season Two is packed with insights into the world of strategy, leadership and business transformation.

Since 2017, Philippe has operated as an independent coach under Henko, with a focus on building high-performing leadership, teams and organizations in digital business. Philippe has worked with organizations such as Lloyds Banking Group, Deutsche Bank, Carnival UK, KFC and a number of start-ups, facilitating complex digital / Flow transformation initiatives as the main Change coach. In this episode, Philippe talks about how you can bring Flow Agility to the frontlines of any organization through value stream alignment, flow-based operating models and a renewed focus on excellence.

In this episode, Hensley Sejour, Principal at Black Tech Nation Ventures, shares how a mindset rooted in curiosity and community has guided his unconventional path—from PhD chemical engineer and 14-year BP veteran to AWS product manager and now venture capital leader.

Hensley reflects on pivotal career moments, including how a move to Alaska unlocked a journey toward an MBA at Carnegie Mellon and a transition into tech and investing. Drawing on experiences in process design, operations, and strategy, he unpacks lessons on stakeholder alignment, human-centered design, and the value of real-world execution before strategic planning.

He also explores the parallels between oil refineries and startups, the role of mentorship in career growth, and how learning—whether from books, people, or setbacks—can be a lifelong competitive advantage. For aspiring leaders navigating career change, Hensley’s advice is clear: you’re capable of more than you think. Connect with Hensley

As the democratically elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire in the United Kingdom, Festus is responsible for the public safety of over half a million people.

Join us as Festus shares his perspective on leadership in law enforcement. He advocates for leading from the "shop floor" to gain an authentic insight into the organization's performance. From the implementation of Gemba walks to conducting town halls, we uncover the strategies he employs to instigate change and rally the 2500-strong police and support staff in a single, strategic direction.

This episode provides a compelling glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement and the transformative power of effective leadership, and an unexpected personal touch about the people who influence us in life the most. Follow Festus on x.com

In this episode, James Davies dives into the often-overlooked area of strategy, creation. With converged markets, fragmented supply chains, and a new world of living and working.

James lays out his observations of what businesses and organizations are doing to rethink their strategic priorities. Moving away from focusing on strategy execution, instead, they are looking at the beginning by placing emphasis on strategy creation. Connect with James Davies

In this episode, Fredrik Fjellstedt, a Master Enabler at Business Through People, looks at the everyday challenges of businesses trying to implement Hoshin Kanri and Lean. Detailing out how the 4Cs of Hoshin Kanri - Clarity, Courage, Commitment, and Consensus, translate to meaningful breakthrough results in different organizations. Fredrik shines a new light on why businesses struggle to get their strategy off the ground. With just a change of mindset, Fredrik proves that Hosh doesn't have to be difficult. Learn more about Fredrik Fjellstedt and Business Through People

As the first Chief Digital Officer for the UK Department Of Health, and now a consultant and non-executive director, Rachel has lived and breathed digital transformation. Delving into her extensive experience, Rachel emphasizes the paramount importance of placing people at the core of any digital transformation endeavor, revealing the pivotal role it plays in achieving remarkable success.

Through anecdotes and real-life examples, Rachel illustrates how organizations can navigate the complexities of digital transformation by prioritizing the empowerment and engagement of their people. By fostering a culture that values inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning, she argues, organizations can unlock the full potential of their digital initiatives. Discover more about Rachel Neaman

In this episode, Pascal Dennis answers the question "Is Lean enough?". Looking at where the Toyota Production System has taken us so far, and why it falls short to tackle the complexity of the modern era.

Pascal explains that whilst TPS provides an excellent foundation for organizations, it takes more than that to set the future for innovation in the digital world.

Discover more about Pascal Dennis and Lean Pathways

The Strategy Hero podcast is a podcast that delves into the world of business strategy and transformation, featuring insights and experiences from some of the most successful leaders in the field. The podcast will explore various topics such as operational excellence, lean management, process improvement, change management, and more. Each episode will feature a different expert in the field, who will share their unique perspective and offer practical advice for listeners looking to improve their strategic approach.

In this episode, Anthony Huffman, Enterprise Architecture Strategist at Koch Industries, discusses the transformation of manufacturing through Industry 4.0. With over 20 years of experience in operational excellence and smart manufacturing, Tony shares insights into lean principles, change management, and the integration of digital technologies such as Gen AI and predictive analytics.

Tony outlines the four layers of Industry 4.0—smart assets, smart manufacturing, supply chain integration, and digital transformation—emphasizing the importance of aligning strategy with technology rather than simply adopting new tools. He also highlights common pitfalls in transformation efforts, the role of middle management in change adoption, and how Gen AI can enhance decision-making while avoiding hallucinations.

For leaders looking to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies, Tony advises starting with capability maturity rather than technology-first approaches. He stresses that transformation requires balancing "run, improve, and transform" strategies while ensuring that digital tools augment rather than add complexity to existing workflows. Connect with Anthony

Roger Longden, founder and chairman of the UK's leading OKR consultancy There Be Giants, brings a wealth of experience in helping organizations excel in strategy execution. From his corporate IT background to a coaching qualification at Henley Business School, Roger's journey has spanned leading project management at Fujitsu, coaching in the North Sea oil rigs, and establishing an international consultancy that empowers businesses to thrive with OKRs.

In this episode, Roger delves into the transformative potential of OKRs, emphasizing their role in fostering alignment, engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. He explains how OKRs offer an alternative to traditional "cascade" methods, empowering teams to devise solutions that connect directly to organizational objectives. Roger highlights the significance of psychological safety, trust, and inclusivity in OKR adoption, while also addressing challenges like maintaining agility in corporate settings.

Connect with Roger

Featuring amazing guests such as Roger Longden of There Be Giants, Enterprise Architecture Strategist for Industry 4.0 at Koch Industries, Anthony Hoffman and Hensley Sejour, Investor at Black Tech Nation Ventures. Season Three also sees the departure of James Milsom as our host, with Simon Crowther coming in midway through the season as our new host. This season is packed with insights into the world of strategy, leadership and business transformation.

James Milsom, host of the Strategy Hero podcast, has spent two seasons uncovering the stories and strategies behind the world of business transformation, operational excellence, and strategy execution. As a seasoned marketer and thought leader at i-nexus, James has connected with practitioners, consultants, and unsung heroes to share their insights and experiences.

In this special episode, James takes the guest seat, reflecting on his journey as a host and the evolution of the podcast. He reveals the inspiration behind the show: creating a platform that replaces the watercooler conversations lost in a remote-first world, while highlighting the voices of those on the frontlines of strategy execution.

James shares lessons learned from the podcast, such as the importance of balancing structure with spontaneity in storytelling, building genuine relationships with guests, and capturing the humanity behind business strategies. He recalls standout moments, from deep conversations about leadership and culture to personal stories like the shared impact of family with Festus Akinbusoye.

Wes Bush is the founder and CEO of ProductLed. He is the bestselling author of Product-Led Growth: How To Build a Product That Sells Itself and is one of the most sought-after product experts in the world. After working for some of the world’s fastest-growing companies in the world, today he trains teams around the globe how to turn their products into powerful growth engines.

Wes explains how PLG flips traditional sales-led methods by using the product itself to acquire, engage, and monetize users, enabling a frictionless and efficient customer journey. He emphasizes the importance of understanding ideal users, creating a clear organizational strategy, and aligning product, marketing, and sales teams for long-term success.

Listeners will learn how to avoid common pitfalls, from relying on surface-level tactics to underestimating the role of data in shaping user experiences. Wes also discusses the significance of fostering a product-led organization, addressing change management challenges, and continuously improving through experimentation and user feedback.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for CEOs and leaders eager to embrace PLG and align their teams with a data-driven, user-first approach to strategy execution.  Find out more about Wes and ProductLed

In this episode, Simon Wardley, creator of Wardley Maps, explores how mapping brings clarity to strategy and complex decision-making. Wardley shares how his frustration with vague corporate strategies led to his development of the Wardley Mapping methodology, inspired by a bookstore conversation about The Art of War. Wardley Maps visually map out an organization’s strategic landscape by illustrating user needs, capabilities, and how these evolve, helping organizations understand their context and make informed decisions. Simon emphasizes that most organizations miss optimization opportunities by relying on narratives and unstructured tools, whereas mapping reveals hidden constraints, avoids unnecessary investments, and fosters collaborative, objective dialogue. From national defense to healthcare, Wardley Maps have proven valuable across industries by providing a structured approach to understanding and acting within a competitive landscape.  Connect with Simon on Linkedin

In this episode, we explore the 27-year career of Grant Elder, a seasoned change management leader, known for his expertise in fostering transformation through empathy and communication. Grant reflects on his experiences leading complex organizational change, emphasizing the critical role of strategic planning, environmental analysis, and the engagement of employees through processes like Catchball and Gemba walks.

Grant outlines the importance of data-driven decision-making and how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are reshaping the landscape of change management and business transformation. He stresses that there is no universal strategy for successful change, advocating for a tailored approach that takes operational intricacies into account. Throughout the discussion, Grant explains the value of meticulous planning and sustained employee involvement as key drivers of successful transformation and execution in organizations. Connect with Grant on LinkedIn.