In a period of economic downturn, the overwhelming instinct is to pare back, cut costs, and lay off. If you do that, do so with your strategy in mind. The worst mistake is to cut across the board. Instead, reconnect and recommit to a clear strategy that will distinguish yourself from others.

So companies have to be very schizophrenic. On one hand, they have to maintain continuity of strategy. But they also have to be good at continuously improving.

There's a fundamental distinction between strategy and operational effectiveness.

The best CEOs I know are teachers, and at the core of what they teach is strategy.

Our technologised society is becoming opaque. As technology becomes more ubiquitous and our relationship with digital devices ever more seamless, our technical infrastructure seems to be increasingly intangible.

One of the really difficult things that people say to me on social media or whatever - is that I need to shut up and go home and take care of my daughter. That's very hurtful.

Our philosophy is, using internet technology, we can make every company become Amazon.

I don't use e-mail; I phone and fax. I think people who are hunched over their computer screens all day should get a life.