Human-Centered Collaboration

Finding predictability in today’s business world is a tall order. However, there is one place where predictability and all those other conditions thrive: on teams. In her Harvard Business Review article “Creating Stability Is Just as Important as Managing Change,” author Ashley Goodall writes that “teams are the source of much stability for their members,” reminding us that “our experience of work is created by those around us.” On a deeper level, teams play an important role in stability management by addressing fundamental human psychological needs that can’t be turned on or off. However, “collaboration drag” can create roadblocks for teams, as this next Harvard Business Review article explains. Fortunately, “Why Cross-Functional Collaboration Stalls, and How to Fix It” offers helpful solutions to keep communication channels open and the work flow hassle-free.

Data-Driven Personalization and Omnichannel

B2B sales are undergoing a profound transformation in today’s fluid economic landscape. McKinsey’s latest 2024 B2B Pulse Survey reveals critical insights into these shifts, highlighting how businesses can remain competitive and grow in an increasingly digital world. The survey finds “that across all sectors and regions, market leaders continue to experiment, invest, and commit to omnichannel sales as the path to sustainable growth.” The article gives an expert overview of the findings and offers crucial guidance on navigating the future of strategic account management.

Generative AI

“It’s easy to fall in love with gen AI — but recent research suggests that realizing its value is harder than the hype,” states the introduction to “Rewiring for the era of gen AI,” an episode of The McKinsey Podcast. Tune in as Rodney Zemmel, global leader of McKinsey Digital, and fellow senior partners and coauthors Eric Lamarre and Kate Smaje join global editorial director Lucia Rahilly to talk about their book “Rewired: The McKinsey Guide to Outcompeting in the Age of Digital and AI.” This fascinating conversation not only offers real talk, it also gives leaders a play-by-play guide for outpacing competitors in a fast-changing era of gen AI disruption.

Agility in Dynamic Marketplaces

Rita McGrath — bestselling author and distinguished faculty member at Columbia Business School where she’s the academic director in executive education — is a globally recognized expert in strategic management. Her work and groundbreaking book “The End of Competitive Advantage” has been instrumental in helping organizations navigate the complex challenges of today’s dynamic business environment. On this episode of The SAMA Podcast, Rita takes listeners on a deep dive into a world of innovation and the evolving nature of competition. Here, she shares her perspectives on how businesses can adapt and thrive in the era of constant change by embracing a more dynamic and agile approach to strategy.

Customer-Centric Ecosystems

Ron Davis, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Management at Zurich Commercial Insurance, joins this episode of The SAMA Podcast to discuss “Political Entrepreneurs: Mastering the Art Of Strategic Account Management And Outside-In Selling.” Tune in, as Ron talks about how world-class SAMs engage with customers by embracing differentiation and customer-centricity to master the art of outside-in selling.