Strategy and Leadership Podcast

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

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 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. 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://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator 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://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution ► Learn more about our courses: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator 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

How do you build resilience, lead under pressure, and thrive in the mental game of business? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Sébastien Page, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees more than $500 billion in assets. Sébastien is also the author of The Psychology of Leadership (Harriman House), named a must-read by The Next Big Idea Club and a Top Ten Leadership Book by Brian Dodd. Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Finance, Sébastien shares how lessons from sports psychology, stress management, and resilience can help leaders perform at their best. ► Register for our upcoming webinars: 👉 Leading in 2025: How to Lead Into 2025 and Beyond⁠ https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1717583224666/WN_Zlfjonh9QZ2YmO7ibmG4Ww⁠ 👉 Strategic Planning and Implementation: How to Make It Work for You (with HRCI)⁠ https://events.zoom.us/ev/AlAGpmzpFEAc1iXZ-IPHUJp8pa7tyDLcA6pTwVbW9P4E-dkjyEPp~Aqs4fM9w3bOA1mkNMpQaO3zvt7GW1GTy4K9pOD2N1pSdkNZZJfpWjvCYBQ?lmt=1758138565000⁠ ► 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 podcast, you will learn: ☑️ Why stress can be fuel for performance (and when it hurts)☑️ What Roger Federer’s 54% win rate teaches us about resilience☑️ How athletes, astronauts, and business leaders optimize pressure☑️ Why leadership is about empathy and helping others perform☑️ How to apply psychology to thrive in business and life This video is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives leading through uncertainty▶️ Managers looking to build resilience and high-performing teams▶️ Leaders who want practical tools from sports and positive psychology▶️ Anyone interested in the intersection of finance, leadership, and performance psychology About the Guest Sébastien Page is Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price, leading a team managing over $500 billion. He is the author of The Psychology of Leadership (Harriman House, 2025), Beyond Diversification (McGraw-Hill, 2020), and co-author of Factor Investing and Asset Allocation (CFA Institute, 2016). His work has earned six research awards from The Journal of Portfolio Management and the Financial Analysts Journal. Named a LinkedIn Top Voice in Finance, Sébastien appears regularly on Bloomberg and CNBC, and serves on editorial boards and finance research groups. 🌐 Learn more:⁠ https://www.psychologyofleadership.net⁠💼 Connect with Sébastien on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastienpage⁠ 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 around the world create alignment, implement successful strategies, and drive results. 💼 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604⁠ About SME Strategy 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 Helpful Resources and Contact 📘 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

How do you build a career and a leadership style rooted in people, culture, and curiosity? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Jim Fielding, former CEO of Claire’s, President of Disney Stores Worldwide, and President of 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. Jim is also the author of All Pride, No Ego and host of the Jim Fielding & Friends podcast. With over 40 years of experience across retail, media, and entertainment, Jim shares lessons on adapting to revolutions in retail, leading teams through change, and why the future of business is all about human connection. Key Topics Covered Why the “future of retail” is really about people How to lead change when everyone adapts differently Why long-term planning beats “90 day transformations” How leaders can balance confidence and humility (All Pride, No Ego) Why culture, not money, is the key to attracting top talent Lessons from Retail’s Evolution Jim reflects on his career journey from department stores and catalogs to e-commerce, omnichannel, and experiential retail. He explains how consumer behavior has changed over decades and how leaders must constantly adapt to new shopping patterns. “The word now is omnichannel… you have to be omnipresent in people’s lives, both physical and digital.” – Jim Fielding For today’s brands, that means meeting customers everywhere: in stores, online, and increasingly, through social commerce on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Leading Change with Empathy One of Jim’s most impactful insights is his train analogy for change management. Some people jump aboard immediately, others wait for the first-class car, and some hesitate on the platform. As a leader, your role is to communicate, respect different adoption speeds, and bring people along without judgment. He stresses the importance of long-term planning and over-communication, noting that adult learners often need to hear something 10–14 times before it fully lands. Leadership Without Ego In his book All Pride, No Ego, Jim emphasizes that ego is not inherently bad — it must be controlled and used wisely. He argues that today’s leaders need humility, vulnerability, and the courage to admit when they don’t have all the answers. “Leadership today is harder than ever. To succeed, you need to be self-aware, surround yourself with strong people, and create safe environments where teams thrive.” – Jim Fielding Culture Over Compensation Jim shares that attracting and retaining top talent is less about money and more about culture, environment, and feeling respected. During his time at Disney, Fox, and Claire’s, he saw firsthand how competitive the market was for talent. The leaders who created supportive environments always had an advantage. “If I create a great work environment where people feel respected and trusted, they’ll bring their best. That’s how you attract and keep the brightest talent.” – Jim Fielding Call to Action Want to learn how to align your leadership team and create a culture that supports long-term strategy? Explore our strategy execution course Learn more about working with SME Strategy About the Guest Jim Fielding is a visionary leader with decades of experience leading global brands including Disney, Claire’s, 20th Century Fox, and DreamWorks. He is the author of All Pride, No Ego, host of the Jim Fielding & Friends podcast, and a keynote speaker and consultant helping organizations build human-centered strategies. Learn more about Jim Connect with Jim on LinkedIn Follow Jim on Instagram: @HiJimFielding 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 around the world create alignment, implement successful strategies, and drive results. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn Helpful Resources & Contact: More from our online courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net/ Contact our team:...

How do you build teams that truly work together instead of falling into dysfunction? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Colin M. Fisher—Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge—shares two decades of research on group dynamics, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing from both his academic career and his background as a professional jazz musician, Colin reveals the science behind effective teamwork, why groups take on “a life of their own,” and how leaders can unlock their team’s hidden potential. ► 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 podcast, you will learn: ☑️ Why groups are more than the sum of their parts. ☑️ How the first meeting sets lasting team norms. ☑️ The dangers of groupthink—and how to prevent it. ☑️ Why leaders must balance over-engaging vs. under-engaging teams. ☑️ Practical steps to structure tasks, roles, and communication effectively. This video is for: ▶️CEOs and executives looking to improve collaboration. ▶️Team leaders struggling with alignment and accountability. ▶️Managers navigating group conflict or lack of clarity. ▶️Anyone interested in the science of high-performing teams. About the Guest: Dr. Colin M. Fisher is one of the foremost experts on group dynamics. A former professional jazz trumpet player turned academic, he is Associate Professor at University College London’s School of Management, where he teaches leadership, creativity, and organizational behavior. His forthcoming book, The Collective Edge (Penguin Random House / Simon & Schuster), explores how to unlock the secret power of groups. Colin’s work has been published in leading journals and featured in outlets such as BBC, NPR, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. He has also provided lectures and workshops to organizations worldwide, including IDEO, P&G, NHS, and BP. 🔗 Learn more about Colin: https://colinmfisher.com 🔗 Connect with Colin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmfisher/ About the Host: Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14 years of experience in strategy, 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/ About SME Strategy: 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 Helpful Resources & Contact: 📘 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 episodes on strategy, leadership, and implementation. Subscribe so you never miss an update on how to grow your organization.

How do you lead nonprofits like businesses while staying true to your mission? In this episode, Andy Price, CEO & Scout Executive of the Grand Canyon Council, shares lessons from over 30 years in nonprofit leadership. He reveals how to inspire volunteers, measure real impact, and turn around organizations in crisis. Watch the full conversation to learn strategies for aligning passion with purpose while driving sustainable growth. ► 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 podcast, you will learn: ☑️ Why passion is the foundation of sustainable leadership. ☑️ The unique challenge of leading volunteers versus employees. ☑️ How nonprofits can operate like businesses with “dividends to society.” ☑️ The importance of measuring outcomes, not just inputs. ☑️ How to execute a turnaround during an organizational crisis. This video is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives leading mission-driven organizations. ▶️ Nonprofit leaders navigating growth and transformation. ▶️ Business leaders looking to align impact with strategy. ▶️ Anyone seeking to balance passion, purpose, and performance. About the Guest: Andy Price is the CEO and Scout Executive of the Grand Canyon Council of Scouting America. With more than 30 years of experience, he has led five local councils across three states, serving hundreds of thousands of youth. Andy has guided organizations through existential crises, implemented strategic turnarounds, and championed the belief that nonprofits must operate with the same discipline as businesses—while delivering dividends to society. 🔗 Learn more about the Grand Canyon Council: https://www.scoutingaz.org/ 🔗 Learn more about Scouting America: https://www.scouting.org About the Host: Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14+ years of experience in strategy work, he holds a BBA and is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Based in Vancouver, Canada, Anthony helps leadership teams around the world create and implement successful strategic plans. 🔗 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy: 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 Helpful Resources & Contact: ▶️ 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 🙏 / https://www.youtube.com/@SMEStrategyINC #smestrategy #anthonytaylor #andyprice #nonprofitleadership #strategicplanning #leadershipdevelopment #businessstrategy #turnaroundleadership #impactdriven #smePodcast

Why do the world’s leading brands increasingly act like startups? In this episode, Co-CEO of Cro Metrics, Gwen Hammes, shares her insights from working with global giants such as Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Stellantis, Clorox, Levi Strauss, Sargento, and SC Johnson. Drawing from her decades of experience at iconic agencies like Ogilvy, FCB, and DDB, Gwen explains how experimentation, data, and creativity combine to unlock growth and build lasting brand love. With a proven track record of helping Fortune 500 companies overcome unseen barriers and shift consumer behavior, Gwen offers invaluable lessons for leaders seeking to foster innovation, empower their teams, and deliver measurable impact. Watch the full conversation for actionable advice on how to lead with data-driven confidence while still embracing creativity and human connection. Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Enroll your SLT in our: Management Training on Strategy Execution. In this podcast, you will learn: ☑️ Why the biggest brands are adopting a “small business mindset.” ☑️ How data and experimentation fuel sustainable growth. ☑️ The role of creativity in driving profitable business outcomes. ☑️ How to assemble world-class teams that balance insights with innovation. ☑️ Why building brand love is essential to long-term success. This podcast is for: ▶️ CEOs and executives navigating growth and transformation. ▶️ Leaders seeking to balance creativity and analytics. ▶️ Marketing professionals aiming to inspire innovation. ▶️ Anyone responsible for scaling organizations in competitive markets. About the Guest: Gwen Hammes is the Co-CEO of Cro Metrics, where she leads teams that expand the impact of experimentation across marketing organizations. Her career has spanned leadership roles at Ogilvy, FCB, and DDB, partnering with global powerhouses like Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Stellantis, Clorox, Levi Strauss, Sargento, and SC Johnson. Gwen is recognized as a trusted advisor to CMOs navigating today’s complex marketplace, known for her ability to foster profitable growth while cultivating lasting consumer connections. She resides in Chicago with her husband and two sons. 🔗 Learn more about Gwen and Cro Metrics: https://crometrics.com 🔗 Connect with Gwen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-hammes/ About the Host: Anthony Taylor is the CEO, Founder, and Senior Facilitator at SME Strategy. With over 14+ years of experience in strategy work, he holds a BBA and is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Based in Vancouver, Canada, Anthony helps leadership teams around the world create and implement successful strategic plans. 🔗 Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ About SME Strategy: 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... Helpful Resources & Contact: ▶️ More from our online courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net ▶️ Contact our team: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ▶️ Podcast produced by: Rednyne Productions Subscribe for More: Get weekly videos on strategy, leadership, and implementation. Subscribe so you never miss an update on how to grow your organization.