Podcasts Other You, Me, and Your Top Three Thinking Like Amazon (wsg John Rossman)

Thinking Like Amazon (wsg John Rossman)

Published: Aug. 7, 2019, 10 a.m.

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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 \\u2013 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.\\xa0

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.\\xa0John has worked with clients across various industries, including retail, insurance, education, healthcare, consumer products, industrial products and transportation.

John\\u2019s notable assignments include The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Nordstrom and several of the world\\u2019s leading retail and insurance organizations.

Prior to his current role at Rossman Partners,\\xa0 John was a Managing Director at Alvarez and Marsal, a performance improvement consulting firm.\\xa0 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\\u2019s Most Disruptive Company
- The Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World\'s Leading Internet of Things Strategies.

\\xa0Show Highlights

Segment 1: Introduction

3:44\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 John\\u2019s problem-solver history: From Amazon to Rossman Partners.

5:15\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Creating a sense of urgency in a growing business. (Amazon Marketplace. Gates Foundation.)

7:25\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Think Like Amazon: Sharing the mechanisms to build a habit or communicate a strategy.

Segment 2: Brave Leadership & the \\u201cTop Three\\u201d

9:16\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 John\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d: Greg Shaw \\u2013 Writing partner and thoughtful challenger. (Book. Clyde Hill Publishing.)

10:38\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 John\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d: Wes Arens \\u2013 Keeping the focus on delivering customer value. (Alvarez and Marsal.)

11:28\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 John\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d: Clifford Cancelosi \\u2013 Focusing on metrics and measures that matter.

Part 3: Industry Disruption & Transformation

15:11\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Two factors driving disruption: Technology (cost and operational suitability) and Investment Dollars.

17:38\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cAssume the worst\\u201d when harnessing powerful capabilities but needing to catch up on policy.

21:04\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cReset your clock\\u201d when making investments.

23:45\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cYou have to be willing to not be trapped by your past positions.\\u201d (Whole Foods Market. Amazon Go Store.)

28:03\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The role of confirmation bias and social cohesion in leadership and transformation. (Rude Q&A.)

35:13\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Moving forward with IoT \\u2013 focus on the customer, think big but bet small, and reduce friction.

Part 5: Wrapping up

39:44\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cEvery leader does need to become a digital leader \\u2013 and you can.\\u201d

42:15\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A tip to get started: Ask yourself the question \\u2013 did my customer have a good day today?

43:00\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cIt is in those crack of friction where innovation lies.\\u201d

56:09\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Contact John. (LinkedIn. Website. Blog. Books.)

Additional Information

Contact John Rossman:

Contact Gregg Garrett:

Contact CGS Advisors:

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