Date & Time
Friday, October 16, 09:00–17:00
Location
Boston Consulting Group Berlin
Am Postbahnhof 15, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Sponsors
Boston Consulting Group, BCG Henderson Institute, Strategic Management Review, Fisher College of Business (Ohio State), and Daniels School of Business (Purdue)
Registration Fees
- Non‑Member: $120
- SMS Member: $100
Event Overview
This Extension examines how strategy leadership creates impact in today’s fragmented geo-economic landscape and AI-enabled organizations. Using the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) as a focal role, the full-day program brings together leading strategy scholars and senior practitioners to explore how the CSO role is practiced, how it has evolved, and how it will continue to change. The Extension features original empirical research on CSO time allocation and effectiveness, complemented by academic perspectives on adjacent research streams, practitioner reflections on lived experience, and panel discussions on the future of strategic leadership & the role of AI.
Key Takeaways
- Evidence‑based insights into how CSOs allocate time and drive impact
- Understanding of different CSO archetypes and role designs
- Practical strategies for navigating tensions inherent in the CSO role
- Forward‑looking perspectives on AI and geopolitical fragmentation
- Opportunities to contribute to future research on strategy leadership
Agenda
9:00–9:30 | Arrival and Breakfast
9:30–9:45 | Welcome: Opening Remarks
Welcome to the BCG office and opening remarks from the organizers, highlighting the value of bringing together diverse perspectives from academia, business, and consulting to explore the evolving role of strategy leadership.
9:45–10:15 | Empirical Insights: The CSO Role and Agenda — Today and Tomorrow
Presentation of original research on the evolving CSO role, based on a dedicated survey. The session explores how CSOs spend their time, how different time-allocation choices relate to effectiveness and satisfaction, and how the role is evolving.
10:15–11:00 | Panel Discussion: Interpreting the Evidence
A moderated discussion with practitioners and academics reflecting on the empirical findings shared earlier and beyond. The panel will explore key tensions, trade-offs, and implications for the evolving role of the CSO.
11:00–11:15 | Coffee Break
11:15–12:15 | Academic Perspectives: Research on Strategy and the Role of the CSO (Part 1)
Short presentations and Q&A with strategy scholars sharing recent and ongoing research on strategy leadership, the organization of strategy work, and the changing role of the CSO.
12:15–12:45 | Lived Experience: The CSO Role in Practice
An interview-style fireside chat with a CSO exploring the realities of the role—from sources of impact and key challenges to changing responsibilities and expectations.
12:45–13:45 | Catered Lunch
Shared lunch to encourage informal exchange between scholars and practitioners.
13:45–14:15 | AI and the Strategy Function: Emerging Evidence & Discussion
A short presentation of empirical findings on how AI is affecting strategy work and the strategy function, followed by an open discussion on emerging implications, opportunities, and questions.
14:15–15:15 | Academic Perspectives: AI, Strategy & the CSO (Part 2)
Short academic presentations and Q&A focused on AI and its implications for strategy work, the strategy function, and the future role of the CSO.
15:15–15:45 | Networking & Coffee Break
An opportunity for informal exchange and networking over coffee.
15:45–16:30 | Panel Discussion: AI and the Future of Strategy Leadership
A moderated panel with practitioners and academics reflecting on the afternoon’s evidence and discussions. The session will explore how AI may reshape strategy work, the strategy function, and the role of the CSO.
16:30–16:45 | Closing Remarks
A few final reflections on the day’s discussions, followed by closing thoughts and thanks to all speakers and participants.
Hotel & Travel
The venue is adjacent to Ostbahnhof and easily accessible by public transport. Participants are encouraged to extend their stay at their SMS conference hotel.