In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Julie Wilson shares her journey as a family doctor and healthcare leader. She discusses her passion for ethical business practices, the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, and her vision for expanding healthcare access. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the need for effective communication and compassion in leadership, as well as the significance of fostering a supportive environment for employees. The conversation highlights her c...
Jul 23, 2025•9 min•Ep. 317
In this captivating episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony welcomes John D. Marvin, the esteemed CEO and President of Texas State Optical (TSO). Together, they delve into the fascinating history of TSO, a pioneering optometry practice founded in 1936 by the Rogers brothers, and its evolution into a respected brand across multiple states. John shares his unconventional journey to leadership, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced while revitalizing TSO after decades ...
Jul 02, 2025•21 min•Ep. 316
Andrew Miller, the president and CEO of United Way of Skagit County and the co-founder and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms. Discover how Andrew transitioned from a career in Air Force intelligence to embracing life as a tulip farmer, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to both farming and community work. Andrew shares his unique strategic insights, discussing the challenges and opportunities in the tulip farming industry, the transformation of the United Way of Skagit County, and the...
Jun 18, 2025•20 min•Ep. 315
Anthony Taylor interviews Blair LaCorte, a seasoned CEO with extensive experience in private equity and aviation. They discuss Blair's journey, particularly his time at XOJet, where he transformed a struggling airline into a successful business through innovative strategies and a focus on customer needs. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the necessity of self-care for CEOs. Blair shares valuable insights on navigating challenges, fostering innovation, ...
Jun 05, 2025•21 min•Ep. 314
Anthony Taylor and Tim Koller discuss the critical aspects of business valuation, emphasizing the importance of balancing revenue growth and profitability. They explore strategic decision-making in large organizations, the role of the CEO in resource allocation, and the necessity of understanding financial drivers to create value. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience in corporate finance and highlights the need for a disciplined approach to decision-making and investment. Connect wi...
May 27, 2025•25 min•Ep. 313
Dr. Bernard Harris, the first black astronaut to walk in space, shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams of space exploration to becoming a physician, venture capitalist, and author. He discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization, and embracing infinite possibilities in achieving one's highest potential. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for audacious goal setting and the value of perspective gained from unique experiences, such as viewing Earth from space. He also offers insig...
May 21, 2025•17 min•Ep. 312
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....
Apr 22, 2025•22 min•Ep. 311
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...
Apr 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 310
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, org...
Apr 07, 2025•25 min•Ep. 309
🚨 Talent retention strategies are failing. Businesses need to fundamentally shift operations to continue to thrive. 🚨 In this powerful episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, we sit down with Steve Cadigan , LinkedIn's first CHRO and a global talent advisor, to uncover the harsh realities of today's talent marketplace and reveal what you need to consider for strategic implementation today. Steve doesn't hold back. He exposes the core issues plaguing businesses and leaders and provides clear direc...
Mar 31, 2025•29 min•Ep. 308
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 f...
Mar 24, 2025•25 min•Ep. 307
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 j...
Mar 17, 2025•21 min•Ep. 306
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. T...
Mar 11, 2025•21 min•Ep. 305
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 par...
Mar 04, 2025•18 min•Ep. 303
In this episode, Rebecca Homkes, author of "Survive, Reset, Thrive," discusses practical strategies for building a growth strategy in volatile times with host Anthony C. Taylor. The discussion explores proactive survival strategies, the "loop mentality" in strategic planning, building competitive advantages, and the significance of acting on beliefs rather than waiting for facts. Plus, we touch on developing talent for long-term resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Learn how to create a...
Feb 26, 2025•18 min•Ep. 302
JoAnn Garbin, author of the Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft. She explores the concept of regenerative data centers, the creative journey of innovation, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the challenges faced in the innovation process. Joanne shares her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer and how it has shaped her approach to innovation and leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic view of innovation beyond technology, focusing on communi...
Feb 18, 2025•29 min•Ep. 300
In this episode of C-suite Conversations, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Nicholas Lalla, founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs. They discuss the journey of establishing an innovation economy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the importance of strategic focus and stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of change management in urban development. Nicholas emphasizes the need for cities to find their unique strengths and not simply emulate larger tech hubs like New York or San Francisco. The conversation highlight...
Feb 12, 2025•19 min•Ep. 299
The Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor welcomes Nigel Thurlow, CEO of the Flow Consortium, to delve into the nuances of lean thinking and continuous improvement. Nigel shares his extensive experience from Toyota and beyond, offering insights into how Lean principles can apply to various organizational contexts, emphasizing the significance of behavior alongside methodology and tools. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions on cultural transformation, the role ...
Dec 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 298
Episode Summary: Cindy Anderson, CEO of Think Strategy, shares her expert insights into the world of business transitions and strategic acquisitions. Cindy stresses the importance of preparing an exit strategy well in advance, highlighting a five-year timeline to ensure the business is poised for a successful transition. She delves into crucial considerations business owners need to assess, such as the value of company growth, strategic acquisitions, leadership development, and team readiness, e...
Dec 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 297
Thomas Dunlap is the managing partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, an established law firm with around 80 lawyers. His extensive expertise lies in intellectual property law, supported by a diverse professional background as a former CEO of a biotech company, and an army officer with military training. He shares his knowledge by teaching an class on intellectual property for engineers and scientists at Lafayette College. Episode Summary: With a distinguished background in law, business, and th...
Nov 26, 2024•25 min•Ep. 296
About the Guest(s): Renee Moorfield, PhD Renee Moorfield is the CEO of WisdomWorks Group, a company committed to making thriving a standard of success within organizations. Over her 30-year career, Renee has worked closely with well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and AT&T, providing leadership development and cultural transformation insights. She combines scientific research on thriving with practical strategies for leadership to foster environments where individuals and organizations...
Nov 21, 2024•25 min•Ep. 295
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 ...
Nov 18, 2024•23 min•Ep. 294
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 m...
Nov 07, 2024•22 min•Ep. 293
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 auth...
Oct 29, 2024•24 min•Ep. 292
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 authore...
Oct 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 291
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...
Oct 15, 2024•34 min•Ep. 290
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 ...
Oct 11, 2024•21 min•Ep. 289
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, ensu...
Oct 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 288
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 ...
Sep 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 287
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 th...
Sep 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 286
