S5 | 381: Narrowing the strategy and execution gap with Alex Castro, CEO of 11:59

Digital StrategyTechnologyConversational AI

Jun 16

About the Episode

Today we’re going to talk about narrowing the gap between strategy and execution, and how leaders can be more successful in measuring and improving their team’s results.

To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Alex Castro, best selling author, creator/founder of ReM Score™ and CEO of 11:59.

About Alex Castro

Alex Castro is an aligner of execution to strategy for digital transformation & innovation, best-selling author and creator/founder of ReM Score™ Alex believes that the gap between ideas (strategy) and execution is a persistent problem that is sidelining too many high potential digital transformation and innovation growth opportunities.

What will set companies apart in these uncertain economic times are those that reduce the falloff rate of good ideas during execution, seeing more of them create value, resulting in ultimately thriving in the ‘next normal’.

Aligning execution to your ideas for digital transformation and innovation is rooted in removing the biases that have us repeating the same errors in estimating our capabilities to execute.

There is a way to calculate your execution capability for each idea you have, so more of them come to life, and you and your company win more. Alex is a charismatic, intelligent and knowledgeable guest, with plenty of wisdom to share.

Resources

11:59 website: https://www.elevenfiftynine.com

The Agile Brand podcast website: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/theagilebrandpodcast

Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-brand/

For consulting on marketing technology, customer experience, and more visit GK5A: https://www.gk5a.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems.Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow

The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Synopsis

In this episode, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and not dismissing the insights provided by data. They argue that companies already possess the necessary data to make informed decisions and do not necessarily require external analysis or insights. Instead, the speaker suggests that by harnessing the information and connecting the dots within their own data, companies can gain valuable insights and a better understanding of their capabilities.

The speaker also warns against disregarding data due to personal biases or a desire to quickly pursue a specific strategy. They stress the need to align the data to generate insights and comprehend what it indicates about consumer behavior, market trends, or customer preferences. By carefully examining the information provided by the data, companies can make more informed decisions about the direction they should take.

Additionally, the speaker highlights the importance of basing strategies on data rather than relying solely on intuition or assumptions. They acknowledge that while professionals may have a sense of direction, the data provides a realistic view and a deeper understanding of the market. The data can reveal crucial factors such as development cycles, changes in consumer demand, and potential timeframes for bringing ideas to market.

Overall, this episode underscores the significance of not dismissing data and instead taking the time to analyze and comprehend it. Data can offer valuable insights and a solid foundation for decision-making, enabling companies to make informed choices about their strategies and directions.

In this episode, the speaker discusses the importance of continuous transformation in today's marketplace. They note that many individuals are still adjusting to the idea that they are not constantly in a state of transformation. The speaker provides an example of setting up a CRM and connecting it to a website as a moment in time where transformation occurred. However, they emphasize that this moment has passed, and now there is a need to pivot and adapt to new circumstances.

The speaker also mentions that employees struggle to connect with the purpose of the company when it is unclear or lacks alignment with the strategy and culture. They emphasize that technology is not the root cause of the problem and that other areas of impact need to be considered during transformation.

Regarding addressing change over time, the speaker acknowledges that constant pivoting is not feasible as it can overwhelm employees and customers. They highlight the importance of iteration and making corrections while ensuring the right strategy and numbers are pointing in the right direction. The speaker suggests taking the time to understand what the data is telling and not dismissing it based on biases or a desire to move forward quickly.

Overall, this episode emphasizes the need for continuous transformation in today's marketplace, while also highlighting the importance of aligning strategy with culture and considering various areas of impact beyond just technology.

According to the episode, employees struggle to engage with the purpose of the company if it is unclear or disconnected. This can occur when the purpose is either too rigid or constantly changing. When employees constantly face failure or are unable to complete tasks, they can become apathetic and feel like they are not making progress. This can have a negative impact on the team and the company as a whole. It is crucial for management to ensure that the purpose of the company is clearly communicated and that employees are given the opportunity to see their work through and achieve accomplishments.