Strategy Unplugged: Dialogues with Dr. John Hillen

Polaris is a production of Synozur – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease.

In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty engages with Dr. John Hillen, author of 'The Strategy Dialogues', to explore the complexities of business strategy. They discuss the common misunderstandings surrounding strategy, the importance of dialogue in strategy development, and how to bring strategic thinking into everyday business practices. Dr. Hillen emphasizes the need for clear definitions of strategy, the distinction between strategic planning and thinking, and the critical questions organizations should ask to define their strategic direction. The conversation also touches on the significance of values, the role of networking in strategic relationships, and innovative approaches like blue ocean strategy. Finally, they address the pitfalls of annual strategy cycles and the importance of measuring strategic success.

Dr. John Hillen is a versatile leader with an impressive background spanning business, government, the military, and academia. As a CEO, Board Chairman, and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, he's navigated complex strategic landscapes and shared his insights through teaching at notable institutions like Duke University and George Mason University. An author of several influential books, including 'What Happens Now? Reinvent Yourself as a Leader Before Your Business Outruns You,' Dr. Hillen has also contributed to prestigious publications such as Forbes and The New York Times.   He also holds two masters' degrees, a Ph. D from Oxford, and a Fulbright Scholarship.

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References Interview Notes 

Our guest, Dr. John Hillen, is the author of The Strategy Dialogues.

You can get in touch with him through his website, JohnHillen,com

Andrew Ross Sorkin also used narrative dialogue to tell the story of the 2008 financial crisis in Too Big to Fail

"The undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns." – William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 1. – see AllGreatQuotes.com

Norm Augustine, Lockheed Martin CEO, looked at the business implication of Shakespeare's work in Shakespeare in Charge: The Bard's Guide to Leading and Succeeding on the Business Stage

Lee Iacocca thought about the minivan at Ford, but made it a reality at Chrysler in 1983 - The History of the Minivan – Smithsonian Magazine 2013

Cirque du Soleil is known for their global stage shows and traveling performances – learn more about their origin at How Cirque Du Soleil's Strategy Reinvented The Circus (Instrategia)

Heidi Roisen is legendary for making strategic leadership networks through Silicon Valley.

Statistics and Data Points

According to a survey conducted by Forbes Coaches Council, 90% of respondents believe a strategy is necessary to carry out business activities. But only 14% of executives indicated they had fulfilled their strategic plan from the prior year. [Source: The Importance Of Strategic Planning For Business Success, Forbes]

Based on a study by ClearPoint, 80% of leaders feel their company is good at crafting strategy, but only 44% feel they are good at implementation. [Source: 50+ Strategic Planning Stats: Boost Your Strategy Success – ClearPoint]

Pop Culture

The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Wikipedia

The Godfather (1972) - IMDb

The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Wikipedia

Slow Horses

Succession – won six Emmys in 2024 to bring its t9tal to 19. - <a href= "https://parade.com/tv/how-many-emmys-did-succession-win-202