Competitive Value Episodes

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by middle managers in their career growth. She discusses the perception of middle management as a stagnant role and emphasizes the importance of viewing it as a strategic position within organiza…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the effects of employees being underutilized in the workplace, exploring how it can lead to feelings of disengagement and burnout. She discusses the importance of strategic talent management as a competitive differentiator, and how or…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the significance of workplace friendships and how they impact employee engagement and performance. She addresses a listener's dilemma about managing a close friend's performance issues at work, emphasizing the importance of open, dire…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about managing team dynamics, particularly focusing on the listener’s co-worker, whose exuberance and enthusiasm are overwhelming for others. Christa emphasizes the importance of understanding self-awareness, and the need for ad…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concerns about office politics, emphasizing the importance of understanding influence in the workplace. Christa defines office politics, differentiating between toxic and constructive politics, and provides actionable stra…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace issue of excessive meetings and how to navigate them effectively. She consolidates listener questions about declining unnecessary meetings while maintaining professionalism. She also reviews the cultural dynamics …

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo tackles a listener’s question about alliance management, exploring the challenges, best practices, and evolving role of managing partnerships in business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding alliance objectives, building trust, and f…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving team collaboration amidst growing organizational challenges. She distinguishes between collaboration and cooperation, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and effective communication. Christa provides insig…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about improving presentation skills as a way to advance their career. Christa emphasizes the importance of connection with the audience, every-day practice, rigorous preparation, and finding one’s unique style. She discusses the…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the common challenges of effective meeting management, emphasizing the importance of preparation, understanding the purpose of meetings, and fostering a culture of respect—especially a respect for time. She provides practical tips for structuring eff…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about the role of executives in any size organization. She explores the fundamental responsibilities of executives, emphasizing the importance of accountability, communication, decision-making, performance, and ef…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the essential functions and responsibilities of a Board of Directors (BODs). She talks about how BODs serve as oversight bodies, the importance of matching board composition with organizational needs, and the evolving functions of boa…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the listener question asking what aspects of a business are commonly overlooked by founders. She emphasizes the critical importance of having an executable plan, understanding ...

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of outsourcing, explaining that every business engages in outsourcing to some extent, emphasizing the importance of leveraging outsourcing to enable businesses to focus on their core competencies: what they do best. The key…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common question of why so many startups fail. She explores the assumptions about founders, the importance of vision and mission, market fit, business management, and effective leadership in startup success. She discusses how found…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the various funding models available for startups, understanding which model aligns best with a founder's objectives and business goals. She reviews the misconceptions surrounding funding, the significance of ownership and leverage, a…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's dilemma about whether to prioritize product development or seek funding for a prototype. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market research, protecting intellectual property, and building value before approach…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the essential skills of effective managers, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the ability to apply learned skills in real-world scenarios. She discusses the challenges of management, particularly in matrix organizations,…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common workplace challenge of being asked to do more with less. She critiques the phrase 'doing more with less' as a misguided approach for austerity that often leads to employee burnout and a scarcity mindset. Christa discusses t…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of time management, emphasizing that time is a human construct and that managing time is not the same as controlling it. She discusses the importance of understanding personal perceptions of time without the pressure of control, encou…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement over mere satisfaction. She discusses how a healthy work culture is characterized by trust and respect, with a mindset that organizational perform…

Summary In this episode, Christa Dhimo discusses the strategic role of organizational structures in business success. She explores various organizational structures, explains how they directly impact employee and organizational performance, and how org structures impact decision-making and employee…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical importance of management training in today's workplace. She emphasizes that effective management is essential for organizational performance, team success, and employee retention, especially in matrix organizational struc…

Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about introducing new ideas in a resistant team environment. She explores the underlying reasons for resistance, particularly focusing on learned helplessness, and offers strategies for effectively pitching new i…