Strategy and Leadership Podcast

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 organizationsLouisa 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-loranAnthony 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/anthonyctaylor604SME 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.netPodcast produced by: Rednyne ProductionsSubscribe for More Get weekly episodes on leadership, strategy, and transformation from today’s top executives.📌 Subscribe Now 👉 @smestrategyinc#leadership #strategy #transformation #businessgrowth #executiveinsights #smePodcastIn 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 CorpThis 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 workDavid 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.comConnect 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/anthonyctaylor604SME 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.comSubscribe for MoreGet 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 #smePodcastAbout 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-facilitator⁠In 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 lifeThis 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 psychologyAbout the GuestSébastien 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/sebastienpage⁠About the HostAnthony 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/anthonyctaylor604⁠About SME StrategySME 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-facilitator⁠Helpful 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.com⁠Subscribe 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: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Podcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com/    

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. 

Why does fearless leadership matter more than ever? In this podcast, entrepreneur and author Brendan P. Keegan unpacks what it means to be a fearless leader and how to create environments that support high performance. With over 25 years as a CEO and now on a mission to build one million fearless leaders, Brendan shares lessons from business, motorsports, and his own life about courage, culture, and continuous growth. About the Guest: Brendan P. Keegan is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of Dare to Disrupt: The 8 Pillars of Transformation. He has served as CEO of six companies, invested in ventures spanning motorsports to technology, and is Co-Owner of Andretti Global. Brendan is also the founder of The Fearless Leadership Experience, with over 150,000 subscribers on LinkedIn, dedicated to his mission of building one million fearless leaders Listen to the full conversation to learn actionable leadership advice that will help you perform at your best and inspire others to do the same. 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  

Robyn Bolton, founder of MileZero and former P&G brand manager, dives into the intricacies of why so many innovation efforts stumble in successful companies. She explains how leaders often stifle creativity by clinging to past successes and highlights the need to balance instinct with innovative thinking. Robyn shares actionable stories, including the importance of flexibility within corporate constraints and cultivating a culture that embraces change. Prepare to rethink how you lead innovation in your organization!

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, our guest, Vanessa Druskat, author of "The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the Rest," provides valuable insights into what makes some teams succeed while others fail. Vanessa discusses the importance of psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics. She shares her journey from academia to developing a model for building emotionally intelligent environments where team members thrive. Discover how understanding team interactions and cultivating trust can transform the way teams function. Vanessa explains the role of empowerment, belonging, and the many-to-many relationships crucial for team success. Whether you're a leader looking to improve team performance or curious about the intricacies of team dynamics, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives.