Strategy And Leadership Podcast

Join Anthony Taylor, a seasoned strategic planning facilitator and the host of the SME Strategy Podcast, as he sits down with Jonathan Ferrari, the visionary founder, CEO, and chairman of Goodfood. Discover how Jonathan transformed a simple idea (fresh meal kits) into a national Canadian brand, delivering over 15 million meals annually and employing nearly a thousand people. Jonathan shares his vision for strategic growth and his journey from investment banking to revolutionizing the Canadian food delivery landscape. We explore the strategic decisions that propelled Goodfood's growth, including: 1. Navigating Early Challenges: Learn how Goodfood overcame logistical hurdles and innovated in temperature-controlled packaging, moving from apartment deliveries to a nationwide network. 2. Strategic Diversification: Explore the company's bold move into Bitcoin reserves and its strategic acquisition of Genuine Tea, showcasing innovative approaches to asset management and growth. 3. Building a Sustainable Competitive

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor chats with Ben Lamorte, an OKR expert, to break down how to actually make progress and drive measurable outcomes. Think OKRS explained without pretense. Ben, who's been helping teams nail their goals for years, reveals a major pitfall: treating OKRs as mere to-do lists. He'll show you how to ditch the vague "to-dos" and start setting goals that are actually measurable, like "Increase website traffic by 20% in Q3" instead of just "Launch a new marketing campaign." Plus, he'll explain why knowing why your goals matter is just as important as what they are. Anthony and Ben talk about how to move away from just "doing what you're told" and towards a team that's focused on real results. Ben shares easy-to-follow tips on how to communicate your goals to your boss and how to tweak your OKRs to make sure they're working for your team in your strategic planning and strategy implementation.. We'll also dive into the importance of change management a

In this episode we are joined by Dana Caspersen, TedX speaker and author of "Conflict is an Opportunity," who reveals how to: Shift from blame to collaborative solutions. Cultivate curiosity and active listening. Make requests, not demands, for buy-in. Avoid the high cost of conflict avoidance. Build strategic capacity through conscious decision-making.  Key Takeaways Conflict is often viewed negatively, but it can be a creative space. Curiosity is essential for navigating conflict effectively. Trust can develop through open and honest communication. Avoiding conflict leads to a loss of information and relationships. Leaders should focus on the situation, not the person, in conflict. Expressing needs without blame fosters better communication. Understanding different perspectives is crucial in conflict resolution. Conflict can reveal important information that may otherwise be overlooked. Engaging in conflict can lead to more conscious decision-making. Building power together in conflict can lead to better

In this episode, Anthony Taylor talks with Maggie Olson, a former T-Mobile Chief of Staff, about what that job really means. They cover how it's a strategic role, not just admin, how it differs from other leadership roles, and what skills are needed. Maggie explains how to become a Chief of Staff and why leaders should consider hiring one to boost efficiency. This podcast reveals how hiring Chief of Staff can be your secret weapon to strategic success. TAKEAWAYS Chiefs of Staff are strategic partners for leaders. The role is expanding as leaders seek higher-level support. A Chief of Staff organizes and prioritizes initiatives for leaders. Networking is crucial for aspiring Chiefs of Staff. Look for roles that involve high-level support, not just administrative tasks. Experience in customer service can enhance a Chief of Staff's effectiveness. Special projects can provide valuable experience for future Chiefs of Staff. A Chief of Staff needs strong access to the leader to be effective. Understanding the uniqu

In this episode, Rebecca Homkes, author of "Survive, Reset, Thrive," discusses practical strategies for building a growth strategy in volatile times with host Anthony C. Taylor. The discussion explores proactive survival strategies, the "loop mentality" in strategic planning, building competitive advantages, and the significance of acting on beliefs rather than waiting for facts. Plus, we touch on developing talent for long-term resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Learn how to create a sustainable growth strategy in volatile times in this episode of the SME Strategy Podcast.   Key Takeaways Must embrace uncertainty as a growth opportunity. The reset phase is crucial for thriving post-crisis. Loop thinking allows for continuous strategy cycles. Proactive survival means preparing before shocks occur. Competitive advantages are eroding faster than ever. Acting on beliefs can lead to better strategic decisions. Organizations should focus on building loyalty with customers. Talent development is essen

JoAnn Garbin, author of the Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft. She explores the concept of regenerative data centers, the creative journey of innovation, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the challenges faced in the innovation process. Joanne shares her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer and how it has shaped her approach to innovation and leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic view of innovation beyond technology, focusing on community engagement and sustainable practices.   takeaways Regenerative data centers aim to create positive feedback loops with their environment. Innovation requires a diverse range of perspectives and collaboration. Identifying pain points and opportunities is crucial in the innovation process. Synthesis is a key component of successful innovation. Life experiences can profoundly shape one's approach to leadership and innovation. Engaging with the community can transform perceptions of infrastructure projects. Increm

In this episode of C-suite Conversations, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Nicholas Lalla, founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs. They discuss the journey of establishing an innovation economy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the importance of strategic focus and stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of change management in urban development. Nicholas emphasizes the need for cities to find their unique strengths and not simply emulate larger tech hubs like New York or San Francisco. The conversation highlights the potential for mid-sized cities to thrive by leveraging their assets and fostering inclusive growth.   00:00 Introduction to Tulsa Innovation Labs 02:46 Building an Innovation Economy 06:06 Strategic Focus and Stakeholder Engagement 08:50 Change Management in Urban Development 11:50 Decentralizing the Innovation Economy 14:47 Final Thoughts and Future Directions   For more on Tulsa Innovation Labs visit: https://www.tulsainnovationlabs.com/   For more on SME Strategy visit: https://www.smestrategy.net/

The Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor welcomes Nigel Thurlow, CEO of the Flow Consortium, to delve into the nuances of lean thinking and continuous improvement. Nigel shares his extensive experience from Toyota and beyond, offering insights into how Lean principles can apply to various organizational contexts, emphasizing the significance of behavior alongside methodology and tools. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions on cultural transformation, the role of human factors, and how organizations can effectively harness their workforce to achieve long-term success. Nigel explores the concept of viewing organizations as complex adaptive systems and discusses why prescriptive methodologies often fall short in such environments. He emphasizes the importance of human behaviors and culture in achieving continuous improvement, drawing from his collaborations with complexity thinking experts. Listeners will learn about the practical application of lean methodologies beyond manuf

Episode Summary: Cindy Anderson, CEO of Think Strategy, shares her expert insights into the world of business transitions and strategic acquisitions. Cindy stresses the importance of preparing an exit strategy well in advance, highlighting a five-year timeline to ensure the business is poised for a successful transition. She delves into crucial considerations business owners need to assess, such as the value of company growth, strategic acquisitions, leadership development, and team readiness, especially in the context of evolving market trends as we approach 2025. Throughout the conversation, Cindy explores various exit strategies, including the intricacies of ESOPs, helping owners to find tailor-made solutions that align with their business objectives and personal goals. By considering internal transitions or preparing for external sales, she emphasizes the necessity for intentional planning to maximize company value. The discussion extends to the importance of leadership readiness and team development, emp

Thomas Dunlap is the managing partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, an established law firm with around 80 lawyers. His extensive expertise lies in intellectual property law, supported by a diverse professional background as a former CEO of a biotech company, and an army officer with military training. He shares his knowledge by teaching an class on intellectual property for engineers and scientists at Lafayette College. Episode Summary: With a distinguished background in law, business, and the military, Thomas shares fascinating insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP), particularly the challenges and opportunities they present. As the discussion delves into the transformative landscape of AI, Taylor and Dunlap consider how businesses can strategically leverage AI technology without compromising their intellectual assets. Throughout the conversation, Dunlap highlights the "Wild West" nature of AI and its implications for IP protection. He shares valuable

About the Guest(s): Renee Moorfield, PhD Renee Moorfield is the CEO of WisdomWorks Group, a company committed to making thriving a standard of success within organizations. Over her 30-year career, Renee has worked closely with well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and AT&T, providing leadership development and cultural transformation insights. She combines scientific research on thriving with practical strategies for leadership to foster environments where individuals and organizations can flourish. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor converses with Renee Moorfield, PhD, the CEO of WisdomWorks Group, about the science of thriving leadership. Drawing from three decades of experience and working with industry giants, Renee shares her thought-provoking insights and frameworks that focus on creating thriving work environments. Her passion for promoting well-being, resilience, and effective leadership is evident throughout the conversa

About the Guest: Dawn Reese is the CEO of The Wooden Floor, a creative youth development organization that empowers young people through the transformative power of dance and access to higher education. With over 15 years at The Wooden Floor, Dawn has driven significant organizational growth, guided by her expertise in strategy, business development, and finance. Her career began in the technology sector before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, where she applies her business acumen to make meaningful community impact. Dawn is also a proponent of strategic planning and servant leadership. Episode Summary: In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor. Dawn shares her incredible journey from the tech sector to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives through dance and education. The episode dives into the strategic planning and leadership approaches that have driven The Wooden Floor's success. Lis

  Fletcher Wimbush is the CEO of Discovered, a leader in talent acquisition and assessment. With a rich background in entrepreneurship and leadership, Fletcher has spent years perfecting the process of matching the right talent with the right roles. His journey in talent acquisition began at a young age, and he has since built on that foundation with extensive industry experience, including opening 25 delis straight out of college and turning around a failing business unit in the commercial dish machine industry. Under his guidance, his company is known for leveraging assessments to improve hiring processes. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor invites Fletcher Wimbush, CEO of Discovered, to delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition. Broadcasting from Southern California, Fletcher draws on decades of experience in the field, sharing vital insights into improving recruitment processes and retaining top talent. The conversation is underpinn

Chris Hunter is a renowned entrepreneur in the beverage industry, known for co-founding both Four Loko and Koya. With a rich history in business development and brand-building, Chris spearheaded the growth of the iconic Four Loko brand, infamous for its initial high-energy concoction and its prominence in the alcohol market. Transitioning to a focus on health and wellness, he co-founded Koya, a plant-based beverage company aiming to provide nutritious and delicious options. Chris is also an author, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and insights in his newly released book "Blackout Punch."   The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting. Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite. https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course Conn

Justin Bookey is the founder and CEO of Pongfit, a nonprofit organization that promotes the sport of ping pong for mental and physical fitness. He has a diverse professional background with experience in law, communications management, consulting, content strategy, and brand strategy. As a US Open medalist in table tennis, Justin channels his passion for the sport into leadership development, drawing parallels between successful sportsmanship and executive leadership skills. Recently, he authored a book entitled "Ping Pong Leadership," which explores how to succeed in both business and ping pong.   __________________________ The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting. Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite. https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/cours

David Edelman is the co-author of "Personalized: The Customer Strategy in the Age of AI." Throughout the conversation, David shares the transformative power of personalization in today’s tech-driven landscape, sharing critical insights derived from his book and extensive professional experience. Their discussion covers how personalization extends beyond simple name mentions to encompass entire customer experience transformations driven by AI and strategic data use. The episode delves deeply into the theme of empowerment through personalization, emphasizing the role of technology—particularly generative AI—in creating tailored customer experiences at scale. Anthony and David discuss various industries, from transportation to music streaming, and how these sectors utilize personalized strategies to stay competitive. The dialogue also warns against common pitfalls like appearing 'creepy' by mishandling customer data and underscores the importance of developing agile, test-and-learn frameworks to perfect personal

On this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Anthony Taylor engages with David Ewing, CEO of Motiv and President of EO Austin, in a compelling discussion on the importance of customer experience as a strategic initiative. David shares insights from his two decades of experience in transforming customer engagement and how small actions, when systemized, can lead to big results. This episode dives deep into the intersection of strategy and customer experience, showcasing how businesses can leverage customer touchpoints to foster enduring loyalty and advocacy. David emphasizes that creating positive, repeatable customer experiences can be a game-changer for companies looking to do more with less. With references to companies like Chewy.com, he illustrates how smart, strategic decisions, supported by data, can enhance customer lifecycle value. The episode also touches on automation's role in scaling these efforts in larger enterprises. David shares practical steps for businesses large and small to iden

Join host Anthony Taylor as he engages with Patrick Thean, CEO of Rhythm Systems, on the Strategy and Leadership podcast. They explore the importance of strategic execution, the concept of rhythm in managing organizational success, and how a leader’s personal style can impact a team. Patrick shares insights on accountability, CEO challenges, and aligning leadership strengths with business objectives. Discover how maintaining the right rhythm can help leaders support their teams effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and reduced stress in the corporate environment.   Thanks for listening to the Strategy and leadership podcast we hope our tools have helped you with your strategic plan creation.   If you’re looking for more guidance, you might be interested in our self-guided course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course Learn more about our strategic planning facilitator services

Steve Robinson is a renowned speaker, consultant, and author, highly recognized for his impactful career at Chick-fil-A. Serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for 35 years, Steve was instrumental in transforming Chick-fil-A from a modest franchise to a multi-billion dollar brand. He is the author of the book "Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A," which delves into the innovative strategies that fueled Chick-fil-A’s success. Growing up in Foley, Alabama, Steve's early exposure to his father’s entrepreneurial ventures sparked his interest in sales and marketing, leading him to a storied career marked by significant achievements and industry-defining marketing philosophies.   Want learn how to do strategic planning the SME Strategy way? Enroll in our signature course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course Episode Summary: In this captivating episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor engages in an insightful conversation with Steve Ro