

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

Oct 31, 2018 • 29min
How Culture & Strategy Keep Your Tech Company Ahead of the Game - With Gilad Berenstein Ep31
As the leader of a tech organization, Gilad explained how strategy development is critical for technology companies, due to the rate of change and development in the field: it’s crucial to be proactive rather than reactive.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy in the competitive technology sector. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-culture-strategy-keep-your-tech-company-ahead-of-the-game-interview-with-gilad-berenstein
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

Oct 8, 2018 • 26min
Strategic Hiring to Support Your Culture - Interview With Melissa Jaalaid Ep30
Melissa Jaalaid joined us for this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast to talk with us about developing strategy and leading teams in the restaurant industry. Melissa is the Director of Growth and Development at the local Vancouver chain, MeeT Restaurants. With a background in communications and human resources, Melissa has a passion for working directly with people and leading growth initiatives within the organization.
Learn about how strategic hiring can support your organizational development and culture. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/strategic-hiring-to-support-your-culture-interview-with-melissa-jaalaid
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

Sep 17, 2018 • 32min
The Importance of Developing a Cohesive Team - Interview with Ashli Komaryk Ep29
Ashlii shares her tips and best practices for strategy and leadership, including:
The importance of employee culture building and tools, like DISC, that can be used to build self-awareness around personal behaviour and communication styles, as well as learning about how to relate to others.
These same tools can help leaders understand how to encourage their team members to contribute in their own styles. For example, those who are focused on accuracy and precision may be less likely to share their new ideas that they are uncertain about. If a leader is aware of this, they can encourage this type of employee to share their ideas during meetings and brainstorming sessions.
Culture and communication have been extensively studied and there can be costs to your bottom line if you ignore these essential areas of business – Take the time to understand your team and to assess how cohesive you are.
Learn about her best practices for leading strategy and developing teams. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/the-importance-of-developing-a-cohesive-team-interview-with-ashli-komaryk
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

Aug 13, 2018 • 32min
How Listening Can Help You Gain Perspective & Better Position Your Product W/ Catherine Halprin Ep28
In this episode of our Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we spoke with Catherine Rigod Halprin, the Vice President, Head of Strategy Geometry Global.
She directs the business and creative outcomes for clients, steering their brand or products in the direction of their goals. She then works together with her team members to help the organizations put their plans in place.
Learn more about how listening to others can improve your leadership skills and enhance your organizational strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-listening-to-others-can-help-you-gain-perspective-and-better-position-your-product-interview-with-catherine-rigod-halprin
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

Jul 24, 2018 • 25min
How to develop a culture of success and innovation - Interview with Wesley Middleton Ep27
In this episode of our Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we spoke with Wesley Middleton, managing partner of MRZ, a certified public accounting firm in Houston, Texas. MRZ is a top 300 firm in the USA, and a top 25 firm in Houston. As a managing partner, Wesley has helped form an organization that is focused on growth and committed to culture – he even wrote a book about it: Violent Leadership: Be a Force for Change: Disrupt, Innovate.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy and fostering a culture of innovation. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-develop-a-culture-of-success-and-innovation-interview-with-wesley-middleton
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

Jun 19, 2018 • 25min
Strategic Board Leadership & Understanding Your People - Interview with Vivian Smith Ep26
In this episode, we were joined by Vivian Smith who is the Executive Director for the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation. Vivian has worked with the not-for-profit sector for the past 30 years and has held roles such as the Director of Development, Chief Fundraising Officer, and as a consultant, working with small grassroots organizations as well as major universities within BC. Most recently, she joined the team at the Langley Memorial Hospital, and currently volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Langley Chamber of Commerce as well as the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Learn about her best practices for board leadership and strategy development. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/strategic-board-leadership-understanding-your-people-interview-with-vivian-smith-
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

May 10, 2018 • 28min
Developing a Strategy for Constant Change - Interview with Jeong Pyon Ep25
In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we were joined by Jeong Pyon who is the Senior Manager of Group Strategy for an international hotel chain in Vancouver. Hotel strategy is intertwined with revenue management, with the primary goal focusing on booking rooms to the right market segment. To best achieve this, group strategy managers must understand at both transient and group demands and how to plan strategically around these segments.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy in a fast-paced and changing environment. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/developing-a-strategy-for-constant-change-interview-with-jeong-pyon
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

Mar 26, 2018 • 31min
Host your most effective meeting - Interview with Ruth Nicholson Ep24
In this special episode of the strategy and leadership podcast, we were joined by Ruth Nicholson, an IAF certified professional facilitator, and the founder of Go Governance and Operations Resources for Youth Sports, and is a partner of SME Strategy. She has been facilitating for over 25 years, starting out in the science and technology field, and has branched out to work with a variety of sectors. She has also served as a mediator for large groups discussing complex topics like nuclear waste clean-up and endangered species conservation.
Learn about her best practices for facilitating group meetings and strategy sessions. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/host-your-most-effective-meeting-interview-with-ruth-nicholson
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

Feb 12, 2018 • 33min
People and Strategy from a Global Perspective with Archana Iyer Ep23
In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we talk with Archana Iyer. Archana is the Strategy Director at Weber Shandwick. She is a dreamer, a thinker, and a ‘culture vulture’. Originally from India, she worked for nine years in the advertising industry, and won various awards for her work in advertising strategy. She eventually moved to New York City, where she is currently leading strategy with Weber Shandwick and working with a variety of industries and organizations.
Learn about her best practices for developing a global strategy and team. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/people-and-strategy-from-a-global-perspective-interview-with-archana-iyer
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

Jan 22, 2018 • 30min
How to create openness and teamwork with your strategy- Interview with John Pankert Ep22
There are 70 people in the Montreal office, including advertising teams, front and back end developers, content creators, and an in-house strategy team. There are six people on the strategy team who are able to work with diverse strategy needs a client might have. John and his team help clients define their strategy and positioning, create team buy-in, and then build the organization's branding and positioning from that strategy.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy and developing teams. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-create-openness-and-teamwork-with-your-strategy-interview-with-john-pankert
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