<p>Season 6 Episode 5 Charlie Newark-French, CEO of Cascade</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Strategy Bites, Anika Stokes sits down with Charlie Newark French, a former McKinsey consultant turned VC and now CEO of Cascade. Charlie brings a rare mix of strategy depth, tech insight, and startup scar tissue. From scaling AI-driven companies to surviving the rollercoaster of venture-backed growth, he’s lived the full spectrum.</p><p>Charlie shares how he went from coding as a kid, to advising CEOs at McKinsey, to betting on cutting-edge tech in Silicon Valley, and finally to building AI products that actually deliver strategy execution in the real world. His take on resilience, long-term thinking, and the brutal honesty of startup life is a masterclass for anyone who wants to operate, lead, or invest in high-performance environments.</p><p>Why listen to this episode?</p><ul><li>How elite storytelling skills from McKinsey still underpin effective strategy and leadership today.</li></ul><ul><li>·How Charlie spots real opportunities in tech and what separates a “nice idea” from a viable, scalable business.</li></ul><ul><li>·A brutally honest look at the emotional and operational realities of being a founder in fast-growth tech.</li></ul><ul><li>Practical insights into AI’s real role in strategy execution, beyond the hype.</li></ul><ul><li>How resilience is built, not born, from someone who has navigated existential crises week after week.</li></ul><p>If you’re leading, investing, or simply trying to stay ahead in a world where AI meets strategy, this one’s packed with insights you’ll want to replay.</p><p><br></p>

Strategy Bites

Anika Stokes of Oaktree Talent Group and Future State Consulting

Why Standing Still Is the Biggest Risk: Charlie Newark-French

NOV 26, 202545 MIN
Strategy Bites

Why Standing Still Is the Biggest Risk: Charlie Newark-French

NOV 26, 202545 MIN

Description

<p>Season 6 Episode 5 Charlie Newark-French, CEO of Cascade</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Strategy Bites, Anika Stokes sits down with Charlie Newark French, a former McKinsey consultant turned VC and now CEO of Cascade. Charlie brings a rare mix of strategy depth, tech insight, and startup scar tissue. From scaling AI-driven companies to surviving the rollercoaster of venture-backed growth, he’s lived the full spectrum.</p><p>Charlie shares how he went from coding as a kid, to advising CEOs at McKinsey, to betting on cutting-edge tech in Silicon Valley, and finally to building AI products that actually deliver strategy execution in the real world. His take on resilience, long-term thinking, and the brutal honesty of startup life is a masterclass for anyone who wants to operate, lead, or invest in high-performance environments.</p><p>Why listen to this episode?</p><ul><li>How elite storytelling skills from McKinsey still underpin effective strategy and leadership today.</li></ul><ul><li>·How Charlie spots real opportunities in tech and what separates a “nice idea” from a viable, scalable business.</li></ul><ul><li>·A brutally honest look at the emotional and operational realities of being a founder in fast-growth tech.</li></ul><ul><li>Practical insights into AI’s real role in strategy execution, beyond the hype.</li></ul><ul><li>How resilience is built, not born, from someone who has navigated existential crises week after week.</li></ul><p>If you’re leading, investing, or simply trying to stay ahead in a world where AI meets strategy, this one’s packed with insights you’ll want to replay.</p><p><br></p>