This SME Strategy Podcast episode features technology and leadership innovator Kevin Surace, offering expert guidance on leveraging generative AI to enhance content creation and drive strategic growth and strategic planning.

Learn how to make better decisions, improve your customer experience, and cultivate a culture of joy in work that supports your business strategy. Kevin's perspectives on leadership in 2025 and the role of innovation are crucial for any business aiming for strategic success.

Tune in for practical takeaways on building a future-forward business strategy powered by AI.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Kevin Surace and His Work
• 03:00 The Role of AI in Modern Business
• 06:02 Generative AI: Transforming Content Creation
• 09:04 AI in Leadership and Decision Making
• 11:46 The Joy Success Cycle: Finding Joy in Work
• 18:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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// 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.

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► Take The Aligned Strategy Course: Leading a strategic planning session of your own? Get the tools you need to be effective in our Aligned Strategy Course. https://courses.smestrategy.net/

► Strategy Leadership Toolkit: Unlock your potential as a leader with a comprehensive toolkit designed for managers. Master strategic decision-making, planning, and stakeholder engagement to drive effective change. https://courses.smestrategy.net/

This episode of the SME Strategy & Leadership podcast focusses on navigating hyper-growth, the power of servant leadership, and crucial exit strategies relevant for 2025.

Cameron Bishop of Raincatcher shares his extensive experience in leading companies through significant transformations, emphasizing effective communication, employee engagement, and the strategic steps businesses must take to maximize their value for a successful exit.

Key Takeaways:

Hyper-Growth & Leadership: Learn how servant leadership principles can effectively guide and sustain hyper-growth within an organization.

Employee-Centric Strategies: Discover the value of employee engagement, active listening, and fostering a collaborative organizational culture.

The Power of Communication: Understand why transparent and frequent communication is vital during periods of transformation and change.

Strategic Exit Planning: Gain insights into the critical steps and mindset shifts required to strategically plan for a successful business exit in the current landscape of 2025.

Maximizing Business Value: Learn why proactive planning and working "on" your business, rather than just "in" it, is essential for achieving optimal business valuation.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Management Styles
• 02:53 Navigating Challenges in Business
• 06:08 Transformational Leadership and Employee Engagement
• 08:59 Communication and Integration in Organizations
• 11:48 Building a Diverse Leadership Team
• 14:54 Preparing for Business Exit Strategies
• 18:08 The Importance of Business Valuation and Planning

If you're in a period of hyper-growth, going through transformational change, or planning your exit strategy, consider a strategic planning facilitator to align your team and clarify your vision.

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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://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0

On this episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, global management thought leader Faisal Hoque serves up essential guidance on the evolving landscape of AI and technology in 2025. He underscores the vital role of purpose-driven leadership in navigating today's market uncertainty. Faisal introduces the CARE framework as a fundamental structure for AI governance, addressing the critical ethical concerns and potential risks of AI. This discussion emphasizes the collective responsibility of leaders, organizations, and governments in guiding the development and application of AI responsibly. Understand why a clear strategic approach to AI is now a core necessity.

Key Takeaways:

• AI demands a fundamental shift in strategic leadership, strategic management, and strategic thinking. Effective strategic planning and implementation must account for current market uncertainty.
• Focus and purpose are foundational for effective business and strategic leadership.
• The CARE framework provides a clear method for assessing critical AI risks.
• AI offers significant potential for predictive modelling, including healthcare advancements.
• Over-reliance on AI can lead to a decline in fundamental human capabilities.
• Sound AI governance hinges on shared collective responsibility.
• The ongoing evolution of AI requires adaptable and decisive leadership.
• Understanding the balance of opportunity and risk is a core element of strategic planning.
• Direct engagement with ethical considerations is essential for AI implementation.

Chapters:

• 00:00 The Essentials of AI and Technology in 2025
• 03:05 Navigating Business Uncertainty: A Leadership Imperative
• 06:12 The Foundational Role of Purpose-Driven Leadership in the Age of AI
• 09:12 The CARE Framework: Essential AI Governance
• 10:47 Understanding the Real Risks and Ethical Concerns of AI
• 19:26 Collective Responsibility: The Bedrock of AI Development

// Connect with us:

► Contact us: https://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0

► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: / 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://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0

Join Anthony Taylor, a seasoned strategic planning facilitator and the host of the SME Strategy Podcast, as he sits down with Jonathan Ferrari, the visionary founder, CEO, and chairman of Goodfood. Discover how Jonathan transformed a simple idea (fresh meal kits) into a national Canadian brand, delivering over 15 million meals annually and employing nearly a thousand people.

Jonathan shares his vision for strategic growth and his journey from investment banking to revolutionizing the Canadian food delivery landscape. We explore the strategic decisions that propelled Goodfood's growth, including:

1. Navigating Early Challenges: Learn how Goodfood overcame logistical hurdles and innovated in temperature-controlled packaging, moving from apartment deliveries to a nationwide network.

2. Strategic Diversification: Explore the company's bold move into Bitcoin reserves and its strategic acquisition of Genuine Tea, showcasing innovative approaches to asset management and growth.

3. Building a Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Understand how Goodfood prioritized quality, sustainability, and social impact, partnering with organizations like the Breakfast Club of Canada to address food insecurity.

4. Leadership and Thought Leadership: Gain valuable lessons into Jonathan's strategic vision and leadership philosophy.

As a strategic management facilitator, Anthony Taylor expertly guides the conversation, extracting key takeaways that you can apply to your own business.

Chapters:

00:00 The Birth of Goodfood: A Culinary Journey

03:04 Challenges in the Food Delivery Space

06:04 Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovations

09:05 Social Impact and Community Engagement 12:02 Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve

17:59 Acquisition and Supporting Food Entrepreneurs

Key Takeaways:

- Goodfood was founded in 2014 to address food delivery needs.

- The company delivers 15 million meals annually and employs nearly 1,000 people.

- Sustainability in packaging is a core focus for Goodfood.

- Goodfood has donated over a million meals to combat food insecurity.

- The company has adopted Bitcoin as a strategic reserve for financial growth.

- Building a direct-to-consumer logistics network was a significant challenge.

- Community engagement is vital for Goodfood's mission.

- Goodfood aims to support other food entrepreneurs through acquisitions.

- Sourcing local and healthy ingredients is a core value at Goodfood.

- Jonathan's entrepreneurial spirit drives the company's innovative strategies.

If you're looking for expert guidance in strategic management facilitation, visit our website at www.smestrategy.net to learn more about our services and how we can help your organization achieve its strategic goals.

// 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

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor chats with Ben Lamorte, an OKR expert, to break down how to actually make progress and drive measurable outcomes. Think OKRS explained without pretense.

Ben, who's been helping teams nail their goals for years, reveals a major pitfall: treating OKRs as mere to-do lists. He'll show you how to ditch the vague "to-dos" and start setting goals that are actually measurable, like "Increase website traffic by 20% in Q3" instead of just "Launch a new marketing campaign." Plus, he'll explain why knowing why your goals matter is just as important as what they are.

Anthony and Ben talk about how to move away from just "doing what you're told" and towards a team that's focused on real results. Ben shares easy-to-follow tips on how to communicate your goals to your boss and how to tweak your OKRs to make sure they're working for your team in your strategic planning and strategy implementation..

We'll also dive into the importance of change management and stakeholder engagement. Successfully implementing OKRs requires more than just a framework; it demands a shift from compliance to a performance-driven environment. Learn how to effectively communicate the benefits of OKRs, address resistance, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability-- and how a skilled strategic planning facilitator or strategic planning consultant can guide teams to define and track relevant metrics, ensuring alignment throughout the strategic planning process.

We discuss how to drive performance through effective OKRs by focusing on measurable outcomes and building a culture of accountability. Ben emphasizes the iterative nature of OKRs, suggesting you think of them like "rough drafts." The real value is in learning from what didn't work and quickly changing course.

Key Takeaways:

• OKRs require practical application beyond theoretical training.
• Common mistakes include treating OKRs as to-do lists.
• Effective OKRs focus on measurable outcomes, not just activities.
• Change management is crucial for successful OKR implementation.
• Communication of objectives should start with the end goal in mind.
• Compliance work does not align well with the OKR framework.
• Iterative processes allow for learning and adaptation in goal setting.
• Quality of outcomes is more important than quantity of tasks.
• Support and coaching are essential for mastering OKRs.
• Organizations should embrace a performance-oriented culture.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to OKRs and Their Importance
• 02:48 - Common Mistakes in Implementing OKRs
• 06:02 - The Role of Change Management in OKRs
• 08:55 - Compliance Culture vs. Performance Culture
• 11:56 - Effective Communication of Objectives
• 14:59 - Iterative Nature of OKRs
• 17:46 - Conclusion and Resources

Learn More About OKRs: Visit Ben Lamorte at www.OKRS.com

// 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

In this episode we are joined by Dana Caspersen, TedX speaker and author of "Conflict is an Opportunity," who reveals how to:

• Shift from blame to collaborative solutions.
• Cultivate curiosity and active listening.
• Make requests, not demands, for buy-in.
• Avoid the high cost of conflict avoidance.
• Build strategic capacity through conscious decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• Conflict is often viewed negatively, but it can be a creative space.
• Curiosity is essential for navigating conflict effectively.
• Trust can develop through open and honest communication.
• Avoiding conflict leads to a loss of information and relationships.
• Leaders should focus on the situation, not the person, in conflict.
• Expressing needs without blame fosters better communication.
• Understanding different perspectives is crucial in conflict resolution.
• Conflict can reveal important information that may otherwise be overlooked.
• Engaging in conflict can lead to more conscious decision-making.
• Building power together in conflict can lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 The Dance of Conflict: An Introduction

10:01 Understanding Conflict as an Opportunity

20:05 Navigating Power Dynamics in Conflict

// 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

In this episode, Anthony Taylor talks with Maggie Olson, a former T-Mobile Chief of Staff, about what that job really means. They cover how it's a strategic role, not just admin, how it differs from other leadership roles, and what skills are needed. Maggie explains how to become a Chief of Staff and why leaders should consider hiring one to boost efficiency. This podcast reveals how hiring Chief of Staff can be your secret weapon to strategic success.

TAKEAWAYS

• Chiefs of Staff are strategic partners for leaders.
• The role is expanding as leaders seek higher-level support.
• A Chief of Staff organizes and prioritizes initiatives for leaders.
• Networking is crucial for aspiring Chiefs of Staff.
• Look for roles that involve high-level support, not just administrative tasks.
• Experience in customer service can enhance a Chief of Staff's effectiveness.
• Special projects can provide valuable experience for future Chiefs of Staff.
• A Chief of Staff needs strong access to the leader to be effective.
• Understanding the unique needs of the organization is key to success.
• Consider the timing and readiness of the organization before hiring a Chief of Staff.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Chief of Staff Role
• 03:04The Evolution and Importance of the Chief of Staff
• 05:59 Identifying the Right Fit for Chief of Staff
• 08:58 Career Pathways to Becoming a Chief of Staff
• 12:07 Skills and Experiences that Shape a Chief of Staff
• 14:54 Final Thoughts and Resources for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

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► 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