A Fun CEO Exercise

A snippet from a leadership workshop

Q. Analyze how external factors pose opportunities and challenges for organizations.

My answer: At this time, AI is the most talked about technology with the potential to interrupt the market. While the technology is largely not understood, even by industry experts, a calculated risk can pay off in niches.

Q. Craft a strategy to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

My answer: Conveying how the [company], R&D, program will safely explore opportunities for AI - starting with a do not trust, and verify status.

Comparing to how Netflix changed movie rentals; How Amazon disrupted the online shopping and fast shipping markets (Amazon Prime); How SpaceX changed rocket launches by re-using vessels; How Ford and Toyota changed manufacturing. That is to say, we will test in a R&D fashion before implementation, e.g. conveying the opposite of a careless and hurried approach (FOMO). Afterall, if we spend $M and the value is absent, that is the same as a loss. Finally, holding a meeting with each group and as a whole, ears open, is key; taking note of those who have technically savvyness versus those who do not.

Q. Develop a proposal for an innovative strategy designed to boost an organization's growth and competitiveness.

My answer: Again, AI has niches that will see great benefit - while I have my own plans, one open example stems from AI providing conference meeting summaries with action items called out. Another disruptor is video creation; this will save many costly human hours and greatly cut down cost and production time (at least for Marketing). Keeping in mind, AI is the student, and we are the teacher.

Q. Engage in reflecting on your personal leadership style, identify areas of improvement, and formulate a plan to enhance your decision-making capabilities.

My answer: Moving past the obvious risk with a deep cyber expertise; Innovative, Transformational and Visionary come to mind, followed by personable and authentic. Elevating others, informing along the way, and removing stress when it is sensed.

Alternatively, stopping to "smell the roses" when a goal is met is an area to keep in focus, maintain motivation, and therefore keep the marathon pace I'm used to (thanks to the family businesses).