#Strategy Part 1 (Ep 6)
Episode 6
“Strategy” is the word that launches a thousand eyerolls in meetings—and yet it’s the reason people are passed over for promotions or projects. But what does it really mean to be strategic? In this episode, I’m joined by Mauro Gonçalves Filho, a master of strategy who breaks it down so clearly, we needed two sessions. Mauro’s insights are as sharp as his resume, but what makes him unforgettable is his ability to turn a buzzword into a practical, everyday skill. Don’t miss this conversation—it’s a masterclass in thinking smarter, not harder.
About Mauro
😩 The Dreaded Buzzword: Strategy
Ah, “strategy.” My least favorite buzzword. It’s the catch-all phrase that has haunted meeting rooms and performance reviews for decades. Employees are denied promotions or plum projects because they’re “not strategic enough,” all while no one bothers to define what strategic even means. A word with more interpretations than a modern art exhibit, “strategy” is the professional equivalent of smoke and mirrors—and the source of the most cringe-worthy moments in corporate life.
💡From Headbutts to Harmony
Enter Mauro Gonçalves Filho, a man who has not only made strategy his career but also his art form. Mauro and I first crossed paths when we were about to collaborate on a project. Within five minutes, we were butting heads like two determined goats on a mountaintop. Yet, to anyone who believes trust takes years to build, let Mauro and me prove you wrong: all it took was open minds, honest feedback, and a willingness to shift gears. Now, he’s one of my go-to people for advice on all things strategy, not just in the workplace but in life.
🎙️ A Masterclass in Strategic Thinking
So why Mauro? Take one look at his LinkedIn, and you’ll see a CV dripping with “strategy” in every title and stints with some of the heaviest hitters in business. But that’s not what makes him extraordinary. What sets him apart is his ability to demystify strategy, holding multiple perspectives simultaneously while crafting clarity from complexity.
Our conversation was so rich we had to break it into two episodes. Mauro’s insights on how to think and act strategically—whether you’re leading a team or navigating life—felt like a masterclass.
🎧 Join Us for Episode 6!
Please join me for Episode 6 of The Unbuzzed Podcast, where Mauro and I take “strategy” off its pedestal, strip away the jargon, and turn it into something you can actually use. And trust me, after this, you’ll wish Mauro taught a class on the side—I know I’ll keep pushing him to.