The Strategic Leader

In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss a pressing issue for modern teams - building and nurturing strong relationships in hybrid work settings. While many leaders still debate the value of in-person versus remote work, Gemma and Fi share insights on bridging this divide by using intentional collaboration. They unpack the benefits of using strategic models like Gartner’s 2x2...

Do you find it challenging to communicate effectively with your manager? We talk about the dynamics of optimising workplace relationships, especially with managers, and offer practical techniques to improve communication and mutual understanding. Fiona shares a personal story about adapting her communication style with a previous CEO, and her learnings about the importance of recognising different...

Gemma and Fi explore the role of trust in building effective teams and strategic leadership. They start by sharing personal stories highlighting the importance of stepping back, taking calculated risks, and building trust in professional relationships. The discussion centres on the "trust equation," a model from The Trusted Advisor by David Meister, Charles Green, and Robert Galford. Fiona and Gem...

Exploring the impact of personal values on leadership and teamwork. Drawing from models such as love languages and core strengths, Gemma and Fi emphasise the importance of understanding the values that drive both ourselves and others, as misalignment can lead to friction in working relationships. The discussion offers practical advice on how to navigate value differences within teams. For example,...

Gemma and Fiona dive into the third pillar of leadership: leading others . They reflect on how leaders can maximise collective impact, focusing on the skills and mindsets needed to work effectively alongside others. Building on insights from previous series, they discuss how strategic leaders need to think beyond task completion and examine relationships. Their conversation emphasises the importan...

In this episode, Gemma and Fi dive into a critical yet often overlooked aspect of strategic leadership: the systems and processes that support or hinder our ability to think and act strategically. They explore how everyday interactions like meetings, communication channels, and daily routines can either facilitate or obstruct strategic goals. A key concept discussed is the RACI model, which helps...

In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss managing stress as a crucial aspect of strategic leadership. They begin with an analogy comparing stress management to maintaining a car's fuel level, to explain the need for regular monitoring and replenishment of personal capacity. The "stress bucket" analogy is introduced to explain how various stressors—bo...

In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss the multifaceted nature of confidence. They address how confidence is often misunderstood as mere extroversion and bravado, but true confidence comes from a deeper sense of self-worth and capability. Fi shares her personal journey in understanding confidence, emphasising the importance of courage and the ability to act despite fear. Ge...

In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss perfectionism and its implications for strategic leaders. The discussion begins with an exploration of personal experiences with perfectionism, highlighting the balance between maintaining high standards and avoiding the pitfalls of excessive focus on these standards. Gemma shares how her preference for...

In this episode we explore the tricky topic of worry and anxiety and its impact on strategic leadership. We discuss the difference between worry and anxiety, emphasising the spectrum of emotions and how these feelings can affect our ability to perform effectively in senior roles. And we discuss the importance of recognising when these emotions are beneficial and when they become detrimental. We sh...

In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig explore the topic of procrastination, and how it can get in the way of operating strategically. Fiona defines procrastination as delaying tasks without a rational reason for doing so. For Gemma, it’s when ‘the drive to delay is stronger than the drive to act’. The discussion reveals that procrastination is not a...

In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig explore the topic of people pleasing, discussing its implications for leadership and personal well-being. They explore how the desire to be helpful and liked can often lead to prioritising others' needs at the expense of our own, ultimately hindering strategic leadership capabilities. Fiona highlights the import...

In this episode Gemma is talking to special guest Jo Bamford. We talk about the dynamics of workplace conflict and ways to embrace diverse perspectives which can lead to better outcomes. By inviting challenge, conflict can drive innovation, by prompting us to consider alternative viewpoints and solutions. Staying actively curious and active listening are essential tools for overcoming conflict avo...

Does your Inner Critic sometimes take over and stop you from operating with impact? Managing your inner critic is a critical strategic skill.   In this episode we talk about its origins, impact, and strategies for transforming your inner critic into your inner guide. We discuss how the inner critic is often a voice rooted in past experiences, offering a perspective that may no longer be relevant....

We discuss the complex topic of imposter syndrome, including a discomfort with the term itself, and whether it’s even really ‘a thing’. We explore how there are blurred line between natural nervousness and the imposter syndrome term we all recognise. And we talk about what to do about the sometimes debilitating effects of low confidence, fear and nerves.   We challenge the notion of imposter syndr...

In this episode of the Strategic Leader podcast, we explore the concept of gravitas, through the lens of strategic curiosity. We share personal experiences, highlighting the significance of asking meaningful questions to foster a strategic mindset. We question the dictionary definition, that gravitas  is about projecting seriousness or loftiness, but instead that it is rooted in the ability to sho...

In this episode we delve into the art of strategic time management using the Eisenhower matrix. They emphasise the importance of consciously planning and allocating time to enhance overall strategic effectiveness. We discuss the four quadrants of the Eisenhower matrix: 1. Urgent and Important (Top Left): High-impact tasks requiring immediate attention, often associated with firefighting or pressin...

In this episode we delve into the crucial aspect of aligning strategy with business goals. We emphasise the need for HR professionals and leaders to shift from an "inside-out" approach, where the focus is on to-do lists and internal tasks, to an "outside-in" perspective, starting with a deep understanding of the business's objectives. We stress the importance of asking fundamental questions about...

In this episode, we discuss a model that can be applied to various scenarios, from larger strategic initiatives to everyday tasks like planning a Christmas party. We explore the "Four P's" of strategic thinking—Purpose, Pursuit, Process, and People. We emphasise the importance of understanding the purpose behind any endeavour, clarifying where one aims to go (pursuit), determining the process to a...

Strategic self-care is essential for HR professionals and leaders who want to maximize their impact. In this podcast episode, we discuss how important it is to show up in the right way, regardless of how stressful or frustrated we might be feeling.   We refer to the H.A.L.T model, which stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. They explore how these factors can affect our wellbeing and emotional s...

In this episode, we discuss the concept of HR maturity levels. We explain the transition from transactional to transformational HR practices, emphasising the importance of moving beyond routine tasks to strategic thinking. Gemma introduces a four-level model: Reactive (Level 1), Proactive (Level 2), Strategic (Level 3), and Transformational (Level 4). The conversation explores the characteristics...

This episode explores the challenges faced by HR in attaining a seat at the executive table, and its shift from compliance to being a crucial strategic function We explore the pivotal role of HR in the current knowledge economy, the impact of HR's historical roots in compliance and governance, and the importance of self-awareness for HR leaders. The episode aims to empower and inspire HR professio...

According to a recent article in Harvard Business Review, strategic thinking involves acumen in understanding context, allocation of resources for optimal impact, and action that combines effective collaboration, execution, and personal wellbeing. We invite you to consider how you can incorporate these elements into your strategic approach, bringing a balance between strategic and tactical thinkin...

This podcast explores and demystifies strategy to equip you with the tools to be naturally strategic. Our mission? To empower you to think, act and feel naturally more strategic.  We help HR and people-focused leaders harness the power of strategic thinking. By merging psychology, leadership, and business acumen, we offer actionable insights, and explore the crucial connection between strategy and...

In this episode of "The Strategic Leader," Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig explore the internal barriers that can hinder our ability to think and act strategically. Have you ever asked yourself, "What if I sound stupid?" or "What if it goes wrong?" These are the questions that often loom large when we're on the cusp of transitioning from our comfort zone to the growth zone in our professional live...