

Strategy and Leadership Podcast
SME Strategy Consulting INC
We interview CEOs, business leaders, and thought leaders to get their perspectives on strategy, leadership, management, and other trends that can support your career and help you run a ”best-in-class” business or non-profit.
Be sure to subscribe and tell us what you’re taking away from each episode.
About SME Strategy
We facilitate strategic planning offsite meetings and support the accountability of the plans and the leadership teams who lead them.
Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net
Connect with the host, Anthony C Taylor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Be sure to subscribe and tell us what you’re taking away from each episode.
About SME Strategy
We facilitate strategic planning offsite meetings and support the accountability of the plans and the leadership teams who lead them.
Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net
Connect with the host, Anthony C Taylor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 6, 2022 • 34min
Strategy Implementation Lessons Learned from 2021: What to watch for as you move into 2022 Ep#140
Anthony Taylor is the host of our #Strategy & #Leadership Podcast, as well as the Managing Partner of SME Strategy Consulting. For the last episode of 2021, Anthony looks back on the year of strategy and leadership and makes his predictions for the coming year and beyond.
To learn about how we can help align your team around a clear strategic plan and help you implement that plan, check out our services: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-consultant-strategy-facilitator
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Jan 4, 2022 • 28min
Remote Collaboration Could be Your Company’s Key to Survival w/Matt Compton, CEO Ep#139
Matt Compton is the Co-founder and CEO of Filo.co, a company helping people come together to create, learn, and solve problems remotely.
A two-time founder, Matt previously worked at IBM, ExactTarget (which was acquired by Salesforce), and Cheetah Digital.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Matt joins us to discuss the three pillars of #RemoteCollaboration, the advantages of being able to work well remotely, transferring values throughout a whole company, and more. #RemoteWork
To connect with Matt, find him on Twitter (@ComptonMC). Or to learn more about Filo, visit their website: filo.co
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Dec 15, 2021 • 26min
Why Everyone on Your Leadership Team Needs Data Skills w/Matt Cowell, QuantHub CEO Ep#138
Matt Cowell is the CEO of QuantHub, helping companies future-proof their workforce by building a highly data fluent employee-base and exceptional AI teams.
On this episode of the #StrategyandLeadership Podcast, Matt joins us to discuss why leaders need to develop #DataSkills, the upside of investing in data capability, and why people are bad at making data driven decisions.
To learn more about QuantHub and how they may be able to help your team with #DataLiteracy and skills, visit their website for a free consultation: https://quanthub.com/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Dec 13, 2021 • 25min
How to Grow Your Remote Team Without Killing the Culture w/Sharon Koifman, President Ep#137
Sharon Koifman is the President of DistantJob, a recruitment agency that finds, vets, and takes care of highly skilled #RemoteWorkers. He's also the author of Surviving Remote Work: How to Thrive as a Leader and Entrepreneur in the Remote Age: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Remote-Work-Sharon-Koifman-ebook/dp/B08HVTNKKL
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Sharon joins us to discuss advice for leaders hiring #RemoteTeams, reducing burnout from online meetings, what to take/leave from an office environment, and more.
Learn more about DistantJob and how they can find you highly skilled remote workers for less: https://distantjob.com/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Dec 8, 2021 • 32min
Why a Beginner’s Mindset is Key for an Inclusive Workplace w/Jorge Quezada, VP at Granite Ep#136
Jorge Quezada is the Vice President of Inclusive Diversity at Granite Construction, one of the largest full-service general contractors, construction management firms, and construction materials producers in the U.S.
Previously, Jorge held similar #DEI roles at Allstate Insurance, Kraft Foods Group, and Northwestern Mutual before joining Granite Construction.
On this episode of the #StrategyandLeadership Podcast, Jorge joins us to discuss developing a beginner's mindset, the paradox's of DEI, how to avoid defensiveness, his big learning moment at Kraft, & more.
To connect with Jorge, find him on LinkedIn by searching Jorge Quezada, MBA. And be sure to checkout his podcast, Construction DEI Talks: https://constructiondeitalks.com/episodes/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Dec 6, 2021 • 29min
How Strategic Relationships Can Power Your Growth w/David Nour Ep#135
David Nour is an Advisor, Educator, & Executive Coach, helping organizations recognize the many quantifiable ways that #BusinessRelationships drive everything.
An Iranian immigrant who arrived in America with no English, David has been in business for 20 years now, having worked with executives from Cisco, Deloitte, Disney, Marriott, Microsoft, IBM, & more.
On this episode, David joins us to discuss why relationships are extra important in business, why he's hard on performance and soft on people, his 'aha' learning moments, & more.
Check our David's latest of 12 books, Curve Benders: How Strategic Relationships Can Power Your Non-Linear Growth in the Future of Work: https://nourgroup.com/curvebenders/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Dec 1, 2021 • 30min
How Women in Charge Claim Their Authority w/Ellen Snee, EdD Ep#134
Ellen Snee, EdD, is an Executive Coach to high potential & senior level women, a speaker, consultant, and the author of Lead: How Women in Charge Claim Their Authority.
But before that, Ellen was a Catholic nun for 18 years. From there she went to Harvard University to complete grad school before eventually becoming a program director at the university. Then she made her way to Silicon Valley to be VP of a large software company.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Ellen joins us to discuss leadership vs. authority, challenges for women in leadership, how senior leaders can support women, & more.
Be sure to check out Ellen's book, Lead: How Women in Charge Claim Their Authority: https://www.ellensnee.com/lead
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Nov 24, 2021 • 31min
Navigating Your Team Through the Fog of Disruption w/David Giersdorf Ep#133
David Giersdorf is a former senior executive in the global cruise & travel industry, including publicly-traded $1B+ brand portfolio and CEO of several iconic cruise, travel and marketing services brands.
Now he help owners, boards, CEOs and leadership teams of diverse organizations on topics ranging from navigating disruption and recovery, growth, innovation, performance, and mergers & acquisitions. Learn more and get in touch here: https://www.globalvoyagesgroup.com/contact/
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, David joins us to discuss how he helped solve the big challenges of iconic cruise ship brands, #LeadingThroughDisruption, his book Hard Ships, and more.
His book is called Hard Ships: Navigating Your Company, Career, and Life through the Fog of Disruption: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Ships-Navigating-Company-Disruption-ebook/dp/B08XYTLSS2
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Nov 22, 2021 • 26min
How Leaders Can Create Magic at Work w/Amy Lynn Durham Ep#132
Amy Lynn Durham is a former corporate sales manager turned Executive Coach, helping leaders create magic at work by focusing on emotional & spiritual intelligence training. She's also the author of Create Magic at Work.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Amy joins Anthony to discuss why employees leave, how leaders can #CreateMagicatWork, #ConnectingActivities for your team, and more.
Be sure to connect with Amy on LinkedIn and learn more about her work and her book, Create Magic at Work: https://createmagicatwork.net/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant

Nov 18, 2021 • 36min
How this CEO Used a Focused, Problem Finding Approach to Grow w/Grant Morgan, R-Zero CEO Ep#131
Grant Morgan is the Co-founder & CEO of R-Zero, a biosafety tech company delivering a higher standard of human health via safer indoor spaces.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Grant joins us to discuss solving problems by starting with a need, the importance of failure, structuring a value stream, and more.
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrp…ub_confirmation=1
// ABOUT SME STRATEGY CONSULTING:
SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.
Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. For more information on working with a facilitator for your next strategy session: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ator-consultant