In Australia’s tightly held markets, competition isn’t about slashing prices, it’s about strategic orchestration. “The Duopoly Diaries” unpacks how dominant players in sectors like groceries, construction, and aviation build enduring advantage through non-price strategies: loyalty ecosystems, automation, branding, and control of scarce assets. Drawing on real-world case studies and ACCC investigations, this podcast explores how firms like Woolworths, Coles, Boral, and Qantas strengthen ...
In this episode of the CFO Strategy Brief Series, we explore a critical shift for finance leaders: moving beyond digitising old processes to architecting AI‑enabled Corporate Collaborative Systems – a foundational design for the corporation of the future. Imagine a business ecosystem that senses weak signals, reallocates capital dynamically, and collaborates across partners, customers, and even competitors. For CFOs, this is not science fiction; it’s an emerging reality. We unpack why traditi...
In this episode, we explore how Systemic Cognitive Strategy Practice (SCSP) enables leaders to apply multiple forms of thinking—prospection, inspection, retrospection, and more—simultaneously. Rather than working in isolation, these modes interconnect through feedback loops, creating a dynamic, regenerative approach to strategy. We discuss practical ways to implement this, from leveraging AI for parallel processing to structuring collaborative sessions that reduce cognitive load. Discov...
The traditional role of the CFO is undergoing a transformation, as suggested in this thought-provoking podcast. The narrative challenges conventional notions by advocating for a paradigm shift in the CFO's responsibilities. Interestingly, this evolution leverages existing resources within CFO teams, particularly the Management Accountants, who are facing technological disruptions of their own. Rather than rendering them obsolete, the podcast highlights how these professionals can embrace a mo...
As depicted in the thumbnail Jaguar is in the process of the developing a new car, coupled with a new production platform oh, and by the way, coupled with a reinvention of the company Jaguar Land Rover. In the promotion of this new car Jaguar has attracted the wrath of many, the support of few. In this podcast we look for, and find a deeper purpose in the advertisement. At the end of the day its meaning goes right to the heart of two alternatives - should we close the Jaguar business altogeth...
High potential executives (high pots) can be found in every corporation. Their presence, although generally overt is valued. So much so, they are feted with personal development opportunities that may ultimately include a sponsored stint at an international business school. While this is good for the individual, its overall value to the corporation is questionable. That is because individual learning is different to organisational learning, and it is the organisation that is required to wait....
Driven by extreme uncertainty following the onset of Covid - 19, immediate change became an imperative for all CEOs. Their response was impressive, corporate leaders sprang into action. This begs the question though: If decision making is improved during a crisis, why isn’t it that good all the time? The answer lies in the circumstances of the problem being addressed. Influential factors are uncertainty, complexity, risk and reward. In this video we present a matrix that provides insight into...
Often resistant to change, corporations and governments too, must accept the fact that in the longer term, new forms of organisational structuring, and methods of manufacturing will evolve. Similarly, it is likely that onshoring, the idea of bringing back outsourced production capabilities is not an option, or is it? Inevitably decision makers view the process of problem resolution as one of black or white, either you can, or you can't. What if there is a middle ground? That though is o...
Scant research has been undertaken into the role of the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), that is, the determination of what a CSO does. As specialists in strategy practice, the Strategic Management Institute (SMI), the research arm of Paul Hunter Strategy and Leadership has evolved a representation of the role. It is based on raw experience in the field, empirical research, and conclusions drawn from corporate strategy specific publications. Our derived description of the role is presented in th...
High potential executives (high pots) can be found in every corporation. Their presence, although generally overt is valued. So much so, they are feted with personal development opportunities that may ultimately include a sponsored stint at an international business school. While this is good for the individual, its overall value to the corporation is questionable. That is because individual learning is different to organisational learning, and it is the organisation that is required to wait....
CSOsandox podcast hosts, Paul Hunter and Stuart Orr explore concepts introduced in the video on the CSOsandbox YouTube channel: "Enter the Strategy Whisperers: Evolving the future corporation from within". The thrust of the conversation is generated from the idea that high potential executives (high pots), those most likely to be nominated for fast track management development programs, could be assigned strategically important roles in the business. This will give them the benefit of experie...
In this episode we explore how Enterprise Strategic Performance Management (ESPM) is transforming the role of the most trusted adviser to the CEO, the CFO’, from financial overseer to strategic leader. As organisations face increasing complexity and ambiguity, CFOs are stepping into the role of Strategy Navigators—guiding corporate strategy with data-driven insight, cross-functional alignment, and a renewed focus on long-term value creation. Tune in to explore how this shift is reshaping stra...
Listen to an insightful exploration of the innovative strategies employed by Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, as we analyze his approach through the lens of the Strategic Management Institute's Third Wave Strategy. Discover how Kreiz not only implemented conventional restructuring for performance improvement but also revitalized Mattel, transforming it from a traditional toy manufacturer into a dynamic player in the multifaceted media industry. Following his appointment, many analysts viewed Matell as ...
While advances in technology continue to evolve other global forces have entered the equation (geo political unrest, climate, consequences of Covid) more recently. Nearly all have contributed to a loss of equilibrium in global markets and by definition, corporate performance. In this video I apply a brief history of Telstra to highlight the difference between a prosponsive program of transformation against the immediacy of a responsive adaptation; undertaken in the form of restructurin...
An overview of Organisational Learning as an Eco System - a support commentary to the webinar posted separately. In this podcast specific elements of organisational learning are discussed. the main message however is: 1. We make a distinction between individual and organisational learning. When Peter Senge talking about systems thinking as the only form of sustainable competitive advantage for example: it wasn’t about how many MBA’s a corporation employs...
A taste of what is covered in the webinar with the same name uploaded separately. This series is designed for Chief Financial Officers and senior leaders who want to master the art of managing a strategy system—not just a plan. We explore the principles of Third Wave Strategy (www.csosandbox.com), a forward-thinking approach that transforms strategy into a continuous, enterprise-wide capability. The content is equally valuable for corporate executives, consultants, and advisors. Why Listen? ...
In this era of great volatility, Third Wave Strategy provides a strategic management platform that enables the integration, alignment and systemisation of all forms of strategy practice. It is characterised by a systemic and integrated approach to its construct, a dynamic application of its practice and the use of deep, critical, dextrous strategic thinking in its enactment. The video can be viewed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwW1QK_4P31MtXyYGmJOyUg This series is design...
Scant research has been undertaken into the role of the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), that is, the determination of what a CSO does. As specialists in strategy practice, the Strategic Management Institute (SMI), the research arm of Paul Hunter Strategy and Leadership has evolved a representation of the role. It is based on raw experience in the field, empirical research, and conclusions drawn from corporate strategy specific publications. Our derived description of the role is presented in th...
This podcast is the second in a series of two parts. In the first podcast we challenged traditional perceptions of strategic thinking. Firstly by proposing that a re-emergence of localised manufacturing can be brought about, without having to onshore the high volume commoditised production that is made overseas. Second is the means to do so, by thinking about the supply chain, as a supply system. In this second podcast we look at the issues associated with building momentum in the transformat...