HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

In this podcast, we talk to strategy makers to demystify the myth of strategy and at the same time show how you can win with strategic work in volatile times.

Success is no coincidence.
For a company to be successful in the market, it needs a sound strategy.
But who is able to develop strategies that can survive in the long term?
Which hurdles must be overcome and which turns and curves must be mastered? How can you cope with heights and how do you get back on track from a low?

We explain all this in our podcast "Hope is not a strategy".

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

Latest episodes

Is your company killing innovation without knowing it?

Is your company killing innovation without knowing it?

33m 3s

In this episode of “Hope Is Not a Strategy”, Christian Underwood is joined by Prof. Ben Bensaou from INSEAD Business School to explore a fresh perspective on innovation - one that moves beyond Silicon Valley buzzwords and elite R&D departments.

Ben Bensaou shares insights from over 20 years of research with more than 100 companies across the globe - from hidden champions to global corporations. His key message: Innovation isn’t limited to a select few — it’s a way of thinking and working that everyone can embrace.

Together, we dive into the myths surrounding innovation, how to unlock creative potential...

#80 Leadership and strategy: Insights from Willie Peterson

#80 Leadership and strategy: Insights from Willie Peterson

39m 18s

In this episode of Hope is Not a Strategy, Christian Underwood and Jürgen Weigand welcome strategy consultant Prof. Willie Pietersen, whose “Strategy Frame” model has strongly influenced their work. Pietersen, a renowned expert in strategic learning and business management and a long-time lecturer at Columbia Business School, has used his philosophy to inspire leaders around the world to put their values at the center of their work.

A central aspect of the “Strategy Frame” model is strategic flexibility. Pietersen explains how important it is for companies to remain adaptable in a fast-moving world and to develop their strategies on a...

#11 Human is the next big thing: The Birkman Method's Role in Strategy and Leadership

#11 Human is the next big thing: The Birkman Method's Role in Strategy and Leadership

26m 43s

In this episode of "Hope is Not a Strategy" Christian Underwood is interviewing Sharon Birkman, Owner and Chair of the Board of Birkman International. We delve deep into the world of strategy and leadership. Join us as we explore the essence and uniqueness of the Birkman method, a transformative assessment approach that enhances deeper self-awareness as well as awareness for the needs of others. Learn how that has the potential to bring your strategy from creation to a successful implementation.

Discover the fascinating history of the Birkman method, pioneered by Dr. Roger Birkman starting his entrepreneurship in the fifties. Learn...

#10 The New Face of Strategy Consulting

#10 The New Face of Strategy Consulting

20m 44s

In the latest episode of "Hope is not a Strategy," hosts Christian Underwood and Prof. Dr. Jürgen Weigand explore the fascinating world of strategy consulting and take a look at the ever-evolving landscape of this industry. At a time when the business world is characterized by uncertainty, strategy consulting is becoming increasingly important and relevant. Here are some of the key points from this insightful episode:

1. the evolution of strategy consulting.

The hosts begin by examining the evolving role of strategy consulting. They point to the significant growth of the global strategy consulting market, particularly in Germany, where the...