Strengthen Your Strategy Amid AI Disruption. How are chief strategy officers planning for the long term in an era shaped by AI-driven disruption? At HBR's inaugural Strategy Summit, Sherry Sanger of Penske Transportation Solutions, Jennifer Moll of DTEX Systems, and Maran Nalluswami of Synchrony shared their lessons for making disciplined bets amid volatility.
How are chief strategy officers planning for the long term in an era shaped by AI-driven disruption? At HBR’s inaugural Strategy Summit, Sherry Sanger of Penske Transportation Solutions, Jennifer Moll of DTEX Systems, and Maran Nalluswami of Synchrony shared their lessons for making disciplined bets amid volatility.
Stay grounded in customer needs. AI may be reshaping industries, but effective strategies still start with customer problems. Pay close attention to shifts in customer behavior and use new technologies to solve real challenges, not simply to chase trends.
Watch for signals, not predictions. Long-range plans can quickly become outdated. Instead of trying to anticipate every scenario, identify the assumptions that must hold true for your strategy to succeed, and monitor the signals that indicate whether you’re still on the right path.
Tell a story people can act on. Strategy only works when employees understand it. Clearly communicate priorities, explain tradeoffs, and help people see how their work contributes to the broader mission.
Treat focus as a competitive advantage. Most organizations don’t lack ideas—they lack clarity about which ideas matter most. Make deliberate tradeoffs, align resources behind key priorities, and be willing to stop work that no longer supports your goals.
