HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY Titelbild

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

Von: Christian Underwood
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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".by Christian Underwood Management & Leadership Ökonomie
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  • AI Won't Fix Your Business. Your Data Will.

    AI Won't Fix Your Business. Your Data Will.
    Jun 4 2026
    In the latest episode of “Hope Is Not a Strategy”, Christian Underwood speaks with Deniz Schütz and Dr. Sascha Haggenmüller about a critical question: Why are companies still hiring despite the AI boom—and how is AI really transforming M&A and value creation? The discussion centers around one key insight: technology is not the bottleneck—data is. Without clean data, efficient processes, and a solid infrastructure, AI often falls far short of its potential. Together, the three experts explore data-driven deal sourcing, AI-powered financial due diligence, the importance of data warehouses, and the role of human expertise in an increasingly automated world. They explain why many AI initiatives fail and why companies should focus on taking action today instead of waiting for the “perfect” solution. This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, investors, CFOs, and business leaders who want to understand how AI creates real business value—and why data, processes, and people remain the foundation of every successful AI strategy. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how AI is reshaping value creation and strategic decision-making.
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    58 Min.
  • Is your company killing innovation without knowing it?

    Is your company killing innovation without knowing it?
    Aug 21 2025
    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 at every level of an organization, and why shifting from “innovation” to “innovating” can lower the pressure and spark real change. You’ll learn how to build a culture where employees are encouraged, supported, and recognized for contributing new ideas. Whether you’re a business leader looking to make your company more future-ready or a manager wanting to empower your team, this episode offers fresh perspectives, practical examples, and actionable steps to help make innovation a daily habit - not a distant goal. Tune in now and discover how to build a truly innovative organization from the inside out.
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    33 Min.
  • #80 Leadership and strategy: Insights from Willie Peterson

    #80 Leadership and strategy: Insights from Willie Peterson
    Nov 21 2024
    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 regular basis. His model emphasizes a culture of learning and openness to new ideas. He sees strategic alignment as a dynamic process that is based on continuous learning and must constantly evolve in order to remain relevant in the long term. Another key topic is the culture of error. Pietersen emphasizes that mistakes should not be seen as failures, but as opportunities. An open error culture not only strengthens trust within the team, but also promotes creativity and innovation, as employees can act without fear of sanctions. For Pietersen, it is crucial that managers exemplify this culture by being transparent about their own mistakes. This is the only way to create a climate in which the team can safely experiment and learn. Pietersen also talks about the importance of authenticity and ethical behavior in leadership. For him, authenticity means that managers know their own values and consistently act in accordance with them. Companies that integrate ethics as an integral part of their strategy create trust and credibility - not only internally, but also with customers and partners. Pietersen does not see ethics as an add-on to strategy, but as the basis for long-term and stable business relationships. Finally, Pietersen emphasizes the importance of continuous learning as a strategic success factor. In a globalized and constantly changing world, it is not enough to define a strategy once. He recommends regular strategy retrospectives to reflect on past successes and challenges and adapt the strategy if necessary. This strengthens the commitment of employees and actively involves them in the future of the company. This episode offers valuable insights into future-oriented and human leadership. Pietersen's “Strategy Frame” model and philosophy emphasize the connection of strategy with values, ethics and learning. In doing so, he encourages leaders to develop a dynamic and flexible leadership style that will endure in the long term. For anyone looking for a sustainable, value-based leadership strategy, this episode is an inspiring source of practical ideas and inspiration.
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    39 Min.
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