Leading with Strategy

Introduction

Over the last 25 years, I have had the privilege of working in diverse environments. My journey spans corporate roles at Procter & Gamble, Intel, and Great Place To Work. I have worked in academic settings where I've taught and pursued my PhD. I have also led transformation projects, guiding mergers and acquisitions and coaching C‐level leaders through change. Additionally, I have pursued entrepreneurial ventures as the founder of Maslow Research Center and cofounder of Strategy Inc.

In each phase of my career, I found myself instinctively drawn to frameworks when faced with challenges. My brain has always flourished with theoretical ideas and structured approaches but also finding clarity and resolution through their application. While I credit this tendency to the nature of my learning style and my insatiable appetite for knowledge (more on that later), I also recognize that my academic foundation coupled with years of real‐world application has allowed me to hone this unique skill, connecting theory and practice, bridging abstract conceptualization of a problem/challenge, and then finding practical solutions.

Let's revisit the classic top, drop, and roll framework that you were likely taught as a child. It's a simple, life‐saving sequence designed to extinguish flames if your clothes catch fire. Three intuitive steps you can take when panic might otherwise take over. It's effective because it's simple; it's easy to remember, to the point, and offers actionable ...