

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 StrategyWe facilitate strategic planning to help leadership teams get aligned on where they want to go and what they need to do to get there. Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with the host, Anthony C Taylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Looking for Management Training for your teams? Enroll in our Management Training Program on Strategy Executionhttps://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution
Looking for Management Training for your teams? Enroll in our Management Training Program on Strategy Executionhttps://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 14, 2019 • 39min
How to Monitor and Track Your Strategic Plan Progress: Interview with Carl Cox Ep37
In this episode of our Strategy & Leadership Podcast, we were joined by Carl Cox who is the CEO for for Cascade Strategy North America. Originally an accountant and CFO, Carl started off as a client of Australian based Cascade Strategy. As he developed in his executive roles, he became deeply involved in strategy work and eventually opened Cascade’s US office.
Read our interview summary with Carl: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-monitor-and-track-your-strategic-plan-progress-interview-with-carl-cox
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 26, 2019 • 25min
How to expand your ability to lead. Interview with Rebecca Zucker of Next Step Partners Ep36
Rebecca Zucker joined us for this episode to share her process for developing and coaching organizational leaders.
Check out our summary of our interview with Rebecca: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-expand-your-organizations-leadership-capacity-interview-with-rebecca-zucker
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 6, 2019 • 30min
How to create lasting success in your family business- Interview with Jacob Engel Ep35
Jacob Engel, the CEO of YEDA LLC, a consulting and leadership training company in New York joined us for this episode of our Strategy & Leadership Podcast. Jacob’s work began in his family business that was started by his father, a Holocaust survivor. Over time, Jacob developed this organization, and when the financial market crashed in 2008, he was approached by various organizations and communities for guidance on developing and reinventing their businesses. Jacob has also written about the leadership ideas that his father shared with him, in his book, The Prosperous Leader.
Check out our summary of our interview with Jacob: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/developing-strategic-thinking-inspiring-leaders-in-a-family-business-interview-with-jacob-engel
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 21, 2019 • 31min
How to Develop a Culture of Long-Term Growth - Interview With Paul Supal Ep34
In this episode, we were joined by Paul Supal, the President at DigiStream Investigations. DigiStream is a private intelligence firm, specializing in research and investigation. Their role is to uncover, interpret and preserve open source intelligence for a variety of clients. Paul joined the organization in 2004, when there were around 20 staff members. Over the past 13 years, the organization has grown to include 265 employees, or “streamers”.
Paul started in an entry-level position and worked his way up to leadership positions, which is something he cites as a key part of the DigiStream culture: the opportunity for growth. From managing operations to sales, to accounts, to mentoring managers, to now being the President of their services company, Paul has gained a wide spectrum of leadership experience.
Check out our summary of our interview with Paul: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-develop-a-culture-of-long-term-growth-interview-with-paul-supal
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

Dec 27, 2018 • 29min
How Leaders and Entrepreneurs Can Inspire Action - Interview with Dave Blanchard Ep33
In this episode, we are joined by Dave Blanchard, the CEO of the Og Mandino Leadership Institute, who is also an author, speaker and coach.
With a background in the real estate industry, he was deeply affected by the downturn in 1989, and began to pursue other career options, including writing and working with film and television commercials. This path eventually connected Dave with an opportunity to work with source material written by Og Mandino, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”, which led to the development of the Og Mandino Leadership Institute.
Learn about his best practices for developing people and inspiring action. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-leaders-and-entrepreneurs-can-inspire-action-interview-with-dave-blanchard
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

Dec 4, 2018 • 25min
How a People First Approach Can Maximize Your Strategy - Interview with Ryan Ouwehand Ep32
In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Ryan Ouwehand, joins us to share his tips on motivating teams and leading strategy. With a love of people and a diverse background in sales, marketing, management, and brand strategy, Ryan explains why your people (both employees and clients) and business strategy are so closely linked.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy and developing people. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-a-people-first-approach-can-maximize-your-strategy-interview-with-ryan-ouwehand
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 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