

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

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

Dec 4, 2017 • 31min
The Importance Of Your People & Why Connections Matter In Your Organization - Lorie Corcuera Ep21
When organizational values are either absent or not integrated or shared, there can be inconsistent behaviours. Other problems can arise, such as friction, conflict and disengagement. When values are communicated and shared, the leadership team can foster an environment of authenticity, creativity, and innovation, which is all built on human connection and trust.
During the podcast, Lorie shares some tips on how to become a better person and a better leader, which can lead to lasting positive impacts for your organization.
Learn about her best practices for leading strategy and developing culture. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/the-importance-of-your-people-why-connections-matter-in-your-organization-interview-with-lorie-corcuera
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 17, 2017 • 24min
How to Become a Social Enterprise - With Bob Prenovost Ep 20
Bob Prenovost, who is the Managing Principle at Propeller Advisors, joined us on our Strategy & Leadership Podcast to explain the strategic benefits of social enterprises. While we commonly think of a social enterprise as being either a non-profit or a not-for-profit organization, a social enterprise can also be a for-profit company that is committed to a social cause, whether it be for example humanitarian or environmental. Regardless of the sector, Propeller Advisors' mission is to help organizations become social enterprises.
We asked Bob why organizations might be interested in becoming social enterprises, especially non-profit organizations who might be struggling to retain funding. He explained that government and donor funding is increasingly limited, and not guaranteed, and the continuous search for funding may take more resources and output than income generated in the end.
Learn about his best practices for strategy and leadership. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/how-to-become-a-social-enterprise-interview-with-bob-prenovost
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 14, 2017 • 29min
Brock McDonald -Building the system around your strategy.Ep 19
In this episode of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Brock McDonald, the CEO of the Recycling Council of BC, joined us to chat about strategic planning, team building, establishing partnerships and leading initiatives within a non-profit environmental organization. Brock has worked with the Recycling Council of BC since 2003 where their mission is to minimize and eventually eliminate waste.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/brock-mcdonald-building-the-system-around-your-strategy
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 16, 2017 • 29min
What is the Role of a Strategy Leader? Interview with Jonathan Rewers Ep 18
In this issue of our Strategy and Leadership Podcast, we talked with Jonathan Rewers, the Manager of Design Strategy and Delivery at the City and County of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. While Jonathan works with a wide variety of projects within his role, his main purpose is to lead teams through the strategy process to provide innovative ideas and solutions for city transportation. In essence, Jonathan is a problem solver.
Learn about his best practices for leading strategy. See the full post here: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/what-is-the-role-of-a-strategy-leader-interview-with-jonathan-rewers
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