Episode 84

Big companies optimize for profit, not the consumer - strategy advisor Peter McDonald

Published on: 15th September, 2025

If strategic planning in the consumer goods sector feels different right now, you’re not imagining it. For the past 15 years, leaders in CPG categories have struggled to build plans that deliver the kinds of predictable, reliable profit of days past. Former General Mills Chief Strategy Officer, and a leading independent voice in long range strategic planning, Peter McDonald joins us to discuss the shifting expectation of corporate strategy, where it is necessary to provide a long range lens into the future beyond a short term fiduciary focus. At the heart of this strategy challenge today is a preoccupation with old playbooks in new competitive landscapes, prioritizing the shareholder at the expense of the consumer, and operating with false confidence - denial, even - that things will revert to the way they were.

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Looking Outside is a podcast exploring fresh perspectives of familiar topics. Hosted by its creator, futurist and strategist, Jo Lepore. New episodes every 2 weeks. Never the same topic.

All views are that of the host and guests and don’t necessarily reflect those of their employers. Copyright 2025. Theme songs by Azteca X.

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About the Podcast

Looking Outside
Fresh perspectives on familiar topics.
Exploring fresh takes on familiar business topics. Featuring conversations with original thinkers from a wide range of fields. Hosted by futurist and strategist Jo Lepore.

About your host

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Joanna Lepore

Joanna Lepore is a global foresight strategist.