Strategy Shift Ltd

The Strategy Coach

Strategy Shift

Leading a virtual Masterclass on 'Leading high-stakes' meetings. Details incl. enrolment here: https://strategyshift.co.uk/course/leading-high-stakes-meetings/

Course Instructor - Leading high-stakes meetings Masterclass

Advice and coaching to CEOs and other C-Suite Executives taking on a new role, or looking for one, and facing:

- Exciting growth opportunities
- Complex customer dynamics
- A missing or incoherent strategy
- An underperforming leadership team
- Investors with high expectations
- A bureaucratic, undiverse culture

You want to be inspiring, inclusive, and compassionate. It’s going to take deep thinking. Hard choices. Concerted action. At pace.

But where do you start? And how do you master the mindsets and practices required? 

That's what Strategy Shift focuses on.

Founder

My series Lancefield on the Line explores how to develop extraordinary individuals and organisations.

By interviewing some of the world’s leading executives, entrepreneurs and management thinkers on leading edge practice in strategy, leadership and organisational culture, I aim to give you the tools to help you perform at your best and progress your career to your full potential.

What do my guests really think and feel about their subject? You’ll learn much more here than by reading an article, a book or listening to a keynote.

It’s all delivered with a bit of an edge, too.

Host and editor, Lancefield on the Line Podcast

David Lancefield Ventures Ltd

Director

London Business School

Guest Lecturer

Harvard Business Review

Contributor

strategy+business

Contributing Editor

Strategy&

Senior Partner

After the acquisition of Booz & Company, I redesigned and refreshed the approach to thought leadership as a way to increase brand impact, commercial sales and people engagement. This resulted in analysts from Source from Consulting increasing ranking from 8th to 4th, winning three MCA Awards/nominations and originating substantial commercial sales from the investment of time.

Leader of Thought Leadership, EMEA Consulting and Strategy&

- Lead advisor role on transformational projects for the C-Suite of BBC, Ofwat, Royal Mail, S&P, Channel 4, NHS, ITV, covering more than £150bn of assets. Worked with closely with 35 CEOs and led 30 transformation programmes, including 15 new digital ventures or ecosystems.
- Worked in 20 countries, leading more than 500 engagements with an average client feedback score of 9/10 and winning 5 industry awards or nominations. 
- Led PwC’s global relationship with the BBC, increasing revenues substantially over three years and winning high profile mandates (Gender Pay, Pensions, BBC Studios Transformation).
- Played a pivotal role in the strategic design of new markets, ventures and services – NHS, Media, Water, Anti-trust, Electricity – which have delivered significant benefits to citizens and consumers. Advised Government officials, regulators and the private sector.
- Authored more than 50 reports on aspects of transformation, and 13 articles in Strategy+Business and Harvard Business Review (the ‘Four Building Blocks of Transformation’  and won the gold award at the US American Society of Business Publication Editors, whilst the ’10 principles of strategic leadership’ is one of the most downloaded Strategy+Business articles ever).
- Transformed the positioning, profitability and profile of PwC’s economics and policy practice (increasing revenues by 20% CAGR, profitability by 10%) and media profile.
- Sponsored and/or coached 35 new (and successful) partners or directors in PwC. 
- Initiated, developed and sustained the Thought Leadership capability in PwC Consulting and Strategy&, winning three flagship industry awards and originating a substantial multiple of revenues to investment.

Partner, then Senior Partner

Appointed as a partner in the PwC economics team, initially focusing on anti-trust investigations, then evolved to sector regulation and strategy and then enterprise-wide transformation. Achievements included:

- Advised the CEO of a large technology company on his priorities, leadership team and tactical moves; since then the company has grown successfully, increased people engagement and the share price.
- Developed a growth strategy and implementation plan for a large data business.
- Co-led the innovative Ofwat 18 month price review which delivered ‘more for less’ – in the form of lower customer bills and £43bn investment in the sector.
- Secured State Aid approval of the £1bn financial package to support Royal Mail privatisation through economic evidence.
- Advised the Board of Virgin Media on how best to respond to disruptors leading to a clear strategic choice and successful execution of a new strategy.
- Improved ITV’s licence terms as a result of the submissions and strategy, saving ITV £135m along the way.
- Shaped the strategic decisions taken by Technicolor which contributed to its turnaround.
- Contributed to the successful launch of Radioplayer and Freesat through business planning, financial modelling & customer research.	
- Made a significant contribution to a new vision, public value framework and technology capability for Channel 4.
- Conducted a strategic review of the Pensions Regulator, which led to a transformation of the capabilities and positioning of the organisation.
- Advise NHS Improvement on pricing, failure, competition issues, patient centricity contributing to reform of the NHS.
- Contributed to successful outcomes in competition investigations for BUPA, BBC, Alstom, Formula 1, Teracom through robust, compelling economic evidence.. 
- Led high profile, sensitive reviews for the BBC involving Premium Rate Services and the Window of Creative Competition lead to robust conclusions that withstood scrutiny.

Client-facing partner

Played a prominent role in turning around performance, leading PwC’s focus on major accounts and bids in TICE Consulting; in each of the three years the revenue budget was beaten and profitability improved. Led a “Win it Big” Campaign – inspiring, coaching and converting significant (£1m+) opportunities, which was adopted by other businesses within PwC.

Client and Markets Leader, TICE Consulting

Grew revenues of UK practice by more than 15% CAGR, increased profitability by 10% and client satisfaction by 15%, building a team of 150 people comprising 25 nationalities. Merged four economics practices in to one, built a stronger brand, developed innovative services, launched the megatrends research, and built a more diverse team at all levels.

Leader of Economics and Policy (UK and Global) 

People Partner for Strategy & Economics practice, responsible for recruitment, talent development and reward: successfully merged two groups, growing business by 15%, reducing HC operational costs by 50%, increased people engagement by 10% and exceeded budgeted growth each year by 5%-10%.

People Partner, Strategy & Economics

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Senior Associate-Director

Associate to Senior Associate

Hi, I'm David. I'm The Strategy Coach for CEOs, C-Suite executives, and founders at the world's top organisations. I've worked with more than 50 CEOs and hundreds of executives over nearly 30 years. 

I write about strategy, leadership, and culture in Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Review, Strategy+Business, Fast Company, and Forbes. I'm quoted in the Wall Street Journal, FT, Times and the Guardian.

This is how I can help you:

👋 Executive Coaching and Advisory.

Typically, you are new in role or transitioning, facing:

▶️ Exciting growth opportunities
▶️ Complex customer dynamics
▶️ A missing or incoherent strategy
▶️ An underperforming leadership team
▶️ Investors with high expectations
▶️ A bureaucratic, undiverse culture

You want to be inspiring, inclusive, and compassionate. 

But where do you start? And how do you master the mindsets and practices required?

▶️ Learn about my services at: https://strategyshift.co.uk/services/

In retained contracts (6 months+) I provide: catalyst sessions, exercises, blueprints (e.g. for vision, strategy, culture), role-plays and rehearsals, invitations to peers and other professionals. 

Clients include: the BBC, Microsoft, the Guardian, CBRE, Oak Foundation, NBC Universal, ManpowerGroup.

👋 Topics include:

▶️  Strategic thinking and doing.
▶️  Board/Exco impact and dynamics.
▶️  Decision-making.
▶️  Integration of strategy and culture.
▶️  Overcoming inner obstacles to growth.
▶️  Dealing with challenging stakeholders.

👋 Expect big results:

☑ Organisation: profitable growth, new capabilities, greater resilience.

☑ You: greater fulfillment, financial reward, reputation, wellbeing.

👋 Perspectives

I believe passionately in sharing my expertise, ideas, and learning. 

▶️ Writing: https://davidlancefield.com/writing/. 

Sign up to my:

▶️ Every Day is a Strategy Day newsletter: https://davidlancefield.com/newsletter/

▶️ Lancefield on the Line podcast in which I interview the world's best executives, enterpreneurs, and management thinkers: https://davidlancefield.com/lancefield-on-the-line/

👋 About me

I'm curious, creative, courageous. Intellect with intuition, reflection with action, compassion with clarity.

I’ve taken risks and overcome challenges in my professional and personal life — including the care of a disabled child — in pursuit of growth and opportunity. 

▶️ Former senior partner in Strategy&/PwC.
▶️ Guest lecturer at the London Business School.
▶️ Distinction in MSc Economics (Warwick) and Meyler Campbell Mastered coaching. 

Reach out to me at david@davidlancefield.com

David Lancefield

McLean & Company

McLean & Company partner with organizations to create a workplace that meets today’s needs and prepares organizations for the unknown future.​

Everything we do is backed by data and best practices, so you can make informed decisions and know exactly what to do next. Our memberships are designed to provide what you need to drive the organization forward – from full-service assessments to practical action plans, impactful training, and more. ​

Visit our website to learn how we can help you create a workplace where everyone thrives.

Executive Counselor

Lambton College

As Director People and Organizational Development I was responsible for the delivery of the following corporate services: Organizational Development, Employee Relations and Strategic Workforce Planning in support of the College’s strategic directions and operational priorities.

Director - People & Organization Development (CHRO)

London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC)

As Transformation Lead for the Continuous Improvement Initiatives across LHSC – I was responsible for supporting the startup and long term success of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Centre of Excellence. In this role I led the Centre of Excellence Team responsible for the the following outcomes:

1. Culture Transformation Leadership: Overall CQI transformation program management,  culture change leadership strategy, monitoring progress and sustaining the corporate improvement initiatives and the CQI management system.
2.     Knowledge Development: Maintain and evolve CQI approach and infrastructure  ensuring consistency.
3.     Leading Corporate Improvements & Coaching Support: Lead corporate CQI initiatives and develop organizational improvement capability through training & coaching. In addition, manage and support projects and provide coaching for project events and the CQI Management System.
4.     Training and Development: Develop and deliver training to all staff and support train the trainer initiatives.

Transformational Change Strategy Executive Lead - Continuous Improvement of Care

Responsible for building and leading the team of HR professionals who provided solutions-based talent management consulting services including, leadership strategy development, change management, organizational design, leadership recruitment & compensation, succession management and performance management. 

-Guided the consulting team that redesigned and implemented a standardized set of staff competencies and a new performance development process for 12,000 employees in a workplace with multiple collective agreements 

-Executed an organization-wide talent management strategy – 350 leaders are systematically evaluated and development/succession plans were created for each individual on an annual basis

-Directed the process and systems redesign to generate “Talent Management Metrics” enabling senior management to have line of sight on the necessary analytics to support the continuous improve the talent management strategy  

-Coached a team of consultants, specialists and project leaders to successfully deliver performance development and talent management programs, recruitment and management compensation services for our 350 leadership clients. 

- Trusted Advisor to the CHRO &  members of the senior leadership team on matters related to talent strategy

Senior Manager -  Talent Strategy & Organization Development

I was responsible for orchestrating the execution of a comprehensive culture change strategy designed to significantly change the patient and family experience.

In 2014, I was honoured to receive the London Health Science Centre President’s Award for Leadership for successfully leading the change management strategy.

Change Strategy Executive Lead, Patient Experience London Regional Cancer Program

GetKeepGrow inc.

Chief Talent Officer

GoodLife Fitness

Provided strategic leadership to a team of HR/OD professionals to execute the re-alignment of HR and organizational effectiveness services and programs in support of the business strategy and emerging talent requirements. (6,000 employees across Canada) Developed and directed the execution of a comprehensive human resource strategy. Provided strategic HR council to the CEO/COO/CFO and senior leadership teams. Transformed the HR function into a consultative, results-driven, customer centric service delivery team.

Director - Human Resources & Organization Effectiveness (CHRO)

Fanshawe College

Adjunct Professor Human Resources

Ontario Government

Recognized with the Ontario Public Service Award for Human Resource Management Innovation.

Senior Consultant, Organization Development/HR Strategy, Attorney General of Ontario

Mayne Nickless North America

Regional Senior Manager

Mayne Nickless North America 

Major Account Manager

National Operations Manager

A strategic human resources leader & leadership coach with over 25 years of bringing people-focused solutions to the most niggly business challenges to achieve results. With experience across the spectrum of HR practices, David’s specialities include:  talent management, executive coaching, process improvement, organizational change and transformation and leadership development.

Dave cofounded “get keep grow inc” a  Canadian employee engagement and retention professional services corporation.




Please note views and opinions expressed are my own and do not represent the views of my employer

David McLean

The most essential skills for 2030?:
They’re not just technical. They’re strategic.

 Jeroen Kraaijenbrink shared this helpful original post and infographic:

This chart from the World Economic Forum shows what employers expect to matter most by 2030.

In the upper-right quadrant—skills that are both core today and expected to grow in importance—we see:

-> Analytical thinking
-> Resilience, flexibility & agility
-> Leadership & social influence
-> Motivation & self-awareness
-> Creative thinking
-> Systems thinking
-> Curiosity & lifelong learning

These aren’t niche capabilities. They’re the core drivers of strategy in action.

Yes, technological literacy, AI and data skills matter too. But the bulk of what’s rising isn’t just technical—it’s about how people think, adapt, lead, and execute in a changing world.





Acknowledgment: original post reposted here and infographic by Jeroen Kraaijenbrink  



#chro #hr #ceo

Is your organization a “learning organization”?
“An organization's ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage”— Jack Welch

In 1997, Harvard Business Review named the “learning organization” as one of the seminal business ideas of the prior 75 years and to me it seems even more relevant as we face the next decade!

What organizations have been successful in transforming themselves into learning organization’s?

Microsoft is on a cultural journey right now from being a company of “know it all’s” to a company of “learn it all’s”

When I started out in organizational development (OD) Peter Senge’s work was instrumental in shaping my thinking and his book was one of the big OD book’s of the decade.

What disciplines of a learning organization are still as relevant today as they were 20 years ago?



***full article from MIT Sloan School of Management in comments below 



Acknowledgment: infographic by Tanmay Vora  & original work by Peter Senge



#learningorganization #organizationallearning #organisationaldevelopment #chro

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The Battle

David Lancefield

David McLean

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}David McLean's LinkedIn Performance

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