Strategy in Action: 18 global strategists

Almost a year ago, after a long flight, and after enjoying another of my passions for a couple of days: wine and vineyards; I was fortunate to meet one of the people I most admire professionally.

Upon arriving at the meeting place, among those present, there was a familiar face: Christian Rangen (founder and CEO of Strategy Tools), with whom I had previously exchanged some ideas and attended some his remote learning programs (way before this pandemic made it the most normal thing).

The session was much more than I expected, an immersion in strategy, innovation, transformation, scaleups, and superclusters, through simulators and tools that encouraged reflection and great business discussions, however, what I did not imagine was that from that point, it would begin to flourish a relationship with a growing community and an ecosystem that are changing the way strategy is perceived.

What began as sporadic virtual meetings, turned into constant sessions to exchange experiences, learn, as well as test new concepts, tools, and proposals for our clients or companies in which we work. New initiatives began to emerge, either led directly by Strategy Tools or as an initiative of the ecosystem itself.

One of those initiatives came to life this September when the report called: Strategy Tools in Action was officially launched, where 18 global practitioners of strategy from four continents share how in practice (with real clients), they are applying this new way of understanding strategy, innovation, and transformation of organizations.

As a prelude, five great voices share their perspective on strategy: Rita McGrath (one of the most recognized voices in strategy and innovation), Scott B. Newton (disruption of the consulting industry), Ian Pallister (evolution and future of the strategy), David Lancefield (paradoxes of strategic change) and Christian Rangen (the future of strategy is blended).

And on the main course, 18 strategists from America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania share experiences, favorite tools, and how they apply them, customer impact, and recommendations when using them. Definitely something that we could hardly find elsewhere.

Talking about each of these voices would be impossible in this space, however, I will take the challenge to share some of them.

Rick Rassmusen (USA, Silicon Valley) shares his perspective and impact of using new tools in the academic world, startups and innovation ecosystems (he currently teaches innovation and entrepreneurship in some of the main universities in our neighboring country, USA, he’s also a member of the Board of Directors of several startups, and also leads organizations that promote the development of innovation ecosystems in the world, as well as venture capital companies)

"The portfolio of cluster development tools could very well be the solution to the ‘common language ’ that I have sought all these years."

Victor Haze (Netherlands)

Harvey Wade (Founder and Director of Innovate21, UK) explains why the Transform Simulator! is his favorite tool, since he considers that the accelerated learning that it provides is not possible using other formats.

"The best time to transform yourself is when you are at the top, you have resources and you don't have the pressure, however, it is the most difficult time to convince the organization that you should change"

Javier Sevilla (Mexico)

James Van Der Westhuizen (Director of KnowHouse, South Africa) explains why the “Industry Shifts Map” canvas is his tool of choice, as it facilitates quick reflection, accelerates change, and generates momentum in the organization.

"I am addicted to the use of strategy tools themselves to help simplify a complex world to make an actionable strategy, but even better is being part of the Strategy Tools community.

Allan Bertram (Canada)

Again, this is just a small sample of what these 18 strategists are doing with clients around the world to help them survive, grow, and transform. And it is just a sample of what an ecosystem, in this case of strategy, can generate once the different players begin to collaborate. In this ever-changing world, we must begin the change in ourselves.

* If you're interested to receive the report: Strategy Tools In Action (English / Spanish), just send me a message.