We use and hear the words "strategy" and "strategic" in our business lives every day. The words are often overused and misused. What does strategy really mean? In this session, Professor John Kim provides a "back to basics" cheat-sheet approach to the most important concepts on business unit and corporate strategy. Strategy is more important than ever, but let's all agree on what it means.

As organizations continue to emphasize evidence-based decision making, there is one arena where many are decidedly not evidence-based and seem to be stuck in an old mental model. This arena is about human performance and decision making. This disconnect persists in spite of the fact that there is burgeoning evidence about the links between human physiology, human performance, and decision making. Steve Walton discusses the complex relationship between human physiology and decision making and specific actions that a person and organization can take to improve performance and decision making.

Partnering holds the promise of all things good, so why do business partnerships and alliances fail so often? In this webinar, Emory University Professor Sandy Jap explores the dark side of partnering relationships: why non-competitive partnering “friends” can become “enemies” over time. Using examples including Samsung/Google, Martha Stewart/Macy’s, and Best Buy/Apple, Jap provides recommendations for avoiding partnership challenges, revitalizing weakening partnerships, and recognizing when a partnership can’t be saved.

As more companies integrate social purpose into their brand promise, sustainability concerns have become paramount for many CEOs. However, the integration of environmental or community benefits into the growth strategies of firms is lacking behind other areas. Some chief marketing officers perceive it as a distraction, or are more concerned with digital transformation than social integration. Drawing on his research of existing brands who compete on social purpose, Rodríguez-Vilá shares findings into the challenges that companies face when seeking to integrate societal benefits into their growth efforts.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were once a novel investment idea and are now becoming part of the business strategy for major retailers like Paypal, Amazon, and Starbucks. One futurist is predicting cryptocurrencies could replace national currencies by 2030. Tom Smith explores why cryptocurrency should be on your radar, how this revolutionary technology will likely affect business, and the potential long-term benefits and possible downsides of adopting cryptocurrencies into a business.