What does healthy Leadership Communication look like and how can you become better at it? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast episode, Anthony Taylor interviews Erin Marcus, founder and CEO of Conquer Your Business. We learn about the importance of having uncomfortable conversations in the workplace. When managers are unhappy with their team's performance but are uncomfortable having a conversation about it, it can lead to resentment and the firing of team members, which is expensive and does not solve the problem. Similarly, when team members are having issues with their superiors, but don't feel comfortable expressing themselves, they can become disengaged and eventually leave, which can harm both the employee and the company. The key to having these difficult conversations is to start with the end goal in mind and to focus on what you want to achieve from the conversation. By taking ownership of our relationships and being proactive about having uncomfortable conversations, we can create better outcomes for everyone involved.

As a business leader, you know that creating and implementing an effective strategic plan can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider: the field your company operates in and how quickly it changes affect the complexity, length, and scope of your strategic plan. It’s crucial to understand the timelines and interdependencies between different components of your plan, and identifying the most critical areas to focus on first will help ensure that your plan is achievable and impactful. But have you ever wondered what process you need to go through and how long your strategic planning and execution timelines should actually be? If so, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve invited Tagil Green, the Chief Strategy Officer at Bank Hapoalim, Israel’s Largest Bank to share her insights on how to “Right-size your Strategic Planning” as a large organization. In this podcast, we’ll discuss the following topics with Tagil Green: - How multinational organizations can navigate the complexities of the strategic planning process, including timelines, prioritization, and cultural relevance. - How to align your strategic plan with your organization’s values and mission regardless of its size. - How can CEOs and CSOs of large organizations get buy-in from their stakeholders during the strategic planning process? Remember, your strategic plan can’t fix everything. While it should address your most significant challenges and opportunities, some issues may require separate initiatives to ensure it is fully executed. Keep your plan focused and manageable, and you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals and make meaningful progress.

Bill Murray fans this is for you! Do you want to know how a community-driven business can build brand loyalty and drive demand? Look no further than Kerry Michaels, the co-founder and CEO of William Murray Golf. In this episode, we sit down with Kerry to discuss the incredible story of William Murray Golf and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way. Kerry shares how William Murray Golf grew into an authentic community of diverse individuals who share a love for golf and the brand's spirit. One of the things that made William Murray Golf stand out was its scarcity model, which built demand for the brand. Kerry shares how they started with limited inventory, buying only a couple of hundred polos, and sold out very quickly. This scarcity model led to demand for the brand, with customers eagerly awaiting new releases and sometimes waiting up to 12 or 18 months to see a popular polo again. Kerry also offers some practical advice for business leaders growing their companies. She emphasizes the importance of clear guardrails and priorities for yourself and your team, as well as saying yes to the right things and ignoring distractions to set your business on the right path. Through Kerry's experiences in building a community-driven business, she demonstrates that building a brand around a strong community can drive demand, build loyalty, and create authentic connections between people. Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating story of William Murray Golf and learn from Kerry's journey in growing this unique and inspiring brand. Check out the William Murray Golf Brand: https://www.williammurraygolf.com/ #CommunityDrivenBusiness #BrandLoyalty #ScarcityModel #BusinessLeadership ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Looking for a sample agenda for your strategic planning offsite? https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/sample-strategic-planning-agenda // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

How can senior leadership teams create and sustain strong partnerships that endure over time? In this episode, we explore the critical factors that enable effective collaboration, including the importance of complementary skills, the demands of multitasking, and the distinctive roles of CEOs and COOs in both startup and mature company settings. In essence, co-founders must be adaptable and allocate responsibilities based on each other's strengths, while supporting one another in their respective roles to ensure seamless operations. That's why we invited Tanis Jorge, the founder of Co-founders Hub, who brings a wealth of experience from co-founding and leading multiple successful startups, including Twilio. Tanis shares her insights and expertise on how co-founders can strengthen their partnerships and avoid common challenges that arise when leading a company, including the impact of communication on relationships, the importance of building trust, and the role of conflict resolution in senior leadership partnerships to help create more successful outcomes for your organization. Given the scarcity of resources and tools available to co-founders seeking to strengthen their businesses through stronger partnerships, Tanis decided to share her experience through her book, Co-founders Handbook, and her company, Co-founders Hub. Co-founders Hub is an online resource that provides co-founders with the necessary tools and support to enhance their collaboration and drive business success. Get in touch with Tanis: https://www.tanisjorge.com/ #leadershipdevelopment #teamcommunication #csuite #cofounder ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Looking for a sample agenda for your strategic planning offsite? https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/sample-strategic-planning-agenda // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

Strategy and Leadership Podcast #214 Are you a CEO or a business leader looking to gain insights on how to lead your organization during uncertain times? Then you won't want to miss this episode of our podcast. We're excited to welcome Liz Hoffman, a business and finance editor at Semaphore and former reporter at the Wall Street Journal. Liz has spent 15 years covering finance and business, with a particular focus on corporate mergers, investment banking, and Wall Street. Her new book, "Crash Landing: The Inside Story of How the World's Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink," takes readers behind the scenes of some of the biggest corporate stories of the pandemic era. In this episode, Liz shares her experience reporting on the pandemic through the lens of economics and business, and what she learned from talking to CEOs, investors, and policymakers during a once-in-a-lifetime event. She also discusses how leaders can navigate uncertainty and transform their organizations for long-term success, drawing on insights from her book and her years covering business and finance. If you're a CEO or business leader looking to stay ahead of the curve, don't miss this episode. Join us as we talk to Liz about what it takes to lead through uncertain times and build a resilient organization. Semafor's business and finance editor, Liz Hoffman, was formerly a senior reporter at The Wall Street Journal, specializing in financial markets, corporate deal-making, and Wall Street's workings. A native of central Pennsylvania, Hoffman is a graduate of Tufts University and the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She now resides in Brooklyn, New York and has recently published a book titled "Crash Landing: The Inside Story of How the World's Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink" in 2023. Get Liz Book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Crash-Landing-Biggest-Companies-Survived-ebook/dp/B099362G7P ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Looking for a sample agenda for your strategic planning offsite? https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/sample-strategic-planning-agenda // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

In this episode of the strategy and leadership podcast, We had the pleasure of speaking with a special guest about a topic that is vital to any business: leadership. As we all know, just holding a managerial position doesn't automatically make you a great leader. It's a constantly evolving journey where you need to learn, grow, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. But let's face it, this journey is far from linear. You'll encounter uncertainties, setbacks, and triumphs. So, how do you navigate this journey? This is where Sandeep Chennakeshu comes in. As the former CTO of Ericsson and President of Blackberry, Sandeep has spent over three decades leading teams across fourteen countries, pioneering products in wireless, semiconductors, and mission-critical software. His experience has given him practical insights on how to transform organizations for long-term success. 
In this podcast we talk about: - the different stages of the leadership journey and how to embrace them as they come - Finding a balance between your strategy and culture. - The biggest challenge of adjusting to leading outside your comfort zone - and the “curse” of being a CEO.
 Find the principles he discussed outlined in his new book: "Your Company Is Your Castle", to help transform businesses for sustainable growth and profitability: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Company-Castle-Building-Resilient/dp/1957616040

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony is joined by Douglas Cole to discuss the latest and most effective sales techniques for 2023, The key challenges that sales professionals face in the new attention economy, including opening and closing deals with clients juggling multiple priorities and seemingly limited resources. We also examine the best strategies for influencing corporate buyers. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you succeed in the dynamic and ever-changing world of sales Douglas Cole is an accomplished Enterprise Sales Leader currently serving at LinkedIn Sales Solutions. He is also the esteemed author of "The Sales MBA: How to Influence Corporate Buyers". In addition to his sales leadership role, he actively contributes to internal education at LinkedIn by serving as a distinguished faculty member of LinkedIn's Data-Driven University (DDU) and spearheading the development of professional development programs in partnership with institutional stakeholders. #In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony is joined by Douglas Cole to discuss the latest and most effective sales techniques for 2023, The key challenges that sales professionals face in the new attention economy, including opening and closing deals with clients juggling multiple priorities and seemingly limited resources. We also examine the best strategies for influencing corporate buyers. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you succeed in the dynamic and ever-changing world of sales Douglas Cole is an accomplished Enterprise Sales Leader currently serving at LinkedIn Sales Solutions. He is also the esteemed author of "The Sales MBA: How to Influence Corporate Buyers". In addition to his sales leadership role, he actively contributes to internal education at LinkedIn by serving as a distinguished faculty member of LinkedIn's Data-Driven University (DDU) and spearheading the development of professional development programs in partnership with institutional stakeholders. #Leadershiplessons #salestips #SaaSsales Work with us: Are you looking for someone to help support your organization in building a high-performing team: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Looking for a sample agenda for your strategic planning offsite? https://www.smestrategy.net/blog/sample-strategic-planning-agenda // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

Strategy and Leadership Podcast Ep. #211 In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, We talk to Nick Donofrio. He joins us to talk about his lessons learned in leadership from 44 years of leadership at IBM, What to do as a leader while the speed of technological change and digital transformation seems overwhelming, Where to invest your time, and prioritize what areas to improve during uncertain times, and shares some time- tested wisdom on approaching team building and layoffs as a leader. Nick Donofrio is a 44-year IBM veteran who led IBM’s technology and innovation strategies from 1997 until his retirement in October 2008. He also was vice chairman of the IBM International Foundation and chairman of the Board of Governors for the IBM Academy of Technology. Nick is the co-author of the book “If Nothing Changes, Nothing Changes”. Where he explains how he led IBM’s global technical team to embrace market-centric, focus redefining innovation and sparking worldwide collaboration. Get his book here: https://www.amazon.com/If-Nothing-Changes-Donofrio-Story-ebook/dp/B0B178D91G ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-alignment-program ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course

Strategy and Leadership Podcast Ep. 210 In this episode of the strategy and leadership podcast, Martin Birch joins us to discuss, Leadership lessons he's learned from managing a technology business through the pandemic, his approach to talent retention in 2023, and how tech leaders can ensure they get strategy buy-in from their remote and hybrid teams. Martin Birch is the CEO and President of IBML, a company that makes scanning and data capture software that helps you get useful information from even the most complicated documents and speed it up so it can be used right away in business applications. Learn more about our approach:https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-consultant-strategy-facilitator Click here to see how we've helped organizations across North America with their strategy execution: https://clutch.co/profile/sme-strategy-consulting#summary ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Read our blog on Strategy and Leadership: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-alignment-program ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course

Tim joins us in this episode of the strategy and leadership podcast to discuss the disconnect between many organizations' digital transformation objectives and the reality of their strategy implementation, Why you should make proactive rather than reactive digital investments (External pressure or losing market share) and how to successfully link your digital transformation plans with your strategy implementation plans. Tim Bottke is a Senior Strategy Partner at Deloitte and the author of the recently released book Digital Transformation Payday: Navigate the Hype, Lower the Risks, Increase Return on Investments. Tim is also an Associate Professor of Strategy and Digital Transformation at SDA Bocconi, one of the top business schools in the world. Check out his book here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0BPF7RT7J/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 ► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1 ➡ Read our blog on Strategy and Leadership: https://www.smestrategy.net/blog // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // 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. ► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-alignment-program ► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW ► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course