Storytelling to Strategize

How do you identify and seize opportunities for disruption? In this episode, Rich sits down with Jed Ayres, CEO of ControlUp, a company that helps IT resolve issues faster, prevent tickets, and reduce spending. Jed is widely recognized for the transformational impact he is making on the end user computing industry. He and Rich discuss innovation, creative thinking and the importance of storytelling in leadership.

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Key Quotes

“I’m a firm believer that story is the root to all greatness in the world. And I think about some of the greatest tech companies, they had leaders that were great storytellers.”

“If you can visualize something in your mind’s eye and you can put the right plan underneath it, nothing is impossible.”

“What I’ve found in my career is that the real disruptive innovation typically comes from within really creative people that are able to have the wingspan to get into a dark room and think differently. And they feel like they’re in a safe place to come up with new ideas that are radical.”

“Your network is your net worth.”

Practice Makes Profit

How to use a threat matrix.

League of Strategic Minds

What is competitive advantage?

Winsights: Ideas for Advantage

Winston Churchill said, “To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment, when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.” Are you continuing to develop your expertise and skills to be your best so you too can realize your finest hour?

References 

Time stamps:

(00:40) Deep Dive Interview with Jed Ayres

(43:53) Practice Makes Profit

(46:06) League of Strategic Minds

(47:26) Winsights, Ideas for Advantage

Links

Submit a question for Rich to the League of Strategic Minds

Jed Ayers on LinkedIn

Rich Horwath on LinkedIn
Rich Horwath on YouTube
Rich Horwath on Instagram
Strategic Thinking Institute Website
Inc. Magazine’s Top 4 book for 2024: STRATEGIC  Book
New executive development platform: Strategic Fitness System
Sign up for Rich’s free Strategic Thinker Newsletter

About the Guest 

Jed Ayers
CEO of ControlUp

LinkedIn

About the Host 

Photo of Rich

Rich Horwath, Founder & CEO
Strategic Thinking Institute  

Rich is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of eight books on strategic thinking, including his most recent work, STRATEGIC, which was named a “top 4 must-read business book for 2024” by Inc. Magazine, and a national bestseller by USA TODAY. He has been the top rated keynote speaker on strategic thinking at national conferences for nearly 20 years.

This Episode Brought to You by the Strategic Thinking Institute

Sharpen your strategic thinking for long-term success.  

The Strategic Thinking Institute has developed hundreds of resources to help leaders at all levels think, plan, and act strategically. In addition to facilitating workshops and strategic coaching with executive leadership teams, STI has assessments and products for functional groups such as sales, marketing, finance, human resources, operations, information technology, account management, business development, accounting, clinical, medical, and other technical specialties. STI’s experience in a wide range of industries brings your team the best-of-breed practices and resources to enable your team to outthink and outperform the competition. Remember, be strategic … or be gone. 

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