Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast

By: Chris McNulty
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  • Summary

  • Synozur is a woman-owned boutique advisory agency focused on transforming the business landscape for clients, making the desirable achievable. It's our mission to help our clients find the North Star to chart their course for success. Across the worlds of leadership and technology, Polaris Pathways brings you our latest discoveries as the world continues to rotate around the North Star.
    2024
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Episodes
  • Fractional CxOs Get Our Undivided Attention - Michelle Caldwell

    Fractional CxOs Get Our Undivided Attention - Michelle Caldwell
    Jan 28 2025

    In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty and Michelle Caldwell discuss the emerging trend of fractional leadership, particularly the role of fractional CxOs. They explore the reasons behind the rise of these roles, including the impact of the pandemic, the mass resignation trend, and the increasing acceptance of remote work. Michelle shares insights on the benefits of fractional leadership, such as flexibility and access to top talent, as well as the importance of defining success and cultural fit. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with fractional roles and how organizations can effectively engage fractional leaders.

    Keywords

    fractional leadership, CXOs, remote work, business transformation, talent acquisition, organizational strategy, executive roles, innovation, consulting, Synozur

    Takeaways

    • Fractional leaders provide strategic expertise without long-term commitment.
    • The mass resignation trend has led to talent shortages.
    • Remote work has made fractional roles more acceptable.
    • Cross-industry exposure enhances innovation and creativity.
    • Cultural fit is crucial for fractional leadership effectiveness.
    • Fractional roles can help organizations test fit before full-time commitment.
    • Fractional leaders often bring fresh perspectives and energy.

    Sound Bites

    • "We can find talent anywhere in the world."
    • "Cultural fit is super important."
    • "Fractional leadership is about flexibility."
    References

    The West Wing John Spencer played Leo McGarry, Chief of Staff for President Josiah Bartlet on the NBC drama.

    Simon’s Sinek’s podcast, A Bit of Optimism | An inspiring podcast with Simon Sinek can be found on most major podcast platforms.

    Events

    • "SharePoint: From Concept to Creation to Impact + Live AMA" webinar with Jeff Teper | Jan. 29, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
    • 2025 Trends Shaping Knowledge. Sponsored by ClearPeople, Katya Linossi, their CEO will host Marjan Hermkes (LIME), Barry Byrne (Novartis & the Knowledge Summit) and Chris McNulty (Synozur) to look ahead at knowledge, AI use cases, technology trends and more. January 30 at 8AM PST, 11AM EST.
    • M365 Miami 2025 | Feb. 6-7, 2025
    • Microsoft 365 Community Conference | May 5-8, 2025 (Vegas) Jeff Teper and Jared Spataro will be keynoting from Microsoft, along with many other speakers from Microsoft, Synozur, partners, customers and more.
    • TechCon 365 Seattle | June 23-27, 2025 Synozur will be sponsoring and speaking at TechCon 365 Seattle.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fractional CXOs

    09:15 The Rise of Fractional Leadership

    18:13 Defining Success in Fractional Roles

    24:16 Synozur's Approach to CxOs

    26:02 Retaining Fractional Talent

    27:23 Things to know

    28:14 Recommended Content

    29:33 Upcoming Events in 2025

    31:42 Wrap Up and Thank You
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    33 mins
  • Holiday Reflections from Synozur: A Dynamic 2024

    Holiday Reflections from Synozur: A Dynamic 2024
    Dec 14 2024
    In this special holiday episode of Polaris, guests from Synozur reflect on the past year, discussing significant events, innovations in technology, and personal highlights. They explore the impact of AI on businesses and the community, share memorable pop culture moments, and make predictions for 2025, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and focusing on the human side of technology. Takeaways 2024 was a year of both challenges and innovations in technology.AI is expected to be leveraged in new and impactful ways in businesses.The rise of fractional expertise is becoming a trend in organizations.Pop culture moments, like the Olympics and music events, shaped the year.The importance of focusing on the business value of AI is critical.A more skeptical approach to AI investments is anticipated in 2025.Diversity in STEM fields is increasing, as seen in events like the Excel World Championships.The future of AI should prioritize ethical considerations and human values. Sound Bites "AI has been going along for like 65 years.""There's a lot of incentive to get this right.""The business value of AI has yet to be proved." References News and Third-Party Sources: · Enhanced Geothermal Systems: Advancements in geothermal energy for commercial use. MIT Technology Review · James Webb Space Telescope: Provided unprecedented clarity in astronomy with stunning images of distant galaxies and exoplanet atmospheres. NASA's Webb Depicts Staggering Structure in 19 Nearby Spiral Galaxies · Gartner Report on Generative AI: Discusses the deployment and expectations of generative AI solutions in businesses. Gartner Says More Than 80% of Enterprises Will Have Used Generative AI APIs or Deployed Generative AI-Enabled Applications by 2026 · CrowdStrike Outage: Impact on Windows systems and the need to modernize technology infrastructures. Understanding the CrowdStrike-Induced Microsoft Outage Pop Culture: · Coldplay's Music Video "All My Love": Features Dick Van Dyke, highlighting his career and family. Dick Van Dyke sings with Coldplay's Chris Martin in 'All My Love' music video · Olympics 2024: Memorable moments including Snoop Dogg's hosting and breakdancing as an Olympic sport. Snoop Dogg’s BEST MOMENTS At The 2024 Paris Olympics · Madonna's Truth or Dare (1991): Mentioned in the context of AI discussions. Madonna: Truth or Dare - terrific documentary · Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: Their relationship's impact on the Super Bowl and pop culture. Travis Kelce Reveals How Taylor Swift Romance Has Impacted Pop Culture · Shogun TV Series on Hulu: Detailed depiction of Japanese culture and its intersection with Western culture. Shōgun: The brutal Japanese history that inspired 2024's latest TV hit · Anora (2024): An exotic dancer's trouble with the Russian mafia, both hilarious and heartbreaking. Anora - Wikipedia World Travel: · Olympic Mountains: Mentioned in the context of global events. Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service) · Breckenridge, Colorado: Mentioned as a skiing destination. Colorado Skiing & Snowboarding | Breckenridge Resort · Iceland: Locations where the aurora was observed. Northern Lights in Iceland - When & Where To See the Aurora · Whidbey Island: Locations where the aurora was observed. Northern Lights over Whidbey Third-Party Events: · M365 Community Conference: Scheduled for May 4th-9th in Las Vegas, featuring keynotes from Jeff Teper and Jared Spataro. Microsoft 365 Community Conference · TechCon 365 Seattle: Scheduled for June 23rd-27th at the Seattle Convention Center. TechCon 365 Seattle Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 00:52 Guest Introductions 02:43 Highlights of 2024: Innovations and Discoveries 10:09 Reflecting on Synozur's Year: Achievements and Growth 15:20 Pop Culture Moments of 2024 26:08 Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2025 33:24 Upcoming Events and Conferences 34:25 Closing Thoughts 36:05 Thanks and Happy Holidays This podcast was produced with Riverside.fm, and features the song A Snowflake's Tale by Howard Harper-Barnes, courtesy of Epidemic Sound. © 2024 The Synozur Alliance, All Rights Reserved
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    37 mins
  • Company Operating Systems - CoS it's Thanksgiving - Matt Shaffer

    Company Operating Systems - CoS it's Thanksgiving - Matt Shaffer
    Nov 25 2024
    In the latest episode of Polaris, Matt Shaffer delves into the concept of Company Operating Systems (CoS), exploring its framework, key components, and the importance of documentation and communication in achieving business goals. We discuss the distinction between strategic and operational focuses, the difference between strategy and planning, and share real-world applications of CoS in various organizations. The conversation also touches on the role of software in implementing CoS, best practices for successful implementation, and future trends in organizational design and strategy. Takeaways · A Company Operating System is a framework that helps maintain focus on business priorities. · The four key components of a CoS are business foundations, strategy, annual plans, and focus rhythm. · Goals are just one small piece of a larger operating system. · Documentation is crucial for intentionality in achieving business objectives. · Strategy involves long-term choices, while planning is about execution. · Leading practices for implementation include (1) educate on CoS components; (2) understand the difference between strategy and planning; and (3) don't over-commit on quarterly rocks your first time. How to get going = candid discussions with leaders, then workshops. " Things we discussed on the show: General · You can discover more about Polaris Hall at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs at Polaris Hall • United States Air Force Academy · Matt has additional CoS resources hosted at www.salient7.com · The “Think System” of Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man. [Spoiler: it doesn’t really work – bands have to actually, umm, practice.] · The story behind the origin of “Big Rocks”, popularized by Stephen Covey in his work The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Summary – big rocks have to be tackled first. Events ESPC24 - December 2--6 Stockholm Sweden, Jeff Teper keynote, Microsoft 365 an Azure teams and the best of the community across Europe and beyond. www.sharepointeurope.comUpgrade your Company Operating System Webinar - December 5: Join Matt for a live overview of company operating systems – a great place to get your questions answered. Register at https://aka.synozur.com/COS2024 CollabCon - December 12: Hosted in Orlando, Florida – learn more at www.collabconforall.com Chapters · 00:00 Opening · 00:16 Introducing Matt Shaffer and the Company Operating System · 06:27 Common Leadership Challenges in Organizations · 09:30 Understanding Company Operating Systems · 12:19 Key Components of a Company Operating System · 15:02 The Importance of Intentionality in Strategy · 17:54 Distinguishing Between Strategy and Planning · 20:38 Real-World Applications of Company Operating Systems · 22:51 The Role of Software in Company Operating Systems · 25:49 Best Practices for Implementing a Company Operating System · 27:51 Future Trends in Organizational Design and Strategy · 36:16 Introduction to Polaris and Its Significance · 38:18 Matt Shaffer Wrapup · 39:30 Upcoming Events and Announcements · 40:50 Closing
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    41 mins

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