How To Think Like A Strategy Expert - Alex M H Smith

Super Powered: Leadership, Strategy, Decision Making & Peak Performance - Stories & Strategies from World-Class Performers for Executive Success

Ever wondered why some businesses just seem to grow effortlessly whilst others hustle for every sale?

Alex M H Smith strips away the strategic nonsense to reveal what actually creates leverage. As founder of Basic Arts and bestselling author of "No Bullsh*t Strategy," Alex helps businesses focus on creating unique value rather than copying competitors.

Alex breaks down how 99% of businesses miss the strategic element that could multiply their returns with the same effort. His refreshingly direct approach has attracted thousands of followers who appreciate his ability to make complex strategic concepts remarkably simple.

Key Talking Points:

• Why most businesses get trapped in "grafty stuff" when what they actually need is a clear strategy creating unique value
• The counterintuitive "retreat-style" setting that creates breakthroughs in just days versus months of structured workshops
• How great strategy often happens at "11:45 PM on a yacht" not in boardrooms, and why creative environments matter
• The powerful "context shift" demonstrated when eat natural cereal bars discovered their real market wasn't yoga mums but "white van men"

Links & Resources:

• Basic Arts Website
• The Hidden Path Newsletter
• No Bullshit Strategy Book
• Alex on LinkedIn
• Alex on X/Twitter
• Alex on Instagram
• Video referenced: John Cleese on Creativity in Business (YouTube)

Today's Exercise: Public Opinion Journaling

This practice helps develop your strategic thinking by clarifying your unique perspective and finding your authentic voice. It creates a habit of articulating clear thoughts that stand out from conventional wisdom.

1. Write down 20 opinions you have about your industry or category
2. Choose LinkedIn, X, or a relevant forum as your platform
3. Create simple text-only posts explaining each opinion and your reasoning
4. Note which posts get more engagement (even small increases are significant)
5. Develop those higher-engagement ideas by writing about them in different ways
6. Continue the practice to develop your unique thesis and perspective

Strategic Storyteller Newsletter:

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