The Strategic Leader

Hosted by Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig

Business Management Education

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May 2026

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The Strategic Leader is a podcast for busy leaders to learn how to be naturally strategic, so that you can operate with impact and sit at the top table with confidence, with clear and actionable tips to demystify strategy and help you to succeed. With your hosts Gemma Bullivant, Executive Coach and Strategic HR Consultant, and Fiona Craig, strategist, founder and coaching lead at Good Thinking.

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March 17, 2026Episode 332 min

5.03 - Moving from Operational to Strategic Leadership - a COO Perspective

What actually changes when you move from operational leadership into the strategic conversations at the top table?In this episode we explore that question through the lens of COO leadership with our guest, Divinia Knowles. Drawing on her experience as a COO, CEO and now a coach to operational leaders, she shares what she has learned about the shift from execution to strategic contribution.One of the biggest transitions, particularly for COOs and operational leaders, is moving from being valued for what you deliver to being valued for how you think. We discuss why this shift can feel uncomfortable, especially when working alongside visionary founders or strong personalities who appear naturally strategic.Divinia introduces her model of role, remit and relationships, offering a practical way for COOs to understand the value they bring to a senior leadership team. We also explore the confidence barrier many executives face when contributing to strategy, including the very common experience of questioning whether you are allowed to challenge the CEO or shape the direction of the business.A key theme running through the conversation is the need to deliberately create thinking space. Strategic leadership rarely appears in the gaps between meetings. It requires time, perspective and the confidence to develop your own view of the business.Key Points DiscussedWhy COOs are often defined by doing and why that can make the transition to strategic leadership harderThe shift from being valued for execution to being valued for thinking and perspectiveHow Divinia’s model of role, remit and relationships helps clarify the COO contributionWhy many executives feel uncertain about challenging strategy at the leadership tableThe dynamic between visionary founders and operational leadersHow leadership teams benefit from different thinking roles and perspectivesWhy “be more strategic” is often unhelpful feedback without clarity or supportThe importance of protecting time for thinking as a core leadership responsibilityKey TakeawayMoving from operational excellence to strategic leadership requires a deliberate shift. Creating thinking time, forming your own perspective and contributing it confidently are essential steps in that transition.About our guest:Divinia is a former start-up and scale-up Chief Operating and Financial Officer, now an EMCC-accredited coach and founder of the London COO Roundtable. She has coached over 150 COOs, CEOs and founders through growth, complexity and exit. She specialises in working with COOs and senior leadership teams, bringing a practical, honest perspective on the realities of operating at the top of organisations. Her background includes senior roles at Mind Candy and Pact Coffee, alongside extensive psychologically informed coaching training.https://www.cooroundtable.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/diviniaknowles/Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast.If you enjoyed the show, please give is 5 stars! It will help others find the show.Check out our previous episodes and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss our future shows.If you have any questions or want to discuss anything, we’d love to hear from you:www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (for Gemma)www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (for Fi)

May 13, 2025Episode 125 min

4.01 How to Tackle Challenges More Strategically

Strategic thinking isn’t about having the strongest opinion in the room – it’s about knowing how to take a step back and ask better questions. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to move from personal opinion to a more strategic viewpoint, especially when you're dealing with big, complex topics that people often feel strongly about.We explore a simple approach: start by getting some perspective (take the balcony view rather than getting stuck on the dance floor), stay open to other possibilities (two things can be true at once), and always come back to context – what problem are we actually trying to solve?We’ve both seen this in action and we talk about tangible examples, such as designing a bonus scheme and everyone comes to the table with strong preferences, on we have tackled these situations and how the approach we suggest can really help. It creates space to listen, explore alternatives, and let go of the idea that there’s one perfect answer.You don’t need to have all the answers to be strategic. But you do need to stay curious, ask the right questions, and be willing to think differently.This episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, where we’ll explore big hairy questions, and how to navigate these more strategically.Key Points DiscussedWhy strong opinions can hinder strategic clarityThe importance of moving from opinion to strategic viewpointThe “balcony vs dance floor” metaphor for gaining perspectiveHow curiosity unlocks better thinking in group discussionsThe danger of seeking to “win” over others in strategic debateThe value of considering context over personal preferenceUsing the “disagree and commit” mindset in leadershipThe three-part strategic approach: Perspective, Alternatives, ContextThank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

November 8, 2023Episode 323 min

1.3 - Why thinking strategically is important in your career

Are you looking to operate more strategically in your career? Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be strategic, or why it's essential for career progression? Join us in this episode as we explore the significance of strategic thinking at every career level. From understanding job leveling and its relationship with strategic thinking to practical tips for honing your strategic skills, we'll demystify strategy and empower you to excel in your professional journey. In this episode of "The Strategic Leader" podcast, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig explore the concept of becoming more strategic in your career. They discuss why thinking strategically is crucial, how it's embedded in job descriptions, and how it evolves as you progress through different organizational levels. They emphasize that even at junior levels, you can exhibit strategic awareness by understanding the organization's purpose and the strategic importance of your role. The hosts stress the significance of broadening your perspective beyond your department and how this shift in thinking is essential for engaging in conversations with other parts of the business. They also share practical examples of strategic thinking at different career stages. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to normalize strategic thinking throughout their careers. Key Points Discussed: The importance of strategic thinking at different career levels. Understanding job levelling and its connection to strategic thinking. Balancing the creation and implementation of a strategy. How strategic thinking helps you to stay engaged and motivated in your role. Raising your thinking from the departmental level to the business level is key to having meaningful cross-functional discussions. Demonstrating strategic thinking accelerates career growth and removes fear associated with strategic roles. Key Timestamps [01:06]: Introduction - Why is thinking strategically important in your career? [03:16]: The two halves of strategy: Designing and implementing. [08:52]: Understanding job leveling and how it relates to strategic thinking. [13:24]: The importance of understanding the organization's purpose and how it affects your role. [17:18]: Shifting focus from your department to the broader business perspective. [19:31]: Practical examples of strategic thinking in junior roles. [22:32]: Normalizing strategic thinking throughout your career. Key Takeaway Strategic thinking is not confined to the C-suite. You can start building your strategic mindset early in your career. By understanding the bigger picture, asking the right questions, and engaging with the organization's strategy, you can accelerate your professional growth and become a valuable asset to any team. Don't wait for a job description to mandate strategic thinking; start normalizing it to accelerate your career and add more value to your role. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to check out previous episodes and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

October 31, 2023Episode 232 min

1.2 - Crafting a Simple Yet Effective Strategy

Welcome back to The Strategic Leader Podcast with your hosts, Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig. In this episode, we're delving deep into the art of crafting a strategy that is simple, yet highly effective. We explore the importance of simplicity in strategy, how to differentiate a strategy from an action plan, and why it's crucial to align your strategy with the overarching goals of your business. Do you ever wonder what it truly means to be strategic? Are you tired of overly complex strategic documents that seem impossible to decipher? Well, you're in luck! In this episode, we dive into the complex world of strategy, break it all down for you, and we discuss how simplicity in strategy is the key to effective leadership. Join us for this insightful episode and learn how to demystify strategy, prioritize effectively, and lead with confidence. We discuss: - The difference between a strategy and an action plan. - How to create a concise and clear strategy that anyone can understand. - The importance of aligning your strategy with the overall goals of the business. - Using strategy as your North Star to guide decision-making. - The power of asking, "What is the most important thing here?" Key Takeaway: Simplicity in strategy is essential for effective leadership. By distilling your strategy into clear, concise, and unambiguous terms, you can guide your team with greater focus and motivation, align with the business's overall objectives, make more informed decisions, and ultimately achieving your goals with confidence. FREE DOWNLOAD – Your HR Strategy Toolkit: Ready to take your strategic thinking to the next level? Download Gemma’s comprehensive HR Strategy Toolkit, packed with actionable tips and templates to help you develop and implement an effective HR strategy for your organization. DOWNLOAD HERE Key Timestamps: [01:02] - we look at the key components of a strategy, how to put that together, how to differentiate a strategy from an action plan, and how to make sure that what is in our strategy is aligned to the overall goals of the business. [03:08] - the difference between a strategic plan and a list of actions. Sometimes when we think we've presented someone with a strategy, what we've actually done is a list of actions, and that can not be what's desired. [05:01] - Strategy doesn't need to be something incredibly complex or full of corporate jargon. It should be simple, succinct, and something that anyone can understand. If you can't explain it clearly, it's too complicated. [06:23] - We should be able to articulate the strategy in one page. The actual strategy itself should be able to live on one page. We explore how to achieve this. [07:47] - Your strategy is like a North Star guiding your organization's efforts. It's clear, unambiguous language should help steer your actions, ensuring they align with your goals. [12:26] – We talk about how strategy anchors off the overarching organizational strategy. [15:26] - Your strategy is less about what your business does; it's more about what it aims to achieve and where it wants to be in the future. [18:13] – How a strong strategy can drive employee motivation and engagement. [25:43] - The Power of Simple Language - your strategy document should be clear and straightforward. It should be something that even a child could pick up and understand. [29:51] - Strategic Thinking in Action - A daily discipline of a strategic leader is asking, "What is the most important thing I could do today?" Your strategy gives you the answer by reminding you of your overarching purpose. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about crafting a simple yet effective strategy or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Check out the free download (link above) and feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

October 24, 2023Episode 126 min

1.1 - The 3 Essential Keys to Being Strategic

In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig delve into the fundamental concept of what it means to be strategic. They break down strategy into three key components: Future Focus, Breadth, and Purpose. Through engaging discussion and practical examples, they emphasize how anyone can become more naturally strategic by applying these principles to their daily work. Show Highlights: Gemma and Fiona introduce the podcast and emphasize that being strategic isn't as complex as it seems. They aim to demystify the concept and provide practical tips for their audience. The Three Key Elements of Being Strategic:: - Future Focus: Being strategic means having a clear line of sight on the horizon, looking beyond the immediate tasks, and thinking about future objectives and goals. - Breadth: A strategic perspective involves considering the bigger picture, identifying stakeholders, and understanding the broader impact of decisions on the organization. - Purpose: Being strategic requires understanding why a particular direction or decision is chosen and aligning it with the organization's overall objectives and mission. COACHING TOOL - The "What, So What, Now What" Framework (Rolfe et al): Gemma and Fiona discuss the importance of asking these three questions in strategic thinking. - What: Identifying the challenge or initiative. - So What: Understanding the significance, impact, and purpose behind the challenge. - Now What: Formulating actionable steps based on a deeper understanding of the challenge and its purpose. Key Takeaways: Applying the three elements of strategic thinking—Future Focus, Breadth, and Purpose— inserting strategic thinking into day-to-day tasks can lead to more effective decision-making and problem-solving.as well as the "What, So What, Now What" framework can instantly make your approach more strategic and improve the quality of your output. Download my HR Strategy Toolkit: Ready to take your strategic thinking to the next level? Download our comprehensive HR Strategy Toolkit, packed with actionable tips and templates to help you develop and implement an effective HR strategy for your organization. DOWNLOAD HERE Key Timestamps [02:38] - we discuss the idea of being naturally strategic, the need to understand what it means to be strategic, and why we are starting with exploring the concept of being strategic and how it can be achieved naturally. [04:15] - the difference between having a future focus (eyes on the horizon) and managing what's in front of you (eyes on the ground), and the importance of having a future-focused perspective in strategic thinking. [07:00] - the importance of a longer time frame in strategic thinking, and the significance of considering longer time frames when developing a strategy. [09:03] - the concept of breadth in strategy, considering a broader perspective beyond immediate tasks, and why it's essential to look at the bigger picture and consider broader impacts in strategic thinking. [11:01] - the importance of connecting the strategy to the organization's overarching objectives and purpose, and goals. [13:38] - we introduce the "what, so what, now what" reflective model for strategic thinking, and explain how the model can enhance strategic thinking by prompting important questions. [18:29] - the value of the "so what" question in making strategic decisions, and how the "so what" question helps in thinking through implications and obstacles in strategic decision-making. Got Questions or Comments? We love hearing from our listeners! If you have any questions about strategic thinking or want to share your experiences, email us at gemma@gemmabullivant.co.uk. We might feature your question in a future episode! Thank you for tuning in to the first episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.

May 12, 2026Episode 736 min

5.07 Every Leadership Interaction Leaves a Trace

We explore how senior leaders can better understand their leadership impact, communication style and executive presence, particularly when operating at the top table. Paul Kinkaid brings lessons from 20 years as a British Army officer and his work in leadership consultancy to explore his concept of “forensic leadership”, understanding the positive and negative traces leaders leave through everyday interactions, behaviours and communication.. We talk about high pressure leadership, imposter syndrome, confidence, training, simulation, communication and the importance of being conscious, deliberate and intentional.The conversation highlights why leadership impact is not just about intention. It is about how people experience us. From red traces created by poor communication or unconscious behaviours, to green traces that build trust, confidence and commitment, this episode offers senior leaders a useful language for self reflection, feedback and team development.We also discuss why simple, accessible communication matters, how leaders can prepare themselves before important meetings, and how emotionally intelligent leaders can use feedback to become better enablers of others.Key points discussedWhy high pressure leadership in the military has useful parallels for senior leaders in organisations The balance between imposter syndrome, confidence and finding a “good enough” way forward How training, simulation and rehearsal improve leadership under pressure How leadership behaviours leave lasting traces on teams and culture The difference between intention and impact in senior leadership How leaders create positive or negative “traces” through behaviour and communication Why clear communication and executive presence matter in senior leadership How “red trace” feedback can open up more constructive leadership conversations Key takeawaySenior leaders are always leaving traces, whether they realise it or not. The opportunity is to become more aware of those traces, use feedback well and choose how to show up with greater intention.If this episode has prompted you to reflect on your own leadership impact, executive coaching can help create the awareness, perspective and behavioural shifts that strengthen how you lead.Guest bioPaul Kinkaid is a former British Army Officer, leadership consultant, speaker and author of Forensic Leadership. After serving for 20 years across 44 countries and five continents, Paul now works with leaders and organisations around the world to improve leadership impact, team performance and executive presence. His work explores the “traces” leaders leave behind, helping people become more conscious, deliberate and intentional in how they lead. You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn here, where you can connect and find out more about his work.Thank you for tuning into this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast.If you enjoyed the show, please give is 5 stars! It will help others find the show.Check out our previous episodes and remember to subscribe so you don’t miss our future shows.If you have any questions or want to discuss anything, we’d love to hear from you:www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (for Gemma)www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (for Fi)

January 21, 2025Episode 830 min

3.08 From Being in a Team to Leading it

We discuss the challenges and strategies when you move from team member to team manager,Drawing on personal experiences and coaching insights, we have a natter about the unique challenges this shift can pose. What's your new leadership identity? How do you balance team dynamics? How do you ensure you fulfil what the organisation needs of you in this new role?Fi shares a candid anecdotes about one of her own career missteps and lessons she learned when she was promoted over a team-mate to assume management of him. We look at a few other things that might be getting in the way - imposter syndrome, the need for peer approval, and figuring out new senior leadership responsibilities.We suggest 3 helpful lenses for navigating this transition effectively:define your leadership styleunderstand individual and team needsensure you also meet organisational expectations.Key Points DiscussedThe emotional challenges of transitioning from peer to leader.The importance of crafting a leadership identity and owning your new role.Balancing team needs with the organisation's strategic goals.Recognising and addressing individual dynamics within the team.Strategies to maintain consistency and build credibility as a new leader.Insights on seeking or providing professional support during leadership transitions.Tackling imposter syndrome and trusting the hiring process.Key Timestamps[02:14] – Introduction to the challenges of managing a former team.[03:02] – Fi’s personal experience: transitioning to her first management role.[05:06] – The pitfalls of inconsistency and the struggle to establish authority.[08:24] – The critical role of identity in leadership transitions.[13:25] – The value of coaching and intentional reflection during the first 90 days.[16:24] – Three lenses for leadership: style, team needs, and organisational expectations.[21:31] – Treating a team as both a group and as individuals.[24:38] – Real-life example: the Flexi Time policy dilemma.[27:38] – Overcoming self-doubt and trusting organisational decisions.[28:23] – Encouragement for aspiring leaders to seize new opportunities.Key TakeawayTransitioning from team member to team manager requires intentional effort, self-awareness, and a clear understanding of organisational expectations. Success lies in embracing your leadership role, addressing team dynamics thoughtfully, and trusting your ability to rise to new challenges.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

July 23, 2024Episode 830 min

2.08 Building Core Strength: The Key to Confident Leadership

In this episode, hosts Gemma Bullivant and Fiona Craig discuss the multifaceted nature of confidence.They address how confidence is often misunderstood as mere extroversion and bravado, but true confidence comes from a deeper sense of self-worth and capability.Fi shares her personal journey in understanding confidence, emphasising the importance of courage and the ability to act despite fear. Gemma contrasts self-esteem, which relies on external validation, with intrinsic self-worth that remains intact regardless of external outcomes.She refers to Viv Groskop's book "Happy High Status," which introduces various confidence styles, including vulnerable confidence and the ability to hold competing ideas without feeling threatened.The hosts also propose a practical model of the three Cs—competency, courage, and curiosity—as anchors for building confidence in challenging situations. This insightful conversation equips listeners with a broader perspective on confidence, encouraging them to find and nurture their unique styles of self-assuredness.Key Points Discussed:- Different definitions and perceptions of confidence- The impact of age and wisdom on understanding confidence- The distinction between self-esteem and self-worth- Examples of confidence styles from Viv Groskop's "Happy High Status"- Practical model: Competency, courage, and curiosity as confidence anchors- The importance of recognising and reducing stress responses- The role of core strength in maintaining confidenceKey Timestamps:[05:48] - Gemma's take on quiet confidence and growth mindset[07:25] - Discussion on self-worth versus self-esteem[14:48] - Viv Groskop's "Happy High Status" and different confidence styles[22:17] - The importance of quiet confidence in strategic leadership[24:16] - Operating in competency mode vs. stress mode[27:12] - Introducing the practical model of the three Cs[29:01] - Core strength as a metaphor for inner confidenceKey Takeaway: True confidence is not about external validation but an intrinsic sense of self-worth and capability. By understanding and nurturing different styles of confidence, leaders can navigate challenges with core strength and strategic calm.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

May 14, 2024Episode 332 min

2.03 - How to Overcome Conflict Avoidance

In this episode Gemma is talking to special guest Jo Bamford.We talk about the dynamics of workplace conflict and ways to embrace diverse perspectives which can lead to better outcomes. By inviting challenge, conflict can drive innovation, by prompting us to consider alternative viewpoints and solutions.Staying actively curious and active listening are essential tools for overcoming conflict avoidance and promoting constructive dialogue.A key highlight from our discussion is the insight drawn from Matthew Syed's book 'Rebel Ideas', particularly the chapter on Rebels vs Clones. Syed advocates for seeking out individuals who challenge the status quo, as their perspectives often lead to more innovative outcomes.We also stress the importance of expecting positive outcomes when addressing conflicts, reframing them as opportunities for growth and learning. And we explore the concept of viewing fear as excitement, shifting our mindset towards conflict as a pathway to innovation and strategic success.Our Tips for Overcoming Conflict Avoidance include: Recognise that conflict isn't inherently negative – it’s healthy and necessary (with the right approach)Acknowledge that it's natural to have different perspectives – give yourself permission to disagreeInvite challenge, and then...Focus on listening and understanding the other person's perspective.Aim for a third, better outcome rather than ‘winning the argument’Avoid procrastination.Reframe your approach to conflict as an opportunity to explore differences and reach better outcomes.About Jo Bamford:Jo is an Occupational Psychologist with 30+ years of experience and an even bigger bucket of passion about maximising potential, raising performance, removing obstacles and enabling people and organisations achieve outcomes that are extra ordinary. Her company Bacon6 create bespoke solutions to support people, teams and the wider business to achieve ambitions around growth, change, culture and leadership. Jo brings a positive energy to everything she does – she is curious and collaborative and approaches the challenges faced with these same key principles.Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader.If you have questions about anything we've been talking about, or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you.Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma), www.bacon6.co.uk (Jo) or www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.

January 9, 2024Episode 732 min

1.7 - From Reactive to Transformational: Taking HR to the Next Level

In this episode, we discuss the concept of HR maturity levels. We explain the transition from transactional to transformational HR practices, emphasising the importance of moving beyond routine tasks to strategic thinking. Gemma introduces a four-level model: Reactive (Level 1), Proactive (Level 2), Strategic (Level 3), and Transformational (Level 4). The conversation explores the characteristics and challenges at each level, highlighting the need for a balance between transactional efficiency and strategic foresight. There is more information about this model in Gemma’s blog post here Key Points Discussed: 1. Understanding the difference between transactional and strategic HR. 2. Introduction to the four HR maturity levels: Reactive, Proactive, Strategic, and Transformational. 3. The importance of transactional tasks as the foundation for HR operations. 4. Transitioning from reactive and routine processes to proactive, business-aligned approaches. 5. Strategic HR involves anticipating business needs, interpreting challenges, and guiding initiatives. 6. The role of questioning and challenging assumptions in strategic HR. 7. The pinnacle of HR maturity: Transformational level, contributing significantly to the business's overall success. Key Timestamps: - [02:10] Gemma introduces the transactional qualities associated with basic HR functions. - [06:16] Discussion on businesses stuck at transactional levels due to essential yet reactive nature. - [09:02] Transition to proactive HR, aligning practices with business needs. - [09:22] Introduction of the strategic level, emphasising true partnership with the business. - [18:30] Advancement to the transformational level, influencing fundamental shifts in the business. Key Takeaway To become more strategic we need to evolve through various maturity levels, from transactional to transformational. Striking a balance between efficient routine processes and forward-thinking strategies is crucial for the optimal functioning of HR within an organisation. Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Strategic Leader podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please give us 5 stars! It will help others to find the show. And don't forget to check out previous episodes, and subscribe for more insightful discussions and practical advice on becoming a more naturally strategic leader. If you have questions about crafting a simple yet effective strategy or need guidance on strategic leadership, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us via www.gemmabullivant.co.uk (Gemma) or www.www.wearegoodthinking.co.uk (Fiona). Your queries could inspire future episodes to help you become a more strategic leader.