Strategy and Leadership Podcast | SME Strategy Consulting

Mastering Strategic Planning: Lessons from Dawn Reese's Leadership at The Wooden Floor

About the Guest:
Dawn Reese is the CEO of The Wooden Floor, a creative youth development organization that empowers young people through the transformative power of dance and access to higher education. With over 15 years at The Wooden Floor, Dawn has driven significant organizational growth, guided by her expertise in strategy, business development, and finance. Her career began in the technology sector before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, where she applies her business acumen to make meaningful community impact. Dawn is also a proponent of strategic planning and servant leadership.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor. Dawn shares her incredible journey from the tech sector to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives through dance and education. The episode dives into the strategic planning and leadership approaches that have driven The Wooden Floor's success. Listen in to discover how strategic visioning and a commitment to people-centric leadership can drive meaningful change in both organizations and communities.
Dawn Reese elaborates on how The Wooden Floor is more than just a dance studio; it's a creative youth development organization that supports underserved children through dance education, academic support, and college readiness programs. With 100% of their students enrolling in higher education since 2005, Dawn outlines the organization's strategic growth from its humble beginnings to its current expansive reach. The conversation delves into the importance of a long-term strategic plan that includes chapters allowing for iterative progress, stakeholder engagement, and intentional growth that aligns with the organization's mission.
The episode also emphasizes the crucial role of servant leadership and empathy in cultivating a thriving organizational culture. Dawn's dedication to fostering a supportive and accountable work environment has led to impressive retention rates within her team. She candidly shares lessons learned from past experiences and underscores the importance of living out a clear mission-driven vision. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for leaders aiming to implement effective strategic planning while leading with heart and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
The Wooden Floor goes beyond being a dance studio, transforming young lives through dance education and college readiness, ensuring 100% of students enroll in higher education.
Strategic planning involves a long-term vision with iterative chapters that allow for flexible and responsive growth, rather than rigid SMART goals.
Servant leadership and empathy are key to fostering strong, dedicated teams and ensuring organizational success.
Effective strategic planning requires strong stakeholder engagement, listening, and implementation as insights are gathered.
Having a growth filter ensures decisions are mission-driven and sustainable, aligning with the organization's core values and strategic objectives.
Notable Quotes:
"We inspire and transform young people through the power of dance and access to higher education." – Dawn Reese
"Not a lot of organizations can do a 10-year vision...we set the vision for the organization." – Dawn Reese
"For us, it's been really intentional about how we want it...we don't want to grow for growth's sake." – Dawn Reese
"If they're taken care of, then they'll take care of our mission." – Dawn Reese
"If I'm ever a CEO, I want to be the person that people can talk to and count on." – Dawn Reese
Resources:
Website: The Wooden Floor
Dawn Reese on LinkedIn: Dawn S. Reese
Tune into this episode for an in-depth look at how strategic planning and servant leadership can transform an organization and its community impact. Whether you're in the nonprofit sector or corporate world, there's a wealth of practical insights and inspiration to be found. Stay tuned
 
The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting.
Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

Mastering Talent Acquisition: Insights from Fletcher Wimbush

 
Fletcher Wimbush is the CEO of Discovered, a leader in talent acquisition and assessment. With a rich background in entrepreneurship and leadership, Fletcher has spent years perfecting the process of matching the right talent with the right roles. His journey in talent acquisition began at a young age, and he has since built on that foundation with extensive industry experience, including opening 25 delis straight out of college and turning around a failing business unit in the commercial dish machine industry. Under his guidance, his company is known for leveraging assessments to improve hiring processes.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor invites Fletcher Wimbush, CEO of Discovered, to delve into the intricacies of talent acquisition. Broadcasting from Southern California, Fletcher draws on decades of experience in the field, sharing vital insights into improving recruitment processes and retaining top talent. The conversation is underpinned by the exploration of performance-based job descriptions, structured interviewing, and the pros and cons of leveraging AI in hiring. As Fletcher outlines, understanding the precise requirements of a job through job analysis is crucial to finding the right fit.
Fletcher highlights the significance of structured interviews and performance-based job descriptions as tools to combat common hiring pitfalls — underscoring the financial and cultural repercussions of hiring the wrong candidate. He emphasizes the importance of conducting a thorough job analysis and using resume reviews, performance-based interviewing, and technical assessments to identify a candidate's potential longevity and fit. Fletcher also touches on the innovative use of AI tools like ChatGPT in streamlining hiring processes, while cautioning about the need for skilled oversight to ensure quality results.
Key Takeaways:
Conducting a thorough job analysis and creating performance-based job descriptions are pivotal to successful hiring.
Resumes should be used as an initial screening tool to identify potential longevity and fit.
Structured interviewing and performance-based interviewing are among the most predictive methods to assess candidate suitability.
AI can be a powerful tool in recruitment but requires expertise to leverage effectively.
Hiring processes should consider both demonstrated skills and potential for growth, depending on the role's requirements.
 
The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting.
Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

From Four Loko to Koya: Chris Hunter's Unconventional Journey in the Beverage Industry

Chris Hunter is a renowned entrepreneur in the beverage industry, known for co-founding both Four Loko and Koya. With a rich history in business development and brand-building, Chris spearheaded the growth of the iconic Four Loko brand, infamous for its initial high-energy concoction and its prominence in the alcohol market. Transitioning to a focus on health and wellness, he co-founded Koya, a plant-based beverage company aiming to provide nutritious and delicious options. Chris is also an author, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and insights in his newly released book "Blackout Punch."
 
The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting.
Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

Rhythm and the Game of Life: Leadership Lessons from Ping Pong w/ Justin Bookey

Justin Bookey is the founder and CEO of Pongfit, a nonprofit organization that promotes the sport of ping pong for mental and physical fitness. He has a diverse professional background with experience in law, communications management, consulting, content strategy, and brand strategy. As a US Open medalist in table tennis, Justin channels his passion for the sport into leadership development, drawing parallels between successful sportsmanship and executive leadership skills. Recently, he authored a book entitled "Ping Pong Leadership," which explores how to succeed in both business and ping pong.
 
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The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting.
Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
 

Disrupt or Be Disrupted: The Ecosystem of Personalized Experiences with David Edelman

David Edelman is the co-author of "Personalized: The Customer Strategy in the Age of AI." Throughout the conversation, David shares the transformative power of personalization in today’s tech-driven landscape, sharing critical insights derived from his book and extensive professional experience. Their discussion covers how personalization extends beyond simple name mentions to encompass entire customer experience transformations driven by AI and strategic data use.
The episode delves deeply into the theme of empowerment through personalization, emphasizing the role of technology—particularly generative AI—in creating tailored customer experiences at scale. Anthony and David discuss various industries, from transportation to music streaming, and how these sectors utilize personalized strategies to stay competitive. The dialogue also warns against common pitfalls like appearing 'creepy' by mishandling customer data and underscores the importance of developing agile, test-and-learn frameworks to perfect personalization initiatives. As David points out, "Personalization is a lot about testing and learning."
Key Takeaways:
Personalization is much more than individualized marketing—it transforms entire customer experiences by leveraging detailed data insights effectively.
Companies are urged to promise and deliver empowerment, understanding, convenience, and continuous improvement to their customers through personalized strategies.
The balance between privacy and personalization is crucial. Customers should feel empowered and not invaded by predictive technology and data use.
Future trends in personalization will leverage AI to not only provide suggestions but to actively perform tasks, leading to the rise of agentic AI.
Creating data through customer interactions is critical for enhancing personalization while being transparent with data utilization to avoid being 'creepy.'
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveedelman/
Amazon Book: https://www.amazon.com/Personalized-Customer-Strategy-Age-AI-ebook/dp/B0CT49NK2V
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The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting. Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

How to Transform Customer Experience into a Strategic Advantage w/ David Ewing

On this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Anthony Taylor engages with David Ewing, CEO of Motiv and President of EO Austin, in a compelling discussion on the importance of customer experience as a strategic initiative. David shares insights from his two decades of experience in transforming customer engagement and how small actions, when systemized, can lead to big results. This episode dives deep into the intersection of strategy and customer experience, showcasing how businesses can leverage customer touchpoints to foster enduring loyalty and advocacy.
David emphasizes that creating positive, repeatable customer experiences can be a game-changer for companies looking to do more with less. With references to companies like Chewy.com, he illustrates how smart, strategic decisions, supported by data, can enhance customer lifecycle value. The episode also touches on automation's role in scaling these efforts in larger enterprises. David shares practical steps for businesses large and small to identify and capitalize on moments that matter to their customers, ensuring that even automated interactions feel personal and thoughtful. Throughout, the conversation delves into the significance of combining strategic thinking with empathetic customer engagement to drive business results.
Key Takeaways:
Importance of Customer Experience: David Ewing emphasizes positioning customer experience at the center of strategic business operations, turning it into a strength that can be leveraged for greater business success.
Scaling Care with Technology: Automation and data systems are critical in allowing businesses to replicate personalized customer experiences on a larger scale without losing the personal touch.
Moments That Matter: Identifying and acting on significant customer interactions — both positive and negative — can strengthen customer relationships and brand loyalty.
Cross-Selling Opportunities: Engaging customers during peak emotional moments can unlock valuable cross-selling opportunities, enhancing customer lifetime value efficiently.
Continuous Innovation in Strategy: Businesses should continuously assess and innovate their strategies to realign with the ever-changing customer expectations and industry dynamics.
 
The Strategy and Leadership podcast is hosted by SME Strategy Consulting. Connect with them when you are looking for a strategic planning facilitator for your next strategy offsite.https://www.smestrategy.net/en/strategic-planning-facilitator
Want to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-course
Connect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

Transforming Ideas into Action: Effective Execution Tactics for CEOs w/Patrick Thean

Join host Anthony Taylor as he engages with Patrick Thean, CEO of Rhythm Systems, on the Strategy and Leadership podcast. They explore the importance of strategic execution, the concept of rhythm in managing organizational success, and how a leader’s personal style can impact a team. Patrick shares insights on accountability, CEO challenges, and aligning leadership strengths with business objectives. Discover how maintaining the right rhythm can help leaders support their teams effectively, ensuring sustainable growth and reduced stress in the corporate environment.
 
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Secrets Behind Chick-fil-A's 35 Years of Marketing Brilliance with former CMO Steve Robinson

Steve Robinson is a renowned speaker, consultant, and author, highly recognized for his impactful career at Chick-fil-A. Serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for 35 years, Steve was instrumental in transforming Chick-fil-A from a modest franchise to a multi-billion dollar brand. He is the author of the book "Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A," which delves into the innovative strategies that fueled Chick-fil-A’s success. Growing up in Foley, Alabama, Steve's early exposure to his father’s entrepreneurial ventures sparked his interest in sales and marketing, leading him to a storied career marked by significant achievements and industry-defining marketing philosophies.
 
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Episode Summary:
In this captivating episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor engages in an insightful conversation with Steve Robinson, the former Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Chick-fil-A. Steve shares compelling anecdotes from his illustrious career, detailing his journey from humble beginnings in Foley, Alabama, to becoming a key figure at one of America’s most successful fast-food brands.
Through engaging reflections, Steve takes us through his 35-year tenure at Chick-fil-A, emphasizing the importance of developing a cohesive and purposeful company culture. He discusses the critical role of building relationships over transactions, a philosophy that not only differentiated Chick-fil-A but also established it as a customer-centric brand. With a focus on sustainable and long-term growth, Steve sheds light on the strategic decisions that allowed Chick-fil-A to flourish into a $22 billion company. From the creation of the iconic Cow Campaign to innovative marketing strategies rooted in generosity and community service, this episode is packed with invaluable lessons for marketers and business leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on Culture Over Strategy: Developing a cohesive culture where values and long-term goals are clear can significantly enhance innovation, decision-making, and overall business success.
Build Relationships, Not Transactions: Prioritizing customer relationships and community engagement leads to sustained growth and brand loyalty.
Stewardship and Generosity: Embodying stewardship and practicing generosity can create a lasting impression and foster a positive corporate reputation.
Leadership and Stability: Maintaining stable leadership in-store through experienced and invested operators is key to operational and cultural stability.
Endearing and Enduring Brand: Focusing on making the brand endearing ensures its endurance, as shown through successful campaigns and customer interactions.
Notable Quotes:
"The most important decisions we make here are who we hire, who we invite to join the organization, because we don't train culture here. We hire it." - Steve Robinson
"We discovered that marketing was kind of an uphill climb in the TI environment." - Steve Robinson
"If we're going to have positive influence on people, we're going to focus on building relationships, not transactions." - Steve Robinson
"Our food is worth full price. We need to figure out how to market this business and grow volume, grow the brand, but differently than the rest of the industry." - Steve Robinson
"If you don't have alignment with what's really important to Truett and the Cathy family, then you really don't understand who Chick-fil-A is." - Steve Robinson
Resources:
LinkedIn: Steve Robinson LinkedIn
Book: Covert Cows and Chick-fil-A
Website: srobinsonconsulting.com
Dive deeper into Steve Robinson’s fascinating journey and learn how the principles of purpose and culture can transform your business by listening to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on the Strategy and Leadership podcast.

From Flip Phones to AI: The Evolution of Technology in Banking w/David Becker CEO and Chairman of First Internet Bank

David Becker is the CEO and Chairman of First Internet Bank, located in Indiana. Known as the "Tech Godfather" of Indiana, David's career in technology spans over 40 years. He founded First Internet Bank in 1999, pioneering online banking against the backdrop of skepticism and traditional banking norms. Under his leadership, the bank has grown to over $5 billion in assets, servicing retail and commercial customers across all 50 states in the U.S. David has also been influential in modernizing the Indiana tech and banking sectors through innovative services and partnerships.
 
 
 
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Unlocking Creativity: Lessons from a Global CEO | Toby Southgate Global a CEO at Forsman & Bodenfors

Anthony Taylor hosts Toby Southgate, global CEO of Forsman & Bodenfors, on the Strategy and Leadership Podcast. Toby reflects on his journey from cricket ambitions to leading a global creative collective. They delve into the essence of creative problem-solving, the importance of small, empowered teams, and radical collaboration. Toby shares insights on leading creatives, aligning teams to solve complex problems, and the unique attributes of ambidextrous thinkers in the marketing industry. Tune in for lessons on navigating the evolving marketing landscape and the indispensable human element in this dynamic field.
 
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