Strategy and Leadership Podcast

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

On this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Perry Maughmer joins us to talk about being the best CEO you can be, intellectual humility, peer groups and how to establish a leadership framework. Perry is a facilitator for Vistage International and the Principal of Maughmer & Co, where he specializes in working with people. Perry started his journey as an entrepreneur in retail, bringing a company from one to seven locations as a young VP of Operations. He then went on to work for several large companies and was brought in to run several other organizations in a mix of industries. In this episode, he shares his lessons learned from being a successful CEO like letting people talk and the importance of creating a leadership framework. 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 we're joined by Michele Wucker, CEO of Gray Rhino & Company and best selling author of The Gray Rhino. Michele has defined a gray rhino as a problem large and obvious staring you down, pointed right at you, and probably about to trample you. With a range of different experiences in financial journalism, media management, think tank management and policy writing, Michele certainly brings a unique and valuable perspective to the podcast. Some of the topics Michele explained in our discussion include: -Why do people ignore glaringly obvious, large problems? -Challenges when people organize into groups -When incentives can hurt us 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

In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we're joined by Grategy founder and Chief Appreciation Strategist, Lisa Ryan, CSP. Lisa brings an impressive range of experience to the podcast, spending time as an executive recruiter, working in industrial sales, the welding industry (yes, she welds!), the healthcare industry, and as a speaker. During our conversation, Lisa shares some of that experience with us, including: Her THANKS process In one of her most successful programs, Lisa uses a process called the THANKS process: build Trust, Help, Acknowledge, Navigate work/life, get to Know them, and Serve a greater mission. During our discussion, she breaks down how to go about each step and how it can help your organization keep it's best employees longer. Culture doesn't change overnight Lisa discusses the undertaking of influencing culture, and how the process is a long one that requires patience and genuine intention. Many organizations consider employee engagement to be an action that is carried out, when in reality it's a process. Your employees will know if you're faking it. Don't leave hourly workers behind Unfortunately, when trying to improve engagement, the hourly workers are often left behind because they aren't seriously considered for chances to move up in the organization. Lisa points out that by letting them know they're important and that the organization is invested in their future, they're much less likely to leave for an extra dollar per hour. The costs of losing great people Losing a great employee can cost anywhere between 1 and 5 times what you're paying them. Not only do you have to recruit, interview and on-board someone new, but you have to hope they are a good culture fit and pray they aren't poached by someone else. The costs of keeping toxic people On the flip side, it can equally bad or worse to keep toxic people on board. If they're sucking the energy out of each room they enter, it will inevitably be your best employees that start to look for work elsewhere, not the worst ones. 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

In this episode, Timothy shares his experience working with executive teams and tips on various topics including: Leadership A leader cannot be neutral. They either lead the way or get in the way, as Timothy mentions. In order to lead the way, the leaders has two primary functions within an organization- to coach skills and model behaviour, therefore becoming the architect of culture. Culture The leading indicator of healthy workplace culture is the level of psychological safety employees feel when. Someone who feels psychologically safe in the workplace is able to participate in the value creation process of the organization without a fear of being punished, embarrassed or ignored. This opens the door for employees to be intellectually brave. Intellectual Bravery Someone who feels psychologically safe at work will demonstrate more intellectual bravery. This person is willing to disagree or dissent and challenge the status quo. This intellectual bravery is what ultimately leads to innovation, however, this won't happen until employees are drained of fear. If it's politically and emotionally costly for people to speak their mind, it's reasonable to expect they will not. What to do? As a leader, don't rely on the fear button, which often comes from frustration and insecurity. Instead, assign different people to dissent and challenge what you're proposing or already have in place. This removes the personal risk to the individual, and replaces is with permission from the top. Of course it never hurts to show some of your own vulnerability, admitting what you don't know in order to show others it's safe. 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