Fancy words, zero clarity


Out of all the ideas, stories, and strategies I shared in my last keynote, this was the most photographed slide. By a wide margin.

A gloriously overengineered nonsense-bingo of ai-generated buzzwords and boardroom poetry.

All leading up to… 42.

And honestly?
I love it.

We laugh at this language because we know it’s true.
Too often, that’s how strategy sounds.
Fancy words. Zero clarity.

And at the same time, we crave words that actually make sense.

Words that connect.
That mean something.
That don’t require three translation layers and a strategy consultant to decipher.

So if this was your favorite slide too, you’re not alone.

It reminds us not to take our jargon so seriously.
And rather say what matters in plain and simple words.

What’s the most ridiculous phrase you’ve heard lately?

Keep lighting the path.
(And leave the synergy-driven resilience orchestration to someone else.)

Check out my new book
The PATH to Strategic Impact

Get This Moment Counts in your inbox.
How exceptional leaders communicate when the message has to land

    I value your privacy. No spam. Just “Great stuff, brilliantly articulated” (to use the words of longtime reader David).

    Read More

    Electric clocks

    In the 50s, Rolls Royce claimed that their cars are super quiet. But how quiet were they? Here’s how Rolls Royce explained it: “At 60

    Read »

    No weaknesses

    Pretending to have no weaknesses is a rookie move. In the professional world, we respect businesses that recognize their limits and embrace them. B.B. King,

    Read »