Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Journey from the Middle to the Top: Insights from 'Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick' with Sven Smit
In this episode, we welcome Sven Smit, chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute and author of 'Granularity of Growth' and 'Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick'. Sven discusses the findings of his new book, which explores how a small percentage of companies manage to leap from the middle tier of corporate performance to the top, where the majority of global economic profit is secured. This transformation is not based on magic but on understanding your company’s current position, making big moves, and strategically navigating trends. Sven delves into the 'social side' of strategy, the biases that affect decision-making, and the empirical analysis of 2,400 companies, identifying 10 key levers that explain up to 80% of changes in corporate performance. By addressing endowment measures, industry trends, and leveraging five strategic moves, companies can tilt their odds in favor of success. Practical examples, insightful anecdotes, and a vivid breakdown of the core concepts make this conversation a must-listen for innovators and executives keen on elevating their business to new heights.
00:00 Introduction to Corporate Performance
00:53 Welcoming the Guest: SP Smitt
01:27 The Social Side of Strategy
03:38 Research and Data Insights
08:47 Economic Profit and Power Curves
14:22 The Fallacy of Incremental Progress
21:58 Navigating Organizational Change
23:04 Investment Project Realities
23:59 CapEx Allocation Strategies
24:56 Case Study: Three Companies
25:32 Predicting Company Success
26:44 The Magic of a Hockey Stick Plan
28:01 Resource Allocation and Execution
30:20 The Importance of Leadership
32:44 10 Variables for Success
35:49 Industry and Geography Trends
37:44 Five Key Dance Moves
41:00 Case Study Dashboard
43:22 Creating a Sense of Urgency
45:38 Conclusion and Contact Information
#Strategy #Leadership #Innovation #BeyondTheHockeyStick #McKinsey #GrowthMindset #RiskTaking #BusinessStrategy #ArchiveHighlight #Transformation #FutureProof #LeadershipInsights
The Journey from the Middle to the Top: Insights from 'Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick' with Sven Smit
In this episode, we welcome Sven Smit, chairman of the McKinsey Global Institute and author of 'Granularity of Growth' and 'Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick'. Sven discusses the findings of his new book, which explores how a small percentage of companies manage to leap from the middle tier of corporate performance to the top, where the majority of global economic profit is secured. This transformation is not based on magic but on understanding your company’s current position, making big moves, and strategically navigating trends. Sven delves into the 'social side' of strategy, the biases that affect decision-making, and the empirical analysis of 2,400 companies, identifying 10 key levers that explain up to 80% of changes in corporate performance. By addressing endowment measures, industry trends, and leveraging five strategic moves, companies can tilt their odds in favor of success. Practical examples, insightful anecdotes, and a vivid breakdown of the core concepts make this conversation a must-listen for innovators and executives keen on elevating their business to new heights.
00:00 Introduction to Corporate Performance
00:53 Welcoming the Guest: SP Smitt
01:27 The Social Side of Strategy
03:38 Research and Data Insights
08:47 Economic Profit and Power Curves
14:22 The Fallacy of Incremental Progress
21:58 Navigating Organizational Change
23:04 Investment Project Realities
23:59 CapEx Allocation Strategies
24:56 Case Study: Three Companies
25:32 Predicting Company Success
26:44 The Magic of a Hockey Stick Plan
28:01 Resource Allocation and Execution
30:20 The Importance of Leadership
32:44 10 Variables for Success
35:49 Industry and Geography Trends
37:44 Five Key Dance Moves
41:00 Case Study Dashboard
43:22 Creating a Sense of Urgency
45:38 Conclusion and Contact Information
#Strategy #Leadership #Innovation #BeyondTheHockeyStick #McKinsey #GrowthMindset #RiskTaking #BusinessStrategy #ArchiveHighlight #Transformation #FutureProof #LeadershipInsights
