In this episode, Mary, Tom, and Sean explore how AI is transforming one of their most beloved strategy tools: the Ability to Win (also called Ability to Compete). This outside-in framework shifts focus from internal assumptions to customer perceptions—why they buy, why they don’t, and how companies truly stack up against competitors.

The team discusses the limitations of traditional SWOT, the pitfalls of undifferentiated benefits (“the cabbage trap”), and how AI accelerates insight, simulation, and prioritization. From validating inputs to modeling ROI, AI makes this framework faster, sharper, and more strategic than ever.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why SWOT often leads teams astray—and how Ability to Win brings focus.
• How AI filters out “cabbage” (commonly accepted, non-differentiating benefits).
• Ways to simulate investment impact, market share shifts, and competitive pressure.

Key Quotes:

• “We finally have a way to validate what used to be gut feel—why customers really choose us.”
• “AI helps you break free of the cabbage trap—where every benefit sounds good but none set you apart.”
• “Sometimes the most powerful move is walking away from an initiative—with evidence to back you up.”