

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

May 5, 2021 • 43min
How to Improve Accessibility & Become an Inclusive Workplace w/Tova Sherman Ep#100
Tova Sherman is the Canadian born, award-winning CEO of reachAbility, an organization that works directly with companies to build their capacity for inclusion through education, training, and consultation. She's also a TED speaker, and author of the brand new book, Win, Win, Win! The 18 Inclusion-isms You Need to Become a Disability Confident Employer.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Tova joins us to discuss what people are missing about diversity & inclusion, tips to become more inclusive, the importance of values, biases in the hiring process, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- What people are missing with diversity and inclusion
- Tips for being more inclusive
- Why you have to start with values
- & 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

Apr 28, 2021 • 41min
Board Management Tips to Help Your Team Win w/Lauren Harrell Ep#99
Lauren is the Director & Head of Commodities for the Financial Institutions Group at Chatham Financial, the largest independent financial risk management advisory and technology firm. Having worked internally at finance and audit organizations and externally as an advisor across the finance enterprise, she approaches leadership and the boardroom with a multiple-stakeholder focus.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Lauren joins us to talk about returning to in-person work, what she's learned from 10 years of board experience, working with hostile board members, board bylaws, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of the conversation:
- Remote work & returning to in-person (from a boardroom perspective)
- What she's learned from her own board experience
- On hostile board members & the decision making process
- Approach to managing board bylaws
// 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

Apr 21, 2021 • 45min
How to Build a High-Performance Culture w/Brett Putter - Ep#98
Brett Putter is the CEO of CultureGene, a culture development platform that helps companies transition effectively to remote work. As a passionate student of culture and an expert on culture, Brett spends his days with leaders defining, embedding and managing culture.
He's also the author of two books: Culture Decks Decoded, and Own Your Culture: How to Define, Embed and Manage your Company Culture.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Brett joins us to discuss the impact of making wrong hires, hiring for culture fit, the purpose of culture decks, 6 ways to embed company culture, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of the episode:
- The cost of hiring the wrong person
- Hiring for culture fit
- Culture decks: What are they?
- How companies are developing remote work culture
- 6 ways to embed company culture
- & 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

Apr 14, 2021 • 35min
How to Harness the Power of Questions w/Shane Metcalf, Chief Culture Officer of 15Five - Ep# 97
Shane Metcalf is the co-founder & Chief Culture Officer of 15Five, a people and performance platform that empowers people to become their best selves, wherever they work. Named one of the top 100 software companies by G2Crowd, 15Five combines employee engagement, continuous performance management, and manager effectiveness software with education, services, and community for customers including Capital One, Credit Karma, Hubspot & more.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Shane joins us to share his advice for leaders and discuss the power of questions, self-reflection, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- The journey of creating 15Five
- Be aware of leadership hierarchies
- Questions for leaders to ask themselves
- Questioning the role of the manager
- His big challenge right now as a leader
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Shane's podcast, HR Superstars: https://www.15five.com/podcast/
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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.
#PowerOfQuestions #CultureTransformation #SelfAwarenessSkills

Apr 8, 2021 • 30min
How this CEO Scaled his Family Business using Business Mentors & Federal Procurement Ep#96
Peter Provenzano is the President & CEO of SupplyCore, a leading supply chain integrator responsible for optimizing information, material, and financial flows for the U.S. military. Peter also founded MPOWR®, SupplyCore's social enterprise division that helps communities and businesses with strategy execution so they can come together, achieve outcomes and systems change.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Peter joins us to talk about his experience growing the family business, his advice for entrepreneurs and family business owners, and what he learned about thinking strategically about the future.
Here's a breakdown of the episode:
- On growing the family business
- Advice for younger entrepreneurs & older business owners
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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.

Mar 31, 2021 • 37min
How this CPA-turned-CEO Uses Data Driven Decision Making to Improve Profitability w/Stephen King #95
Stephen King is the President & CEO of GrowthForce, a company that specializes in outsourced bookkeeping, accounting and controller services for companies that want to run better, grow faster and make more money. Stephen spent much of his career at Ernst & Young and Amnesty International US, and has started a couple of his own companies.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Stephen joins us to discuss how leaders can improve their decision making, his experience with peer groups, his 5-step process for profitability, how culture drives growth, and more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- Advice for leaders trying to improve their financial decision making
- His experience with peer groups & mentorship
- His 5 Steps to Profitability Model
- How your culture will help you grow or sink
- How to foster a culture of tracking & the desire to follow data
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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.

Mar 24, 2021 • 35min
How to collaborate, influence & leverage EQ to succeed in life & career in 2021 w/Kristin Harper #94
Kristin Harper is the CEO of Driven to Succeed, a leadership development firm focused on brand innovation and reinvention for businesses and high achieving individuals around the world. She's also the author of Heart of a Leader: 52 Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career.
Kristin started working in Brand Management at Proctor & Gamble before being recruited by The Hershey Company. Finally, she became a Global Vice President at Cardinal Health (a Fortune 20 company) while still in her thirties, before starting her own company.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- Lessons learned growing in a corporate setting
- Her experience trying to implement strategic initiatives
- What employers are doing to support their people (virtually)
- How important is the perspective of the customer?
- How to live diversity & inclusion
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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. #StrategicPlanningProcess #StrategyDevelopment

Mar 10, 2021 • 45min
How to Turn Your Strategy Into Action & Make it Real w/Tara Rethore Ep#93
Tara Rethore is the CEO of Strategy for Real, and a strategic advisor who works with CEOs, executives, and nonprofits to help them take their strategy off the page and put it into action. Previously, Tara came up in the corporate world, gaining experience from all over the world in the natural gas sector.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Tara joins us to discuss making strategy real and actionable, how to create change in an organization, where strategy goes wrong, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- What she's seeing in the strategy execution ecosystem
- Making strategy real and actionable
- How to create change within an organization
- Where she's seen strategy go really poorly
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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. #StrategicPlanningProcess #StrategyDevelopment

Mar 3, 2021 • 32min
From the Front Lines to CEO: How this Leader Leveraged his Experience w/ Paul Katzoff Ep#92
Paul Katzoff is the CEO of WhiteCanyon Software, the premier provider of data erasure software for SSD, Hard Drive, & Mobile Device platforms to global organizations of all sizes. Paul originally started at the company in a Tech Support role, before coming the Manager of Tech Support and eventually switching to Sales. After a two-year hiatus from the company, Paul rejoined as the CEO.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Paul joins us to discuss how his perspective changed at different levels of the company, his process for sharing expertise and personal development, and much more.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- How his perspective changed from the bottom, to the top, & in-between
- How his changing roles & relationships with customers impacted the strategy
- His process for sharing expertise with the team
- How he continues to develop his own capabilities as CEO
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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. #StrategicPlanningProcess #StrategyDevelopment

Feb 24, 2021 • 42min
How to Create a Continuously Learning & Evolving Organization - w/ Jeff Kavanaugh Ep#91
Jeff Kavanaugh is the global head of the Infosys Knowledge Institute, the research and thought leadership arm of Infosys, one of the world’s leading consulting and technology services firms. Jeff also serves on several boards, and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Jeff joins us to discuss the importance of critical thinking, becoming a lifelong learner, best practices for communicating information, and how to create an organization that is continuously learning and evolving.
Here's a breakdown of our conversation:
- Importance of critical thinking
- Best practices for leaders trying to communicate information
- On becoming a life long learner
- A successful case study - Infosys
- Tracking, documentation & automation
Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…mplate-workbook
Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…ng-steps-course
Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach:
www.smestrategy.net/contact
Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy
// WEBSITE & RESOURCES:
Website ► www.smestrategy.net/
Blog ► www.smestrategy.net/blog
Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►www.smestrategy.net/podcast
Alignment Book ► www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book
Contact ►www.smestrategy.net/contact
// FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook ► www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/
LinkedIn ► www.linkedin.com/company/2866558
Instagram ► www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/
Twitter ►twitter.com/smeinsights
// 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. #StrategicPlanningProcess #StrategyDevelopment