The C-Suite Playbook for Creating Competitive Value

Sustainable value creation begins with a clear understanding of customers, strategy, and the economics of the business model. In this webinar, Columbia Business School’s Shiva Rajgopal explores how leaders build durable competitive advantages through customer focus, talent development, and disciplined capital allocation.

Overview

Shiva Rajgopal, the Roy Bernard Kester and T.W. Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing, explores how leaders create and sustain competitive value in increasingly competitive markets. The discussion focuses on how executives evaluate business models, identify the real drivers of long-term value creation, and build advantages competitors cannot easily replicate. Rajgopal also highlights often overlooked factors such as talent management, distribution strategy, and disciplined capital allocation, offering practical perspectives on balancing short-term performance pressures with long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

  1. Maniacal Customer Obsession: Sustainable value creation begins with a deep understanding of the customer: who they are, the problem being solved, and why they should choose your solution over competing alternatives.
  2. Build Barriers to Imitation: Lasting competitive advantage requires more than a clear strategy. Leaders must build barriers that make it difficult for competitors to replicate the business model, even when they understand how it works.
  3. Prioritize Human Capital: People are often the most overlooked driver of long-term value. Leaders must actively manage talent—understanding why employees leave, developing strong teams, and ensuring people feel connected to the company’s mission.
  4. Focus on Volume for Sustainability: Sustainable advantage often comes from growing volume and market presence rather than relying on price increases or favorable currency movements, which are typically temporary or outside a company’s control.
  5. Commit to a Long-Term Horizon: Growth investments and acquisitions take time to deliver results. Leaders should allow sufficient runway, often several years, before evaluating whether major strategic initiatives are working.

Webinar Speaker

Shiva Rajgopal | Roy Bernard Kester and T.W. Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at Columbia Business School Executive Education

Shiva Rajgopal

Roy Bernard Kester and T.W. Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing; Chair of the Accounting Division Accounting Division

Upcoming Strategic Value Creation Program

Corporate Governance

$8,400

Strategic Value Creation: Transform Strategy Into Sustainable Advantage

3 CIBE Credits

Sign Up for Email Alerts

Sign up for program updates and content relevant to today's business leaders from Columbia Business School Executive Education.