Strategy and Leadership Podcast

Matt Sweetwood is a lifetime CEO with over 30 years of experience, and is currently the CEO of LUXnow and author of Leader of the Pack. Having spent the majority of his career in the electronics distribution and retail superstore space, Matt had to re-invent his business multiple times to keep up with digital transformation, which ultimately led to a successful exit for him. On this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Matt joins us to share his experiences as a CEO, some helpful leadership tips for young leaders and those trying to survive a crisis, as well as the story of his very challenging past, which ultimately led to the writing of his book, Leader of the Pack. Here's a breakdown of the topics we discussed: -His background, career and new company -3 most impactful lessons on leadership -Leading during a crisis -About his #1 best seller, Leader of the Pack Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Nick Davis is the Managing Partner of Reaching the Future Faster, the author of Future Ready, and the Faculty Chair of Innovation at Singularity University. Although Nick wears an impressive amount of hats, there are a couple common themes in his work, which involve using advanced technology and strategy to navigate uncertainty, determine the future of work, and solve the double-pronged problem of food waste and food shortage. Nick acknowledges the extreme unpredictability of the world we live in, yet believes it's within our power to build the future we want using a common vision of the future, advanced technology, and a proactive mindset. Some of the topics of our discussion include: - Having an aligned vision of the future - Balancing strategic thinking with action planning - Being innovative and proactive - Managing disruption Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Brad Chase spent over 14 years as an executive at Microsoft, finishing as a Senior Vice President leading a team of over 4,000. Brad was a part of several major project at Microsoft, including the complete turnaround of MSN.com, leading the marketing effort for Windows 2000, Windows 98 and Internet Explorer, as well as developing and executing the award winning marketing strategy for Windows 95. Brad is now a speaker, marketing and leadership advisor, and the author of Strategy First. On today's episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we're super excited to have Brad join us to discuss Microsoft's strategy that led to success, his Strategy First Model, how he turned around MSN.com, and some common roadblocks strategy leaders should watch out for. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Ryan Berman an author and the founder of Courageous, a consultancy that uses a 'special forces' approach to problem solving, storytelling and leadership. Today, Courageous works with well known brands like the National Football League, Caesars Entertainment and Johnson & Johnson. Ryan joins us to share his experiences writing the book, working in the agency world, and starting his own successful consultancy. Some of the topics covered include: The Courageous approach to solving business problems Ryan focuses on three aspects: process, point of view and openness, when talking about Courageous and how they've been able to solve problems for some of the most well-known brands. After starting an agency with zero clients and building it up over a decade, Ryan has learned to trust the process. By telling it like it is and providing a real point of view, he's been able to earn trust and build his business into what it is today. The 'epidemic of clarity' Ryan discusses the 'epidemic of clarity' we're living in now, with so many different points of information, so much data, so many key stakeholders to listen to. Ultimately, it is slowing us down. He says many brands are confronted with ten different doors to walk through, and while trying to decide which would be best, their competitors are experimenting, learning and pivoting. The 'special forces' strategy Ryan has used Ryan breaks down what it means to use a 'special forces' approach to solving business problems. It starts at the end by having a mission based approach. By clearly identifying the problem at the beginning, it will be easier to pinpoint the mission before embarking on a project. Another aspect of the 'special forces' strategy that Ryan has used is using custom-built teams, specifically people from big companies that bring experience and shared values. How to build trust The question Ryan asks when beginning a new relationship with a brand is "Are you a coward brand or a courage brand?" He believes that starting with the hard questions and showing people you're willing to go there is the best way to build trust from the beginning. He also delves into the lengthy and definite impact of not having trust. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Melissa Dreuth is the SVP of People and Culture at Planful, a leading financial planning and analysis cloud platform. Customers like Bose, the Boston Red Sox, and Del Monte rely on Planful for budgeting, reporting and visual analytics. Having spent time in similar roles at other companies in Australia and the Bay Area, she's nearly one year into her role at Planful, where she's responsible for the entire employee lifecycle including learning & development, HR, recruiting and people & culture. During our conversation, Melissa discusses her experience at Planful, HR evolution, how they've been able to adapt to changes like COVID-19, and some of the underlying themes for successfully guiding people and culture. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Dr. Tracey Jones is the President of Tremendous Leadership, as well as an author and leadership expert. Before taking the reins of Tremendous Leadership, she build an impressive leadership resume for herself in various organizations including the National Security Agency, all after spending 12 years as a maintenance officer in the Air Force. With an MBA and a PhD, Tracey brings her extensive experience leading people to the Strategy & Leadership Podcast. Whether it be deployed overseas or in a corporate boardroom, Tracey has demonstrated she is a true leadership professional. Some of the topics discussed include: Leaders and followers Tracey talks about the relationship between leaders and followers, and places an equal emphasis on good follower-ship when many tend to focus just on the leader. She believes that no matter how good of a leader a person may be, they need to be surrounded by followers that are willing to co-lead, demonstrate certain behaviours and adapt. 3 roles leaders need to be able to fill Tracey shares her experience and insights on the different roles leaders need to be able to play on any given day, especially when working trying to manage a crisis. These roles include the 'savior', someone followers can look up to, the 'sense maker', someone who will remain calm and think critically, and the 'ethicist', someone who find away to do good for the most amount of people. Studying leaders who can manage a crisis Tracey presents some of her key findings from her PhD research on leaders and how they manage a crisis. When it comes to navigating a crisis, it's not the high-end personality type leaders, but the ones that can build a robust team of followers that are able to work through the crisis and succeed. 3 things needed to build culture Lastly, Tracey highlights the three things she believes are necessary to build culture within an organization. Personality is one - particularly people who are low in neuroticism and high in extroversion. She also looks for people who have both experienced some type of hardship, and who display a big picture perspective on life. If you are interested in using a facilitator for your next planning session, learn more here: www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plann…tation-services If you want to learn how to lead the strategic planning process yourself, take our self guided course at: www.smestrategy.net/course

Geoffrey Cain is a business advisor, consultant, and author of Samsung Rising. With experience as an Economist correspondent and contributor to both the Wall Street Journal & Time, Geoffrey brings some exciting overseas expertise in geopolitics and media. On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Geoffrey joins us to talk about some of the things he's seen as an international correspondent and writer, the impending impact of artificial intelligence, and his book about the South Korean giant, Samsung Rising. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Craig Lemasters is the CEO of management consulting firm GXG, speaker, and a former Fortune 500 subsidiary CEO. Working 27 years, 11 of which as the CEO leading global expansion projects for Assurant Solutions, Craig brings extensive corporate experience to the podcast. After spending a long time growing a large company, Craig decided to take some time to focus on his other passions, eventually leading GXG in Atlanta. Craig now dedicates himself to sharing what he's learned with other leaders, and we're super excited to share about his experiences on the podcast. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Matt Barnett from Bonjoro joins us to discuss growing a remote team, communication challenges and how personalized video communication can improve both company culture and client relationships. Matt's company, Bonjoro, uses personalized video to help organizations develop better relationships with their customers and leads, as well as within their own teams internally. Originally from Australia, Bonjoro has grown to a second office in the UK along with a remote team spanning 5 continents. During our conversation, Matt was able to share some important insights from his experience growing a remote team using the power of communication, including: -Modern communication challenges at work -Growing and thriving as a remote team -How communication tools can build relationships -The future of B2B relationships Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

Keith Ferrazzi joins the Strategy and Leadership podcast to share the power of co-creation: How to be able to create an aligned vision with anyone. He also shares his principles for coaching, leadership and communicating to create transformative change. He also shares his perspectives on how organizations can adapt and thrive in this new economy. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://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. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation