Explore every episode of the podcast The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor

Nate Bennett has spent twenty years studying the COO role. His book Riding Shotgun: The Role of the COO, co-written with Stephen Miles, is now in its third edition from Stanford Business Books. In this conversation: why the right question is what makes a great CEO and COO pair, not what makes a great COO; why founders pushed by their board to hire a number two often never empower that person; the seven types of COO and the three kinds of fit to test before you hire; and why average COO tenure has dropped from five years to about two and a half. Blog post and full notes: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/michael-dell-put-a-glass-wall-between-himself-and-his-coo.-heres-why-it-worked Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 Work with SME Strategy: https://meetings.hubspot.com/anthony930

Jim Weiss built Real Chemistry from one person to 2,500 employees by refusing to do marketing work that didn't move a number the client's CEO cared about. Media impressions were never the measure. Patients on therapy, revenue and stock price were. Jim is the founder and chairman of Real Chemistry (formerly W2O Group), an integrated marketing and communications firm that helps healthcare companies launch new medicines, vaccines and treatments. Over 25 years he grew the company into a global firm, and he now advises a range of companies and organizations while hosting the Get Real podcast. In this conversation, Jim and Anthony talk about what actually drove that growth: hiring people with shared values, letting clients pull the firm into new services, and building ownership into the business so people share in the wins. Jim also explains what changed when he moved from CEO to chairman and had to lead through influence instead of authority. Key takeaways: - Alignment is what keeps a growing company flying in formation. Without coordination, more people just means more noise. - Let clients pull you into new work. When a client asked "can you also do this?", Jim hired or bought the capability and grew alongside them. - Measure against your client's business objectives. If the work doesn't support something the C-suite cares about, don't do it. - As chairman or advisor, your influence works like the moon on the tides. Advice lands best when it becomes their idea. - Real ownership, or at least a sense of it, changes how people show up. Jim's advice to owners is to give people stock where they can. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Jim Weiss and Real Chemistry 01:04 Growing up in Honesdale and what Real Chemistry does 02:33 Business lessons learned by age eight 03:46 Alignment and the flying formation 06:32 Clear roles, great hires and picking the right clients 09:28 Growing with clients: "Can you also do this?" 11:25 Values as hashtags and the "no assholes" rule 11:47 Tying the work to the client's business KPIs 17:17 From CEO to chairman: direct impact to influence 18:39 Why ownership matters 20:28 Be like water 21:33 Get Real podcast and the Music and Medicine program 24:30 Closing takeaways Want to talk about your organization's strategy? Book a conversation with Anthony: https://meetings.hubspot.com/anthony930 Prefer to start on your own? Take the One Destination Alignment Scorecard: https://www.smestrategy.net/one-destination-scorecard Connect with Anthony C. Taylor at https://www.smestrategy.net #Leadership #Strategy #ScalingABusiness #HealthcareMarketing #StrategyAndLeadership

Eighty percent of your people using Copilot does not make you an AI company. In a lot of mid-market organizations it means AI is everywhere and strategy is nowhere. John Rudd built SolutionsIQ into North America's largest Agile consultancy, sold it to Accenture, and went on to run Accenture's global Agile practice and its North America technology M&A program. A former turnaround CFO and current private equity board member, he is co-founder of LightSight and author of The Age of the Speedboat: How Middle Market Leaders Can Win the AI Era. Anthony and John talk about why license counts are the wrong measure of AI progress, what a CEO should put in place before chasing use cases, and why the leaders who win this era will be the ones who stop pretending to have every answer. Book a conversation with Anthony: https://meetings.hubspot.com/anthony930 Take the One Destination Alignment Scorecard: https://www.smestrategy.net/one-destination-scorecard More from SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Get John's book: https://speedboatbook.com

Keith Wyche has spent his career inside companies in the middle of a transformation. He was at AT&T before the 1984 breakup, at IBM during its shift to services, at Pitney Bowes looking for life beyond mailing, and at Walmart as it moved from brick and mortar to e-commerce. He was also President of Cub Foods and ACME Markets for SuperValu, and he now serves as an independent director on the board of Brink's. In this episode, Keith explains the 4 R's he uses to drive change: relevance, readiness, responsiveness, and robustness. He tells the story of growing a grocery chain with no grocery background by tailoring 15% of each store to its community. He also describes the Sears story he used to get long-tenured Walmart teams behind e-commerce, and he shares his equation for trust: character × competency × consistency. His new book is Uncommon Leadership. CONNECT WITH KEITH Website: keithwyche.com Instagram: @therealkeithwyche Book: Uncommon Leadership, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and wherever books are sold WORK WITH ANTHONY Anthony Taylor facilitates strategic planning and alignment sessions with leadership teams, and speaks at conferences and events as a keynote speaker, trainer, and working-session facilitator on strategy and leadership. Contact: smestrategy.net/contact LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Walmart #BoardGovernance #StrategyAndLeadership

Glenn Kaufman runs KEH Camera, North America's largest pre-owned camera and video equipment reseller, founded D Cubed Group, and previously chaired the Finance Committee on the board of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers. In this conversation he explains why he treats himself as reporting to his own board even as CEO, the line he uses to build real alignment with the leaders he backs, and how he tells a company that's genuinely healthy from one that's been dressed up to sell. If you sit on a board, report to one, or want to, this is a masterclass in building trust before you need it. 🔗 Read the full write-up: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/glenn-kaufman-keh-camera-ceo-board-accountability 🔗 Strategic planning facilitation with Anthony: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator 🔗 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

Alan Walsh is President of Sentient Jet, the company that invented the private jet card. Before that, he spent 20+ years at Dell and EMC, including leading the 4,500-person Global Support Center team through the EMC-Dell merger across 12 locations and six continents. In this episode, Alan shares the leadership credo he's carried since his EMC days ("if there's no precedent, you can't be wrong"), what it actually takes to communicate change to thousands of people at once, and the operational discipline behind Sentient Jet's commitment to answering every phone call in 15 seconds or less, 24/7. 00:00 Intro: Meet Alan Walsh, President of Sentient Jet 01:12 From Cork, Ireland to the U.S. — Alan's path 02:06 The first rule of leadership: "It's never about me" 03:33 Alan's credo: "If there's no precedent, you can't be wrong" 05:15 Communicating "the why" across a 4,500-person global team 07:38 Inside the Dell-EMC merger integration 10:45 The failure that changed how Alan leads 13:17 How applied physics shaped his leadership style 15:02 A day in the life as President of Sentient Jet 18:08 Where AI fits in private aviation (and where it doesn't) 20:51 The 15-second rule: Sentient Jet's service philosophy 22:46 Close Learn more about Sentient Jet: https://sentient.com Want strategic clarity like this in your own organization? Work with SME Strategy on your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Or connect with Anthony directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and subscribe wherever you listen. It helps more leaders find the show. #Leadership #PrivateAviation #ChangeManagement #CustomerExperience #ExecutiveLeadership #BusinessPodcast

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 economics, when to innovate versus when to protect your core (and why "we'll never do that" often doesn't age well), and the three traits that separate franchisees who thrive from ones who burn out. A candid, practical conversation for anyone building a business — franchise or not — that depends on other people executing well. ABOUT SME STRATEGY SME Strategy helps organizations around the world create and execute their strategic plans through expert facilitation, leadership training, and organizational alignment. We work with leadership teams to make strategy implementation easier, faster, and more effective. Learn More About Our Strategic Planning Facilitation Services: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Visit SME Strategy Consulting: https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

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 librarians instead of technology experts, because he could train product knowledge in a week but couldn't train warmth. He killed sales commissions, so customers would buy when they were ready and not when a rep needed a number. He invented the Genius Bar as a visible promise of service at the back of every store. He put Apple on the world's most expensive real estate. And he built the Fifth Avenue store underground, so rent landed at roughly 1% of sales while the store did $350 million in its first year. The through-line for CEOs and senior operators: the strategies that separate you from your competitors are the ones that look counterintuitive on paper, and they come from your own lived experience, not from copying what's already been done. If you're a CEO, president, or senior operator running a mid-market business and trying to build a strategy that actually differentiates you, this conversation is for you. CHAPTERS 00:00 Ron Johnson: Apple Store, JCPenney, Target 01:05 Starting at the bottom, unloading trucks at Mervyn's 03:25 Why he hired baristas and librarians instead of tech experts 06:07 The real future of retail: 85% of sales are still physical 09:25 Why customers want to be approached in stores 10:42 Killing sales commissions at the Apple Store 11:47 Designing a store so the service is visible from the door 13:41 What made the Apple Store concept so counterintuitive 15:42 Personal geography: the edge nobody can copy 17:16 The Fifth Avenue store, the fifth most photographed site in NYC 19:52 $350M in year one at 1% rent: the underground bet 21:15 What courage in strategy actually looks like 22:22 Ron's new book and where to find him ABOUT THE GUEST Ron Johnson is the former Senior Vice President of Retail Operations at Apple, where he built the Apple Store from concept to global rollout and created the Genius Bar. He was previously Executive Vice President of Merchandising at Target, where he led the design-for-all strategy that reshaped the brand, and later served as CEO of JCPenney. His new book, Shop Different: How Retail Revealed Apple's Genius, is out from HarperCollins. Learn more: https://ronjohnsonshopsdifferent.com ABOUT THE PODCAST The Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, Managing Partner at SME Strategy, and features conversations with CEOs and senior operators about the strategic bets, frameworks, and decisions that separate great companies from average ones. Work with SME Strategy on your next planning session: https://www.smestrategy.net Subscribe for a new episode every week. #RonJohnson #AppleStore #StrategicPlanning #RetailStrategy #BusinessStrategy

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 that includes leadership roles through the Sprint/T-Mobile merger, the Verizon/Alltel merger, 9/11, and Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Tracy shares the six ingredients she looks for in every team she builds, why "if your name is on the invite, you've earned the right to be in the room," and the story of a goose in a parking lot that reshaped how she thinks about listening as a leader. Whether you're leading a mid-market company through change or building your first executive team, the fundamentals in this conversation apply. What you'll learn: • The six success ingredients Tracy uses to evaluate any team (trust, integrity, commitment, execution, teamwork, right people) • How to build two-way trust before you need it • The "open bridge" method Tracy used to lead 12,000 people through a merger during COVID • Why vulnerability at the executive level accelerates transformation • The concept of "full circle leadership" — managing your team, peers, boss, and customers as one system • The most overlooked element of transformation plans (and why decisiveness beats consensus) • How Dress for Success helps women re-enter the workforce Chapters: 00:00 – Introducing Tracy Nolan 01:11 – Heart + leadership: how Tracy defines her MO 03:09 – The six success ingredients 05:14 – Building trust during major transformation 06:11 – The Sprint/T-Mobile merger & the goose in the parking lot 10:59 – Being the first woman in the boardroom 14:39 – Driving results and full circle leadership 20:49 – What most leaders miss in transformation 22:46 – Dress for Success and giving back 25:15 – Where to connect with Tracy Connect with Tracy Nolan: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracy-nolan Learn more about Dress for Success: dressforsuccess.org About the host: Anthony Taylor is the founder of SME Strategy Consulting and host of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast. He helps mid-market leadership teams get aligned on one destination and execute on it. Learn more at smestrategy.net. If you got value from this conversation, leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway. #Leadership #StrategyAndLeadership #Transformation #ChangeManagement #ExecutiveLeadership

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, attention management, and intentional focus. Discover practical strategies to enhance your performance and leadership by understanding the mind's role in overcoming challenges.Key Topics-The importance of attention in performance-Breaking through mental barriers-The five personal attributes for success-The role of biases, fears, and insecurities-The intentional attention framework-Managing pressure and stress effectively-The concept of amnesia and forgetting the past-Renewal strategies for high performers-The impact of routines and language on mindset-Practical tips for leaders and athletes

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 Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Travis Hahler, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce, former Global Change and Transformation Lead at Google, and founder of The Neurological Nomad. Drawing on a background that spans neuroscience research, an MBA, and change leadership at Google, Salesforce, and Deloitte, Travis brings a rare fusion of brain science and boardroom experience to the question every leader eventually faces: how do you actually get people to move? Together they unpack why 70 percent of change initiatives fail to achieve their expected ROI, how the brain interprets organizational change as a loss of competence, relationships, or control, and why urgency and free rein so often backfire. Travis shares the practical shift that separates the successful 30 percent from the rest, including why your program manager gets a project live but your change manager is the one who actually delivers the return. What You Will Learn in This Episode How the brain interprets organizational change as a threat, and what leaders consistently misread when teams push back Why every change equals loss, and how to lead through the three types of loss people experience at work: competence, relationships, and control Why "just go play with it" is the wrong way to roll out AI, and what people actually need before they will engage The difference between program management and change management, and why underinvesting in the second one quietly kills your ROI How to think about adoption in terms of ROI, and why 20 percent adoption rarely justifies the investment About Travis Hahler Travis Hahler is Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and the founder of The Neurological Nomad. Over more than fifteen years he has guided over one hundred companies through organizational transformation, earning the nickname "Resistance Fortune Teller" for his ability to predict where change efforts will fail. His signature keynote, The Neuroscience of Change, has reached over 25,000 leaders across 150 global events. His book, Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change, is forthcoming from Fast Company Press. Travis has held change and transformation roles at Google and Deloitte, studied neuroscience at Harvard and conducted EEG research at Aalborg University in Denmark, and holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota. Connect with Travis Hahler Website: https://www.theneurologicalnomad.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurologicalnomad/ About the Podcast The SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast is where leaders come to sharpen their thinking on strategy, execution, and the human side of moving plans forward. Hosted by Anthony Taylor, each episode brings candid conversations with executives and experts who help teams get aligned and turn strategic plans into action. Strategy Resources Get help facilitating your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 Learn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster and former Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global. After twenty five years at Deloitte, Kendra stepped out of a 275,000 person organization to become the first employee of a not for profit built to grow Canada's ocean economy. She talks candidly about why she made the leap, what it takes to align competing industries and countries around a shared goal, and why leadership in this moment looks different from what most people picture. The conversation moves from the raw economic case for the ocean economy to the messy reality of collaboration at national and international scale. Kendra explains how a supercluster functions as a network of networks, why the devil is in the details when it comes to budgets and intellectual property, and how she keeps fishing executives, oil executives, researchers, and government partners focused on a common objective instead of the friction between them. She also shares a personal turning point that shaped her whole career, and makes the case for stepping into leadership even when you do not feel ready. What You Will Learn in This Episode How Kendra frames the size of the ocean economy opportunity and why Canada is significantly undersized relative to its coastline. Why collaboration is harder in practice than it sounds, and where partnerships tend to break down. How to keep diverse stakeholders aligned by returning to shared purpose rather than fixating on friction points. What it takes to lead a national initiative that spans four Atlantic provinces, coast to coast to coast, and nine countries. How technology, from sensors and autonomous platforms to AI, is being used to instrument the ocean and solve real problems. Why one moment should never be allowed to become career defining, and why the current moment needs more people to step into leadership. About Kendra MacDonald Kendra (she/her) is the CEO for Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC), responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Canada's Ocean Economy. Along with the OSC team, Kendra is passionately committed to raising awareness of Canada's ocean opportunity and role as an ocean nation. Connect with Kendra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendramacdonald-40b574 Canada's Ocean Supercluster: https://oceansupercluster.ca Saltwater Signals on Substack: https://substack.com/@saltwatersignals About the Podcast The SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast brings you conversations with leaders and thinkers from around the world on strategy, leadership, and building organizations that last. Hosted by Anthony Taylor, founder of SME Strategy Consulting and strategic advisor to leadership teams across North America, each episode gives executives practical perspective they can bring back to their own teams. Strategy Resources Looking to align your leadership team around a clear strategic plan? Learn more about strategic planning facilitation with Anthony and the SME Strategy team: https://smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://rednyne.com

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 entertainment history. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with George Barrios, former Co-President and Board Member of WWE, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital, and author of Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt, about how deep preparation builds the conviction to act when everyone says you are wrong. George and his business partner Michelle Wilson took WWE from a roughly $1 billion North American event business to the company that anchored the $9.3 billion merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Anthony and George explore the insight that the entire industry rejected, why being right when everyone else is wrong is the only kind of right that matters, how over 1,100 meetings in three and a half years changed the market's mind, and what it takes to rebuild after being fired in front of your whole industry. The conversation also goes deep on the research method behind every decision George makes, the partnership dynamic with Vince McMahon, and how he now applies the WWE playbook across La Liga, Ligue 1, and the WTA. What You Will Learn in This Episode - How George and Michelle Wilson took WWE from roughly $1 billion to a $9.3 billion valuation - Why deep preparation, not self-confidence, is the real source of conviction - The insight about live content that the entire industry insisted was wrong - Why being right when everyone else is wrong is where the value lives - What over 1,100 meetings in three and a half years actually accomplished - How George rebuilt after being fired publicly and then called back to finish the deal About George Barrios George Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator working at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital, where he invests across sports, entertainment, and media. He is also an investor in and Director of Global Sport Group (GSG), a CVC-backed sports investment platform whose portfolio includes La Liga, Ligue 1, the WTA, and Equine Network, and serves as a Trustee of the University of Connecticut. George is best known for his tenure as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, where he helped transform the company into a global, multi-platform entertainment business and lead its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, New York, he is the author of Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt. Connect with George Barrios Website: https://georgebarrios.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/ About the Strategy and Leadership Podcast The Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. He works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations, interviewing founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 years at the helm of a market leader taught him about culture, alignment, and building a company people are proud to work for. John took Nuheat from 15 staff, three computers, and humble beginnings to the North American industry leader in electric radiant floor heating, with 120 full time employees and roughly 4,000 distribution partners before its sale to Pentair in 2015. Anthony and John explore why culture is a precondition for performance rather than a perk, how celebrating 24 nationalities on staff galvanized the team, why alignment is the most important thing a leader can build, and how to define what winning actually looks like. The conversation also covers family business succession, the relationship between an executive and their board, and the two interview questions John used in nearly every hire at Nuheat. What You Will Learn in This Episode How John transformed Nuheat from 15 employees into the North American market leader Why culture is a precondition for performance, not a perk How celebrating 24 nationalities on staff galvanized the team and drove results Why alignment is the most important thing a leader can build How to define what winning looks like for your organization Why hope is not a strategy and how accountability keeps a plan alive How to structure family business succession so the next generation can lead Why an executive should own the conversation with their board The two interview questions John used in 90% of his hires About John Rose John Rose believes a strong corporate culture is the key ingredient for long-term success. Leaders create the culture, and the culture creates results. John spent 13 years in his family business, Kirkland and Rose, a bakery and grocery supplier across Western Canada, before it sold to a Dutch company in the early 90s. He then served as President and CEO of Nuheat Industries for 16 years. His focus on culture earned Nuheat Platinum Status as a 10 time winner in Canada's Best Managed Companies Program, a Cultural Diversity Award for employing staff from 24 countries, recognition as one of BC's Best Places to Work, and BC Exporter of the Year. The company grew from 15 staff to the North American leader in electric radiant floor heating, with 120 full time staff and roughly 4,000 distribution partners before its 2015 sale to Pentair. John is also an engaged community leader. He served as a Director and later Chair of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, and Chair of the Board of Mackay CEO Forums. He currently works with companies on Leadership, Succession, and Transition, and sits on the Boards of VanAir Design, Highgate Senior Living, Travelers Financial Group, and Tap & Barrel Restaurants. Connect with John Rose Website: https://www.johnroseconsulting.com Instagram: @johnrose1 About the Strategy and Leadership Podcast The Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations. He interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 USA Today bestselling author of Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt. Jenn commanded an 800-personnel battalion in Afghanistan, built a bridge across the Euphrates River during the Iraq War, survived enemy fire and a contract on her life, and led teams through decisions where the cost of hesitation was measured in lives, not quarterly results. Anthony and Jenn explore the two inner voices that quietly undermine leaders at every level, why self-doubt gets louder the higher you climb, how military preparation maps directly to business leadership, and what a 360 review revealed about her own leadership that changed everything. What You Will Learn in This Episode The two inner voices that hold leaders back, what they are, how they work, and why one is harder to catch than the other. Why self-doubt gets proportionally louder as the stakes get higher, and what neuroscience says about rewiring that response. How military briefing and debriefing practices translate into business leadership and why most organizations skip the step that matters most. What Jenn learned when a subordinate called her out for not trusting her team under stress, and how that feedback transformed her command. Why trust determines how well an organization actually performs, and what it looks like when leaders build it versus let it erode. How to mentally prepare for high-pressure conversations so you stay grounded instead of falling into fight, flight, or freeze. The Warrior Framework Jenn developed from combat training: perceive, assess, ready, act, and how leaders can use it to move from stuck to decisive. About Jenn Donahue Jenn Donahue, PhD, PE is an international keynote speaker, retired U.S. Navy captain, business coach, and one of North America's leading voices on leadership and personal growth. Over a 27-year military career, she commanded an 800-personnel battalion in Afghanistan, built a bridge across the Euphrates River during the Iraq War, and led the construction of combat outposts in hostile terrain. Her USA Today bestselling book, Becoming the Warrior, draws on her battlefield experience to build a four-part framework that helps leaders move past self-doubt and take decisive action. Connect with Jenn Donahue: https://www.jenndonahue.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndonahue-phd-pe/ Instagram: @iamjenndonahue About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations. Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 Coconut Water, co-founder and managing partner of GroundForce Capital, and author of An Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom. Mark spent nine years building ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the world, sold it to Coca-Cola in 2013, and later bought it back for a fraction of the sale price when the company was divested. What Mark has learned from backing nearly 100 companies at GroundForce Capital, sitting on 40+ boards, and helping raise over $1 billion in capital changes how you think about what separates founders who break through from those who don't. Anthony and Mark explore why self-reflection and curiosity are the most powerful indicators of future success, why the founder to CEO transition breaks most people, and what it really means to treat people the way they want to be treated. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why growth is an inside job and what that means for founders The surprising pattern across nearly 100 companies that separates high performers Why strategy and execution matter far less than people think How to spot real indicators of someone's future success What Mark learned building Zico twice and why the second time was different The founder to CEO transition and what determines who makes it How to identify the niche that makes your brand resonate Why the platinum rule changes how you lead What a $600 million asset management firm looks for in founder teams About Mark Rampolla Mark is co-founder and managing partner of GroundForce Capital, a $600 million institutional asset management firm. He has backed nearly 100 companies, served on 40+ boards, helped raise over $1 billion in capital, and contributed to creating over $5 billion in enterprise value. Before GroundForce, Mark founded and led ZICO Coconut Water from 2004 to 2013, selling it to Coca-Cola before buying it back years later as ZICO Rising. His investment portfolio includes Liquid Death, Osoba, Vive Organic, OWYN, Flying Embers, and Partake Brewing. Mark holds an MBA from Duke University and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America. Connect with Mark Rampolla Website: https://www.markrampolla.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/ Instagram: @markrampolla Book: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M). On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions

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 Richardson, a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, Cathay Pacific captain, and performance consultant who has worked inside a Formula One team, about what high-performance culture actually looks like when lives and championships are on the line. Jason flew F/A-18s with No. 77 Squadron, earned his command on the A330 and A350, and during COVID brought his aviation expertise into Formula One. He now runs Richardson Human Performance Solutions, helping organizations build the foundational conditions for sustained high performance. Anthony and Jason explore the tree model of organizational performance, why trust, psychological safety, and culture are the root structure everything else depends on, and how aviation's 7,000-page operating manual is a masterclass in delegation. They dig into what it took to align an entire F1 team around a single mission, why trust cannot be enforced, and the counterintuitive move that builds it fastest. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why high performance is a mindset before it is a method, and how that mindset is built, not inherited The tree model of organizational performance: what belongs in the roots, the trunk, and the leaves How aviation systemized delegation and emergency response, and what business leaders can take from it What Jason's work inside a Formula One team revealed about aligning large organizations to a single mission How to build trust quickly, and why acting against your own self-interest is the most powerful move Why high performers want challenge more than money, and how leaders can use that The leadership fractal: why you own the operating environment at every level of the organization Why culture change has to start at the roots before anything else will stick About Jason Richardson Jason Richardson is a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, qualified flying instructor, and current Cathay Pacific captain on the Airbus A330 and A350. He served with the RAAF from 1992 to 2007, flying F/A-18s with No. 77 Squadron before transitioning to commercial aviation. In 2024 and 2025, Jason worked exclusively with a Formula One team on a culture and identity project, during which time the team climbed two positions in the constructors championship. He founded Richardson Human Performance Solutions in 2019 and is an ICF accredited organizational coach. He is the author of Fighting for Flawless: A Fighter Pilot's Manual for Leading in High-Stakes Environments, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Connect with Jason Website: https://www.richardsonhps.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardsonhps/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richardsonhps About the Strategy and Leadership Podcast The Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 nationally recognized coach at eRealEstateCoach.com, about what it actually takes to build and lead a high-performance organization through growth, adversity, and market disruption. Jim brings 36 years of experience scaling to 17 offices, 3,000 annual transactions, and $1.4 billion in sales volume, having navigated 9/11, the dot-com crash, the Great Recession, and COVID. He breaks down why most leaders are operating with dangerously low standards, how to differentiate in a commoditized market, and why speaking to the self-interest of the people you lead is not a compromise — it is the strategy. He also shares the 4-month war chest rule, how proprietary value and people training protect a business from competing on price alone, and why a leader's composure sets the performance ceiling for the entire organization. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why leaders and managers are fundamentally different and which one your business actually needs How to create proprietary value in a commoditized industry Why your people are the most important competitive differentiator you have How to recruit top talent by speaking directly to their self-interest The 4-month war chest rule and why building it should be a non-negotiable priority How to lead calmly through market shocks when everything around you is uncertain Why world-class expectations produce world-class results How to personalize automated outreach using video so it actually gets watched About Jim Remley Jim Remley is a nationally recognized real estate broker, coach, and author whose career began at age 19. He quickly ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS® nationwide, listing over 150 properties in his first year. At 24, he founded his first real estate company, which grew to 17 offices and became the largest independent real estate brokerage in Oregon, closing 3,000 transactions annually with a sales volume exceeding $1.4 billion. Jim is a sought-after instructor for the National Association of REALTORS, co-founder of the Luxury Home Council, and author of the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation and three bestselling books, including Sell Your Home in Any Market. He has appeared on CNN's Open House and now coaches office leaders and brokers nationally through eRealEstateCoach.com. Connect with Jim Website: https://erealestatecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-remley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eRealEstateCoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erealestatecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erealestatecoach About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 disruption since 1924. Jonathan shares how Sage has stayed relevant by reading macro shifts before they hit, doubling down on what makes the office irreplaceable, and treating every tenant relationship like a long-term partnership rather than a lease agreement. Anthony and Jonathan explore how elevated consumer expectations are reshaping the workplace, why the best office environments take cues from the hospitality industry, and how a 102-year track record is built not on grand slam moments but on consistently hitting singles across every customer touchpoint. What You'll Learn Why relationship always trumps transaction, even in transactional businesses How to read macro shifts before they disrupt your industry Why competing with remote work is the wrong strategy — and what to do instead How customer journey mapping drives better experiences at every touchpoint Why the best office environments are built on the hospitality model How Sage has retained tenants for over 30 years through deep partnership thinking Why time is the most valuable commodity you can give your customers How a 102-year-old company thinks about long-term bets and strategic focus Connect with Jonathan Iger Website: https://sagerealty.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathaniger/ Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions

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 more critical, not less. Tim breaks down the three levels of financial acumen every leader needs, regardless of role or background, and why most executives are operating with a dangerous gap in their foundational knowledge. Anthony and Tim explore how financial literacy creates alignment across leadership teams, why understanding the numbers leads to shorter and more effective meetings, and how the three financial statements function as the foundation of executive thinking. They also address one of the most common misconceptions in the age of AI: that technology can replace the need for financial understanding, and why leaders who believe this are setting themselves up to be outpaced. What You Will Learn in This Episode The three levels of financial acumen and where most leaders get stuck Why financial literacy is a universal leadership skill, not just a finance function How the three financial statements change the way executives think Why AI makes financial knowledge more important, not less Why you can't ask the right questions if you don't understand the numbers Why clarity is the real goal of good financial analysis, not more data About Tim Vipond Tim Vipond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), a global finance education platform serving over 2.8 million learners across 180 countries and the creator of the globally recognized FMVA® certification. Before CFI, Tim worked in investment banking at CIBC, corporate development at Goldcorp, and as VP of Finance at Shoes.com, participating in over $3 billion in transactions. Connect with Tim Website: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timvipond About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast Hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com

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 problem (and who is)- The marketing director who walked into a room and silenced 15 people- The "technology troublemakers" already solving problems you don't know exist- How to hire smart, humble, hungry over expensive senior consultants- What questions every leadership team should ask before the next software investment About Dustin Domerese Dustin Domerese is Managing Partner at Dynamic Consultants Group, a 3x Inc. 5000 Microsoft consulting firm. He is a thought leader, bestselling author, and technology innovator within the Microsoft ecosystem, delivering his experience in CRM, ERP, and software development to business leaders and technical teams. Dustin has consulted for more than 300 companies across a wide range of industries and has worked with organizations across the Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce ecosystems. Prior to founding multiple companies, he worked with organizations including Barclays, EMC2, HP, and Microsoft. He is also the founder of PowerLearn Academy, where he helps train and develop the next generation of technology consultants by focusing on building internal talent and capability. Dustin is a global speaker on technology and digital transformation and has presented at conferences around the world. Outside of work, he is an accomplished musician, outdoor enthusiast, and a self-described mostly terrible golfer. Connect with Dustin Website: https://dynamicconsultantsgroup.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-domerese-a0039011/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dynamicconsultantsgroup4151 About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 helping organizations close the gap between strategy and execution. In this conversation, he breaks down a simple but powerful framework for thinking about AI inside your organization: Augment, Automate, Aspire. Anthony and Jeroen explore why most leadership teams are still focused on the wrong level of AI adoption, how strategy is ultimately about making clear choices, including what not to do, and why delegating AI decisions to IT is one of the biggest risks in today’s boardrooms. They also discuss how AI should be treated as a strategic capability, not just a tool, how leaders can use it to improve processes and create new value for customers, and why the real opportunity lies in rethinking business models entirely. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why strategy is fundamentally about making clear choices that last The importance of defining what your organization will not do Jeroen’s 3 A framework: Augment, Automate, Aspire Why most companies are stuck at the lowest level of AI adoption How AI can improve both internal processes and customer value Why leadership teams must own AI strategy instead of delegating it How AI is reshaping business models and long-term competitive advantage About Jeroen De Flander Jeroen De Flander is an international expert in AI Strategy and Strategy Execution, and a keynote speaker who has inspired audiences in more than 45 countries. He is a professor at TIAS School for Business and Society and Academic Director for both the Strategy Execution Master and the AI Strategy Program. Jeroen is the bestselling author of several books, including Strategy Execution Heroes, The Execution Shortcut, and The Art of Performance, and creator of The 8 Model. As co-founder of The Performance Factory, he supports organizations in developing practical AI strategies and achieving stronger execution results. He has worked with more than 500 companies worldwide and contributes to the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. His current work focuses on how AI reshapes strategic thinking and execution inside organizations. Connect with Jeroen: Website: https://www.jeroen-de-flander.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroendeflander/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeroendeflander1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeroendeflander/ X: https://x.com/JeroenDeFlander About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations. On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe. Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 expands on that foundation and challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions in business: that corruption and failure are the result of bad actors rather than flawed systems. Anthony and Eric explore why even well-intentioned leaders and organizations drift toward short-term thinking, how “financial gravity” pulls companies away from their purpose, and what it takes to design organizations that can scale without losing their mission. They also discuss the role of governance as a strategic advantage, why trust is one of the most valuable assets a company can build, and how leaders can rethink profit, accountability, and long-term value creation in a way that aligns performance with purpose. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why good companies go bad even with strong leadership How structural design, not morality, drives long-term outcomes What “financial gravity” is and how it impacts decision-making Why governance should be treated as a strategic function, not compliance How to build organizations that scale without losing their mission About Eric Ries Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Lean Startup methodology, which has influenced how a generation of companies approach innovation and growth. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, as well as The Startup Way and The Leader’s Guide. Over the past two decades, Eric has worked with founders, executives, and investors to rethink how organizations are built and governed. He is the founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange and has launched multiple companies, including IMVU and Answer.AI. His latest book, Incorruptible, explores how organizations can be designed to resist short-term pressures, build trust, and create long-term value without losing their core mission. About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations. On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe. Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 around what matters most. Lee has spent decades working with leadership teams across organizations of all sizes, helping them close the gap between strategy and execution by focusing on one critical idea: every team must be aligned around a single Most Important Number that reflects the value they are designed to create. In this conversation, Anthony and Lee explore why most leadership teams struggle to clearly define what drives value, how misalignment shows up across departments, and why measuring the wrong things creates friction, slows execution, and limits growth. They also discuss the role of the CEO in driving value, how to cascade priorities across an organization, and why avoiding hard conversations around performance is one of the biggest barriers to alignment and results. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why most leadership teams are not aligned on what actually drives value How to define the Most Important Number for your organization and teams The hidden cost of measuring the wrong metrics across departments Why misalignment creates execution gaps and slows growth How strong leaders handle performance and accountability conversations About Lee Benson Lee Benson is a multi-exit CEO, founder, and leadership advisor. He is the CEO of Execute to Win and the creator of the MIND Methodology (Most Important Number and Drivers), a framework designed to help organizations align teams, improve execution, and increase business value over time. Over the past 25 years, Lee has founded multiple companies with exits ranging from seven to nine figures and has worked with hundreds of leadership teams to accelerate value creation. About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations. On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe. Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 CEO of XSET, a gaming lifestyle brand operating at the intersection of esports, content creation, music, fashion, and digital media. Prior to launching XSET, Greg founded Karmaloop, one of the earliest and most influential streetwear e-commerce platforms, which grew to more than $180 million in annual revenue, and later served as the first President and CEO of FaZe Clan, helping scale one of the most recognizable brands in gaming. In this conversation, Anthony and Greg explore how the creator economy is reshaping modern business, why community has become the most valuable asset for brands, and how gaming culture has evolved into one of the largest entertainment ecosystems in the world. They also discuss what traditional organizations can learn from creator-led brands, how companies can authentically reach younger audiences, and why the next generation of media companies will be built around people, personalities, and communities. What You Will Learn in This Episode Why community has become the foundation of modern business models How the creator economy is transforming media, marketing, and brand building What established companies misunderstand about Gen Z audiences Strategic lessons from building Karmaloop, FaZe Clan, and XSET Why personalities and creators increasingly drive brand growth About Greg Selkoe Greg Selkoe is a serial entrepreneur and culture-focused business leader. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of XSET, a gaming lifestyle brand designed to bring together esports, creators, fashion, music, and digital media into a next-generation media platform. He previously founded Karmaloop, a pioneering streetwear platform that reached more than $180 million in annual revenue, and later served as President and CEO of FaZe Clan, helping scale one of the most recognized organizations in gaming. Throughout his career, Greg has built companies centered on community, culture, and digital media innovation. About the Strategy & Leadership Podcast The Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations. On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution. If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe. Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

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 co-author of Brave Together. Chris is the co-founder of BraveCore and has worked inside some of the world’s most innovative organizations, including Apple, Disney, VMware, and Roblox, helping leaders build cultures that enable creativity, trust, and sustained performance. Chris shares why culture should be viewed as the operating system of strategy rather than a secondary initiative led by HR. Drawing from his experience working with leaders inside Apple and Disney, he explains how culture shapes decision-making, collaboration, and the ability of organizations to innovate under pressure. Anthony and Chris explore how leaders can intentionally design culture to unlock the full potential of their teams. The conversation highlights why most organizations only access a fraction of their team’s potential energy, how fear limits creativity and performance, and why teams that learn to co-create often outperform groups of individual high performers. The discussion also explores the future of leadership in a world shaped by AI and automation. Chris explains why technical expertise alone will not be enough for leaders and professionals going forward, and why the ability to collaborate, build trust, and create shared ownership will become a critical differentiator. In this episode, you will learn: Why culture should be treated as the operating system of strategy How leaders can intentionally design cultures that unlock innovation Why most organizations only tap into a small percentage of their team’s potential How fear inside organizations limits creativity and performance Why collaborative teams often outperform groups of individual high performers How leaders can build cultures where people do the best work of their lives Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution Connect with Chris Deaver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-deaver/ Website: https://www.bravecore.co About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With more than 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning sessions and helping leadership teams execute their strategies, Anthony works with organizations around the world to build clarity, alignment, and accountability. Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. They help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com

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 unnecessary fear within teams. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony C. Taylor sits down with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai, founder, software engineer, and operator with more than 25 years of experience building SaaS companies and leading technology innovation. Daniel has founded multiple companies and achieved several successful exits, giving him a practical perspective on how emerging technologies should be integrated into real organizations. Daniel shares how leaders can approach AI adoption in a thoughtful and strategic way. Rather than starting with tools, he explains why organizations should begin with the problems they are trying to solve. The conversation explores how AI can eliminate repetitive, shallow work, improve communication inside organizations, and help teams reconnect with the deeper purpose behind their roles. Anthony and Daniel also discuss why fear is often the first barrier to AI adoption, how prompt engineering reflects leadership communication, and how businesses can deploy AI in practical ways that improve customer support, lead conversion, and operational efficiency. The discussion highlights a key leadership insight: AI is most powerful when it enhances human work rather than replacing it. When implemented well, it removes low-value tasks and allows teams to focus on deeper thinking, better decisions, and stronger customer outcomes. In this episode, you will learn: Why many organizations approach AI adoption the wrong way How leaders can reduce fear and resistance when introducing AI tools Why removing shallow work helps teams reconnect with meaningful work How prompt engineering reflects leadership clarity and communication Practical examples of using AI to improve customer support and lead conversion Why responsible AI implementation begins with solving real business problems Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution Connect with Daniel Hindi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhindi/ Website: https://noem.ai About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With more than 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning sessions and helping leadership teams execute their strategies, Anthony works with organizations around the world to build clarity, alignment, and accountability. Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. They help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com

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 Jeffries, former UK Special Forces operator, Royal Marines Commando, and founder of The Natural Edge. After completing Special Forces selection and serving three combat tours, Simon transitioned into entrepreneurship and performance coaching, where he now works with founders and senior leaders to build the capacity to perform consistently under pressure. Simon shares the key lessons he learned moving from elite military environments into the world of business. While many entrepreneurs focus on tactics, productivity hacks, or motivation, Simon explains that elite performers train something different: performance itself. Without systems for focus, discipline, and emotional control, leaders often fall into boom-bust cycles where short bursts of effort are followed by burnout, distraction, or inconsistency. The conversation explores how high-performing environments like Special Forces and professional sports deliberately train performance capacity, while most organizations expect people to simply show up and perform without that preparation. Simon breaks down the three pillars of performance—hardware, software, and habits—and explains how leaders can build systems that make high performance repeatable rather than dependent on motivation. Anthony and Simon also discuss the role of environment in shaping performance, the importance of reducing friction in decision-making, and why preparation and structure allow leaders to stay calm and effective even when pressure increases. The episode closes with a simple challenge for listeners: choose one habit in your physical health, one mindset practice, and one structural routine—and test them consistently for seven days to see how much your performance improves. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: How elite environments train performance instead of relying on motivation Why entrepreneurs often fall into boom-bust cycles under pressure The three pillars of performance: hardware, software, and habits How leaders can build systems that make success the path of least resistance Why environment and structure matter more than willpower How small daily habits compound into consistent high performance Connect with Simon Jeffries LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjeffries Website: https://thenaturaledge.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturaledge About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com

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, investor, entrepreneur, and M&A practitioner who has been involved in more than 100 transactions and helped create over $500 million in shareholder value. Callum specializes in helping ambitious entrepreneurs use the capital markets to scale their companies and unlock new opportunities for growth. Callum explains how small and mid-sized companies can think differently about scaling by leveraging public markets, partnerships, and acquisition strategies rather than relying solely on organic growth. Drawing on decades of experience working with entrepreneurs, investors, and boards, he shares how capital structures and strategic positioning can unlock growth opportunities that many business leaders overlook. The conversation explores Callum’s work building and leading MBH Corporation PLC, a publicly listed holding company designed to help profitable small businesses scale through an agglomeration model. Instead of forcing companies to merge operations, the model allows independent businesses to retain their identity while benefiting from shared resources, capital access, and strategic alignment. Anthony and Callum discuss the realities of mergers and acquisitions, the common mistakes leaders make when approaching deals, and why ego and impatience often undermine successful partnerships. Callum also shares why entrepreneurs must think differently when operating in capital markets, and how the strategic “game” changes once businesses move from private ownership to public market environments. The episode closes with a powerful insight for leaders: scaling a company isn’t only about growing bigger—it’s about building the right structures, partnerships, and strategy that allow businesses to create long-term value. Responsible for strategy? We’ve created Strategic Leadership Foundations — a concise executive course on alignment, decision-making, and execution structure. It’s free, practical, and designed for leaders running the process themselves. Enroll here: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: How small businesses can use capital markets to accelerate growth Why mergers and acquisitions can be powerful tools for scaling companies How the agglomeration model allows businesses to grow without losing independence The strategic differences between running a private company and operating in public markets Why patience and alignment matter more than speed when structuring M&A deals How entrepreneurs can think differently about partnerships, capital, and long-term value creation Connect with Callum Laing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumlaing/ Unity Group: https://www.unity-group.com/ Website: https://www.callumlaing.com/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 cognitive bias shape executive decision-making. Drawing from decades of experience in statistics, gambling mathematics, and data science, Dr. Orkin explains why leaders often confuse correlation with causation, overestimate their odds of success, and underestimate the role of scale and opportunity in rare events. From lottery math to prediction markets, casino risk models to executive strategy, this conversation reframes how organizations should think about expected value and long-term advantage. Dr. Orkin breaks down why even “positive EV” opportunities can fail if risk is mismanaged, introduces the Kelly Criterion as a disciplined approach to capital allocation, and highlights how cognitive traps can distort judgment at every level of leadership. Anthony and Dr. Orkin explore what it means to increase your “house edge” in business — not through luck, but through disciplined probability thinking, structured decision-making, and clear risk allocation. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: strategy is not about eliminating uncertainty — it’s about making smarter bets under uncertainty. Responsible for strategy? We’ve created Strategic Leadership Foundations — a concise executive course on alignment, decision-making, and execution structure. It’s free, practical, and designed for leaders running the process themselves. Enroll here: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: • Why rare events happen more often than you think • The difference between correlation and causation in business data • How expected value applies to strategic decisions • Why risk mismanagement destroys even strong opportunities • How the Kelly Criterion informs smarter capital allocation • How leaders can avoid cognitive traps when interpreting data Connect with Dr. Michael Orkin Website: https://drmikeorkin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-orkin-5600584/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 planning, structural clarity, and cross-functional alignment can transform enterprise performance. With a background spanning engineering, portfolio leadership, and executive transformation, Christine shares how she helped reshape an organization by building a clear five-year roadmap anchored in four unwavering strategic priorities. Christine explains why engagement cannot be separated from execution. Leaders often chase growth without building the structural foundation required to sustain it. By aligning teams around long-term objectives, reinforcing priorities annually, and resisting the temptation to chase distractions, her organization increased engagement from 69% to 95%, achieved profitability for the first time, and more than doubled revenue. The conversation dives into the realities of leading in complex, highly regulated industries where innovation, regulatory oversight, and stakeholder alignment must coexist. Christine outlines how designing products with patients and payers in mind requires long-term thinking, rigorous data discipline, and iterative strategy — not reactive decision-making. Beyond operational structure, Christine shares insights into leadership visibility and the importance of advocating for both yourself and your team. She reflects on the underrepresentation of women in senior biotech roles and explains how strategic self-promotion, mentorship, and collective amplification can strengthen leadership pipelines across industries. Anthony and Christine explore what it takes to move from vision to execution, why strategic planning is often hardest to start but most valuable over time, and how leaders can create clarity in the face of macro uncertainty. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: growth without foundation is fragile. Engagement, when treated as a strategic lever rather than a scorecard, becomes one of the most powerful drivers of enterprise value. Responsible for strategy? We’ve created Strategic Leadership Foundations — a concise executive course on alignment, decision-making, and execution structure. It’s free, practical, and designed for leaders running the process themselves. Enroll here: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: Why engagement must be designed structurally, not socially How to build and maintain a five-year strategic roadmap The role of cross-functional alignment in driving enterprise value Why disciplined priorities outperform reactive decision-making How long-term strategy supports innovation in regulated industries The importance of visibility and self-advocacy in leadership progression Connect with Christine Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemiller95/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 Northern Cafe and Grill, a family-run Vancouver diner that has served its community since 1949. With more than 20 years of experience leading digital teams across Asia, aligning global markets, and building performance-driven platforms, Richard has lived the world of multi-million-dollar budgets, executive reporting, and international KPIs. Today, he applies that same strategic thinking to a deeply local, human-centered business. Richard shares what it was like to build digital infrastructure from scratch at ASICS, break down data silos across regions, and align diverse markets around a single performance dashboard. He reflects on the realities of leading inside hierarchical organizations, earning executive buy-in, and balancing global strategy with local cultural nuance. The conversation then shifts from corporate boardrooms to brunch service. Richard explains why he chose to return to Vancouver and join his family at Northern Cafe and Grill, a 1949 diner that has since been named Yelp’s Top Place to Eat in Canada. Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Richard and his family focus on consistency, community, and care. They listen closely to guests, protect the legacy of the brand, and modernize thoughtfully without losing the soul of the business. Anthony and Richard explore the tension between efficiency and hospitality, innovation and stewardship, and scaling versus sustaining. Richard argues that while many businesses pursue hype and growth, long-term success often comes from doing one thing exceptionally well and honoring the vision that built trust in the first place. The episode closes with a powerful reminder that leadership looks different at every scale. Whether managing global teams or greeting guests by name, protecting what matters may be the most strategic decision a leader can make. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: Why alignment is more challenging than strategy in global organizations How to build digital teams and unified dashboards across multiple markets Why localization and cultural nuance matter in international brand growth The difference between scaling a brand and stewarding a legacy Why consistency often beats hype in long-term brand building How care and hospitality can become strategic advantages Connect with Richard Mah LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahrichard/ Northern Cafe and Grill: https://northerncafeandgrill.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northerncafeandgrill/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 through were never put in place. In this solo episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor examines why execution breaks down after decisions are made and what leaders can do to prevent it. Drawing on years of experience working with leadership teams, Anthony explains how strategy is less about the plan itself and more about the upstream conditions that allow people to make good decisions consistently. Anthony explores how judgment is shaped by organizational design, why treating all decisions equally undermines execution, and how prioritization, trade-offs, and sequencing determine whether work actually gets done. He challenges leaders to rethink how resources are allocated, how focus is created, and how teams are supported to act with clarity rather than noise. The episode also unpacks the role of meetings, decision rights, and leadership responsibility in surfacing uncertainty before it becomes costly. Anthony makes the case that execution improves when leaders intentionally design environments that reduce friction, eliminate unnecessary choices, and create space for reflection and alignment. This episode is a practical guide for leaders who want their decisions to survive execution and turn strategic intent into measurable progress. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0!https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team.https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: - Why good decisions fail during execution- How upstream structures shape downstream results- Why focus and trade-offs matter more than more initiatives- How leaders can design organizations for better judgment- What it means to align planning, intuition, and execution- How to create conditions that allow teams to execute with clarity About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.netPodcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 Regeneris Labs, to explore what comes after traditional innovation models. Drawing on decades of experience inside Microsoft, startups, and now a venture studio, JoAnn shares how her thinking has evolved from driving innovation within large systems to designing entirely new regenerative models for work and value creation. JoAnn reflects on a major personal and professional inflection point that led her to step away from Big Tech and intentionally rebuild from first principles. She explains why her team spent eighteen months in what she calls an “amorphous blob” phase, experimenting, testing, and resisting the pressure to prematurely define a business model. That process ultimately led to the creation of Regeneris Labs, a venture studio designed to remove constraints and allow experienced builders to create at scale. The conversation explores why the venture studio model offers a powerful alternative to consulting, accelerators, and traditional startups, especially in a world shaped by AI. JoAnn makes the case that AI is a disruptive force on par with steam or electrification, but argues that technology alone never creates transformation. Instead, it must be paired with new organizational and economic models, much like the factory system enabled the industrial revolution. Anthony and JoAnn also discuss team design, trust, and why “Swiss Army knife” leaders are essential in periods of uncertainty. Rather than relying too early on deep, narrow expertise, JoAnn explains why adaptive, cross-boundary leaders are better suited to navigate constant change. The episode closes with a forward-looking exploration of capitalism, regeneration, and the opportunity to design new systems that better align technology, work, and human outcomes. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team's execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: Why innovation alone is no longer sufficient for long-term success How regenerative ventures differ from startups, consultancies, and accelerators Why AI must be paired with new organizational and economic models How to design teams for adaptability and trust in uncertain environments Why experienced builders are often constrained out of meaningful work What leaders can learn from historical technology-driven transformations Connect with JoAnn Garbin Website: https://www.joanngarbin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanngarbin/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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, about how organizations can build confident, capable managers at scale. Drawing on her experience across law, HR, and global consulting, Ashley shares a practical perspective on why management capability is frequently overlooked and how that gap impacts culture, performance, and risk. Ashley explains how HR is often viewed as a compliance function rather than a strategic partner, and why that mindset limits organizational effectiveness. She explores how compliance and culture can work together, not in opposition, when leaders focus on transparency, clarity, and human-centered decision-making. The conversation highlights common breakdowns in feedback, performance reviews, and engagement surveys, and why ongoing manager development matters more than annual processes. The episode also looks ahead to the future of people leadership, including how AI is changing expectations for managers and why organizations must clearly define what is expected, allowed, and possible. Rather than replacing human leadership, Ashley argues that technology makes confident, well-trained managers more important than ever. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: Why most managers struggle due to a lack of training, not a lack of effort How HR and leadership can work together to scale management capability The balance between compliance, culture, and performance Why feedback and recognition cannot be once-a-year conversations How leaders should prepare managers for the future of work and AI Connect with Ashley Herd Website: https://www.managermethod.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com

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 Breakthrough Innovation Advisors, about how established organizations can renew themselves without destabilizing the core business. Drawing on more than four decades of experience across executive leadership, board service, academic research, and advisory work, Bruce shares a pragmatic and disciplined view of innovation that moves beyond hype. Bruce explains why many mature companies default to cost-cutting and optimization when under pressure, and why that approach often accelerates long-term decline. He outlines his framework, built on alignment, simple processes, and innovation exemplars, and shows how leaders can assess whether their organization is truly capable of innovation or merely incremental improvement. The conversation also explores innovation as a deeply human act of discovery, the role of pattern recognition in leadership, and how executives should think about emerging technologies like AI without overcommitting too early. Rather than chasing novelty, Bruce emphasizes renewal rooted in reality, customer needs, and organizational truth. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team's execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: - Why innovation should be viewed as strategic renewal, not novelty- How mature organizations lose their ability to renew over time- Why cost-cutting is not a sustainable long-term strategy- How alignment determines whether innovation efforts succeed or stall- What role do innovation exemplars play inside established companies- How leaders should approach AI amid uncertainty and rapid change Connect with Bruce Vojak Website: https://www.breakthrough-innovation-advisors.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bvojak/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Jacob Morgan, founder of Future of Work Leaders, a professionally trained futurist, and a six-time best-selling author. Jacob shares insights drawn from years of research and conversations with hundreds of CHROs and senior leaders around the world. Together, they unpack how the pandemic reshaped the employee-employer relationship and where many organizations lost their way. Jacob explains why employee experience must be rooted in a mutually beneficial value exchange and why leadership accountability, clarity, and standards matter more than ever. He offers a clear perspective on the power balance between employers and employees, the role of in-person work in long term career growth, and how leaders can better communicate expectations while still supporting flexibility. You will also hear Jacob’s perspective on the impact of AI on the future of work. He breaks down why AI is both a risk and an opportunity, how it changes career development, and why the ability to show value rather than just describe it will become a defining advantage for leaders and professionals alike. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team's execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: Why employee experience needs a reset after the pandemic How leaders should think about the power balance between employers and employees Why in-person work still matters for long-term career growth How leaders can set clearer expectations without sacrificing flexibility What the rise of AI means for careers, leadership, and the future of work Connect with Jacob Morgan Website: https://thefutureorganization.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmorgan8/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Brook Shepard, founder of Mason Interactive and long time digital agency leader. With over a decade of experience helping businesses scale through data driven marketing, Brook shares a clear and practical perspective on how leaders should think about metrics, customer acquisition, and growth in an increasingly complex digital environment. Brook breaks down the tension between efficiency and growth, explaining why metrics like ROAS and cost per lead can be misleading when viewed in isolation. He shares real world examples of how bottom of funnel optimization, when overemphasized, can starve future demand and slow momentum. Together, Brook and Anthony discuss how marketing works as a system, why different channels play different roles, and how leaders can make better strategic decisions by aligning metrics with intent rather than convenience. You will also hear a candid discussion on attribution, zero click search, and the evolving role of AI in customer acquisition. Brook explains why attribution models must evolve alongside buyer behavior and how leaders can build confidence in their marketing investments by testing assumptions, involving third party expertise, and reframing how success is defined. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team execution to be smoother, faster, and easier your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution  In this episode, you will learn: - Why efficiency focused metrics can limit long term growth - How to think about customer acquisition as a system, not a single channel - Why new customers are more valuable than they often appear on paper - How to align marketing metrics with strategic intent and business goals - What leaders need to understand about attribution, zero click search, and AI driven behavior Connect with Brook Shepard Website: https://masoninteractive.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brshepard/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With 15 plus years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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, President of Pipedrive. Pete previously led global business development and global partnerships at Intuit and spent over a decade at Deloitte, where he worked closely with hundreds of organizations across industries. Today, he leads value creation strategy at Pipedrive, supporting more than 100,000 customers across 180 countries. Anthony and Pete discuss how an auditor’s mindset helps leaders truly understand their business, why strong systems create predictability without limiting adaptability, and how sales processes mirror leadership execution. Pete shares lessons from scaling a global SaaS platform, navigating private equity ownership, and balancing short-term performance with long-term strategic bets. You will also hear how Pete approaches partnerships differently from traditional sales, why assumptions often derail negotiations, and how experimentation has become a core part of modern strategy. Pete introduces Pipedrive’s Artist and Scientist framework, which encourages leaders to combine data-driven discipline with creative problem-solving to adapt in uncertain environments. Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! ⁠https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit⁠ If you want your team execution to be smoother, faster, and easier your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. ⁠https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution⁠  In this episode, you will learn: Why understanding structure and process is critical before scaling How sales systems and leadership execution are closely connected What differentiates partnerships from transactional sales relationships How to balance short-term results with long-term strategic priorities Why adaptability and experimentation are essential to modern strategy Connect with Pete Harris LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-harris-a166665/ Website: https://www.pipedrive.com/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With 15+ years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0! https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-Toolkit If you want your team execution to be smoother, faster, and easier your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team. https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution  In markets that feel more crowded and noisy every quarter, many organizations quietly slide into commodity status and do not even realize it. In this episode, we explore how to uncover the hidden magic in your business before you price and simplify your way out of what makes you great. In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Barry LaBov, founder of LABOV Marketing Communications and Training, long-time agency leader, former rock musician, and author of The Power of Differentiation. Together they dig into what real differentiation looks like in practice, why it usually already exists inside your organization, and how to communicate it in a way that energizes customers and employees alike. Barry shares stories from premium brands and industrial firms, from whisky and trucks to copper and rail, that all discovered unique value in places they had been taking for granted. He explains why leaders often erase their own competitive advantage in the name of efficiency, and offers practical questions you can use to avoid the commodity trap and keep the features and experiences your customers truly love. You will also hear Barry and Anthony talk about the human side of differentiation. They explore how to involve employees early, why listening to customers reveals more than any internal workshop, and how leaders can use vulnerability and clear communication to avoid the void of misinformation inside their organizations. In this episode, you will learn: Why almost every organization has real differentiation, but it is not fully using it How to find the invisible strengths in your products, services, and customer experience The risks of decontenting and cost-cutting that quietly erode brand love Questions to ask customers and employees to reveal what you should never change How to connect differentiation, culture, and leadership transparency Connect with Barry LaBov Website: https://www.barrylabov.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-labov-6965241/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With 15+ years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 through rapid multi-year growth, and building systems that create clarity, repeatability, and disciplined execution. His Swiss Army background brings a practical lens to leadership, communication, and operational structure. In this conversation, Sam explains why many founders plateau at three to four million in revenue, how to decentralize decision-making, and why sales must be the first part of the business to become repeatable. He shares the simple daily huddle that transformed alignment inside his organizations, how to build an executive team that actually owns decisions, and the question every leader must answer to uncover their unfair advantage. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Learn more about our courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: ☑️ Why founders become the bottleneck during early scale ☑️ How to create systems that are repeatable and trainable ☑️ Why sales must be operationalized before anything else ☑️ How daily huddles strengthen communication and accountability ☑️ How to build executive swim lanes that drive ownership ☑️ How to identify what you are best at in the world This episode is for: ▶️ Founders scaling beyond the early stage ▶️ CEOs managing complex or fast-growing operations ▶️ Leaders who want stronger execution and alignment ▶️ Teams developing systems, structure, and clarity About the Guest Sam Goodner is a serial entrepreneur, executive leader, and former officer in the Swiss Mountain Grenadiers. He has spent decades scaling organizations, developing executive teams, and designing operational systems that support sustained growth. Sam is the author of Like Clockwork Run Your Business with Swiss Army Precision, a practical guide for leaders who want their company to function with discipline and alignment. Learn more: samgoodner.com Connect with Sam: linkedin.com/in/samgoodner About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With more than 14 years of experience, he helps teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve measurable results. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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, and shopping center redevelopment. Before launching RockStep Capital, he served as Vice President of Operations for Weiner’s Stores, a regional chain that grew to 159 locations across Texas and Louisiana. Today, RockStep Capital owns and operates nearly 10 million square feet of shopping centers across 11 states, specializing in the revitalization of enclosed malls and open air retail in secondary and tertiary markets. In this conversation, Andy explains why RockStep invests in “hometowns” under a million people, how local partnerships reduce risk and unlock value, and why big institutional players routinely overlook the most resilient markets. He shares the strategic pillars behind RockStep’s long term success, including his 25 RockSteps culture system, a set of behavioral principles used by all 100 employees to build trust, accountability, and high performance. Andy also outlines how retail has evolved in the age of Amazon, why strong operators continue to grow, and why the best opportunities exist where most investors never think to look. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Learn more about our courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution In this episode, you will learn: ☑️ Why local partnerships give investors and leaders a strategic advantage ☑️ How secondary and tertiary markets outperform expectations ☑️ Why retail is far from dead, despite the Amazon narrative ☑️ How the 25 RockSteps culture system builds high performing teams ☑️ Why most deals fail and what separates elite operators ☑️ How community based strategy reduces risk and increases long term value This episode is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives leading growth and transformation ▶️ Investors and operators seeking overlooked opportunities ▶️ Leaders building culture, accountability, and alignment ▶️ Teams navigating disruption in retail, real estate, and local markets About the Guest Andy Weiner is the Founder and President of RockStep Capital, a national retail real estate investment company specializing in acquiring and revitalizing shopping centers in high potential secondary and tertiary markets. With more than four decades of experience across retail operations and real estate, he is recognized for pioneering a community based investment model driven by strong local partnerships. Andy is the creator of the 25 RockSteps, a behavioral culture framework used across RockStep’s 100 employee team to build trust, resolve conflict, and create a high performance environment. Learn more: rockstep.com Connect with Andy: linkedin.com/in/andy-weiner About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With more than 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve measurable results. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 the Institute for Health and Human Potential. For more than 25 years, he has coached and trained elite performers and teams across NASA, the CIA, the US Army and Navy, the Olympics, the NBA, the NFL, and global Fortune 100 companies, including Google, Goldman Sachs, Coca-Cola, BMW, IBM, and Johnson & Johnson. His research on leadership behavior and culture has appeared in Harvard Business Review and media outlets worldwide. In this conversation, JP explains the Last 8 Percent, the small but critical set of difficult moments that disproportionately shape organizational culture, execution, and long-term success. He shares insights from neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and his upcoming book, The Last 8 Percent, outlining why leaders know what they should do but often avoid doing it. JP describes how his Last 8 Percent Culture System has helped organizations transform performance, including an example where Blue Cross Idaho saved tens of millions of dollars in the first six months of implementation. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator► Learn more about our courses: ⁠ https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution⁠ In this episode, you will learn: ☑️ Why the toughest conversations have the biggest impact on results ☑️ The neuroscience behind pressure and avoidance ☑️ How leaders use the Last 8 Percent to close the gap between intent and action ☑️ Why high-performing cultures require both courage and connection ☑️ Tools to improve accountability and decision-making under stress ☑️ What elite athletes, special forces, and executives all have in common This episode is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives navigating complex decisions ▶️ Leaders working to build healthier, more courageous cultures ▶️ Teams striving for better performance under pressure ▶️ Anyone looking to strengthen resilience, clarity, and emotional intelligence About the Guest Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry is a thought leader, keynote speaker, and New York Times bestselling author known for helping organizations turn pressure into a competitive advantage. He is the co-founder and President of the Institute for Health and Human Potential, one of Profit Magazine’s fastest growing companies, and a highly rated lecturer for Kellogg School of Management’s Executive Education Program. His Last 8 Percent framework is used by elite performers and major organizations worldwide to create measurable performance and financial gains. His upcoming book, The Last 8 Percent, explores how leaders can build cultures of courage, accountability, and connection. Learn more: jppawliw-fry.com Connect with JP: linkedin.com/in/jppawliwfry About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With more than 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve measurable results. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

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 learned firsthand that more revenue does not always mean more success. Through his Profit Doctor programs, he now helps CEOs and business owners cure what he calls “Profititis,” when your top line keeps growing but your bottom line stays flat. In this conversation, Ben shares practical ways to increase margins, cash, and distributions in just 90 days, often without adding more workload or pressure. He also explains why most companies are following the wrong playbook, chasing growth like tech startups instead of optimizing for profitability like sustainable businesses. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Learn more about our training program for managers: ⁠ https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution⁠ In this episode, you will learn: ☑️ Why growing faster is not always growing smarter ☑️ How to diagnose and fix Profititis before it burns you out ☑️ The 50 20 Rule, a simple shortcut to higher profits ☑️ Why cutting the worst 20 percent of your work can unlock growth ☑️ How to think like private equity and make more by doing less This episode is for: ▶️ Business owners scaling between 2 million and 50 million in revenue ▶️ Leaders who feel stuck despite record sales ▶️ Founders chasing growth but losing energy or focus ▶️ Anyone ready to run a healthier and more profitable business About the Guest Ben Hansen is a five time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur and the founder of Profit Doctor, where he helps companies boost profitability without working harder. A former CEO of a fast growing marketing analytics firm, Ben now coaches leaders across North America to fix hidden leaks in their business models and achieve measurable profit gains within 12 weeks. Learn more: profitdoctor.com Connect with Ben on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benhansen About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions

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, JL Smith achieved 40% average annual growth from 2020 to 2024, C2P launched one of the industry’s first in-house marketing agencies for advisors, and Prosperity Capital Advisors now supports over 130 independent financial advisors nationwide. Recognized as a ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES 2025 CMO of the Year finalist, Matt has led standout campaigns like the OBBB initiative and The Rainmaker Multiplier, which earned national attention for creativity and results. In this conversation, Matt shares how AI is reshaping marketing strategy, why the traditional funnel is being replaced by continuous loops of engagement, and how leaders can use AI as a thought partner to challenge ideas, build culture, and enhance storytelling. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan:https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses:https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator In this episode, you’ll learn: ☑️ How AI is transforming modern marketing and sales integration ☑️ Ways to humanize digital strategy without losing efficiency ☑️ Why culture and storytelling are the strongest brand differentiators ☑️ How to use AI as a creative and strategic thought partner ☑️ What marketing leaders can do to stay ahead of disruption This episode is for: ▶️ CMOs and marketing leaders navigating AI-driven transformation ▶️ Executives aligning sales, marketing, and culture under one strategy ▶️ Business owners seeking to build trust in the digital era ▶️ Advisors and professionals using marketing to scale their impact About the Guest Matt Seitz is the Chief Marketing Officer and Partner at Prosperity Capital Advisors, and also serves as CMO of C2P Enterprises and JL Smith Holistic Wealth Management. With more than 15 years of experience in financial services marketing, Matt is known for his strategic leadership, data-driven storytelling, and ability to build scalable marketing systems that drive growth. He is a finalist for both the WealthManagement.com CMO of the Year and ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES Executive Leadership awards. Learn more: https://prosperitycapitaladvisors.comConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattseitz About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions

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 three decades in Fortune 50 organizations, Dr. Clary has helped leaders shift from transactional to transformational cultures by building curiosity into the core of how teams think and perform. Her research reveals a direct correlation between curiosity and leadership effectiveness and shows how leaders who ask bold questions create more engaged, innovative, and high performing teams. In this conversation, Dr. Clary shares how leaders can turn curiosity into a strategic advantage, foster cultures of openness, and drive long term growth by asking better questions. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan:https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses:https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator In this episode, you’ll learn: ☑️ Why curiosity is a leadership advantage and not a luxury ☑️ How asking better questions creates more engaged teams ☑️ Ways to balance direction with curiosity as a leader ☑️ The four factors of the Curiosity Curve framework ☑️ How to build a culture where innovation thrives This episode is for: ▶️ Executives and managers seeking to unlock team potential ▶️ Leaders driving organizational change or transformation ▶️ HR and L&D professionals focused on engagement and performance ▶️ Anyone ready to lead with questions instead of just answers About the Guest Dr. Debra Clary is an author, researcher, and leadership expert who spent over 30 years in Fortune 50 organizations including Frito Lay, Coca Cola, Jack Daniel’s, and Humana. As the founder of Clary Consulting, she helps leaders and organizations build cultures of curiosity that drive growth and transformation. Her book, The Curiosity Curve, was published by Fast Company Press. Learn more: https://debraclary.com/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdebraclary/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions

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 that helps leaders move beyond performative allyship toward authentic and sustained inclusion. His five building blocks, Awareness, Acknowledgement, Atonement, Accountability, and Amplification, offer a clear structure for leaders ready to do the real work of inclusion. For today’s executives, inclusion is not a side initiative, it is a business imperative. When leaders understand how to use their privilege and influence for good, they build stronger cultures, foster innovation, and unlock engagement across their organizations. In this episode, Mike shares how inclusive leadership starts with awareness and evolves through action, empowering leaders to show up meaningfully without fear, guilt, or division. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator In this episode, you’ll learn: ☑️ Why allyship is just the beginning of inclusive leadership☑️ The five stages leaders must progress through to go all in☑️ How inclusion drives performance, retention, and innovation☑️ Ways to build awareness and accountability in your team☑️ How leaders can foster inclusion without blame or politics This episode is for: ▶️ Executives and HR leaders driving culture and DEI initiatives▶️ Managers looking to build belonging and engagement in teams▶️ Leaders navigating organizational change or transformation▶️ Anyone ready to move from intention to impact in inclusion About the Guest Mike Lynch is a seasoned executive coach, facilitator, and author of From Ally to All In: The Guide to Moving Beyond Privilege and Becoming a More Inclusive Leader. With over 30 years of leadership experience including 24 years at Capital One, Mike helps organizations create workplaces that thrive on authenticity, collaboration, and equity. Through his firm, MJL Consulting Group, he guides leaders to use their privilege as a force for good. Learn more: mjlconsultinggroup.comConnect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljlynchms/ About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions

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 politics, education, corporate life, and everyday relationships. His new book, Conflict Resilience, explores a research-backed approach to talking across divides without losing our values, our relationships, or the integrity of our organizations. For executives and organizational leaders, conflict resilience is fast becoming a 21st-century leadership imperative. Unresolved tension can stall decision-making, erode trust, and weaken culture. Building conflict resilience means learning to reframe disagreement, manage emotion, and transform friction into creativity and connection. In this episode, Bob shares how leaders can develop conflict resilience as a leadership superpower—and how it’s reshaping the way organizations communicate, collaborate, and grow. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator In this episode, you’ll learn: ☑️ Why C-suite leaders need conflict resilience as a core leadership skill ☑️ How to reframe conflict as opportunity instead of threat ☑️ Real-world strategies for handling tough conversations at work ☑️ The five neurological “F’s” that shape how we respond to conflict ☑️ How to build a culture of psychological safety and productive disagreement This episode is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives navigating organizational change▶️ Managers seeking to improve team communication and trust▶️ Leaders building diverse, high-performing teams▶️ Anyone looking to turn conflict into a catalyst for growth About the Guest Bob Bordone is a USA Today Bestselling Author, Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, and a nationally recognized conflict resolution expert. He founded Harvard’s Negotiation and Mediation Clinic and has taught negotiation and conflict management for over two decades. His book, Conflict Resilience, co-authored with a neuroscientist, offers a groundbreaking framework for strengthening relationships and leading through difference. Learn more: www.conflictresiliencebook.com Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robert-bordone-3a3256 About the Host Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions

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, Maersk, and Diageo. At Google, she launched a billion-dollar supply chain solutions business and led strategic business transformation for the company’s largest clients in EMEA. At Maersk, she co-authored the strategy that redefined the brand globally, helping pivot the company from traditional shipping to integrated logistics. Earlier in her career at Moët Hennessy and Diageo, she helped iconic brands innovate at the intersection of heritage and digital transformation. With over two decades of experience across continents and industries, Louisa brings a rare blend of commercial clarity and human-centered leadership. In this episode, she shares how leaders can stay relevant in fast-changing environments, how to balance strategy and execution, and why transformation always starts with people. ► Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ☑️ Why strategy fails without clarity, conviction, and contribution☑️ How to build alignment across 100,000+ employees during transformation☑️ What traditional companies can learn from tech—and vice versa☑️ How curiosity, courage, and unlearning fuel leadership growth☑️ Why the true enemy of change isn’t disruption—it’s disconnection ▶️ CEOs and executives leading large-scale transformation▶️ Managers aligning cross-functional teams around strategy▶️ Leaders navigating AI, global complexity, and organizational change▶️ Anyone interested in building adaptive, people-first organizations Louisa Loran is a Transformation Architect, Global Executive Advisor, and Author of Leadership Anatomy in Motion (Fast Company Press / Greenleaf, 2025). She has led transformative growth at Google, Maersk, and Diageo, served on multiple international boards—including Copenhagen Business School and CataCap Private Equity—and is recognized for bringing clarity, courage, and alignment to the world’s most complex organizations. Learn more: www.louisaloran.com Connect with Louisa on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/louisa-loran Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams create alignment, implement strategy, and achieve results worldwide. Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: smestrategy.net Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions Subscribe for More Get weekly episodes on leadership, strategy, and transformation from today’s top executives. 📌 Subscribe Now 👉 @smestrategyinc #leadership #strategy #transformation #businessgrowth #executiveinsights #smePodcast In this episode, you’ll learn:This episode is for:About the GuestAbout the HostAbout SME Strategy

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 author, speaker, and visionary behind many of Kolbe’s products and innovations, he is known for helping business leaders harness conation—the instinctive way people take action—to drive performance and results. With expertise spanning law, finance, organizational design, and team building, David has assisted thousands of professionals worldwide through seminars, workshops, and speaking engagements. His career began in Washington D.C. as Legislative Director for a U.S. Congressman, before practicing law at Gammage & Burnham, one of Arizona’s top firms, and later joining the family-founded Kolbe Corp. In this podcast, you will learn: ☑️ Why self-awareness is the starting point for great leadership ☑️ How to build teams that leverage differences instead of cloning the leader ☑️ Why “tolerating” people isn’t enough—and how to truly empower them ☑️ What it takes to adapt teams and strategies when challenges change ☑️ How AI is reshaping leadership and the next evolution of Kolbe Corp This video is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives leading teams through change ▶️ Managers seeking tools to better understand and empower people ▶️ Leaders who want practical frameworks to build diverse, high-performing teams ▶️ Anyone interested in conation, leadership psychology, and the future of work David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp, has spent over 28 years leading one of the most recognized names in conation and performance assessment. He helped design the original algorithm for the flagship Kolbe A™ Index, now used by Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs around the globe. A licensed attorney, David holds a Law Degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Learn more: https://www.kolbe.com Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjkolbe/ Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience, he helps leadership teams around the world create alignment, implement successful strategies, and drive results. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 SME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in helping organizations develop and implement strategic plans. We facilitate conversations around strategic direction so leaders can focus their energy on what drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator 📘 More from our online courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net 📩 Contact our team: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact 🎙️ Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com Subscribe for More Get weekly videos on strategy, leadership, and implementation. Subscribe so you never miss an update on how to grow your organization. 📌 Subscribe Now 👉 @smestrategyinc #strategy #leadership #futureofwork #teamdynamics #smePodcast About the GuestAbout the HostAbout SME StrategyHelpful Resources and Contact