JOE NEWSUM
An Executive Coach, Founder, McKinsey Alum, Experience Leader, & So Much More
The Mind Behind Stratechi.com
Over my 25+ year career, I've been deeply passionate about strategy and leadership. I initially planned to share my insights through a book titled "The Top 100 Tools of Strategic Leaders." However, recognizing the transient impact of traditional publishing—marred by rapid decay curves—I decided to launch Stratechi.com in 2018 instead. This platform has not only been a transformative venture but has also experienced remarkable growth, becoming a go-to resource for strategic thinking and leadership development. This strategy has proven its worth, with over 2 million people leveraging Stratechi.com in their strategic and leadership endeavors, affirming the platform's significant influence and reach.
In an ambitious step towards demystifying the complex world of business strategy, I created comprehensive strategy guides at Stratechi.com. These guides cover the full spectrum of strategic planning, from business models to growth, market, customer, geographic, value proposition, product, service, pricing, sales, marketing, distribution, organization, process, people, and partner strategies. Even during my tenure at McKinsey, I noticed the lack of a consistent approach or language for strategizing across a business model. Recognizing the disparate nature of strategic literature, I saw an opportunity to create a common lexicon that eliminates the confusion wrought by inconsistent terminology and methodologies. My goal was to distill these varied aspects into a unified, accessible framework, providing a common language that reveals the interconnectivity of the strategies across a company’s business model. This approach has made it possible for anyone, from novices to seasoned professionals, to grasp the essence of strategy and see how different strategies interlace to form a cohesive business approach.
Launching the Leadership Maturity Model on Stratechi.com recently is one of the milestones I'm particularly proud of. This model provides a comprehensive blueprint for leadership teams aiming to reach high performance. It embodies my conviction that strategy and leadership shouldn't be confined to the boardroom but should be accessible and understandable to a broader audience. Through Stratechi.com, I'm on a mission to democratize the art and science of strategic leadership, providing individuals and organizations with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the business world effectively. My dedication to simplifying strategy and leadership is more than just reshaping the strategic landscape; it's about empowering others to achieve their full potential.
A Believer in Coaching, Not Consulting
Executive Coaching Business Transformation Strategy Coaching Strategy Workshops Leadership Team Transformation
Having navigated the management consulting world for 7+ years, I've seen its limitations firsthand. The model is fundamentally broken and often leaves organizations with little more than polished PowerPoint presentations and substantial invoices. This approach falls short in driving genuine transformation or touching the hearts and minds of the people within these organizations. It's a realization that has profoundly shaped my professional path, steering me away from consulting towards a more impactful and fulfilling role in coaching.
Over the past six years, I've dedicated my efforts to coaching CEOs and executives on strategy and leadership, employing a suite of methods, including executive coaching, business transformations, workshops, and training. My focus is on the high-leverage activity of elevating executives' and their teams' leadership competencies, skills, mindsets, and strategic thinking. I've witnessed firsthand how enhancing the capabilities of a few at the top can have a cascading, enduring effect on the entire organization's performance. This ripple effect fosters a culture of excellence and execution, driving positive change throughout the company.
My work is predicated on the belief that transforming leadership teams into high-performing units can dramatically accelerate a company's journey to market leadership. By focusing on making executives and their teams more effective, strategic, and cohesive, the potential for organizational success is magnified. This approach not only yields better results but does so in a way that builds internal capabilities, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and ensures that changes are sustainable over the long term. Coaching, as opposed to consulting, empowers leaders to architect their future, equipping them with the tools, insights, and resilience needed to navigate the complexities of today's business landscape.
An Executive Coach that Knows the McKinsey Way and Other Ways
My career has been anything but ordinary, marked by 100+ hours of consulting weeks committed to driving transformation across a spectrum of top-tier companies and industries. Having worked at McKinsey & Company and Oliver Wyman for 7+ years, my consulting journey has afforded me a front-row seat to the complexities and challenges faced by giants in the business world. My portfolio of experiences spans advising leading companies in technology, media, transportation, financial services, airlines, retail, and chemicals.
During these intense and rewarding years, I immersed myself in a variety of strategic domains, including growth strategy, technology strategy, operations, sales and marketing, organizational design and strategy, pricing, procurement, and cost optimization. This breadth of experience has honed my strategic acumen and deepened my understanding of the nuanced dynamics that drive success in different sectors.
While at McKinsey and Oliver Wyman, I transcended the traditional consultant role to become a thought leader, driving the boundaries of business strategy and innovation. At Oliver Wyman, I was instrumental in formulating the firm's Digital Strategy Service Line, crafting a strategic framework on how companies could capitalize on internet technologies. My leadership in founding McKinsey's IT 360 service line further underscored my commitment to innovation, developing a comprehensive performance toolkit for IT organizations.
My contributions to thought leadership were further exemplified through initiatives like the Management Innovation Lab, a McKinsey-funded startup I led, focused on corporate experimentation with Enterprise 2.0 technologies and innovative management practices. My efforts in leading the team that developed McKinsey's Prize Report provided critical insights into how prizes can be a powerful mechanism for driving innovation and leveraging human capital. I also had the honor of being a faculty member at many of McKinsey's mini-MBA programs. I was a keynote speaker at prestigious forums such as the McKinsey Retail Summit, the Japan Enterprise 2.0 Conference, and the McKinsey Global Strategy Summit.
These chapters at McKinsey and Mercer weren't just about building a resume; they were about laying the foundation for a career that thrives on transformation. As I now apply these rich learnings to my ventures and clients, I carry with me not just the strategies and frameworks but the stories and experiences that have shaped the leader I am today.
A Serial Entrepreneur
Both Stratechi.com and KentleyInsights.com have experienced substantial growth, not just in their offerings and reach but also in their financial success. They are more than just businesses; they represent the fusion of knowledge, strategy, and the power of actionable insights. These ventures have not only allowed me to carve out a space in the competitive world of strategic guidance and market research but have also shown that with the right mix of vision and execution, startups can scale to profitable heights. These enterprises clearly reflect my entrepreneurial journey, embodying the principles of innovation, growth, and the relentless pursuit of providing value.
A CEO, CFO, CMO, and COO
As a successful executive, my journey stands out as particularly distinctive. Having navigated the roles of CEO, CFO, CMO, and COO, I bring an unparalleled breadth of perspective. My career has spanned a diverse array of sectors, including SaaS, retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG), technology, and digital media. This journey has taken me from the early-stage challenges of startups through the dynamic phases of high-growth companies on their path to successful exits and into the strategic complexities of multi-billion-dollar enterprises.
At OpenMethods, a leader in omnichannel SaaS, I played a pivotal role in driving 20X growth and steering it into profitability—a testament to the strategic acumen and leadership versatility I brought as both CFO and CMO.
My tenure as COO and head of marketing at GoalZero (the 9th fastest growing company in the US), the leader in portable solar power, further exemplifies my diverse executive capability, where I oversaw the development of a robust product development team, cultivated a comprehensive manufacturing and supply chain ecosystem in China, spearheaded marketing efforts, and led the company to a 3X valuation exit.
My leadership experience also extends to the challenges of a multi-billion dollar retailer as the SVP of Store Operations and SVP of Marketing, where I led 20,000 store associates and managed a $100+million marketing budget. These role demanded a unique blend of strategic vision and operational excellence, showcasing my ability to drive significant outcomes at scale.
This rare combination of executive roles has broadened my perspective and profoundly enhanced my ability to understand, empathize with, and see the interconnectedness within any leadership team. Having stood in the shoes of a CEO, CFO, CMO, and COO, I appreciate each role's unique challenges and pressures and the critical importance of synergy among them. This experience empowers me to foster a collaborative environment, ensuring that strategic initiatives are aligned and executed cohesively across all departments. This deep understanding of each role's contribution to the whole enables me to guide leadership teams toward unified, effective action and drive organizations to their full potential.
A Competitor
From the early days as captain of my high school track and soccer teams, competition has always been a driving force in my life. On the track at Stanford University, my competitive spirit pushed me to excel, landing me as a Pac-10 finalist in long jump, high jump, and the 4X100. That same drive propelled me through my academic pursuits, helping me graduate in the top 3% of my class at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. There, I channeled my competitive nature into soccer, as an integral member of the Tuck Soccer team, which won numerous tournaments.
Today, I continue to compete with fervor, whether it's on the basketball court, carving through mountain bike trails, or descending ski slopes. Even after hanging up my soccer cleats due to an ankle injury, my will to compete hasn't waned. I find balance and maintain my edge through yoga, intensive TABATA sessions, and bi-daily weight training. As a lifelong athlete, I thrive on evolution, constantly refining my fitness regimen to match the evolving demands of my body, all while keeping the fiery heart of a competitor alive and beating strong.
A Lover of the Colorado Outdoors
In the Colorado mountains, I connect with the outdoors and nature. The rhythmic flow of its rivers draws me to the art of fly fishing, where I find meditative tranquility in the dance of the cast and the excitement of the catch. The cool water swirling around my legs and the anticipation of a trout strike is where I feel an inherent bond with the wilderness.
Skiing in Colorado is a cherished escape, where the rush of descending pristine slopes and the majesty of the Rockies invigorate my spirit. I find a profound sense of freedom and vitality here amidst the exhilarating embrace of the mountain air and the thrill of the alpine challenge.
My affection for the open air extends to the golf course, where the fairways and greens are my canvas, and each swing is a brushstroke that celebrates the intersection of skill and nature's beauty. It's a place where the serene backdrops and the challenge of the game fuse, offering a unique form of communion with my surroundings.
The call of the wild also takes me on backpacking journeys to Colorado's alpine lakes, each step a testament to my reverence for the environment and a quest for the simplicity of existence. These high-altitude sojourns to secluded waters are my way of embracing the challenge and tranquility of nature. Whether casting a line into flowing waters or teeing off into the mountain air, my spirit finds its truest expression in the embrace of the Colorado outdoors.
A Wandering Explorer
My passion for exploration and travel runs deep, driven by an unquenchable curiosity and a fervent desire to immerse myself in the world's diverse cultures. This yearning has led me and my family on adventures across the globe, with a highlight being our recent month-long journey through Portugal and Spain. There, we marveled at the stunning architecture, and enjoyed the local cuisine, where every meal was an exploration of flavors. We spent time lounging on sun-kissed Mediterranean beaches, and wandering the winding roads of ancient cities, each turn revealing layers of history and vibrant street life.
Each year, I embark on a month-long journey through the mountain states and west coast of the United States, a ritual that combines my love for the outdoors with the joy of discovery and spending time with friends and family. Driving through these regions, I spend time exploring, golfing, and fly fishing, always on the lookout for the next great local restaurant or hidden culinary gem. These trips are as much about reconnecting with friends, unplugging, and creating memories. For me, travel is an endless journey of discovery, with each new destination offering a fresh perspective and a reminder that there is still so much to see and experience.
A Believer in Buddhist Philosophy
I wouldn't call myself religious, but I deeply connect with Buddhist philosophy, especially the Four Noble Truths. These principles have profoundly influenced my personal values and how I approach both the challenges and joys of life. The first Noble Truth, which acknowledges the inherent suffering in human existence—whether through the cycles of birth and death, the complexities of love, or the myriad forms of loss and joy—reminds me of our collective human experience.
The second Noble Truth addresses the root of all suffering: the expectations and attachments we place on ourselves and others. I've experienced how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and distress in my professional and personal life. Learning to hold aspirations lightly and find contentment in the present moment has been a pivotal lesson for me.The third Noble Truth, suggesting enlightenment comes from releasing expectations, has been transformative. It has prompted me to adopt a more open and accepting stance towards life, cherishing the journey without being overly fixated on the destination. This mindset has been essential in maintaining my well-being amidst the demands of my career and personal life.
Following the fourth Noble Truth, the Eightfold Path, has guided me towards ethical and mental development, emphasizing right understanding, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. This journey has enabled me to lead a balanced life where work, friendships, family, hobbies, and health harmoniously integrate.
Buddhism has been a catalyst for a significant shift in my values, teaching me the importance of balance, the beauty of living in the moment, and the value of compassion and mindfulness in my interactions. Living through this lens, I navigate life with a calm determination, striving to embody the principles of Buddhism in my quest for a harmonious existence.
A Biohack Aficionado
In my pursuit of longevity and vitality, I apply the same strategic rigor that defines my professional life, delving into the world of biohacking with a deliberate and analytical approach. My daily regimen is a carefully curated mix of intermittent fasting—not only for its physical benefits but also for its role in boosting cellular health and mental clarity. I meticulously select supplements, including psyllium husk for digestive health, to maintain an optimal balance of nutrients.
Cold therapy brings a revitalizing shock to the system, strengthening my body's resilience. Adding to this, breath work is a critical component of my routine, enhancing mental focus and reducing stress through controlled breathing techniques. The intensity of my physical workouts is balanced by the tranquility of meditation. Grounding forms a cornerstone of my holistic health strategy, connecting me with the earth's healing energies, while my forays into lucid dreaming offer fascinating insights into the potential of the conscious mind. My biohacking journey is an ongoing exploration, constantly adapting and refining the practices that enhance my well-being and mastery over the art of living well.
A Family Man
At the heart of my world is my family—my truest compass and source of joy. Valerie, my wife of 25 years, stands as my partner in every sense. Together, we've navigated the waters of life, celebrating triumphs and facing challenges with unwavering support and understanding. Her presence has been the steady hand guiding me through the stormiest of seas and the gentle nudge encouraging me to pursue my passions.
Our children keep us on our toes. Hailey, currently thriving in college, is a hard worker, is often lost in a book, and has a passion for travel. Andrew, our high-school adventurer, loves spending time exploring the mountains with his friends. And, Dean our youngest, enjoys soccer and skiing, displaying a budding talent in engineering and a keen curiosity about how the world works.
A coffee, a good book, or a share?
