Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

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by Christian Underwood

15 episodes

Updated Daily

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇩🇪

Podcast Overview

In this podcast, we talk to strategy makers to demystify the myth of strategy and at the same time show how you can win with strategic work in volatile times. Success is no coincidence. For a company to be successful in the market, it needs a sound strategy. But who is able to develop strategies that can survive in the long term? Which hurdles must be overcome and which turns and curves must be mastered? How can you cope with heights and how do you get back on track from a low? We explain all this in our podcast "Hope is not a strategy".

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Publishing Since

8/12/2022

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Recent Episodes

June 4, 2026

AI Won't Fix Your Business. Your Data Will.

In the latest episode of “Hope Is Not a Strategy”, Christian Underwood speaks with Deniz Schütz and Dr. Sascha Haggenmüller about a critical question: Why are companies still hiring despite the AI boom—and how is AI really transforming M&A and value creation? The discussion centers around one key insight: technology is not the bottleneck—data is. Without clean data, efficient processes, and a solid infrastructure, AI often falls far short of its potential. Together, the three experts explore data-driven deal sourcing, AI-powered financial due diligence, the importance of data warehouses, and the role of human expertise in an increasingly automated world. They explain why many AI initiatives fail and why companies should focus on taking action today instead of waiting for the “perfect” solution. This episode is essential for entrepreneurs, investors, CFOs, and business leaders who want to understand how AI creates real business value—and why data, processes, and people remain the foundation of every successful AI strategy. 🎧 Tune in now and discover how AI is reshaping value creation and strategic decision-making.

August 21, 2025

Is your company killing innovation without knowing it?

In this episode of “Hope Is Not a Strategy”, Christian Underwood is joined by Prof. Ben Bensaou from INSEAD Business School to explore a fresh perspective on innovation - one that moves beyond Silicon Valley buzzwords and elite R&D departments. Ben Bensaou shares insights from over 20 years of research with more than 100 companies across the globe - from hidden champions to global corporations. His key message: Innovation isn’t limited to a select few — it’s a way of thinking and working that everyone can embrace. Together, we dive into the myths surrounding innovation, how to unlock creative potential at every level of an organization, and why shifting from “innovation” to “innovating” can lower the pressure and spark real change. You’ll learn how to build a culture where employees are encouraged, supported, and recognized for contributing new ideas. Whether you’re a business leader looking to make your company more future-ready or a manager wanting to empower your team, this episode offers fresh perspectives, practical examples, and actionable steps to help make innovation a daily habit - not a distant goal. Tune in now and discover how to build a truly innovative organization from the inside out.

November 21, 2024

#80 Leadership and strategy: Insights from Willie Peterson

Professor Willie Pietersen shares his "Strategy Frame" model with hosts Christian Underwood and Jürgen Weigand, emphasizing adaptability, learning, and ethical leadership for long-term business success in this interview.

15 total episodes available

Recent guests on HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.

Willie Pietersen

Guest

Sharon Birkman

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Pedro Stark

Guest

Steffen Bersch

Guest

Jürgen Weigand

Guest

Christian Underwood

Guest

Hans-Martin Hellebrand

Guest

Sascha Dongowski

Guest

Prof Dr Arno Lammerts

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Oliver Kern

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Martin Kundt

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Prof Jürgen Weigand

Guest

See every guest on HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY

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Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is HOPE IS NOT A STRATEGY?: In this podcast, we talk to strategy makers to demystify the myth of strategy and at the same time show how you can win with strategic work in volatile times.

Success is no coincidence. For a company to be successful in the market, it needs a sound strategy. But who is able to develop strategies that can survive in the long term? Which hurdles must be overcome and which turns and curves must be mastered? How can you cope with heights and how do you get back on track from a low?

We explain all this in our podcast "Hope is not a strategy".
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.

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