489: Mindset shift: The key to effective communication (with Michael Reddington)

Welcome to an interview with the author of The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, Thomas Curran. In his book, Thomas calls for both introspection and broader, societal change. He shows what we can do as individuals to resist the modern-day pressure to be perfect, and in so doing, win for ourselves a more purposeful and contented life. Thomas Curran is a professor of psychology at the London School of Economics and the author of a landmark study that the BBC hailed as "the first to compare perfectionism across generations." His TED talk on perfectionism has received more than three million views. His research has been featured in media ranging from the Harvard Business Review to New Scientist to CNN and he has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Get Thomas' book here: https://rb.gy/6m35h The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Good Enough, Thomas Curran. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

28 Aug 202342min

Welcome to an interview with the author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, Darryl Stickel. In his book, Darryl outlines his groundbreaking Trust Unlimited blueprint for building trust. Stickel moves away from the traditional approach of influencing people's willingness to trust—the con artist's tactic—to employing one or more of ten levers, which leaders can "pull" to close the gap between how much they are trusted and how much they should be. This approach also makes them more trustable and increases trust where it is deficient. Darryl Stickel is one of the world's leading experts on trust with over twenty years of experience. His Ph.D. ¨Building Trust in Hostile Environments¨ from Duke University established him as a global leader for governments, businesses and NGOs on practical approaches to building trust. Darryl has worked for Mckinsey & Company in their Toronto office, as well as advised the Canadian Military on trust building in Afghanistan. He has served as faculty for the Luxembourg School of Business and the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California and recently completed his book Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World. His contribution to the field of trust has been recognized by his nomination to the Top Thought Leaders on Trust by Trust Across America; Trust Around the World. Get Darryl's book here: https://rb.gy/3boas Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, Darryl Stickel Here are some free gifts for you:Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

23 Aug 202350min

Welcome to an interview with the author of Environmentally Sustainable Growth: A Pragmatic Approach, Steven Cohen. In this book, Steven explores the causes of environmental degradation and examines what sustainability looks like in practice and outlines realistic paths toward a renewable resource–based economy, demonstrating that, in many respects, the shift to sustainability is already underway. Steven describes a range of public policy and infrastructure initiatives that can encourage cleaner production in the private sector and consumption in everyday life. Steven Cohen is senior vice dean of the School of Professional Studies and professor of the practice of public affairs in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He is also the director of the Earth Institute's Research Program on Sustainability Policy and Management as well as two other master's programs in environmental sustainability. Cohen previously worked for the EPA and currently serves on the board of directors of the Willdan Group. He is the author of Sustainability Management, Understanding Environmental Policy, and The Sustainable City. Get Steven's book here: Environmentally Sustainable Growth: A Pragmatic Approach. Steven Cohen: https://rb.gy/gew25 Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

21 Aug 202347min

Welcome to an interview with the author of Paradoxical Leadership: How to Make Complexity an Advantage, Ivo Brughmans. Paradoxical Leadership reveals how to transform divisive dilemmas into creative solutions and paralyzing polarization into a constructive dialogue. Ivo Brughmans studied philosophy, international politics, and business management. He worked for twenty-five years for a global management consulting firm, supporting organizations in redesigning and transforming their business. Ivo is fascinated by paradoxes and the challenge of bringing together opposite approaches. Connecting opposite poles has been a common thread throughout his own life and work: as a philosopher working with practical business challenges, as a rationalist relying on his intuition, and as a workaholic enjoying doing simply nothing at all. Ivo has written several books on this theme, developing a "both/ and" perspective as a radical alternative to our current way of living, managing, governing, and coaching. He has a deep conviction that this perspective helps create more sustainable solutions to the challenges of the twenty-first century, providing the fundamentals for a fulfilled and balanced life, for better-performing and more innovative organizations, and for a better world. Ivo lives in Antwerp, Belgium. He gives keynotes, leads workshops and training programs on paradoxical leadership, and works with public and private organizations throughout Europe and around the globe. For more information check https://paradoxical-leadership.com. Get Ivo's book here: https://rb.gy/322nl Paradoxical Leadership: How to Make Complexity an Advantage. Ivo Brughmans Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

16 Aug 202357min

Welcome to an interview with the author of Madison Avenue Makeover: The Transformation of Huge and the Redefinition of the Ad Agency Business, Michael Farmer. He also wrote the award-winning Madison Avenue Manslaughter, an inside view of fee-cutting clients, profit-hungry owners, and declining ad agencies (Third Edition, 2019). In this episode, Michael speaks about the time he worked for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, and the differences between the three consulting firms. He also shared his advice for those aspiring to build their consulting firm and discussed the technique that helped him write his first book, Madison Avenue Manslaughter. Finally, Michael shared his experience of helping in the Transformation of a Creative Ad Agency (Huge). Michael Farmer is Chairman and CEO of Farmer & Company LLC, a strategy consulting firm for advertisers and agencies. He also serves as Professor of Branding and Integrated Communications at The City College of New York (CCNY). He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and was previously a Director of Bain & Company. Connect with Michael here: https://www.farmerandco.com/ Get Michael's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Avenue-Makeover-transformation-redefinition/dp/1911687646 Madison Avenue Makeover: The Transformation of Huge and the Redefinition of the Ad Agency Business. Michael Farmer. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

14 Aug 20231h 1min

Welcome to an interview with the author of REWIRED: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI, Kate Smaje. The book REWIRED delivers a road-tested, how-to manual that Mckinsey consultants use to help companies build the capabilities to outcompete in the age of digital and AI. It reveals the learnings from large companies around the globe for succeeding at the six core elements of a digital transformation—strategy, talent, operating model, technology, data, and adoption and scaling capabilities.  Kate Smaje is a senior partner in McKinsey's London office. She co-leads the McKinsey Digital practice globally and is a member of McKinsey's Shareholders Council, the firm's board of directors. She works with senior executives to deploy the power of data, digital culture and capabilities, and modernized core technology. She also has firsthand experience as a chief technology officer across core technology, digital product management and innovation, and cybersecurity work. In addition to her work with McKinsey, Kate is a trustee of Tommy's, the children's charity. Get Kate's book here: https://rb.gy/cs72z REWIRED: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI. Eric Lamarre, Kate Smaje, Rodney Zemmel. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

9 Aug 202346min

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we speak about learning cases through listening and watching. When learning cases, it is far more effective to watch a person on Skype or in person. The problem with merely practicing over the phone or another verbal format is that you cannot observe crucial mannerisms or allow your practice partner to observe you. The only time practicing verbally makes sense is when you have a very experienced person working with you and they can infer things about your performance based on their experience. We advice most clients to practice in person should the opportunity present itself. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

7 Aug 20235min

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we explain why neatness and writing style is so important. It is really surprising how little care candidates take in writing in an appealing way, considering that is all the interviewer can see for the 30-45 minute case. Neat writing will not get you an offer, but it can be an annoying distraction both to you and the interviewer. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

2 Aug 20235min