--- title: Strategic Thinking | Nicholas Mayhew description: Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. --- [![Alembicstrategy](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alembic_Strategy_September2018%20Theme/Images/logo.png?width=218&height=76&name=logo.png "Alembicstrategy")](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/) # Strategic Thinking ![Alembic-Resized-Max](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alembic-Resized-Max.jpg?width=2420&height=692&name=Alembic-Resized-Max.jpg) # Strategic Thinking - - ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ## Nicholas Mayhew ### Latest ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Feb 23, 2025 [![When Experience is Helpful and When it is Not](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/patrick-t-kindt-ltifWJbvhXM-unsplash.jpg?width=142&name=patrick-t-kindt-ltifWJbvhXM-unsplash.jpg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/when-experience-is-helpful-and-when-it-is-not) ## [When Experience is Helpful and When it is Not](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/when-experience-is-helpful-and-when-it-is-not) Experience is a really important factor in mental agility and emotional adaptability. It’s pretty obvious, right? If you have experienced a similar [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Feb 23, 2025 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Ambiguity](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_questioning_ba2eaac8-7db8-42dc-856b-2e241fd65b3a.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_questioning_ba2eaac8-7db8-42dc-856b-2e241fd65b3a.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/ambiguity) ## [Ambiguity](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/ambiguity) Leaders regularly face unexpected situations. People look to leaders for solutions during times of crisis. These resources are designed to guide [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Motivation](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_motivations_of_a_millenial_d71ff749-f971-4998-8bd6-d5bf5dd6d90b.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_motivations_of_a_millenial_d71ff749-f971-4998-8bd6-d5bf5dd6d90b.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/motivation) ## [Motivation](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/motivation) At Alembic we place a strong focus on motivation. It is fundamental to hiring, retention, culture, and career development. Understanding motivation [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Change](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_change_and_transformation_of_an_individual_grow_bc15d882-6e3e-443a-a84a-c1f5ca4e5515.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_change_and_transformation_of_an_individual_grow_bc15d882-6e3e-443a-a84a-c1f5ca4e5515.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/change) ## [Change](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/change) Welcome to our series of articles on change. They delve into various aspects of change, offering valuable perspectives on personal growth, business [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Human](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_esg_255f6d0e-c55e-4063-b3f7-0efc62738b8b.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_esg_255f6d0e-c55e-4063-b3f7-0efc62738b8b.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/human) ## [Human](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/human) At Alembic we focus on the human side of leadership. This means putting people at the heart of business. In this series of articles, we cover [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Conflict](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_communication_conflict_in_the_workplace_a762e50f-378b-4efa-8e5c-e3706db6086c.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_communication_conflict_in_the_workplace_a762e50f-378b-4efa-8e5c-e3706db6086c.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/conflict) ## [Conflict](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/conflict) Conflict is an inevitable part of relationships - it is part of being human! It is uncomfortable and difficult to manage, but as leaders, we need to [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Goal Setting](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_goal_setting_851cf01a-15a8-41c0-9dd5-f64cf6eb7feb.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_goal_setting_851cf01a-15a8-41c0-9dd5-f64cf6eb7feb.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/goal-setting) ## [Goal Setting](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/goal-setting) In this series of articles, we delve into the art of goal-setting and personal growth. Each article explores various facets of this process, [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Communication](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_communication_at_work_all_the_colleagues_are_ha_b7f80b6a-1907-463e-b7d5-ae79972b765d.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_communication_at_work_all_the_colleagues_are_ha_b7f80b6a-1907-463e-b7d5-ae79972b765d.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/communication) ## [Communication](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/communication) We are constantly communicating with one another. Communication is complex, but fundamental for building relationships. When done right, [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Barriers](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_a_metaphorical_representation_of_barriers_f78226cf-e872-46e9-9a93-4fd876ff00ee.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_a_metaphorical_representation_of_barriers_f78226cf-e872-46e9-9a93-4fd876ff00ee.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/barriers) ## [Barriers](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/barriers) Barriers can come in a range of forms - unmanaged emotions, bias, imposter syndrome, lack of communication, assumptions, and poor listening skills. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 ![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [![Leadership](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/jessworkaccount_a_happy_leader_who_has_a_happy_team_at_work_a8c58e45-2844-44a8-9f7c-47a368b5ec9f.png?width=142&name=jessworkaccount_a_happy_leader_who_has_a_happy_team_at_work_a8c58e45-2844-44a8-9f7c-47a368b5ec9f.png) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/leadership) ## [Leadership](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/leadership) Leaders constantly face challenges and ambiguity. As a leader, what are you doing to develop yourself? Are you aware of your blind spots, and what [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg) ](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) [Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Founder and managing director of Alembic Strategy Ltd, a growth consultancy focussed on strategy, leadership, M&A, coaching and change. [![Nicholas Mayhew](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hubfs/Nick%20May%202019-1.jpeg)](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew) Oct 18, 2023 [All posts](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/all) [Next](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/strategic-thinking/author/nicholas-mayhew/page/2) ### ELSEWHERE - [mailto:info@alembicstrategy.com](mailto:info@alembicstrategy.com) - - ### Links [Why Alembic?](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/why-alembic) [Resources](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/resources) [People](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/our-people) [Contact Us](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/contact-us) ### Connect ### Our Partners [![FBU Logo](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/FBU%20Logo-RED-01.png?width=596&name=FBU%20Logo-RED-01.png "FBU Logo")](https://www.familybusinessunited.com/) [![Mindshop Logo](https://www.alembicstrategy.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-07-03%20at%2017.03.08-1.png?width=3196&name=Screenshot%202023-07-03%20at%2017.03.08-1.png "Mindshop Logo")](https://web.mindshop.com/) ### Site credentials Copyright © Alembic Strategy Ltd. 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