Kedron Rhodes

Wrapping up part five of this strategy execution series feels like finally laying down a puzzle piece that has been staring at me for weeks. This post is about cultural reality – those hidden forces that either deliver or destroy strategic plans.

I’ve seen it time and again, an organization’s culture acting like an immune system, fighting off any idea it doesn’t recognize. It doesn’t matter how smart, data-driven, or executive-sponsored a strategy is; if the culture deems it unfamiliar or threatening, antibodies are deployed.

This might be the most important post in the series so far. Strategy is never just an intellectual exercise; it’s always embedded within a cultural context that can accelerate or smother it.

I hope this resonates with you. If it does, I’d be grateful if you shared it with someone navigating similar cultural challenges in their work.

Culture Reality 🧬

Culture doesn’t support strategy—it delivers or destroys it. In this post, I unpack how cultural antibodies attack unfamiliar ideas, even when those ideas are exactly what an organization needs to grow or adapt. We explore why ignoring culture reality can undo the best-laid plans and what leaders can do to work with, rather than against, the hidden immune system of their teams and organizations. (Read More →)

🪏 Take it a bit deeper with these…

💼 Leadership

• Why the Most Powerful Leaders Play the Long Game — A concise reminder that leadership isn’t about immediate wins but about building momentum that compounds over years.
• KPI Definitions in Board Decks — An insightful note on why clearly defining KPIs in board decks matters more than we think, especially when aligning diverse stakeholders.
• Why “I’m Sorry” Are Two of the Strongest Words for Leaders — A thoughtful exploration of how sincere apologies create credibility and trust for leaders navigating tough decisions.
• McKinsey’s 2025 annual book recommendations — This year’s curated list from CEOs and editors includes must-reads spanning business, technology, culture, and art.
• The Writing vs. Editing Distinction — Roger Martin unpacks how writing and editing tap different cognitive muscles and why leaders need both modes to clarify ideas.
• Introduction to Systems Thinking — A timeless introduction to systems thinking, reminding us how everything is interconnected in ways we often overlook.
• Run Your Business Like a Pilot: The Power of a Weekly Financial Dashboard — Why great CEOs operate like pilots, relying on real-time dashboards rather than waiting for monthly reports to adjust course.

👋 Sign-Off

Ever have one of those weeks where a single event sends your mind, your energy, and your plans spiraling in unexpected directions? That was my week. The deceiving part of refining thoughts and publishing them here is that it can look polished and seamless. The reality is often chaotic, messy, and deeply human.

By the time I hit publish, it’s all neat and organized—but life behind the scenes is anything but. I hope some of these posts help you navigate your own messiness this week. If they do, I’d be grateful if you shared them with a friend or colleague who might benefit, too.

Here’s to navigating complexity with clarity and grace.

~ Kedron