Thinking Like Amazon (wsg John Rossman)

During this episode, we speak with John Rossman, a former executive at Amazon, who was responsible for building one of its largest and most successful business units – Amazon Marketplace. John discusses the mindset that leaders at Amazon have that allows them to constantly innovate and transform as they disrupt markets. He gives specific hints from his most recent book, Think Like Amazon, which helps leaders consider how to take advantage of the digital world that is forming all around them. And, of course, he discusses three of his mentors that have helped him stay customer focused, focus on measuring metrics that matter, and be brave enough to share his voice through the power of the pen. If you have ever been in awe of what Amazon has accomplished, you have to hear what John shared with us.  About John Rossman John Rossman is an expert at digital business models, operations and organizing programs. He has led engagements on developing innovation processes, Internet of Things strategies, marketplace and API driven platform business models. He is a sought after speaker on creating a culture of operational excellence and innovation. John has worked with clients across various industries, including retail, insurance, education, healthcare, consumer products, industrial products and transportation. John’s notable assignments include The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Nordstrom and several of the world’s leading retail and insurance organizations. Prior to his current role at Rossman Partners,  John was a Managing Director at Alvarez and Marsal, a performance improvement consulting firm.  Prior to A&M, John was an executive at Amazon.com where he launched the Marketplace business and third party selling platform, and ran the merchant services business. John is the author of three books: - Think Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital Leader - The Amazon Way: 14 Leadership Principles of the World’s Most Disruptive Company - The Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World's Leading Internet of Things Strategies.  Show Highlights Segment 1: Introduction 3:44        John’s problem-solver history: From Amazon to Rossman Partners. 5:15        Creating a sense of urgency in a growing business. (Amazon Marketplace. Gates Foundation.) 7:25        Think Like Amazon: Sharing the mechanisms to build a habit or communicate a strategy. Segment 2: Brave Leadership & the “Top Three” 9:16        John’s “Top Three”: Greg Shaw – Writing partner and thoughtful challenger. (Book. Clyde Hill Publishing.) 10:38      John’s “Top Three”: Wes Arens – Keeping the focus on delivering customer value. (Alvarez and Marsal.) 11:28      John’s “Top Three”: Clifford Cancelosi – Focusing on metrics and measures that matter. Part 3: Industry Disruption & Transformation 15:11      Two factors driving disruption: Technology (cost and operational suitability) and Investment Dollars. 17:38      “Assume the worst” when harnessing powerful capabilities but needing to catch up on policy. 21:04      “Reset your clock” when making investments. 23:45      “You have to be willing to not be trapped by your past positions.” (Whole Foods Market. Amazon Go Store.) 28:03      The role of confirmation bias and social cohesion in leadership and transformation. (Rude Q&A.) 35:13      Moving forward with IoT – focus on the customer, think big but bet small, and reduce friction. Part 5: Wrapping up 39:44      “Every leader does need to become a digital leader – and you can.” 42:15      A tip to get started: Ask yourself the question – did my customer have a good day today? 43:00      “It is in those crack of friction where innovation lies.” 56:09      Contact John. (LinkedIn. Website. Blog. Books.) Additional Information Contact John Rossman: John’s LinkedIn John’s Twitter: @JohnERossman John’s Website: the-amazon-way.com/rossmanpartners/ John’s Email: john@rossmanpartners.com Contact Gregg Garrett: Gregg’s LinkedIn Gregg’s Twitter Gregg’s Bio Contact CGS Advisors: Website LinkedIn Twitter

Om Podcasten

You, Me, and Your Top Three is a podcast focused on exploring leadership in the connecting world. Specifically, the podcast invites leaders to tell stories, reflect, and discuss their views on: - disruptions in industry and society; - how they are leading transformations considering these disruptions - brave leadership to drive transformation. It is this last point where we focus most of the discussion, asking our guests to share their insights into the relationships they have with their “Top 3” closest advisors. It is our observation and experience that as the world connects, the importance of a diverse set of counselors is increasing in value. For some this may be a formal advisor who has been contracted on behalf of the company. For most this will be deep relationships in which they have been invested and nurtured. Through stories and discussion, we strive to celebrate the art of giving and receiving advice. The stories that are told are heartfelt and real. At the root we are exploring the process of knowledge building, relationship building, and perhaps most importantly, confidence building. After all, it takes a brave leader to battle the inertia that exists in industries, our organizations, and in ourselves. It is our hope that as successful leaders open up about around the subjects and the way in which they interact with their closest confidants, that our listeners will, in turn, reflect on their own “virtual board of advisors.” Over time they will then surround themselves with those who help them stretch toward greatness and lead bravely in the connecting world.