Brace yourself! Here's a bold statement: Sometimes, simplicity is the secret ingredient for long-term success in strategic planning. That is just one of the leadership insights from my guest, entrepreneur, author and master of the quick iteration, Brandon White.
We talk about how we can make strategic planning easier and faster, the importance of exceptional customer service and simplifying the process of writing a business plan, as per Brandon’s book series: Back of the Napkin.
We also get into the misconceptions surrounding AI in business, the future potential of technology, the complicated genius of Elon Musk and how to get busy being a problem-solving leadership role model!
Simplicity takes extra effort!
Why you should listen: We’re over-complicating leadership
Can you elevator pitch your strategic plan?
We explore Brandon’s secrets to being a leadership role model
Get over yourself and get on with being a leader!
Trusting your team is a leadership priority
A leader’s job is making it easy for others to succeed
Take action
Look for the problem, then the solution. Get good at looking for problems to solve
Moments tip: When you have a big ethical decision to make, consider what is the best for the greater good and the greater number in this situation?
About Brandon White
Brandon is an entrepreneur with two exits (so far), lots of strikeouts, angel investor, former venture capitalist who also worked in marketing at America Online.
He is the Founder of File Finder, host of The Brandon White Show and author of the Back of The Napkin series of books. Find out more about Brandon and his work here
Key moments
Planet Human: China's progress in wind and solar energy [00:00:29]
Planet Zoë: On the slopes [00:01:17]
Brandon White’s winding journey and entrepreneurial ventures [00:03:12]
From being a fisherman to starting a magazine, transitioning to the internet, and eventually selling the company.
Customer service sells [00:11:35]
The importance of exceptional customer service and building a company around it.
Simplifying strategic planning [00:13:48]
The concept behind "Back of the Napkin" series and the goal of writing a book that simplifies business planning.
The importance of self-awareness and living in the present moment [00:21:10]
On paying attention to the present moment to solve problems effectively.
Leadership as being an example and empowering others [00:28:26]
Brandon shares their perspective on leadership, highlighting the importance of leading by example, trusting and empowering others, and allowing them to make mistakes for growth.
Misconceptions about AI [00:32:21]
Importance of human interaction in customer service [00:34:29]
Elon Musk's leadership style [00:41:19]
Exploring his hands-on approach, willingness to admit mistakes, and connection with employees.
Message on business leadership and strategic planning [00:48:13]
Zoë's message on making things simple for people and going the extra mile in business leadership and strategic planning.
👉🏼 Want to share your experience? Ask a question? Share a resource? Jump on our podcast Facebook page here.
About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.