The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor
The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor explores strategic planning, strategy execution, and executive leadership in complex organizations. Hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, Founder & Principal of SME Strategy, the show features conversations with CEOs and senior leaders on business strategy, organizational alignment, leadership development, and change management. Episodes examine real trade-offs, decision-making, and the practical structures that turn strategic plans into measurable results and sustained team performance. Designed for CEOs and executive teams responsible for making strategic plans work in the real world.
Episodes
Why Franchisees Quit the Idea, Not the Brand: Ex-Tropical Smoothie CEO Mike Rotondo
Most franchise CEOs chase the wrong number. Mike Rotondo — who's led Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Edible Arrangements, and Altitude Trampoline Parks, and now runs pet care franchise Skiptown — explains why the real measure of a healthy system isn't new franchise agreements, it's the "second signature": whether the franchisees you already have want to do it again.
Anthony and Mike dig into unit-level ec
The Apple Store Architect on Hiring Baristas, Killing Commissions, and Inventing the Genius Bar
Ron Johnson built the Apple Store from scratch. He was also CEO of JCPenney and led the design-for-all era at Target. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, he walks Anthony Taylor through the specific counterintuitive bets that made Apple retail the most successful launch in the history of the category.
The list is longer than most people realize. He hired baristas and librarian
How Tracy Nolan Led 24,000 People Through the Largest Telecom Merger in US History
What does it take to lead 24,000 people through the largest telecom merger in US history — during COVID — and come out the other side with a stronger team?
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor sits down with Tracy Nolan, SVP at Humana and board member at Dress for Success. Tracy has driven $31B in revenue through a $6B operating budget across a Fortune 100 career t
High Performance Under Pressure - Dr Justin Anderson
Dr. Justin Anderson CEO of Premier Sport Psychology and Premier Performance Advising Justin’s work has supported Hall of Famers, All-Pros, world and national champions, and organizations across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA, NWSL, Olympic sports, collegiate athletics, and executive leadership spaces.He shares insights on how elite performers achieve their success through mental frameworks, att
From Google to Salesforce: A Transformation Leader on Why People Resist Change | Travis Hahler
What if resistance to change isn't stubbornness or rebellion, but biology? Travis Hahler has spent nearly two decades sitting between great strategies and the people who have to adopt them, and he has a startling answer for why so many transformations stall: change signals threat to the human brain, and most leaders have no idea they are triggering it.
In this episode of the SME Strategy and Leade
Canada's $3 Trillion Blind Spot: Kendra MacDonald on the Ocean Economy
The global ocean economy is doubling in size to three trillion US dollars. Canada, a country with the longest coastline in the world and the fourth largest ocean territory, sits at roughly fifty billion. Kendra MacDonald calls that gap the opportunity of a generation, and she left one of the largest professional services firms on the planet to go after it.
In this episode of the SME Strategy and L
Never in Doubt: A Strategy Playbook From Former WWE President George Barrios
Note: This episode contains some strong language.
When a recruiter called George Barrios about a CFO job, George was treasurer of The New York Times Company. His verbatim reaction when he heard the company was WWE: "are you fucking kidding me?" He took the role anyway. Twelve years later, the stock had gone from $15 to $100, and he had helped engineer the largest acquisition in sports entertainmen
How a 15 Person Floor Heating Company Became the North American Leader | John Rose
Three computers, no fridge, and 15 employees. That was Nuheat when John Rose walked in. Sixteen years later it was the North American leader in its industry, and John says culture is the reason why.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with John Rose, former President and CEO of Nuheat Industries, advisor, investor, and board director, about what 16 year
A Navy Captain on Trust, Self-Doubt, and Leading Under Pressure | Jenn Donahue
What does it actually take to lead when the stakes are life and death, and what happens when those same pressures show up in a boardroom? According to Jenn Donahue, the answer starts not with strategy or skill, but with the voices inside your own head.
In this episode, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jenn Donahue, PhD, PE, retired U.S. Navy captain, international keynote speaker, business coach, and
Selling Zico to Coca-Cola and Buying It Back | Mark Rampolla
What happens when you build a global brand, sell it for $200 million, and realize it's not what you want? According to Mark Rampolla, the real lesson isn't about the exit or buyback. It's about understanding that growth isn't something you do. It's something you become.
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Mark Rampolla, founder and CEO of ZICO Coconu
Fighting for Flawless: A Fighter Pilot and F1 Insider on Building High-Performance Teams
What separates teams that chase perfection from those that settle for good enough? According to Jason Richardson, it comes down to three things: the culture you build from the roots up, the trust you earn before you need it, and the ownership every leader takes for the environment their team lives in.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jason Richa
Your Team Is Watching You Panic: A 36-Year CEO on Leading Through Chaos
What separates the leaders who scale from the ones who stall? According to Jim Remley, it comes down to three things: the expectations you set, the people you develop, and the financial discipline you build before you need it.
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jim Remley, founder of the largest independent real estate brokerage in Oregon and nation
How a 102-Year-Old Real Estate Company Stays Relevant: Lessons from Sage CEO Jonathan Iger
What if the secret to building a company that lasts over a century isn't disruption, technology, or even capital — but the discipline to put relationships before transactions, every single time?
In this episode, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jonathan Iger, CEO and President of Sage, a 102-year-old commercial real estate company that has outlasted every recession, market shift, and industry disrupt
The Three Levels of Financial Acumen That Separate Leaders from Operators with Tim Vipond
Most executives will tell you they understand their business. Ask them to walk you through their financial statements, and the room goes quiet.
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Tim Vipond, Co-Founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), about why financial acumen is a non-negotiable leadership skill and why the rise of AI is making it mor
3x Inc 5000 Founder: Stop Buying Software. Start Buying Outcomes, with Dustin Domerese
66% of tech projects never launch. 70% of the ones that do fail to deliver what leadership expected. The problem isn't the technology — it's the C-suite.
3x Inc 5000 founder Dustin Domerese joins Anthony C. Taylor to unpack why mid-market tech rollouts keep failing and what CEOs of $30M–$300M companies need to do differently.
In this conversation:
- Why your frontline workers aren't the adoption p
Augment, Automate, Aspire: The 3 Tiers of AI Every Leadership Team Must Understand
What if the biggest mistake leadership teams are making with AI isn’t about the technology at all?
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Jeroen De Flander, international expert in AI Strategy and Strategy Execution, keynote speaker, and co-founder of The Performance Factory.
Jeroen has worked with more than 500 companies worldwide and has spent decades he
Eric Ries on Why Most ‘Best Practices’ Are Quietly Killing the Companies That Follow Them
What happens when success itself starts pulling your company away from its mission?
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Eric Ries, entrepreneur and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad… and How Great Companies Stay Great.
Eric is best known for The Lean Startup, a book that reshaped how modern companies are built. In this conversation, he
How a 9-Figure Founder Aligns Leadership Teams Around What Actually Drives Value
Why Your Leadership Team Isn’t Aligned on What Actually Drives Value with Lee Benson
What happens when a leadership team can’t agree on what actually drives value?
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Lee Benson, a multi-exit CEO who has built and sold companies ranging from seven to nine figures and developed a practical methodology for aligning teams a
The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started with Greg Selkoe of XSET
The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started with Greg Selkoe of XSET
What happens when culture, gaming, media, and entrepreneurship converge?
In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Greg Selkoe, a serial entrepreneur who has spent his career building culture-driven companies at the intersection of media, commerce, and community.
Greg is the Co-Founder and C
Chris Deaver, Former Apple & Disney Leader | Culture as the Operating System of Strategy
Many organizations focus heavily on strategy, but the real differentiator inside high-performing organizations is culture. While strategy sets direction, culture determines whether teams can collaborate, innovate, and execute consistently over time.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony C. Taylor sits down with Chris Deaver, culture architect, leadership coach, and c
Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai
Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai
Many organizations are rushing to adopt artificial intelligence, but leaders often struggle with where to start and how to apply it responsibly. While AI promises efficiency and automation, the real challenge is using it strategically without overengineering systems, chasing hype, or creating unnecess
Success Isn’t the Gear, It’s the Operator: Special Forces Performance Lessons for Leaders with Simon Jeffries
Most leaders believe success comes from better tools, better strategies, or better tactics. But under real pressure, those things rarely determine the outcome. What actually matters is the operator behind them—and whether they can stay focused, disciplined, and effective when conditions aren’t ideal.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Simon J
From Small Companies to Public Markets: 100+ M&A Deals with Callum Laing of Unity Group
For many entrepreneurs, growth means hiring more people, increasing revenue, and expanding into new markets. But what if there were another path to scaling—one that uses capital markets, partnerships, and strategic acquisitions to grow faster and more efficiently?
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Callum Laing, partner at Unity Group, invest
Beyond the Margin of Error: Risk, Probability & Strategic Decision-Making with Professor Emeritus Dr. Michael Orkin
In business, leaders make decisions every day under uncertainty. But what if the biggest risk isn’t the one you see — it’s the one you misunderstand?
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Dr. Michael Orkin, Professor Emeritus of Statistics and author of The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, to explore how probability, randomness, and
Engagement as Strategy: Driving Enterprise Value with Life Sciences CEO Christine Miller
In many organizations, engagement is treated as a morale metric or a human resources initiative. But what if engagement isn’t a byproduct of strategy — what if it is the strategy?
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Christine Miller, former CEO of Melinta Therapeutics and seasoned Life Sciences executive, to explore how disciplined strategic p
Protecting What Matters: From Global Brand Leadership to Vancouver’s Top Restaurant w/ Richard Mah
In a business world driven by growth targets, dashboards, and scale, leaders are often told that expansion is the ultimate measure of success. But what if the real challenge isn’t scaling bigger, it’s protecting what matters?
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Richard Mah, former Global Head of Digital Marketing at ASICS and now steward of No
Decisions, Decisions: Making Choices That Survive Execution
Why good decisions often fail after they’re made — and how leaders can align intuition, planning, and execution so choices actually turn into results.
Even strong strategies can fall apart if organizations aren’t designed to execute them. Decisions that look right on paper often fail downstream, not because they were wrong, but because the systems, structures, and judgment required to carry them t
From Microsoft Innovation to Regenerative Ventures with JoAnn Garbin
In a time defined by rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and shifting assumptions about work, innovation alone is no longer enough. Leaders are being challenged to rethink not just what they build, but how and why they build it.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with JoAnn Garbin, former Microsoft innovation leader and founder of Re
Building Confident Managers at Scale with Ashley Herd, Former McKinsey HR Leader
As organizations grow, management quality often becomes the biggest constraint on performance. Yet most managers are promoted without training, leaving them to navigate people leadership through trial and error.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Ashley Herd, former McKinsey HR leader, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and founder of Manager Method,
Innovation as Strategic Renewal with Bruce Vojak of Breakthrough Innovation Advisors
In mature industries, innovation is often misunderstood as novelty, experimentation, or disruption for its own sake. But for organizations facing margin pressure, increased competition, and slowing growth, innovation is not a buzzword. It is a mechanism for strategic renewal.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Bruce Vojak, Managing Director of B
The Future of Employee Experience with Jacob Morgan, Founder of Future of Work Leaders
In a workplace shaped by rapid change, remote work debates, and shifting expectations, many organizations are struggling to define what employee experience should actually look like. In this episode, we explore the future of employee experience and why leaders must return to first principles to build organizations that are truly future-ready.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast,
Digital Agency Owner Brook Shepard on Measuring what Matters in your Marketing
In a marketing landscape increasingly obsessed with dashboards, efficiency, and short term ROI, many organizations are unknowingly measuring themselves into slower growth. In this episode, we explore what it really means to measure what matters in marketing and why focusing too narrowly on efficiency can quietly undermine long term results.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, h
How Pipedrive Scales Sales, Strategy, and Structure — with President Peter Harris
As organizations scale, complexity increases. Systems break, communication slows, and leaders often lose sight of how the business actually works. In this episode, we explore why structure, sales discipline, and clear strategy are essential for sustainable growth in global organizations.
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Pete Harris, Preside
The Power of Differentiation With Barry LaBov
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From Startup Chaos to Operational Scalability with Sam Goodner
When companies begin to scale, founders often become the bottleneck without realizing it. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Sam Goodner, serial entrepreneur, former Swiss Army officer, and author of Like Clockwork Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision.
Sam has spent more than 25 years scaling technology and consulting companies, leading teams
The Power of Local Partnerships: The Strategy Big Investors Ignore with Andy Weiner
In every industry, there are strategies that quietly outperform the conventional wisdom. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Andy Weiner, Founder and President of RockStep Capital, one of the most innovative retail real estate investment firms in the United States.
Andy’s career spans more than 40 years across retail operations, commercial real estate
The Last 8 Percent: How Leaders Step Into the Toughest Moments with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry
Most leaders can handle the easy 92 percent of their day. It is the remaining 8 percent that defines them. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry, one of the world’s leading authorities on pressure, performance, and the neuroscience of leadership.
JP is the New York Times bestselling author of Performing Under Pressure and co-founder of
Stop Trying to Grow Your Way Out of a Bad Business with Ben Hansen
Growth is exciting until it starts costing you more than it is making you. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Ben Hansen, five time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur and founder of Profit Doctor, about why scaling too fast without fixing your profit problems is a recipe for burnout.
After building an eight figure company with more than 100 employees, Ben learne
How AI Is Rewriting the Marketing Playbook with CMO Matt Seitz
How can organizations embrace AI to transform marketing without losing the human connection that drives trust and brand loyalty? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Matt Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer and Partner at Prosperity Capital Advisors, as well as CMO of C2P Enterprises and JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management.
Under Matt’s marketing leadership
Inside Fortune 50 Leadership: Curiosity Lessons from Coca-Cola, Frito-Lay & Humana with Dr. Debra Clary
How can leaders inspire innovation, engagement, and performance without relying on having all the answers? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Dr. Debra Clary, author of The Curiosity Curve: A Leader’s Guide to Growth and Transformation Through Bold Questions, and former executive at Frito Lay, Coca Cola, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana.
Across more than th
From Ally to All In: How Leaders Build Inclusion Without Division | Mike Lynch
How can leaders create truly inclusive workplaces without blame, shame, or political polarization? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Mike Lynch, executive coach, author of From Ally to All In, and former HR leader at Capital One.
After more than two decades guiding global teams, Mike has developed the Ally to All In Framework, a practical roadmap th
Harvard’s Science of Conflict: Train Your Brain for Resilience with Bob Bordone
How can leaders turn tension into teamwork, and disagreement into innovation? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Bob Bordone, USA Today Bestselling Author, Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, and nationally recognized expert in negotiation and conflict resolution.
Bob has spent his career helping people navigate the most challenging conversations—in
Transforming Global Giants: Google, Diageo & Maersk with Louisa Loran
How do the world’s biggest companies navigate transformation, stay innovative, and lead through uncertainty? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Louisa Loran, transformation architect, global executive advisor, and author of Leadership Anatomy in Motion.
Louisa has shaped industries across tech, logistics, and luxury—leading transformation at Google,
David Kolbe, CEO & Lawyer Turned Leadership Strategist, on Team Dynamics
How do you build teams that truly work, empower people’s strengths, and adapt leadership for the future of work? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, a company celebrating 50 years of helping leaders and organizations unleash innovation through the Kolbe Concept®.
David has lived and breathed Kolbe his entire life. An au
LinkedIn Top Voice, Global CIO, Author The Multi Dimensional Leadership of Sébastien Page
How do you build resilience, lead under pressure, and thrive in the mental game of business? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Sébastien Page, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees more than $500 billion in assets. Sébastien is also the author of The Psychology of Leadership (Harriman House), nam
Jim Fielding: Leading Through Change at Disney, Fox & Claire’s
How do you build a career and a leadership style rooted in people, culture, and curiosity? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Jim Fielding, former CEO of Claire’s, President of Disney Stores Worldwide, and President of 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. Jim is also the author of All Pride, No Ego and host of the Jim Fielding & Friends podcast.
With
Dr. Colin M. Fisher: The Hidden Science of Group Dynamics | Strategy and Leadership Podcast
How do you build teams that truly work together instead of falling into dysfunction? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Colin M. Fisher—Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge—shares two decades of research on group dynamics, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing from both his academic career and his background as
Leading Nonprofits Like Businesses with Andy Price, CEO & Scout Executive
How do you lead nonprofits like businesses while staying true to your mission? In this episode, Andy Price, CEO & Scout Executive of the Grand Canyon Council, shares lessons from over 30 years in nonprofit leadership. He reveals how to inspire volunteers, measure real impact, and turn around organizations in crisis.
Watch the full conversation to learn strategies for aligning passion with purpose
Leading Global Brands & Data-Driven Growth, with Co-CEO of Cro Metrics Gwen Hammes
Why do the world’s leading brands increasingly act like startups? In this episode, Co-CEO of Cro Metrics, Gwen Hammes, shares her insights from working with global giants such as Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Stellantis, Clorox, Levi Strauss, Sargento, and SC Johnson. Drawing from her decades of experience at iconic agencies like Ogilvy, FCB, and DDB, Gwen explains how experimentation, data, and creativit
Why Fearless Leaders Outperform w/ Brendan Keegan
Why does fearless leadership matter more than ever? In this podcast, entrepreneur and author Brendan P. Keegan unpacks what it means to be a fearless leader and how to create environments that support high performance. With over 25 years as a CEO and now on a mission to build one million fearless leaders, Brendan shares lessons from business, motorsports, and his own life about courage, culture, a
Why Innovation Fails, and How to Fix It w/ Robyn Bolton
Why do so many innovation initiatives fall flat—even in successful companies? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor sits down with innovation expert Robyn Bolton to discuss what leaders get wrong about innovation, how to create the right conditions for it to thrive, and what it takes to build a truly innovative culture.
With experience at P&G and other leading bran
Why Some Teams Fail While Others Thrive w/ Vanessa Druskat
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, our guest, Vanessa Druskat, author of "The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the Rest," provides valuable insights into what makes some teams succeed while others fail. Vanessa discusses the importance of psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics. She shares her journey from acad
THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE NLP and the Science of Positive Change
Welcome to this exciting episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, where we delve into the transformative power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with our expert guests, Josh Davis and Greg Promushkin. As authors of 'NLP and the Science of Positive Change,' they share their unique insights into how NLP can be practically applied in everyday life and leadership to foster significant and l
One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and a 40 Under 40 awardee, Dr. Julie Wilson
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Julie Wilson shares her journey as a family doctor and healthcare leader. She discusses her passion for ethical business practices, the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, and her vision for expanding healthcare access. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the need for effective communication and compassion in leadership, as well as the
From Military to Tulip Farming: Andrew Miller's Unconventional Journey
Andrew Miller, the president and CEO of United Way of Skagit County and the co-founder and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms. Discover how Andrew transitioned from a career in Air Force intelligence to embracing life as a tulip farmer, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to both farming and community work.
Andrew shares his unique strategic insights, discussing the challenges and opportu
Navigating Turbulence: The Evolution of Leadership with Blair LaCorte
Anthony Taylor interviews Blair LaCorte, a seasoned CEO with extensive experience in private equity and aviation. They discuss Blair's journey, particularly his time at XOJet, where he transformed a struggling airline into a successful business through innovative strategies and a focus on customer needs. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the necessity of
McKinsey Partner Tim Koller on Mastering Business Valuation
Anthony Taylor and Tim Koller discuss the critical aspects of business valuation, emphasizing the importance of balancing revenue growth and profitability. They explore strategic decision-making in large organizations, the role of the CEO in resource allocation, and the necessity of understanding financial drivers to create value. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience in corporate fina
Infinite Possibilities: Lessons from Space with Dr. Bernard Harris
Dr. Bernard Harris, the first black astronaut to walk in space, shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams of space exploration to becoming a physician, venture capitalist, and author. He discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization, and embracing infinite possibilities in achieving one's highest potential. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for audacious goal setting and the value o
The Future Of Work with AI: AI For Business Strategy and Leadership in 2025 with Kevin Surace
This SME Strategy Podcast episode features technology and leadership innovator Kevin Surace, offering expert guidance on leveraging generative AI to enhance content creation and drive strategic growth and strategic planning.
Learn how to make better decisions, improve your customer experience, and cultivate a culture of joy in work that supports your business strategy. Kevin's perspectives on lea
Servant Leadership and Exit Strategies in 2025: Business Strategy with Cameron Bishop
This episode of the SME Strategy & Leadership podcast focusses on navigating hyper-growth, the power of servant leadership, and crucial exit strategies relevant for 2025.
Cameron Bishop of Raincatcher shares his extensive experience in leading companies through significant transformations, emphasizing effective communication, employee engagement, and the strategic steps businesses must take to max
Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI in 2025 with Faisal Hoque
On this episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, global management thought leader Faisal Hoque serves up essential guidance on the evolving landscape of AI and technology in 2025. He underscores the vital role of purpose-driven leadership in navigating today's market uncertainty. Faisal introduces the CARE framework as a fundamental structure for AI governance, addressing the critical ethical concerns
The New Rules of Talent Retention with Global Talent Advisor Steve Cadigan
🚨 Talent retention strategies are failing. Businesses need to fundamentally shift operations to continue to thrive. 🚨
In this powerful episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, we sit down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and a global talent advisor, to uncover the harsh realities of today's talent marketplace and reveal what you need to consider for strategic implementation today.
Steve does
Goodfood's Vision for Strategic Growth: A Conversation with CEO Jonathan Ferrari
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 vi
OKRs & Performance Culture: Interview with Ben Lamorte of OKRS.com
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 s
Conflict As An Opportunity: A Conversation with Dana Caspersen on Conflict Management In The Workplace
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 nega
The Power Of The Chief of Staff Role: Interview with Maggie Olson of Nova Chief of Staff
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
Growth Strategy in Volatile Times: Interview with Rebecca Homkes
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
The Art of Innovation: Lessons from Microsoft -JoAnn Garbin
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 dis
Nicholas Lalla, founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs
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 strength
The DNA of Organizational Success: Lean Insights from the Flow Consortium
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 to
The 5-Year Exit Strategy: How to Maximize Your Company's Value
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 a
The Wild West of AI, IP, and the Future of Innovation with Thomas Dunlap
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
Thriving Leadership: Insights from Renee Moorefield, PhD
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 wit
Mastering Strategic Planning: Lessons from Dawn Reese's Leadership at The Wooden Floor
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
Mastering Talent Acquisition: Insights from Fletcher Wimbush
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
From Four Loko to Koya: Chris Hunter's Unconventional Journey in the Beverage Industry
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 pl
Rhythm and the Game of Life: Leadership Lessons from Ping Pong w/ Justin Bookey
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, draw
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: The Ecosystem of Personalized Experiences with David Edelman
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