

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 StrategyWe facilitate strategic planning to help leadership teams get aligned on where they want to go and what they need to do to get there. Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with the host, Anthony C Taylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Looking for Management Training for your teams? Enroll in our Management Training Program on Strategy Executionhttps://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution
Looking for Management Training for your teams? Enroll in our Management Training Program on Strategy Executionhttps://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 8, 2021 • 22min
How Small Businesses Can Grow Using Marketing in 2021 w/CEO Mehak Vohra Ep#117
Mehak Vohra is the founder and CEO of SkillBank, a online program focused on training the next generation of marketers. Cohorts are free upfront, and you only pay once you graduate, if have a job paying $40k or more.
She's also a 2017 Thiel Fellowship Finalist, and the youngest ever San Francisco mayoral candidate.
On this originally live podcast episode, Mehak joins Anthony to discuss how small businesses and non-profits can leverage marketing, specifically entry-level marketers, to grow in 2021.
Here's a breakdown of the conversation:
- Why people should care about marketing in 2021
- Different types of marketing strategies and marketing goals
- Being aligned on your personas
- About SkillBank, the marketing school that's free upfront
// 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

Sep 1, 2021 • 34min
How to Lead All Your Employees in an Era of Diversity and Inclusion w/Melvin Gravely Ep#116
Melvin Gravely is the CEO of TriVersity Construction, a 100-person, $100 million construction company working with large, commercial customers. He's also the Founder & Chairman at the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking, LTD, and the author of Dear White Friend: The Realities of Race, the Power of Relationships and Our Path to Equity.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Melvin joins our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor to discuss his new book, how to lead everyone in the era of diversity and inclusion, the new era of racial awareness, and so much 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

Aug 24, 2021 • 40min
The Amazon Way: Leadership Principles for 2021 w/John Rossman Ep#115
John Rossman is the Managing Partner of Rossman Partners, where he gives keynotes, and advises leaders and boards on digital strategy and innovation. John is a former Amazon Director who helped launch and scale the Marketplace business, and also ran the Enterprise business.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, John joins our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor for his second time on the show to discuss Amazon's leadership principles, becoming more customer centric, building your own leadership principles, and much more.
Check out John's new book, The Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Amazon+Way%3A+Amazon%27s+14+Leadership+Principles&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
// 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

Aug 11, 2021 • 34min
Building Your Team Using the Clifton’s Strengths Finder w/Micah Lorenc Ep.114
Micah Lorenc left his strategy job at a Fortune 100 company to start his own coaching business, where he focuses on team development, leadership, and Clifton's Strengths coaching.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Micah and our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor meet to discuss how leaders can use the Clifton's Strengths tool, building a strong team around you, playing to your strengths, 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

Aug 4, 2021 • 34min
AI in Business: Everything Leaders Need to Know w/Daniel Faggella Ep#113
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Dan Faggella joins us to discuss why leaders should care about artificial intelligence, how to manage the change around AI, and the ROI of AI.
Dan Faggella is the Head of Research and CEO of Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research, as well as a Fellow at the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. Before joining Emerj, Dan was a black belt Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighter who competed internationally.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Dan joins our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor to discuss:
- Why leaders should care about AI
- How to manage change related to AI
- The different types of ROI for AI
- & much more
Register for Dan's webinar, Starting an AI Consulting Practice - 3 Critical Factors for Success: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/14/w8v97bp
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant

Jul 28, 2021 • 31min
Build Repeatability into Your Business by Becoming Metrics Driven w/Amos Schwartzfarb Ep#112
Amos Schwartzfarb has been building businesses since the 90's. Now, he's the Managing Director at Techstars, investing in early stage businesses and helping them find repeatability. He also sits on several boards, and is the best-selling co-author of LEVERS: The Framework For Building Repeatability into Your Business.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Amos connects with our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor to discuss the difference between being metrics aware and metrics driven, his Levers framework, how it helps businesses build repeatability into their business, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of the conversation:
- Being metrics aware vs. metrics driven
- Considerations to make when becoming metrics driven
- The Levers framework for becoming metrics driven
- Leadership traits needed to bring a business to the next level
- & more
Check out his book, LEVERS: The Framework For Building Repeatability into Your Business: https://www.leversbook.com/
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant

Jul 21, 2021 • 29min
How Processes, Transparency & Trust Will Help You Attract Top Talent w/Chris Cicchinelli Ep#111
Chris Cicchinelli is the CEO & President of Pure Romance, the world’s largest in-home/virtual party company specializing in intimacy and sexual health. On his twenty year journey with the company, he grew the business from $3 million to $350 million in revenue.
In 2018, Chris founded the Living with Change Foundation to help transgender youth and their families. He's also the author of the secret is YOU: How I Empowered 250,000 Women to Find Their Passion and Change Their Lives.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Chris joined our Managing Partner Anthony Taylor to discuss his most challenging phase of growth, developing trust & credibility, the keys to attracting top talent & more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- His most challenging phase of growth
- Developing trust & credibility
- Keys to attracting top talent
- & more!
Chris' website: https://chriscicchinelli.com/
Chris' book, the Secret is YOU: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VD9ZFKM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant

Jul 14, 2021 • 32min
How Improving Your Managers’ Skills is the Key to Business Growth w/Cameron Herold Ep#110
Cameron Herold in the Canadian born founder of COO Alliance. He was instrumental in building 1-800-GOT-JUNK? into a $100 million business, and also helped build several other companies including North America's largest collision repair company, the largest residential house painting company in the world, and a currency company he sold for $64 million.
Since leaving 1-800-GOT-JUNK? 14 years ago, he's been coaching companies all over the world, and speaking in 26 countries. He's also authored 5 books, and is the host of the Second in Command Podcast.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Cameron joins us to discuss the role of the second in command, his big 'aha' moments, growing the skills of managers, the importance of continuous learning, and more.
To learn more about Cameron's work, check out his website to find podcasts, 5 books, case studies, courses & more: https://cameronherold.com/
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- The role of the second in command
- Biggest 'aha' moments after helping build 4 companies
- Growing the skills of your managers
- On continuous learning & the COO Alliance
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant

Jul 7, 2021 • 37min
Digital Transformation in Action: Lessons Learned in Local Gov w/Jazz Pabla, City of Kelowna Ep#109
Jazz Pabla is the CIO and Director of Information Services for the City of Kelowna. Being in IT, he focuses most of his time on securing digital assets, and key city services and systems like water.
Formerly, Jazz was a Customer Experience Manager at the University of Saskatchewan, and a Technology Integration Manager for the City of Saskatoon.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Jazz joins us to discuss digital transformation in action, cybersecurity, the complexity of local government, and more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- The complexity of local government
- The citizen first model
- Digital transformation in action
- Cybersecurity as a strategy
- & more!
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant

Jun 30, 2021 • 30min
Why Managers Need to Stop Thinking Small in Order to Thrive w/Andrew Freedman Ep#108
Andrew Freedman is the Managing Partner of SHIFT Consulting, where he helps leaders think differently about employee engagement and performance. Since the dawn of his career, Andrew's aim has been to help and teams get better in one way or another.
He's also an Affiliate Professor of Strategy & Leadership at the University of Baltimore, and he's got a new book out called Thrive: The Leader's Guide to Building a High-Performance Culture.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we discuss some of the challenges people and organizations are dealing with right now, how to improve organizational alignment, his advice for leaders, and his new book.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- Challenges organizations & employees are dealing with right now
- Tips for improving organizational alignment
- Advice for leaders
- About his book, Thrive
To learn more about Andrew, his work, and his book, visit: thrive.shiftthework.com
// Learn more about strategic planning & implementation:
► Subscribe so you never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
► Get free workbook to guide you along the process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook
► Learn how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course
// More strategic planning resources:
► Join our free community: https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/
► Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant
► Want software to track your strategic plan. Get a 90-day free trial of Cascade Strategy: http://www.smestrategy.net/cascade
// Connect with us:
Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact us ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
Subscribe on YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_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: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator-consultant