Ep 201: Be More Strategic with Charlie Curson

Ep 201: Be More Strategic with Charlie Curson

From Influence & Impact for Leaders by Carla Miller

March 2, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 201

About this episode

In this episode, Carla Miller and Charlie Curson discuss the importance of strategic thinking for leaders and how to develop this skill.

What does it really mean to “be more strategic”? And why are so many talented leaders told they need this skill - without being shown how to develop it? In this episode I’m joined by Charlie Curson, strategy consultant, leadership coach, and author of Be More Strategic . Together, we unpack why strategy so often feels intimidating, how it’s different from planning, and how leaders can build the confidence to think and act more strategically - even in uncertainty. In this episode, we explore: Why “be more strategic” is such common (and unhelpful) feedback for leaders The difference between strategy and planning — and why confusing the two causes problems How creativity plays a vital role in strategic thinking (even if you don’t see yourself as “creative”) Practical ways to manage uncertainty — without needing all the answers Why future-focused thinking doesn’t come naturally to everyone (and how to develop it) Decision-making styles, procrastination, and how to make better calls with imperfect information Charlie’s four-level framework for becoming more strategic — from self-awareness to scaling impact This is Influence & Impact for Leaders, the podcast that helps leaders like…

People in this episode

Host: Carla

Guest: Charlie Curson

Topics covered

  • strategy
  • leadership
  • decision-making
  • creativity
  • uncertainty

Keywords

  • strategic thinking
  • leadership coaching
  • planning vs strategy

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Be More Strategic

Books & works: Be More Strategic with Charlie Curson, Be More Strategic, Take the Be More Strategic Quiz

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