

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

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

Feb 17, 2021 • 40min
Harnessing Emotional Intelligence to Get the Most Out of Your People w/ Robin Hills Ep#90
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we were live with Robin Hills from the United Kingdom. Robin is the Director of Ei4Change, a company that delivers educational training based on emotional intelligence. Today, Robin has taught emotional intelligence skills to over 100,000 people from 175+ countries via online training.
We're super excited to have Robin on the show to discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and how we use it in everyday life, how to empathize, how to harness the power or emotional intelligence as a leader, and more.
Here's a break down of our conversation:
- Using emotional intelligence in everyday life
- How to empathize
- How leaders can use emotional intelligence to persuade
- Trends in the workplace
- & more
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 10, 2021 • 33min
Using Strategy to Build Long Term Resilience - w/ David Yetman ep#89
David Yetman is an award-winning business development specialist who works directly with organizations to help them grow and become resilient. David has his own consultancy called Yetman Consulting where he helps businesses create resilience and margin to ensure they're thriving in the long term. He is also studying business resilience at Harvard University.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, David joins us to discuss how to make yourself and your business more resilient moving forward, what he sees many businesses struggling with, how to fix your business model, and much more.
Is your non-profit organization in need of a facilitated strategic planning session, but lacking the resources to pay the full industry price for these services? As part of our corporate giving back program for 2021, we're offering our full strategic planning services to 5 nonprofits at a heavily subsidized rate. Apply here: https://www.smestrategy.net/discounted-nonprofit-strategic-planning-facilitation
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 2, 2021 • 36min
The Future of FinTech with Binna Kim ep#88
Binna Kim is the Co-founder & President at Vested, a NYC-based communications agency that leads campaigns for companies at the intersection of finance, technology & innovation.
With a background in marketing and communications for financial services, Binna and her co-founder set out to start Vested about 5 years ago.
They wanted to lead something of their own that they were truly proud of, all while setting a good example as female entrepreneurs in the FinTech space, which hasn't always been known for diversity and inclusion.
Here's a breakdown of the episode:
- What happening right now in the world of FinTech
- Struggles of being a female entrepreneur
- One big challenge for Fintech companies
- What she's learned as a founder
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

Jan 27, 2021 • 52min
Elevate Your Board Governance for 2021 - with Terry Clark Ep#87
Terry is an expert in board governance, policy governance, and nonprofit and association board training. With over 20 years of experience in the world of board governance, Terry is the go-to guy for board of director development in Western Canada. #BoardGovernance
During our LIVE conversation from December 10th, Terry and I discussed:
- The role & responsibilities of the Board of Directors
- Best practices for common governance issues
- How to go about creating long term change in 2021
- & much more!
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

Jan 20, 2021 • 30min
How This CEO Uses Documentation to Delegate & Promote a Culture of Openness - w/ Chris Ronzio Ep#86
Chris Ronzio is the founder and CEO of Trainual, an onboarding, training and knowledge management platform for small and growing businesses. His company replaces the traditional training manual, and gives companies the ability to tell their story and share their policies, history, culture, and vision.
Chris has also founded several other businesses, and currently sits on the board of Design Pickle.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Chris joins us to discuss the benefits of documentation, having a culture of openness, how he uses repeatability to support his people, and more.
Here's a breakdown of the episode:
- The benefit of having your company well documented
- His 'ah hah' moments as a leader
- How he uses repeatability to support his people
- A culture of openness
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

Dec 22, 2020 • 32min
How this University Created Their Strategic Plan (During a Pandemic)- w/ Dr. Alison Van Rooy Ep#85
Alison Van Rooy is a Senior Advisor to the President of Strategic Planning & Institutional Initiatives at Vancouver Island University (VIU), as well as a long-time policy planner for the Government of Canada. After working with the government for several years, she learned the strategic planning process is quite similar with other public sector institutions, so she decided to help Vancouver Island University with their brand new plan.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Alison joins us to discuss the creation of VIU's strategic plan, how the strategic planning process is different during a pandemic, as well as how to make it enjoyable.
Here's a breakdown of the episode:
- What she's learned about strategic planning
- Her strategic planning approach at VIU
- How VIU did external stakeholder engagement
- How VIU will role out and execute their strategic plan
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

Dec 14, 2020 • 30min
Why Your Nonprofit is Struggling with Fundraising - with Sarah Olivieri Ep#84
Sarah Olivieri is a nonprofit expert and author, having held several positions as Executive Director, Program Manager and Board member for various nonprofit organizations. She's also had success in the for-profit world, having started her own marketing agency.
Sarah created PivotGround in 2014 to teach other nonprofits how to run their businesses better. She created a framework that helps nonprofits become more organized, build effective teams, and make a bigger impact.
We're excited to have Sarah join us on this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast to talk fundraising, advice for Executive Directors, and much more.
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

Dec 7, 2020 • 29min
How to Build a Team Based on Transparency & Trust - Interview with Greg Edwards Ep#83
Greg Edwards is the CEO of CryptoStopper, a global cybersecurity firm dedicated to protecting businesses from harmful ransomware attacks. Greg started as an entrepreneur in 1998 at the age of 24, creating a networking consulting business that he still owns to this today. He then went on to start two other companies, one of which was sold to a publicly traded firm.
On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Greg joins us to share his deep background in technology, his learning experiences from being a CEO and President, and more.
Here's a full breakdown of the episode:
- Key learnings from being a CEO & President
- How his team remains collaborative while working remote
- His approach to hiring & vacation time
- Learning from mistakes
- About Cryptostopper
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

Nov 30, 2020 • 32min
Why Culture is the Key to Organizational Growth - with Jason Richmond Ep#82
Jason Richmond is the founder of Ideal Outcomes and the author of Culture Spark: 5 Steps to Ignite and Sustain Organizational Growth. He's dedicated the last 20+ years to helping organizations of all sizes with developing both individual skills and culture, earning himself a membership with the Forbes Business Council.
His book, Culture Spark, emerged from his years of experience plus his love for travel and experiencing different cultures firsthand. After interviewing executives and leaders from different industries around the world, the book is full of resources to help solve any business problem with a culture flare.
On this episode, Jason joins the podcast to discuss:
- The beginning of his process vs. the end
- The defining moment of his professional career
- Supporting individual performance management
- What he sees for the future
- His advice for young leaders
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