Strategy And Leadership Podcast

In this episode of our Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we spoke with Wesley Middleton, managing partner of MRZ, a certified public accounting firm in Houston, Texas. MRZ is a top 300 firm in the USA, and a top 25 firm in Houston. As a managing partner, Wesley has helped form an organization that is focused on growth and committed to culture – he even wrote a book about it: Violent Leadership: Be a Force for Change: Disrupt, Innovate. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy and fostering a culture of innovation. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-develop-a-culture-of-success-and-innovation-interview-with-wesley-middleton Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to

In this episode, we were joined by Vivian Smith who is the Executive Director for the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation. Vivian has worked with the not-for-profit sector for the past 30 years and has held roles such as the Director of Development, Chief Fundraising Officer, and as a consultant, working with small grassroots organizations as well as major universities within BC. Most recently, she joined the team at the Langley Memorial Hospital, and currently volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Langley Chamber of Commerce as well as the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Learn about her best practices for board leadership and strategy development. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/strategic-board-leadership-understanding-your-people-interview-with-vivian-smith- Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a st

In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we were joined by Jeong Pyon who is the Senior Manager of Group Strategy for an international hotel chain in Vancouver. Hotel strategy is intertwined with revenue management, with the primary goal focusing on booking rooms to the right market segment. To best achieve this, group strategy managers must understand at both transient and group demands and how to plan strategically around these segments. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy in a fast-paced and changing environment. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/developing-a-strategy-for-constant-change-interview-with-jeong-pyon Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for som

In this special episode of the strategy and leadership podcast, we were joined by Ruth Nicholson, an IAF certified professional facilitator, and the founder of Go Governance and Operations Resources for Youth Sports, and is a partner of SME Strategy. She has been facilitating for over 25 years, starting out in the science and technology field, and has branched out to work with a variety of sectors. She has also served as a mediator for large groups discussing complex topics like nuclear waste clean-up and endangered species conservation. Learn about her best practices for facilitating group meetings and strategy sessions. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/host-your-most-effective-meeting-interview-with-ruth-nicholson Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.s

In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we talk with Archana Iyer. Archana is the Strategy Director at Weber Shandwick. She is a dreamer, a thinker, and a ‘culture vulture’. Originally from India, she worked for nine years in the advertising industry, and won various awards for her work in advertising strategy. She eventually moved to New York City, where she is currently leading strategy with Weber Shandwick and working with a variety of industries and organizations. Learn about her best practices for developing a global strategy and team. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/people-and-strategy-from-a-global-perspective-interview-with-archana-iyer Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you

There are 70 people in the Montreal office, including advertising teams, front and back end developers, content creators, and an in-house strategy team. There are six people on the strategy team who are able to work with diverse strategy needs a client might have. John and his team help clients define their strategy and positioning, create team buy-in, and then build the organization's branding and positioning from that strategy. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy and developing teams. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-create-openness-and-teamwork-with-your-strategy-interview-with-john-pankert Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strateg

When organizational values are either absent or not integrated or shared, there can be inconsistent behaviours. Other problems can arise, such as friction, conflict and disengagement. When values are communicated and shared, the leadership team can foster an environment of authenticity, creativity, and innovation, which is all built on human connection and trust. During the podcast, Lorie shares some tips on how to become a better person and a better leader, which can lead to lasting positive impacts for your organization. Learn about her best practices for leading strategy and developing culture. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/the-importance-of-your-people-why-connections-matter-in-your-organization-interview-with-lorie-corcuera Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyon

Bob Prenovost, who is the Managing Principle at Propeller Advisors, joined us on our Strategy & Leadership Podcast to explain the strategic benefits of social enterprises. While we commonly think of a social enterprise as being either a non-profit or a not-for-profit organization, a social enterprise can also be a for-profit company that is committed to a social cause, whether it be for example humanitarian or environmental. Regardless of the sector, Propeller Advisors' mission is to help organizations become social enterprises. We asked Bob why organizations might be interested in becoming social enterprises, especially non-profit organizations who might be struggling to retain funding. He explained that government and donor funding is increasingly limited, and not guaranteed, and the continuous search for funding may take more resources and output than income generated in the end. Learn about his best practices for strategy and leadership. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how

In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Brock McDonald, the CEO of the Recycling Council of BC, joined us to chat about strategic planning, team building, establishing partnerships and leading initiatives within a non-profit environmental organization. Brock has worked with the Recycling Council of BC since 2003 where their mission is to minimize and eventually eliminate waste. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/brock-mcdonald-building-the-system-around-your-strategy Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our appro

In this issue of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we talked with Jonathan Rewers, the Manager of Design Strategy and Delivery at the City and County of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. While Jonathan works with a wide variety of projects within his role, his main purpose is to lead teams through the strategy process to provide innovative ideas and solutions for city transportation. In essence, Jonathan is a problem solver. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/what-is-the-role-of-a-strategy-leader-interview-with-jonathan-rewers Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Bo

Rob Attwell, COO of Careteam Technologies, joins us for a chat on the strategies he uses to effectively manage his team and understand his clients. Overloading on processes has been known for slowing down innovation, but Rob talks about how Careteam is able to balance both while scaling up a nine-month start-up. Finally, Rob emphasizes that there is no excuse for not planning for the future. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/using-planning-to-balance-innovation-and-processes-interview-with-rob-attwell Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn m

Having a committed group of people is the first step in creating an aligned strategic plan, you then have to work with all those committed people to agree on a direction and ultimately move forward. Cecilia Reyes, the Planning & Operations Manager at The David Suzuki Foundation shares her experience creating a strategic plan. Learn about her best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-frequent-strategic-planning-interview-with-cecilia-reyes-of-the-david-suzuki-foundation Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approac

Andrew Budkofsky the Chief Revenue Officer at Digital Trends Shares his best practices for leading remote teams, keeping them focused and aligned with organizational objectives. Andrew has a rich background in media and technology, and has worked with cable television, web TV, interactive technologies and sales. Currently leading the sales team at Digital Trends, Andrew is involved with the latest technologies in the communications and media world. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/developing-strategic-priorities-and-improving-organizational-communication-interview-with-andrew-budkofsky Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to

Julie Carbone, the Associate Director of Strategy at OMD Montreal, joined us to chat about aligning teams with organizational strategy and performance. When working with external clients in the world of advertising and marketing, there are two strategies to consider: both yours and theirs. It is important to work together and communicate with internal teams, as well as client teams. Some great topics Julie chats about include: -Assigning ownership of projects to individual team members to increase accountability -Understanding where strategy and performance align in the high speed advertising and marketing industry -The importance of challenging your team while maintaining a collaborative environment -Why leaders should model behaviours that support the organization's strategy Learn about her best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/aligning-your-strategy-performance-and-people-interview-with-julie-carbone Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook t

How do you get 11000 people all working together? You need someone whose only job is to support communication and collaboration within that organization. Meet Charles Jessup. He's an internal facilitator and he's coming to a meeting near you. On a daily basis, Charles leads and facilitates meetings, workshops and events for internal managers and leaders within the company, looking to improve their side of the organization. Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/if-you-dont-have-a-facilitator-you-are-the-facilitator.-interview-with-charles-jessup To learn more about strategy & leadership, visit our blog: http://www.smestrategy.net/blog Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann

Jeremy Bailey, the Creative Director for Product at FreshBooks, (an online accounting system for small businesses) joined us to chat about strategy, leadership and culture and how these help influence creativity and customer service. Jeremy shares insights on how critical thinking and team building can help organizations align their teams with their mission, empowering them to make decisions, as the organization grows. Learn about his best practices for strategy and culture development. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/what-motivates-your-people-to-do-their-best-interview-with-jeremy-bailey To learn more about strategy & leadership, visit our blog: http://www.smestrategy.net/blog Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plannin

Jane Watson,the Head of People at Actionable (actionable.co), chatted with us about organizational culture, and its relationship with strategy. With experience across many sectors, Jane has worked with a multitude of teams and people, and has worked in the HR sphere for over 15 years. When it comes to organizational culture, there are a few key takeaway learnings. Learn about her best practices for strategy and culture development. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/the-importance-of-culture-in-fostering-organizational-growth-interview-with-jane-watson To learn more about strategy & leadership, visit our blog: http://www.smestrategy.net/blog Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for some

Shane is the Director of Operations, Vancouver Island, at Paladin Security Group Ltd., and he has been with the company for 6 years. What I appreciate about this conversation is hearing about some of the tactics Paladin used to develop the people in their organization, and how Shane was able to follow a set growth trajectory. Paladin is one of the fastest growing companies in Canada. Their culture of growth and development is fundamental to their success. Shane shares his story: Coming out of university and working on figuring out where to work next. With talent at a premium, Paladin has figured out how to create a pipeline of new employees, as well as retain them. Shane explains how Paladin Security does things and how it has benefited both the leadership team and employees. Learn about his best practices for strategy and leadership. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-create-a-best-culture-where-employees-want-to-stay.-with-shane-wright Get our FREE Strategic Planning Work

Mission statements are often exercises in wordsmithing that lack an emotional connection and simplicity that will compel people into action. My Neighbour who is a journalist was inspired to recommit to her mission as her sense of purpose became (once again) clear after the recent events surrounding US Politics. Here's how you can create a mission statement that your people will be inspired to put into action. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://

Ellen Naylor joined us to talk about the importance of strategy, as well as understanding the system of Win Loss Analysis. Not only is Ellen the author of the book Win Loss Analysis, but she also works closely with organizations to help them understand what the customer is looking for, and how to implement it. To learn more about strategy & leadership, visit our blog: http://www.smestrategy.net/blog Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.exec