Strategy and Leadership Podcast | SME Strategy Consulting

President Private Cloud Of Rackspace - Brian Lillie On Customer Inspired Innovation

Customer inspired innovation is the belief that when you listen to your customers, they will guide you where you need to go. This is what our Brian Lillie, the President of Private Cloud at Rackspace, explains to us today along with his profound insights on leadership and the evolving landscape of technology. With a background spanning the US Air Force and various leadership roles, Brian emphasizes the crucial balance between customer-inspired innovation and tech push. He discusses the transformative potential of AI across industries, addressing macro trends and sustainability concerns. Brian advocates for setting high standards, fostering creativity, and creating a safe, caring environment. This episode is a compelling exploration of leadership, innovation, and the future of technology. Don’t miss out!Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WzH8e01VDx0Z5jL0X8nDV?si=YYggkMz5QBa4HoxqJETAKwListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/president-private-cloud-of-rackspace-brian-lillie-on/id1202449526?i=1000650474044 Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co ► 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

Former PepsiCo COO Grace Puma And Former Nike President Of Consumer Direct Christiana Smith Shi

What factors are really holding women back from moving forward in their careers? More importantly, what can you do about it if you find yourself in that position? We talk about all these things and more with our high-caliber guests who promise to deliver nothing but goodness. PepsiCo COO Grace Puma and former Nike President of Consumer Direct Christiana Smith Shi are the authors of the book, Career Forward: Strategies from Women Who’ve Made It. They reveal the secret to enduring success is adopting a “Career Forward” mindset—prioritizing your career over your current job—as the rewards will far outweigh the invested effort. Tune in and learn how to move your career with their time-tested guiding principles!Spotify: Open.Spotify.com/episode/6HHpWjkT7W4uvDjxAyLSq1?si=06766b3c46dd44ebApple Podcasts:Podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/former-pepsico-coo-grace-puma-and-former-nike/id1202449526?i=1000649690158 Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community.Strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/► Subscribe to our channel for weekly videos on strategy & leadership: Youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1➡️ Looking for a sample agenda for your strategic planning offsite? SMEStrategy.net/blog/sample-strategic-planning-agenda// Connect with us:► Contact us: SMEStrategy.net/contact► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: 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? SMEStrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator► Check out our Strategy & Leadership Podcast: Open.Spotify.com/show/4yND4JKofh64gcvyvcLMqW► Check out our online course on how to successfully lead your next strategic planning process: Courses.SMEStrategy.net/

Lance Graulich The Man Behind TGI Friday’s Franchising Success Story

Anthony Taylor is joined by Lance Graulich, who shares about the amazing franchising success of TGI Fridays. In this episode, learn about Lance’s creative hiring process and why it is important to listen to your employees to create a highly productive team. He explains why it is helpful to have checklists for everything and how to properly implement brand standards in a non-limiting manner. Lance also discusses why prioritizing customer experience above everything else is a sure path toward success, especially within the franchising scene. Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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 Executives Can Work With ERGs To Drive Innovation, Employee Engagement And Business Success With Kristina Fusella

Your greatest asset is your people; investing in them is also investing in your growth. In this episode, Anthony Taylor interviews Kristina Fusella about the value of working with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to drive innovation, employee engagement, and business success. Kristina is the Senior Director of Capabilities and Employee Experience at Novo Nordisk, and she takes us through her non-traditional career path and the work she is doing. She also dives deep into the role of ERGs in employee development and organizational culture, especially in terms of networking, mentorship, and personal development. With her insights on taking on new challenges and building a broad skill set, Kristina provides us a conversation that highlights the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages employees to explore new opportunities and contribute to the organization's success. Tune in now and embrace exponential growth for you, your team, and your business.SummaryIn this episode, Anthony Taylor interviews Kristina Fusella, Senior Director of Capabilities and Employee Experience at Novo Nordisk. They discuss Kristina's non-traditional career path and the work she is doing at Novo Nordisk. They also explore the importance of employee resource groups (ERGs) and their role in employee development and organizational culture. Kristina shares her insights on taking on new challenges and building a broad skillset. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of creating a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages employees to explore new opportunities and contribute to the organization's success.TakeawaysCreating a supportive culture that values breadth of experience can lead to employee growth and development.Employee resource groups (ERGs) provide a platform for networking, mentorship, and personal development.ERGs can also serve as a valuable resource for organizations to gain insights and address specific challenges within different employee populations.Taking on new challenges and stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to exponential personal and professional growth.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:43Culture and Career Development at Novo Nordisk06:19Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)15:44Benefits of ERGs for Employee Engagement and Organizational Development19:31Taking on New Challenges and Building a Broad Skillset25:15Conclusion and Contact Information Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // 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.

Learning From Failure With The CEO Of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo

Nobody wants to fail, but failing can just be the thing you need to really grow in your career and in your life. As the cliché goes, experience is the best teacher, and failure is arguably the best experience you can have. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo learned this powerful lesson in her trailblazing journey as a female leader in a male-dominated industry. In this episode, she shares how she went from sales professional to becoming a CEO of celebrity cruises, (wo)manning the men plying the high seas. She shares the things she has learned from her experience, both from her successes and, more importantly, her failures. Tune in for a powerful learning experience!Thank you to our show partner Affinity Staffing https://affinity-group.ca/SME/ Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/

The Great Engagement: Your Secret To Improving Retention, Quality, And Profitability With Brad Zimmerman

The great resignation woke the eyes of many business leaders to shift their culture in their organizations. That culture shift will keep them afloat in their business because everyone aboard is driven to keep the ship sailing. In this episode, Brad Zimmerman, the Co-Founder and Partner of Phoenix Performance Partner, dives into The Great Engagement to guide leaders into creating high-performing cultures. He explains how leaders are like parents in the business, helping everyone become healthy and productive individuals and allowing them to grow in the organization. As a CEO and leader, we want to spread the commitment to providing value to our customers like a virus. So, don’t miss the wealth of insights Brad Zimmerman brings in this episode. Tune in and set sail into The Great Engagement today.Thank you to our show partner Affinity Staffing https://affinity-group.ca/SME/ Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/

Former Dell CIO On Being Passion Struck With John R. Miles

Would you embrace the flames that would ignite within you or let the cold wind snuff it out? How would you be proud of yourself if you wouldn’t let those flames burn bright? In this episode, John R. Miles, the former Dell CIO, delves into what it means to be Passion Struck in leading into your organization. He explains the meaning of the Gardener Leadership Style and the importance of being a Servant Leader. This episode shows how bright John’s torch burns as he leaves embers of insights on the value of leading with your feet and nurturing everyone with your leadership. Embrace your flames and let that radiate in leading those around you. Let’s join John Miles today and be Passion Struck with him.Thank you to our show partner Affinity Staffing https://affinity-group.ca/SME/ Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/

India’s First Unicorn The journey Of Mu Sigma With Dhiraj Rajaram

India’s first unicorn gallops its way into this episode of Strategy and Leadership Podcast. Today, the Founder and CEO of Mu Sigma, Dhiraj Rajaram, takes us into the journey of Mu Sigma in becoming India’s first unicorn and how he leads the company to its success. He also mentions how data and information shape the decisions of leaders and why that is important. Dhiraj explains that organizations should not solely focus on making new things but also learn to create the capacity to build those things. Dhiraj’s prowess in his business radiates the power of data-driven decision-making in paving business growth. Join us in this episode and be inspired to lead your business towards success.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51lJkLGUZNTl8UtGB3jnNN?si=6e0419d7749148baListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/indias-first-unicorn-the-journey-of-mu-sigma/id1202449526?i=1000645027538Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community.https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/

Anthony Taylor On Strategic Planning

Strategic planning goes beyond storing binders on shelves; it involves transforming intricate visions into concise one-pagers, harmonizing perspectives, and mastering effective communication strategies. Anthony Taylor, the founder of SME Strategy, is not a typical strategist. He is tough but caring, and he pushes your team to do their best. Today, he sits with us to discuss all about strategic planning. Anthony debunks myths that confine the concept to boardrooms and dusty binders. He explains a five-step method to simplify strategy, emphasizes the importance of celebrating success, guides us through the entire strategic journey, and more. Tune in now and transform your approach to strategy!Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6AvzmcnV7as873wkgT9wwG?si=fa109a43793d481dListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/anthony-taylor-on-strategic-planning/id1202449526?i=1000644619728Thank you to our show partner Affinity Staffing https://affinity-group.ca/SME/ Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/

Canadian Rugby Legend Maria Samson On Leadership

Certain situations will call us forth into leadership. Whether that's in sports, business, or life, we need to be ready for when that time comes. In this episode, Anthony Taylor engages in an insightful conversation with Maria Samson, a distinguished leader in women's rugby. Maria shares her remarkable journey ad her experiences in advocating for women in sports, breaking down barriers, and fostering equitable contributions. The discussion touches upon her leadership roles, both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, trust, and open communication in building powerful teams. Maria's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders, highlighting the transformative impact of sports on leadership development and the ongoing strides in promoting women in rugby and beyond. Tune in and learn from this exceptional leader!Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fT54DACGjOaAnLHfGoizH?si=gaP441XJRAK4gMOD5PY2jAListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/canadian-rugby-legend-maria-samson-on-leadership/id1202449526?i=1000644200526Thank you to our show partner Affinity Staffing https://affinity-group.ca/SME/ Want to continue the conversation with other leaders around the world? Join our Strategy and Leadership community. https://strategy-and-leadership.mn.co/ ► 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/