Episodes
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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-facilitatorWant to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-courseConnect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ -
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-facilitatorWant to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-courseConnect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ -
Episodes manquant?
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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-facilitatorWant to learn how to facilitate your own strategic planning process? Enroll in the Aligned Strategy Course: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Aligned-strategy-courseConnect with the host Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ -
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__________________________
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/
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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/
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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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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.
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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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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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In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Kathy Guzmán Galloway, an expert with two decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. They delve into the intricacies of building and maintaining successful brands, particularly focusing on companies with revenues ranging from $100 million to under a billion. Kathy shares her journey from business school to her extensive tenure at PepsiCo and her eventual transition into consulting, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities within the CPG sector.
Throughout their conversation, Anthony and Kathy discuss the evolving landscape of brand management, emphasizing the importance of consumer research and staying ahead of market trends. Kathy highlights the distinct differences between operating in a Fortune 1000 company and smaller enterprises, particularly in terms of adaptability and consumer engagement. She underscores the continual need for brands to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and direct consumer interaction to remain competitive in a saturated market.
Kathy Guzmán Galloway brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, specializing in brand management and strategy. Originally from New Jersey, she earned her MBA from the University of Texas at Austin before joining PepsiCo's Frito Lay division in Dallas. Kathy has held roles across small businesses and large organizations, including Dean Foods. For the past 11 years, she has excelled in consulting, focusing on brand positioning, and helping organizations better connect with their consumers.
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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.
We can facilitate your strategic planning offsite meeting, strategic plan creation, and support your strategic plan implementation.
For more visit https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator
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Jason Radisson is the CEO and founder of Movo, a company dedicated to providing automation and tools for the frontline workforce. With a notable background as a General Manager for Uber and experience working in various countries, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His career spans multiple industries, with a significant focus on leveraging technology to enhance productivity and improve workplace efficiency.
Anthony Taylor talks with Jason Radisson, CEO and founder of Movo. The episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities related to digitizing the frontline workforce through mobile technology. Jason shares insights from his extensive background, including his time at Uber, and discusses the transformative potential of mobile automation tools in increasing productivity and improving workers' livelihoods globally.
Jason discusses how Movo's platform leverages the power of mobile phones to provide better efficiency and flexibility for those in fields like nursing, retail, and manufacturing. He elaborates on the concept of workforce digitization, drawing parallels to the productivity gains seen in white-collar sectors over the past few decades. Jason also addresses various management considerations and cultural shifts necessary for adopting mobile technology in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of trust and the benefits of innovative scheduling automation.
Movo HQ on LinkedIn
Movo Website: Movo.co
Learn how to lead strategic planning the SME Strategy wayConnect with Anthony Taylor -
The episode kicks off by discussing John's initial business endeavors and the crucial life lessons he learned after being fired from his own company. John delves into the concept of creating a comprehensive life plan, which aligns personal goals with professional ambitions, to achieve long-term success without sacrificing overall well-being.
Throughout the conversation, John and Anthony explore various strategies and methodologies, including the significance of regular introspection and strategic reflection. They talk about the power of patient ambition and how setting long-term goals can lead to substantial achievements over time. John highlights the necessity of daily practices like journaling and visualization for mental clarity and aligning daily actions with long-term objectives. For entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking both professional success and personal fulfillment, this episode provides invaluable insights and practical strategies.
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Myriam Hadnes,is a facilitation evangelist with a PhD in behavioral economics, shares insights on the art of facilitation and its impact on organizational dynamics. She emphasizes the importance of psychological safety, vulnerability, and authenticity in creating a conducive environment for collaboration and breakthrough moments. Miriam also highlights the role of facilitation in transforming organizational culture and leadership mindset. TakeawaysFacilitation is not limited to those with the title of a facilitator; it is a mindset that can be adopted by managers to transition from micromanaging to leadership.Psychological safety, vulnerability, and authenticity are crucial in creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and collaborating effectively.The role of a facilitator is to make the implicit explicit, promote vulnerability, and encourage a culture of curiosity and collaboration within the group.Facilitation plays a significant role in transforming organizational culture and leadership mindset, leading to improved team dynamics and better outcomes.The art of facilitation involves preparation, attunement to the needs of the group, and the ability to interpret silence and unspoken dynamics within the group. Sound Bites"I think every manager needs to learn how to facilitate at least a bit to step out of the micromanaging burden into leadership.""As a facilitator, the next step is to show them that there is a higher goal that brings them all together so that they're all on the same side.""When we reply to other people more with 'yes and,' we help the person to feel good about themselves because they feel seen."
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In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor interviews Ty Wiggins, CEO and Executive Transition Practice Lead at Russell Reynolds Associates. They discuss the challenges and lessons of transitioning into the CEO role. Ty shares insights from his book, 'The New CEO,' which focuses on the importance of adapting leadership style, managing expectations, and building a strong executive team. They also discuss the impact of communication and culture on a CEO's effectiveness. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity, adaptability, and a focus on organizational culture in order to succeed as a CEO.
#CEOtransition, #leadershipstyle, #executiveteam, #communication, #culture, #organizationalculture
Takeaways:-Transitioning into the CEO role is a significant challenge that requires adapting leadership style and managing expectations.-Effective communication is crucial for a CEO, as their words and actions have a significant impact on the organization.-Building a strong executive team is essential for a CEO's success, and it requires creating an environment of collaboration and trust.-Understanding and shaping organizational culture is a key responsibility of a CEO, as it has a profound influence on the organization's performance.
Ty Wiggins is a leadership expert who is passionate about setting new CEOs up for success. As the lead of Russell Reynolds Associates’ CEO & Transitions Practice globally, he helps world-leading CEOs successfully onboard and transition into their role, to unlock business (and personal) success— faster. A trusted advisor, he guides new CEOs through their first 12-18 months in role, so they land well and perform quickly. Ty is one of one of only a handful of people globally with a PhD in leadership transitions. He harnesses his deep academic and consulting background to provide CEOs, boards, and senior leadership across industries with the skill and advice needed to enact transformational change.
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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
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Aslak De Silva, CEO of Selfly Store, discusses the innovative business model of intelligent vending machines and the use of AI in retail. The conversation covers topics such as the unique features of Selfly Store, the role of innovation in business, the impact of dynamic pricing, and the experience of being a board member. Aslak also emphasizes the importance of communication, transparency, and lifelong learning in leadership.
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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.
Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator
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Brad Sugars, president and founder of Action Coach Global, shares insights on business coaching, leadership, and business modeling. He discusses the importance of coaching, management, and leadership skills, as well as the evolution of business strategies. Brad emphasizes the significance of leverage, scalability, marketability, and opportunity in business strategy. He also highlights the differences in coaching for new businesses versus established businesses, and the value of external experience in achieving business results.
Official Bio: Brad is the Chairman and Founder of ActionCOACH, a multi-million-dollar franchise providing result-driven education and business solutions to entrepreneurs and executives in 70+ countries across the world. Since starting it in 1993, Brad has scaled up his venture into an award-winning global enterprise that coaches 15,000 businesses on a weekly basis, helping them grow, sustain, and succeed. With over 30 years of experience in the entrepreneurial space, Brad has established himself as one of the world’s leading business coaches. He has lent his professional expertise to 9+ companies as a CEO, besides building his personal brand as a renowned business guru, keynote speaker, and best-selling author.https://www.amazon.in/Pulling-Profits-Out-Hat-Company/dp/1732049726
https://www.actioncoach.com/ and https://bradsugars.com/
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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.
Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator
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In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Christopher Volk, an accomplished author and business veteran known for his expertise in wealth creation and financial strategy. Christopher, who has a storied career in commercial banking and leading multiple businesses, shares his journey from starting at a bank to taking companies public and engaging with giants like GE and Berkshire Hathaway. His book, "The Value Equation," serves as a cornerstone for the discussion, offering insights into the fundamental principles that drive business success.
Throughout the conversation, Christopher delves into the practicalities of taking a company public, the importance of leveraging other people's money (OPM), and how to balance shareholder's equity with debt to optimize business growth. He explains how understanding and managing six core financial variables can make a company more valuable and shares his belief in the universal virtues of free enterprise. He also touches on maintaining liquidity, making prudent long-term investments, and efficiently utilizing assets and capital to maximize returns. This episode is a treasure trove for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors looking to deepen their understanding of business finance and wealth creation.
Prefer to get video, subscribe on Youtube. : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
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.
For teams: We can facilitate your strategic planning offsite meeting and strategic plan creation. As well as support your strategic plan implementation.
For individuals leading strategy: Join our community of strategy leaders who have learned SME Strategy’s approach and tools for aligning teams, and driving strategic plans forward.
For more visit www.smestrategy.net/
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In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor converses with Brent Kedzierski, Shell's former Head of Learning Strategy and Innovation and current Chief Industrial Advocate at Human Works. Brent shares his extensive insights on human-centered industry, emphasizing the necessity for a strategic approach to leadership development and the evolution of the workplace in response to changing generational expectations.
Drawing from over two decades of experience, Brent discusses the critical differences between large multinationals like Shell and SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises) in how they develop and support their workforce. He explains the need for a well-defined leadership pipeline and exposes the flaws in the prevalent practice of promoting technically proficient individuals to leadership roles. The conversation also covers the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees, the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, and the future of work design.
Connect with SME Strategy: www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
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Summary
Steve Dennis, president and founder of SageBerry Consulting, discusses the transformation of the retail industry in the digital age and the challenges faced by companies in adapting to change. He emphasizes the need for leaders to embrace a mindset of continuous transformation and make the necessary mindset shifts to drive success. Dennis also highlights the importance of imagination and creativity in business, as well as the need to think beyond traditional constraints and business models. He encourages leaders to take a portfolio approach to innovation and be willing to take calculated risks.
Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor, keynote speaker, and bestselling author focused on growth, innovation, and the impact of digital disruption. Steve's groundbreaking book--"Remarkable Retail: How to Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption"--is a perennial international bestseller, and his provocative ideas on the future of shopping and consumer behavior are regularly featured in the media, in his role as a Forbes senior contributor, and through the award winning Remarkable Retail podcast. His new book is "Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption" During a storied and diverse career as a C-suite executive at two Fortune 500 companies–and most recently as a consultant and member of several boards–Steve has worked with dozens of brands to catalyze and design their journey to remarkable results. As a sought-out keynote speaker, Steve has delivered inspiring talks on six continents, sharing his unique perspectives on what it takes to reignite customer growth in a world of constant change and shifting consumer preferences. Steve is President of SageBerry Consulting. Prior to founding SageBerry, he was the chief strategy officer for the Neiman Marcus Group, where he also led the company's customer insight, loyalty, and multichannel marketing efforts.
Keywords
retail, digital transformation, leadership, mindset shifts, innovation, disruption
Takeaways
The retail industry has been greatly impacted by digital technology and faces challenges in adapting to the changing landscape.
Leaders need to embrace a mindset of continuous transformation and be willing to make the necessary mindset shifts to drive success.
Imagination and creativity are crucial in business, and leaders should think beyond traditional constraints and business models.
A portfolio approach to innovation, combining incremental improvements and game-changing ideas, can help companies stay competitive.
Leaders must be willing to take calculated risks and be open to exploring new opportunities.
Titles
Taking a Portfolio Approach to Innovation
The Importance of Mindset Shifts in Leadership
Sound Bites
"If the world has changed so much, why have you changed so little?"
"Safe is risky."
"Destruction is a means for creation."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:44 The Impact of Digital Technology on Retail
04:11 The Need for Mindset Shifts in Leadership
08:43 Unleashing Imagination and Creativity in Business
10:07 Taking a Portfolio Approach to Innovation
12:05 Embracing Calculated Risks and New Opportunities
21:14 Conclusion and Call to Action
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Projjal Ghatak (JJ) is the CEO and co-founder of Onloop, a company focused on rethinking how goals and feedback are handled within organizations using AI-powered technology. JJ has extensive experience in leadership and management roles, including as the former head of strategy and international business development at Uber. He holds an MBA from Stanford and is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance workplace productivity. JJ enjoys following Tiger Woods and is an active angel investor, driven by a desire to make complex processes more insightful and engaging.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Anthony Taylor hosts Projjal Ghatak, fondly known as JJ, the CEO and co-founder of Onloop. They delve into the importance of delivering feedback in a manner that fosters growth, collaboration, and curiosity rather than judgment. With JJ's extensive background in leadership roles and his innovative approach at Onloop, he shares insightful perspectives on enhancing organizational performance through AI-driven feedback mechanisms.
JJ elaborates on his philosophy of minimizing friction in goal alignment and feedback processes. Drawing analogies from sports coaching, he emphasizes the necessity of capturing regular observations and converting them into actionable insights through generative AI. The conversation further delves into Onloop’s proprietary framework for collaborative team development, which aims to demystify and simplify the manager’s role, making it more engaging and efficient. By comparing the fitness industry's motivational tactics, JJ advocates for making workplace productivity practices equally appealing and beneficial.
Key Takeaways:Curiosity over Judgment: Approaching feedback with curiosity rather than judgment leads to more constructive and less confrontational interactions.Hierarchical Needs of Team Members: JJ discusses a five-tiered hierarchical approach to managing team productivity, focusing first on motivation and clear goal setting.Insights Through Generative AI: The use of generative AI in Onloop’s platform helps transform unstructured observations into specific, actionable feedback.Effective Feedback Delivery: Constructive feedback, when direct, kind, and specific, helps individuals recognize their superpowers and identify areas for improvement.Cultural Transformation: Shifting the narrative from "performance management" to "cultural transformation" enhances receptivity and engagement within teams.Notable Quotes:"Are you approaching things with curiosity? Are you approaching things with judgment? When you start approaching things with curiosity, there is a much greater probability that you will end up being helpful.""We try to make the process of goal alignment and feedback as fun as possible.""Every team member has five hierarchical needs, and it's every manager's job to manage those five needs hierarchically.""If people don't want to do something, start off at a negative, then no matter how positive things are, it takes a hurdle.""Give managers a simple way to think about how they drive high performance in their teams."Resources:Projjal Ghatak on LinkedIn
Onloop Website
Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn
refer to get video, subscribe on Youtube. : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHLNRrpk3rGUdg7qUQjiog/?sub_confirmation=1
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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