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SCHARF STELLEN – Charting Your Course with 7 Strategy Principles
SCHARF STELLEN – Charting Your Course with 7 Strategy Principles
In the podcast SCHARF STELLEN – Charting Your Course with 7 Strategy Principles, you’ll gain weekly insights into the field of strategy research from Thomas Hutzschenreuter, professor and long-time lecturer in Executive & Professional Education at the Technical University of Munich
Inspired by his newly published book Scharfstellen, Thomas Hutzschenreuter offers practical insights, examples, and a deeper understanding of the complex field of strategy. The podcast builds on these ideas, inviting you to deepen your knowledge and reflect on your own approach to strategy.
SCHARF STELLEN – Charting Your Course with 7 Strategy Principles
The seven strategy principles of Prof. Hutzschenreuter serve as a compass through the topic:
Success – Uncertainty – Change – Reach – Advantage – Process – Fit.
Success – Uncertainty – Change – Reach – Advantage – Process – Fit.
Overview of the Episodes
Episode 1: Introduction
Strategy – A Tool to Chart Your Own Course
Strategy – A Tool to Chart Your Own Course
Our first episode explores the seven principles of “strategy” and lays the foundation for the episodes to come. What makes a strategy truly effective? What myths and misconceptions surround the concept of strategy? In conversation with our host Isabel Werdin, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter provides guidance on how strategy relates to decision-making and which principles are essential for developing a sound strategy. Listen now to Episode 1 of the podcast series SCHARF STELLEN – Charting Your Course with 7 Strategy Principles.
Episode 2: Success
The Strategy Principle of Success – What Do I Want and What Don’t I Want?
The Strategy Principle of Success – What Do I Want and What Don’t I Want?
The second episode of our strategy podcast focuses on success. What does success actually mean? And how do we measure it? Why is it important for companies and individuals to know where they want to go? Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter answers these questions and more in conversation with our host Isabel Werdin. Discover why being honest with yourself and taking a realistic inventory can help define your own success—with examples ranging from Alexander the Great to professional sports.
Reflection Question: What do we want—and what don’t we want?
Episode 3: Uncertainty
The Strategy Principle of Uncertainty – Who Knows the Future?
The Strategy Principle of Uncertainty – Who Knows the Future?
In the third episode of our strategy podcast, we explore the principle of uncertainty. How do we deal with uncertainty? How can we develop a strategy when the future is unknown?
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter explains in conversation with Isabel Werdin how to create a strategy that incorporates uncertainty and how to make decisions under these conditions. Learn why this principle is more about plausibility than probability.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter explains in conversation with Isabel Werdin how to create a strategy that incorporates uncertainty and how to make decisions under these conditions. Learn why this principle is more about plausibility than probability.
Reflection Question: What do we consider possible—and why?
Episode 4: Change
The Strategy Principle of Change – What Is the Core of the Strategy Problem?
The Strategy Principle of Change – What Is the Core of the Strategy Problem?
The fourth episode is all about change. How do we drive change forward? And what does “change” mean as a strategy principle?
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter illustrates in conversation with Isabel Werdin—using the example of Muhammad Ali’s career—what it means to deal flexibly with change. Learn why identifying the core of the strategy problem and uncovering pain points plays a crucial role in driving sustainable change.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter illustrates in conversation with Isabel Werdin—using the example of Muhammad Ali’s career—what it means to deal flexibly with change. Learn why identifying the core of the strategy problem and uncovering pain points plays a crucial role in driving sustainable change.
Reflection Question: What is the core of my strategy problem?
Episode 5: Scope
The Strategy Principle of Scope – How Do I Define My Field of Vision?
The Strategy Principle of Scope – How Do I Define My Field of Vision?
The fifth episode focuses on the strategy principle of scope. How do we define our field of vision? Where do we see growth and want to take action? And where can reduction lead to success? Together with Isabel Werdin, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter sharpens the view on the “deliberate retreat from untenable positions,” with examples from companies like Porsche and Mercedes. Learn how defining your scope can help you retreat strategically—and open up new paths.
Reflection Question: What do we want to retreat from?
Episode 6: Advantage
The Strategy Principle of Advantage – What Does It Take to Be “Better”?
The Strategy Principle of Advantage – What Does It Take to Be “Better”?
In the sixth episode, we take a closer look at the strategy principle of advantage. Why are some companies perceived as “better” than others? And who decides what counts as “better” or “worse”? How does the customer ultimately recognize an advantage in what I offer?
In conversation with Isabel Werdin, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter explains how we can be seen as “better, more relevant, and of relevance” in the competitive landscape. And why strategy is never fully complete—but must continuously evolve within its context.
In conversation with Isabel Werdin, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter explains how we can be seen as “better, more relevant, and of relevance” in the competitive landscape. And why strategy is never fully complete—but must continuously evolve within its context.
Reflection Question: How do we ensure the persistence—the sustainability—of our competitive advantages?
Episode 7: Process
The Strategy Principle of Process – Can It Be Done Even Better?
The Strategy Principle of Process – Can It Be Done Even Better?
The seventh episode explores the strategy principle of process. How do some people achieve true mastery in what they do? And what kind of process leads to that success? Is there always room for improvement? Using the example of an Olympic bobsledder, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter discusses with Isabel Werdin how a “healthy belief in progress” can continuously enhance the implementation of a strategy and why this mindset is essential for achieving genuine mastery.
Reflection Question: What threatens our mastery?
Episode 8: Fit
The Strategy Principle of Fit – How Coherent Is the Strategy?
The Strategy Principle of Fit – How Coherent Is the Strategy?
In this final episode, we focus on the strategy principle of fit. Do the elements of my strategy align well with each other? Is it coherent for my organization? What image do I project externally—and how well does my internal strategy match that image?
This episode is all about coherence and consistency. “Fit” is a concept you notice most when it’s missing. In the concluding conversation between Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter and Isabel Werdin, discover what strategy has in common with composing an opera – and how a strong strategic fit can be achieved.
This episode is all about coherence and consistency. “Fit” is a concept you notice most when it’s missing. In the concluding conversation between Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter and Isabel Werdin, discover what strategy has in common with composing an opera – and how a strong strategic fit can be achieved.
Reflection Question: How do we leverage the interests of others to fulfill our own intent?
Our Speakers
About Isabel Werdin
Isabel Werdin is a moderator specializing in science, business, health, and innovation. She hosts gala, business, and networking events, facilitates concise discussions, and creates space for genuine dialogue with her clear, empathetic manner. Her guests have included Nobel Prize winners, DAX board members, and top politicians. As a certified trainer and public speaking coach, she also helps executives make their presentations effective and authentic. Learn more.
About Univ.-Prof. Dr. Thomas Hutzschenreuter
Thomas Hutzschenreuter is a university professor and Chair of Strategic and International Management at the Technical University of Munich. He has published in leading international journals, won numerous awards, and worked with major corporations and medium-sized enterprises across various industries. His clients value his uncompromising independence, candid honesty, and practical creativity. He teaches in several continuing education programs for professionals at the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning and has twice received the TUM Executive Education Award for Teaching Excellence. Learn more.
More Info
Current Continuing Education Programs with Univ.-Prof. Hutzschenreuter at the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning
More about the book Scharfstellen & PDF Downloads
- Book “Scharfstellen” (in German)
- Audiobook “Scharfstellen” (in German)
- Download: Question Catalogs & Checklist accompanying the book (in German)
