The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor

Episod

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  High Performance Under Pressure - Dr Justin Anderson 23.07.2026 22min

  Dr. Justin Anderson CEO of Premier Sport Psychology and Premier Performance Advising Justin’s work has supported Hall of Famers, All-Pros, world and national champions, and organizations across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA, NWSL, Olympic sports, collegiate athletics, and executive leadership spaces.He shares insights on how elite performers achieve their success through mental frameworks, attention management, and intentional focus. Discover practical strategies to enhance your performance and leadership by understanding the mind's role in overcoming challenges.Key Topics-The importance of attention in performance-Breaking through mental barriers-The five personal attributes for success-The role of biases, fears, and insecurities-The intentional attention framework-Managing pressure and stress effectively-The concept of amnesia and forgetting the past-Renewal strategies for high performers-The impact of routines and language on mindset-Practical tips for leaders and athletes
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  From Google to Salesforce: A Transformation Leader on Why People Resist Change | Travis Hahler 14.07.2026 29min

  What if resistance to change isn't stubbornness or rebellion, but biology? Travis Hahler has spent nearly two decades sitting between great strategies and the people who have to adopt them, and he has a startling answer for why so many transformations stall: change signals threat to the human brain, and most leaders have no idea they are triggering it.In this episode of the SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Travis Hahler, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce, former Global Change and Transformation Lead at Google, and founder of The Neurological Nomad. Drawing on a background that spans neuroscience research, an MBA, and change leadership at Google, Salesforce, and Deloitte, Travis brings a rare fusion of brain science and boardroom experience to the question every leader eventually faces: how do you actually get people to move?Together they unpack why 70 percent of change initiatives fail to achieve their expected ROI, how the brain interprets organizational change as a loss of competence, relationships, or control, and why urgency and free rein so often backfire. Travis shares the practical shift that separates the successful 30 percent from the rest, including why your program manager gets a project live but your change manager is the one who actually delivers the return.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow the brain interprets organizational change as a threat, and what leaders consistently misread when teams push backWhy every change equals loss, and how to lead through the three types of loss people experience at work: competence, relationships, and controlWhy "just go play with it" is the wrong way to roll out AI, and what people actually need before they will engageThe difference between program management and change management, and why underinvesting in the second one quietly kills your ROIHow to think about adoption in terms of ROI, and why 20 percent adoption rarely justifies the investmentAbout Travis HahlerTravis Hahler is Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and the founder of The Neurological Nomad. Over more than fifteen years he has guided over one hundred companies through organizational transformation, earning the nickname "Resistance Fortune Teller" for his ability to predict where change efforts will fail. His signature keynote, The Neuroscience of Change, has reached over 25,000 leaders across 150 global events. His book, Rethink Resistance: Embracing Neuroscience to Lead Transformational Change, is forthcoming from Fast Company Press. Travis has held change and transformation roles at Google and Deloitte, studied neuroscience at Harvard and conducted EEG research at Aalborg University in Denmark, and holds an MBA from the University of South Dakota.Connect with Travis HahlerWebsite: https://www.theneurologicalnomad.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisdhahler/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurologicalnomad/About the PodcastThe SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast is where leaders come to sharpen their thinking on strategy, execution, and the human side of moving plans forward. Hosted by Anthony Taylor, each episode brings candid conversations with executives and experts who help teams get aligned and turn strategic plans into action.Strategy ResourcesGet help facilitating your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604Learn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.netProduced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  Canada's $3 Trillion Blind Spot: Kendra MacDonald on the Ocean Economy 07.07.2026 22min

  The global ocean economy is doubling in size to three trillion US dollars. Canada, a country with the longest coastline in the world and the fourth largest ocean territory, sits at roughly fifty billion. Kendra MacDonald calls that gap the opportunity of a generation, and she left one of the largest professional services firms on the planet to go after it.In this episode of the SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada's Ocean Supercluster and former Chief Audit Executive of Deloitte Global. After twenty five years at Deloitte, Kendra stepped out of a 275,000 person organization to become the first employee of a not for profit built to grow Canada's ocean economy. She talks candidly about why she made the leap, what it takes to align competing industries and countries around a shared goal, and why leadership in this moment looks different from what most people picture.The conversation moves from the raw economic case for the ocean economy to the messy reality of collaboration at national and international scale. Kendra explains how a supercluster functions as a network of networks, why the devil is in the details when it comes to budgets and intellectual property, and how she keeps fishing executives, oil executives, researchers, and government partners focused on a common objective instead of the friction between them. She also shares a personal turning point that shaped her whole career, and makes the case for stepping into leadership even when you do not feel ready.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow Kendra frames the size of the ocean economy opportunity and why Canada is significantly undersized relative to its coastline. Why collaboration is harder in practice than it sounds, and where partnerships tend to break down. How to keep diverse stakeholders aligned by returning to shared purpose rather than fixating on friction points. What it takes to lead a national initiative that spans four Atlantic provinces, coast to coast to coast, and nine countries. How technology, from sensors and autonomous platforms to AI, is being used to instrument the ocean and solve real problems. Why one moment should never be allowed to become career defining, and why the current moment needs more people to step into leadership.About Kendra MacDonaldKendra (she/her) is the CEO for Canada's Ocean Supercluster (OSC), responsible for driving the sustainable growth of Canada's Ocean Economy. Along with the OSC team, Kendra is passionately committed to raising awareness of Canada's ocean opportunity and role as an ocean nation.Connect with KendraLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendramacdonald-40b574Canada's Ocean Supercluster: https://oceansupercluster.caSaltwater Signals on Substack: https://substack.com/@saltwatersignalsAbout the PodcastThe SME Strategy and Leadership Podcast brings you conversations with leaders and thinkers from around the world on strategy, leadership, and building organizations that last. Hosted by Anthony Taylor, founder of SME Strategy Consulting and strategic advisor to leadership teams across North America, each episode gives executives practical perspective they can bring back to their own teams.Strategy ResourcesLooking to align your leadership team around a clear strategic plan? Learn more about strategic planning facilitation with Anthony and the SME Strategy team: https://smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://rednyne.com
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  Never in Doubt: A Strategy Playbook From Former WWE President George Barrios 30.06.2026 28min

  Note: This episode contains some strong language.When a recruiter called George Barrios about a CFO job, George was treasurer of The New York Times Company. His verbatim reaction when he heard the company was WWE: "are you fucking kidding me?" He took the role anyway. Twelve years later, the stock had gone from $15 to $100, and he had helped engineer the largest acquisition in sports entertainment history.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with George Barrios, former Co-President and Board Member of WWE, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital, and author of Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt, about how deep preparation builds the conviction to act when everyone says you are wrong. George and his business partner Michelle Wilson took WWE from a roughly $1 billion North American event business to the company that anchored the $9.3 billion merger with UFC to form TKO Group.Anthony and George explore the insight that the entire industry rejected, why being right when everyone else is wrong is the only kind of right that matters, how over 1,100 meetings in three and a half years changed the market's mind, and what it takes to rebuild after being fired in front of your whole industry. The conversation also goes deep on the research method behind every decision George makes, the partnership dynamic with Vince McMahon, and how he now applies the WWE playbook across La Liga, Ligue 1, and the WTA.What You Will Learn in This Episode- How George and Michelle Wilson took WWE from roughly $1 billion to a $9.3 billion valuation- Why deep preparation, not self-confidence, is the real source of conviction- The insight about live content that the entire industry insisted was wrong- Why being right when everyone else is wrong is where the value lives- What over 1,100 meetings in three and a half years actually accomplished- How George rebuilt after being fired publicly and then called back to finish the dealAbout George BarriosGeorge Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator working at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital, where he invests across sports, entertainment, and media. He is also an investor in and Director of Global Sport Group (GSG), a CVC-backed sports investment platform whose portfolio includes La Liga, Ligue 1, the WTA, and Equine Network, and serves as a Trustee of the University of Connecticut.George is best known for his tenure as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, where he helped transform the company into a global, multi-platform entertainment business and lead its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, New York, he is the author of Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt.Connect with George BarriosWebsite: https://georgebarrios.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/About the Strategy and Leadership PodcastThe Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. He works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations, interviewing founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for LeadersWork with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  How a 15 Person Floor Heating Company Became the North American Leader | John Rose 23.06.2026 27min

  Three computers, no fridge, and 15 employees. That was Nuheat when John Rose walked in. Sixteen years later it was the North American leader in its industry, and John says culture is the reason why.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with John Rose, former President and CEO of Nuheat Industries, advisor, investor, and board director, about what 16 years at the helm of a market leader taught him about culture, alignment, and building a company people are proud to work for. John took Nuheat from 15 staff, three computers, and humble beginnings to the North American industry leader in electric radiant floor heating, with 120 full time employees and roughly 4,000 distribution partners before its sale to Pentair in 2015.Anthony and John explore why culture is a precondition for performance rather than a perk, how celebrating 24 nationalities on staff galvanized the team, why alignment is the most important thing a leader can build, and how to define what winning actually looks like. The conversation also covers family business succession, the relationship between an executive and their board, and the two interview questions John used in nearly every hire at Nuheat.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeHow John transformed Nuheat from 15 employees into the North American market leaderWhy culture is a precondition for performance, not a perkHow celebrating 24 nationalities on staff galvanized the team and drove resultsWhy alignment is the most important thing a leader can buildHow to define what winning looks like for your organizationWhy hope is not a strategy and how accountability keeps a plan aliveHow to structure family business succession so the next generation can leadWhy an executive should own the conversation with their boardThe two interview questions John used in 90% of his hiresAbout John RoseJohn Rose believes a strong corporate culture is the key ingredient for long-term success. Leaders create the culture, and the culture creates results.John spent 13 years in his family business, Kirkland and Rose, a bakery and grocery supplier across Western Canada, before it sold to a Dutch company in the early 90s. He then served as President and CEO of Nuheat Industries for 16 years. His focus on culture earned Nuheat Platinum Status as a 10 time winner in Canada's Best Managed Companies Program, a Cultural Diversity Award for employing staff from 24 countries, recognition as one of BC's Best Places to Work, and BC Exporter of the Year. The company grew from 15 staff to the North American leader in electric radiant floor heating, with 120 full time staff and roughly 4,000 distribution partners before its 2015 sale to Pentair.John is also an engaged community leader. He served as a Director and later Chair of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, and Chair of the Board of Mackay CEO Forums. He currently works with companies on Leadership, Succession, and Transition, and sits on the Boards of VanAir Design, Highgate Senior Living, Travelers Financial Group, and Tap & Barrel Restaurants.Connect with John RoseWebsite: https://www.johnroseconsulting.comInstagram: @johnrose1About the Strategy and Leadership PodcastThe Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations. He interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for LeadersWork with a Strategic Planning Facilitator https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com
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  A Navy Captain on Trust, Self-Doubt, and Leading Under Pressure | Jenn Donahue 16.06.2026 19min

  What does it actually take to lead when the stakes are life and death, and what happens when those same pressures show up in a boardroom? According to Jenn Donahue, the answer starts not with strategy or skill, but with the voices inside your own head.In this episode, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jenn Donahue, PhD, PE, retired U.S. Navy captain, international keynote speaker, business coach, and USA Today bestselling author of Becoming the Warrior: Harnessing Your Inner Strength to Silence Self-Doubt. Jenn commanded an 800-personnel battalion in Afghanistan, built a bridge across the Euphrates River during the Iraq War, survived enemy fire and a contract on her life, and led teams through decisions where the cost of hesitation was measured in lives, not quarterly results.Anthony and Jenn explore the two inner voices that quietly undermine leaders at every level, why self-doubt gets louder the higher you climb, how military preparation maps directly to business leadership, and what a 360 review revealed about her own leadership that changed everything.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeThe two inner voices that hold leaders back, what they are, how they work, and why one is harder to catch than the other.Why self-doubt gets proportionally louder as the stakes get higher, and what neuroscience says about rewiring that response.How military briefing and debriefing practices translate into business leadership and why most organizations skip the step that matters most.What Jenn learned when a subordinate called her out for not trusting her team under stress, and how that feedback transformed her command.Why trust determines how well an organization actually performs, and what it looks like when leaders build it versus let it erode.How to mentally prepare for high-pressure conversations so you stay grounded instead of falling into fight, flight, or freeze.The Warrior Framework Jenn developed from combat training: perceive, assess, ready, act, and how leaders can use it to move from stuck to decisive.About Jenn DonahueJenn Donahue, PhD, PE is an international keynote speaker, retired U.S. Navy captain, business coach, and one of North America's leading voices on leadership and personal growth. Over a 27-year military career, she commanded an 800-personnel battalion in Afghanistan, built a bridge across the Euphrates River during the Iraq War, and led the construction of combat outposts in hostile terrain. Her USA Today bestselling book, Becoming the Warrior, draws on her battlefield experience to build a four-part framework that helps leaders move past self-doubt and take decisive action.Connect with Jenn Donahue: https://www.jenndonahue.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenndonahue-phd-pe/Instagram: @iamjenndonahueAbout the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations.Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  Selling Zico to Coca-Cola and Buying It Back | Mark Rampolla 09.06.2026 26min

  What happens when you build a global brand, sell it for $200 million, and realize it's not what you want? According to Mark Rampolla, the real lesson isn't about the exit or buyback. It's about understanding that growth isn't something you do. It's something you become.In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Mark Rampolla, founder and CEO of ZICO Coconut Water, co-founder and managing partner of GroundForce Capital, and author of An Entrepreneur's Guide to Freedom. Mark spent nine years building ZICO into one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the world, sold it to Coca-Cola in 2013, and later bought it back for a fraction of the sale price when the company was divested.What Mark has learned from backing nearly 100 companies at GroundForce Capital, sitting on 40+ boards, and helping raise over $1 billion in capital changes how you think about what separates founders who break through from those who don't. Anthony and Mark explore why self-reflection and curiosity are the most powerful indicators of future success, why the founder to CEO transition breaks most people, and what it really means to treat people the way they want to be treated.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy growth is an inside job and what that means for foundersThe surprising pattern across nearly 100 companies that separates high performersWhy strategy and execution matter far less than people thinkHow to spot real indicators of someone's future successWhat Mark learned building Zico twice and why the second time was differentThe founder to CEO transition and what determines who makes itHow to identify the niche that makes your brand resonateWhy the platinum rule changes how you leadWhat a $600 million asset management firm looks for in founder teamsAbout Mark RampollaMark is co-founder and managing partner of GroundForce Capital, a $600 million institutional asset management firm. He has backed nearly 100 companies, served on 40+ boards, helped raise over $1 billion in capital, and contributed to creating over $5 billion in enterprise value. Before GroundForce, Mark founded and led ZICO Coconut Water from 2004 to 2013, selling it to Coca-Cola before buying it back years later as ZICO Rising. His investment portfolio includes Liquid Death, Osoba, Vive Organic, OWYN, Flying Embers, and Partake Brewing. Mark holds an MBA from Duke University and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Central America.Connect with Mark RampollaWebsite: https://www.markrampolla.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksrampolla/Instagram: @markrampollaBook: An Entrepreneur's Guide to FreedomAbout the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M). On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy ResourcesStrategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorAnthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions
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  Fighting for Flawless: A Fighter Pilot and F1 Insider on Building High-Performance Teams 02.06.2026 22min

  What separates teams that chase perfection from those that settle for good enough? According to Jason Richardson, it comes down to three things: the culture you build from the roots up, the trust you earn before you need it, and the ownership every leader takes for the environment their team lives in.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jason Richardson, a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, Cathay Pacific captain, and performance consultant who has worked inside a Formula One team, about what high-performance culture actually looks like when lives and championships are on the line.Jason flew F/A-18s with No. 77 Squadron, earned his command on the A330 and A350, and during COVID brought his aviation expertise into Formula One. He now runs Richardson Human Performance Solutions, helping organizations build the foundational conditions for sustained high performance.Anthony and Jason explore the tree model of organizational performance, why trust, psychological safety, and culture are the root structure everything else depends on, and how aviation's 7,000-page operating manual is a masterclass in delegation. They dig into what it took to align an entire F1 team around a single mission, why trust cannot be enforced, and the counterintuitive move that builds it fastest.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy high performance is a mindset before it is a method, and how that mindset is built, not inheritedThe tree model of organizational performance: what belongs in the roots, the trunk, and the leavesHow aviation systemized delegation and emergency response, and what business leaders can take from itWhat Jason's work inside a Formula One team revealed about aligning large organizations to a single missionHow to build trust quickly, and why acting against your own self-interest is the most powerful moveWhy high performers want challenge more than money, and how leaders can use thatThe leadership fractal: why you own the operating environment at every level of the organizationWhy culture change has to start at the roots before anything else will stickAbout Jason RichardsonJason Richardson is a former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, qualified flying instructor, and current Cathay Pacific captain on the Airbus A330 and A350. He served with the RAAF from 1992 to 2007, flying F/A-18s with No. 77 Squadron before transitioning to commercial aviation.In 2024 and 2025, Jason worked exclusively with a Formula One team on a culture and identity project, during which time the team climbed two positions in the constructors championship. He founded Richardson Human Performance Solutions in 2019 and is an ICF accredited organizational coach.He is the author of Fighting for Flawless: A Fighter Pilot's Manual for Leading in High-Stakes Environments, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.Connect with JasonWebsite: https://www.richardsonhps.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardsonhps/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richardsonhpsAbout the Strategy and Leadership PodcastThe Strategy and Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M to $300M) across North America. Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy in complex organizations. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for LeadersWork with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitatorConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  Your Team Is Watching You Panic: A 36-Year CEO on Leading Through Chaos 26.05.2026 20min

  What separates the leaders who scale from the ones who stall? According to Jim Remley, it comes down to three things: the expectations you set, the people you develop, and the financial discipline you build before you need it.In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jim Remley, founder of the largest independent real estate brokerage in Oregon and nationally recognized coach at eRealEstateCoach.com, about what it actually takes to build and lead a high-performance organization through growth, adversity, and market disruption.Jim brings 36 years of experience scaling to 17 offices, 3,000 annual transactions, and $1.4 billion in sales volume, having navigated 9/11, the dot-com crash, the Great Recession, and COVID. He breaks down why most leaders are operating with dangerously low standards, how to differentiate in a commoditized market, and why speaking to the self-interest of the people you lead is not a compromise — it is the strategy. He also shares the 4-month war chest rule, how proprietary value and people training protect a business from competing on price alone, and why a leader's composure sets the performance ceiling for the entire organization.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy leaders and managers are fundamentally different and which one your business actually needsHow to create proprietary value in a commoditized industryWhy your people are the most important competitive differentiator you haveHow to recruit top talent by speaking directly to their self-interestThe 4-month war chest rule and why building it should be a non-negotiable priorityHow to lead calmly through market shocks when everything around you is uncertainWhy world-class expectations produce world-class resultsHow to personalize automated outreach using video so it actually gets watchedAbout Jim RemleyJim Remley is a nationally recognized real estate broker, coach, and author whose career began at age 19. He quickly ranked in the top 1% of REALTORS® nationwide, listing over 150 properties in his first year. At 24, he founded his first real estate company, which grew to 17 offices and became the largest independent real estate brokerage in Oregon, closing 3,000 transactions annually with a sales volume exceeding $1.4 billion.Jim is a sought-after instructor for the National Association of REALTORS, co-founder of the Luxury Home Council, and author of the Accredited Luxury Home Specialist (ALHS) designation and three bestselling books, including Sell Your Home in Any Market. He has appeared on CNN's Open House and now coaches office leaders and brokers nationally through eRealEstateCoach.com.Connect with Jim Website: https://erealestatecoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-remley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eRealEstateCoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erealestatecoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erealestatecoachAbout the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations.On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for Leaders Work with a Strategic Planning Facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  How a 102-Year-Old Real Estate Company Stays Relevant: Lessons from Sage CEO Jonathan Iger 19.05.2026 29min

  What if the secret to building a company that lasts over a century isn't disruption, technology, or even capital — but the discipline to put relationships before transactions, every single time?In this episode, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Jonathan Iger, CEO and President of Sage, a 102-year-old commercial real estate company that has outlasted every recession, market shift, and industry disruption since 1924. Jonathan shares how Sage has stayed relevant by reading macro shifts before they hit, doubling down on what makes the office irreplaceable, and treating every tenant relationship like a long-term partnership rather than a lease agreement.Anthony and Jonathan explore how elevated consumer expectations are reshaping the workplace, why the best office environments take cues from the hospitality industry, and how a 102-year track record is built not on grand slam moments but on consistently hitting singles across every customer touchpoint.What You'll LearnWhy relationship always trumps transaction, even in transactional businessesHow to read macro shifts before they disrupt your industryWhy competing with remote work is the wrong strategy — and what to do insteadHow customer journey mapping drives better experiences at every touchpointWhy the best office environments are built on the hospitality modelHow Sage has retained tenants for over 30 years through deep partnership thinkingWhy time is the most valuable commodity you can give your customersHow a 102-year-old company thinks about long-term bets and strategic focusConnect with Jonathan IgerWebsite: https://sagerealty.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathaniger/Strategy Resources for LeadersDownload the Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contactLearn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions
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  The Three Levels of Financial Acumen That Separate Leaders from Operators with Tim Vipond 12.05.2026 19min

  Most executives will tell you they understand their business. Ask them to walk you through their financial statements, and the room goes quiet.In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony C. Taylor speaks with Tim Vipond, Co-Founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), about why financial acumen is a non-negotiable leadership skill and why the rise of AI is making it more critical, not less.Tim breaks down the three levels of financial acumen every leader needs, regardless of role or background, and why most executives are operating with a dangerous gap in their foundational knowledge.Anthony and Tim explore how financial literacy creates alignment across leadership teams, why understanding the numbers leads to shorter and more effective meetings, and how the three financial statements function as the foundation of executive thinking. They also address one of the most common misconceptions in the age of AI: that technology can replace the need for financial understanding, and why leaders who believe this are setting themselves up to be outpaced.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeThe three levels of financial acumen and where most leaders get stuckWhy financial literacy is a universal leadership skill, not just a finance functionHow the three financial statements change the way executives thinkWhy AI makes financial knowledge more important, not lessWhy you can't ask the right questions if you don't understand the numbersWhy clarity is the real goal of good financial analysis, not more dataAbout Tim VipondTim Vipond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Corporate Finance Institute (CFI), a global finance education platform serving over 2.8 million learners across 180 countries and the creator of the globally recognized FMVA® certification. Before CFI, Tim worked in investment banking at CIBC, corporate development at Goldcorp, and as VP of Finance at Shoes.com, participating in over $3 billion in transactions.Connect with TimWebsite: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timvipondAbout the Strategy & Leadership PodcastHosted by Anthony C. Taylor, strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America. On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for LeadersStrategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contactSME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.netAnthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productions: https://www.rednyne.com
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  3x Inc 5000 Founder: Stop Buying Software. Start Buying Outcomes, with Dustin Domerese 05.05.2026 29min

  66% of tech projects never launch. 70% of the ones that do fail to deliver what leadership expected. The problem isn't the technology — it's the C-suite.3x Inc 5000 founder Dustin Domerese joins Anthony C. Taylor to unpack why mid-market tech rollouts keep failing and what CEOs of $30M–$300M companies need to do differently.In this conversation:- Why your frontline workers aren't the adoption problem (and who is)- The marketing director who walked into a room and silenced 15 people- The "technology troublemakers" already solving problems you don't know exist- How to hire smart, humble, hungry over expensive senior consultants- What questions every leadership team should ask before the next software investmentAbout Dustin DomereseDustin Domerese is Managing Partner at Dynamic Consultants Group, a 3x Inc. 5000 Microsoft consulting firm. He is a thought leader, bestselling author, and technology innovator within the Microsoft ecosystem, delivering his experience in CRM, ERP, and software development to business leaders and technical teams.Dustin has consulted for more than 300 companies across a wide range of industries and has worked with organizations across the Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and Salesforce ecosystems. Prior to founding multiple companies, he worked with organizations including Barclays, EMC2, HP, and Microsoft.He is also the founder of PowerLearn Academy, where he helps train and develop the next generation of technology consultants by focusing on building internal talent and capability.Dustin is a global speaker on technology and digital transformation and has presented at conferences around the world. Outside of work, he is an accomplished musician, outdoor enthusiast, and a self-described mostly terrible golfer.Connect with DustinWebsite: https://dynamicconsultantsgroup.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-domerese-a0039011/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dynamicconsultantsgroup4151About the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, a strategic advisor to mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.Anthony works directly with CEOs and senior leaders to help them align their teams, clarify priorities, and execute strategy effectively in complex organizations.On this show, he interviews founders, executives, and industry leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.Strategy Resources for LeadersDownload the Strategic Alignment Toolkit: https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Review: https://www.smestrategy.net/contactLearn more about SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productionshttps://www.rednyne.com
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  Augment, Automate, Aspire: The 3 Tiers of AI Every Leadership Team Must Understand 28.04.2026 26min

  What if the biggest mistake leadership teams are making with AI isn’t about the technology at all?In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Jeroen De Flander, international expert in AI Strategy and Strategy Execution, keynote speaker, and co-founder of The Performance Factory.Jeroen has worked with more than 500 companies worldwide and has spent decades helping organizations close the gap between strategy and execution. In this conversation, he breaks down a simple but powerful framework for thinking about AI inside your organization: Augment, Automate, Aspire.Anthony and Jeroen explore why most leadership teams are still focused on the wrong level of AI adoption, how strategy is ultimately about making clear choices, including what not to do, and why delegating AI decisions to IT is one of the biggest risks in today’s boardrooms.They also discuss how AI should be treated as a strategic capability, not just a tool, how leaders can use it to improve processes and create new value for customers, and why the real opportunity lies in rethinking business models entirely.What You Will Learn in This Episode Why strategy is fundamentally about making clear choices that last The importance of defining what your organization will not do Jeroen’s 3 A framework: Augment, Automate, Aspire Why most companies are stuck at the lowest level of AI adoption How AI can improve both internal processes and customer value Why leadership teams must own AI strategy instead of delegating it How AI is reshaping business models and long-term competitive advantageAbout Jeroen De FlanderJeroen De Flander is an international expert in AI Strategy and Strategy Execution, and a keynote speaker who has inspired audiences in more than 45 countries.He is a professor at TIAS School for Business and Society and Academic Director for both the Strategy Execution Master and the AI Strategy Program. Jeroen is the bestselling author of several books, including Strategy Execution Heroes, The Execution Shortcut, and The Art of Performance, and creator of The 8 Model.As co-founder of The Performance Factory, he supports organizations in developing practical AI strategies and achieving stronger execution results. He has worked with more than 500 companies worldwide and contributes to the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council.His current work focuses on how AI reshapes strategic thinking and execution inside organizations.Connect with Jeroen:Website: https://www.jeroen-de-flander.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeroendeflander/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jeroendeflander1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeroendeflander/X: https://x.com/JeroenDeFlanderAbout the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations.On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe.Strategy Resources for LeadersDownload the Strategic Alignment Toolkithttps://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Reviewhttps://www.smestrategy.net/contactLearn more about SME Strategyhttps://www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productionshttps://www.rednyne.com
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  Eric Ries on Why Most ‘Best Practices’ Are Quietly Killing the Companies That Follow Them 21.04.2026 30min

  What happens when success itself starts pulling your company away from its mission?In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Eric Ries, entrepreneur and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad… and How Great Companies Stay Great.Eric is best known for The Lean Startup, a book that reshaped how modern companies are built. In this conversation, he expands on that foundation and challenges one of the most deeply held assumptions in business: that corruption and failure are the result of bad actors rather than flawed systems.Anthony and Eric explore why even well-intentioned leaders and organizations drift toward short-term thinking, how “financial gravity” pulls companies away from their purpose, and what it takes to design organizations that can scale without losing their mission.They also discuss the role of governance as a strategic advantage, why trust is one of the most valuable assets a company can build, and how leaders can rethink profit, accountability, and long-term value creation in a way that aligns performance with purpose.What You Will Learn in This EpisodeWhy good companies go bad even with strong leadershipHow structural design, not morality, drives long-term outcomesWhat “financial gravity” is and how it impacts decision-makingWhy governance should be treated as a strategic function, not complianceHow to build organizations that scale without losing their missionAbout Eric RiesEric Ries is an entrepreneur, author, and creator of the Lean Startup methodology, which has influenced how a generation of companies approach innovation and growth. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, as well as The Startup Way and The Leader’s Guide.Over the past two decades, Eric has worked with founders, executives, and investors to rethink how organizations are built and governed. He is the founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange and has launched multiple companies, including IMVU and Answer.AI.His latest book, Incorruptible, explores how organizations can be designed to resist short-term pressures, build trust, and create long-term value without losing their core mission.About the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations.On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe.Strategy Resources for LeadersDownload the Strategic Alignment Toolkithttps://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Reviewhttps://www.smestrategy.net/contactLearn more about SME Strategyhttps://www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productionshttps://www.rednyne.com
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  How a 9-Figure Founder Aligns Leadership Teams Around What Actually Drives Value 14.04.2026 26min

  Why Your Leadership Team Isn’t Aligned on What Actually Drives Value with Lee BensonWhat happens when a leadership team can’t agree on what actually drives value?In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Lee Benson, a multi-exit CEO who has built and sold companies ranging from seven to nine figures and developed a practical methodology for aligning teams around what matters most.Lee has spent decades working with leadership teams across organizations of all sizes, helping them close the gap between strategy and execution by focusing on one critical idea: every team must be aligned around a single Most Important Number that reflects the value they are designed to create.In this conversation, Anthony and Lee explore why most leadership teams struggle to clearly define what drives value, how misalignment shows up across departments, and why measuring the wrong things creates friction, slows execution, and limits growth.They also discuss the role of the CEO in driving value, how to cascade priorities across an organization, and why avoiding hard conversations around performance is one of the biggest barriers to alignment and results.What You Will Learn in This Episode Why most leadership teams are not aligned on what actually drives value How to define the Most Important Number for your organization and teams The hidden cost of measuring the wrong metrics across departments Why misalignment creates execution gaps and slows growth How strong leaders handle performance and accountability conversationsAbout Lee BensonLee Benson is a multi-exit CEO, founder, and leadership advisor.He is the CEO of Execute to Win and the creator of the MIND Methodology (Most Important Number and Drivers), a framework designed to help organizations align teams, improve execution, and increase business value over time. Over the past 25 years, Lee has founded multiple companies with exits ranging from seven to nine figures and has worked with hundreds of leadership teams to accelerate value creation.About the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations.On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe.Strategy Resources for Leaders Download the Strategic Alignment Toolkit https://www.smestrategy.net/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Review https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategy https://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com
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  The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started with Greg Selkoe of XSET 07.04.2026 28min

  The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started with Greg Selkoe of XSETWhat happens when culture, gaming, media, and entrepreneurship converge?In this episode of the Strategy & Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor speaks with Greg Selkoe, a serial entrepreneur who has spent his career building culture-driven companies at the intersection of media, commerce, and community.Greg is the Co-Founder and CEO of XSET, a gaming lifestyle brand operating at the intersection of esports, content creation, music, fashion, and digital media. Prior to launching XSET, Greg founded Karmaloop, one of the earliest and most influential streetwear e-commerce platforms, which grew to more than $180 million in annual revenue, and later served as the first President and CEO of FaZe Clan, helping scale one of the most recognizable brands in gaming.In this conversation, Anthony and Greg explore how the creator economy is reshaping modern business, why community has become the most valuable asset for brands, and how gaming culture has evolved into one of the largest entertainment ecosystems in the world.They also discuss what traditional organizations can learn from creator-led brands, how companies can authentically reach younger audiences, and why the next generation of media companies will be built around people, personalities, and communities.What You Will Learn in This Episode Why community has become the foundation of modern business models How the creator economy is transforming media, marketing, and brand building What established companies misunderstand about Gen Z audiences Strategic lessons from building Karmaloop, FaZe Clan, and XSET Why personalities and creators increasingly drive brand growthAbout Greg SelkoeGreg Selkoe is a serial entrepreneur and culture-focused business leader.He is the Co-Founder and CEO of XSET, a gaming lifestyle brand designed to bring together esports, creators, fashion, music, and digital media into a next-generation media platform. He previously founded Karmaloop, a pioneering streetwear platform that reached more than $180 million in annual revenue, and later served as President and CEO of FaZe Clan, helping scale one of the most recognized organizations in gaming.Throughout his career, Greg has built companies centered on community, culture, and digital media innovation.About the Strategy & Leadership PodcastThe Strategy & Leadership Podcast is hosted by Anthony Taylor, a strategic advisor who works with mid-market leadership teams ($30M–$300M) across North America.For more than 15 years, Anthony has been in the room with leadership teams navigating growth, transitions, and the alignment challenges that come with scaling complex organizations.On this show, he interviews CEOs, founders, and senior leaders about what actually works when strategy has to survive execution.If you lead a team and want to get better at it, subscribe.Strategy Resources for LeadersDownload the Strategic Alignment Toolkithttps://www.smestrategy.net/toolkitBook a Strategic Alignment Reviewhttps://www.smestrategy.net/contactLearn more about SME Strategyhttps://www.smestrategy.netConnect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/Produced by Rednyne Productionshttps://www.rednyne.com
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  Chris Deaver, Former Apple & Disney Leader | Culture as the Operating System of Strategy 31.03.2026 29min

  Many organizations focus heavily on strategy, but the real differentiator inside high-performing organizations is culture. While strategy sets direction, culture determines whether teams can collaborate, innovate, and execute consistently over time.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony C. Taylor sits down with Chris Deaver, culture architect, leadership coach, and co-author of Brave Together. Chris is the co-founder of BraveCore and has worked inside some of the world’s most innovative organizations, including Apple, Disney, VMware, and Roblox, helping leaders build cultures that enable creativity, trust, and sustained performance.Chris shares why culture should be viewed as the operating system of strategy rather than a secondary initiative led by HR. Drawing from his experience working with leaders inside Apple and Disney, he explains how culture shapes decision-making, collaboration, and the ability of organizations to innovate under pressure.Anthony and Chris explore how leaders can intentionally design culture to unlock the full potential of their teams. The conversation highlights why most organizations only access a fraction of their team’s potential energy, how fear limits creativity and performance, and why teams that learn to co-create often outperform groups of individual high performers.The discussion also explores the future of leadership in a world shaped by AI and automation. Chris explains why technical expertise alone will not be enough for leaders and professionals going forward, and why the ability to collaborate, build trust, and create shared ownership will become a critical differentiator.In this episode, you will learn: Why culture should be treated as the operating system of strategy How leaders can intentionally design cultures that unlock innovation Why most organizations only tap into a small percentage of their team’s potential How fear inside organizations limits creativity and performance Why collaborative teams often outperform groups of individual high performers How leaders can build cultures where people do the best work of their livesEnroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0!https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-ToolkitIf you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team.https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-ExecutionConnect with Chris Deaver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-deaver/ Website: https://www.bravecore.coAbout the HostAnthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With more than 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning sessions and helping leadership teams execute their strategies, Anthony works with organizations around the world to build clarity, alignment, and accountability.Connect with Anthony:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/About SME StrategySME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. They help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results.Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.netPodcast produced by:https://www.rednyne.com
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  Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai 24.03.2026 24min

  Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.aiMany organizations are rushing to adopt artificial intelligence, but leaders often struggle with where to start and how to apply it responsibly. While AI promises efficiency and automation, the real challenge is using it strategically without overengineering systems, chasing hype, or creating unnecessary fear within teams.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony C. Taylor sits down with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai, founder, software engineer, and operator with more than 25 years of experience building SaaS companies and leading technology innovation. Daniel has founded multiple companies and achieved several successful exits, giving him a practical perspective on how emerging technologies should be integrated into real organizations.Daniel shares how leaders can approach AI adoption in a thoughtful and strategic way. Rather than starting with tools, he explains why organizations should begin with the problems they are trying to solve. The conversation explores how AI can eliminate repetitive, shallow work, improve communication inside organizations, and help teams reconnect with the deeper purpose behind their roles.Anthony and Daniel also discuss why fear is often the first barrier to AI adoption, how prompt engineering reflects leadership communication, and how businesses can deploy AI in practical ways that improve customer support, lead conversion, and operational efficiency.The discussion highlights a key leadership insight: AI is most powerful when it enhances human work rather than replacing it. When implemented well, it removes low-value tasks and allows teams to focus on deeper thinking, better decisions, and stronger customer outcomes.In this episode, you will learn:Why many organizations approach AI adoption the wrong wayHow leaders can reduce fear and resistance when introducing AI toolsWhy removing shallow work helps teams reconnect with meaningful workHow prompt engineering reflects leadership clarity and communicationPractical examples of using AI to improve customer support and lead conversionWhy responsible AI implementation begins with solving real business problemsEnroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0!https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-ToolkitIf you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team.https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-ExecutionConnect with Daniel Hindi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhindi/ Website: https://noem.aiAbout the HostAnthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With more than 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning sessions and helping leadership teams execute their strategies, Anthony works with organizations around the world to build clarity, alignment, and accountability. Connect with Anthony:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/About SME StrategySME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. They help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results. Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net Podcast produced by:https://www.rednyne.com
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  Success Isn’t the Gear, It’s the Operator: Special Forces Performance Lessons for Leaders with Simon Jeffries 17.03.2026 22min

  Most leaders believe success comes from better tools, better strategies, or better tactics. But under real pressure, those things rarely determine the outcome. What actually matters is the operator behind them—and whether they can stay focused, disciplined, and effective when conditions aren’t ideal.In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Simon Jeffries, former UK Special Forces operator, Royal Marines Commando, and founder of The Natural Edge. After completing Special Forces selection and serving three combat tours, Simon transitioned into entrepreneurship and performance coaching, where he now works with founders and senior leaders to build the capacity to perform consistently under pressure.Simon shares the key lessons he learned moving from elite military environments into the world of business. While many entrepreneurs focus on tactics, productivity hacks, or motivation, Simon explains that elite performers train something different: performance itself. Without systems for focus, discipline, and emotional control, leaders often fall into boom-bust cycles where short bursts of effort are followed by burnout, distraction, or inconsistency.The conversation explores how high-performing environments like Special Forces and professional sports deliberately train performance capacity, while most organizations expect people to simply show up and perform without that preparation. Simon breaks down the three pillars of performance—hardware, software, and habits—and explains how leaders can build systems that make high performance repeatable rather than dependent on motivation.Anthony and Simon also discuss the role of environment in shaping performance, the importance of reducing friction in decision-making, and why preparation and structure allow leaders to stay calm and effective even when pressure increases.The episode closes with a simple challenge for listeners: choose one habit in your physical health, one mindset practice, and one structural routine—and test them consistently for seven days to see how much your performance improves.Enroll in our strategic thinking training today for $0!https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-ToolkitIf you want your team’s execution to be smoother, faster, and easier, your team needs the right tools and coaching. Enroll in the Strategy Leadership Accelerator and level up your leadership team.https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-ExecutionIn this episode, you will learn: How elite environments train performance instead of relying on motivation Why entrepreneurs often fall into boom-bust cycles under pressure The three pillars of performance: hardware, software, and habits How leaders can build systems that make success the path of least resistance Why environment and structure matter more than willpower How small daily habits compound into consistent high performanceConnect with Simon JeffriesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonjeffriesWebsite: https://thenaturaledge.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturaledgeAbout the HostAnthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals.Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604About SME StrategySME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results.Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.netPodcast produced by: https://www.rednyne.com
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  From Small Companies to Public Markets: 100+ M&A Deals with Callum Laing of Unity Group 10.03.2026 24min

  For many entrepreneurs, growth means hiring more people, increasing revenue, and expanding into new markets. But what if there were another path to scaling—one that uses capital markets, partnerships, and strategic acquisitions to grow faster and more efficiently?In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Callum Laing, partner at Unity Group, investor, entrepreneur, and M&A practitioner who has been involved in more than 100 transactions and helped create over $500 million in shareholder value. Callum specializes in helping ambitious entrepreneurs use the capital markets to scale their companies and unlock new opportunities for growth.Callum explains how small and mid-sized companies can think differently about scaling by leveraging public markets, partnerships, and acquisition strategies rather than relying solely on organic growth. Drawing on decades of experience working with entrepreneurs, investors, and boards, he shares how capital structures and strategic positioning can unlock growth opportunities that many business leaders overlook.The conversation explores Callum’s work building and leading MBH Corporation PLC, a publicly listed holding company designed to help profitable small businesses scale through an agglomeration model. Instead of forcing companies to merge operations, the model allows independent businesses to retain their identity while benefiting from shared resources, capital access, and strategic alignment.Anthony and Callum discuss the realities of mergers and acquisitions, the common mistakes leaders make when approaching deals, and why ego and impatience often undermine successful partnerships. Callum also shares why entrepreneurs must think differently when operating in capital markets, and how the strategic “game” changes once businesses move from private ownership to public market environments.The episode closes with a powerful insight for leaders: scaling a company isn’t only about growing bigger—it’s about building the right structures, partnerships, and strategy that allow businesses to create long-term value.Responsible for strategy?We’ve created Strategic Leadership Foundations — a concise executive course on alignment, decision-making, and execution structure.It’s free, practical, and designed for leaders running the process themselves.Enroll here:https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Strategic-Leadership-ToolkitFor in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs:https://www.smestrategy.netIn this episode, you will learn:How small businesses can use capital markets to accelerate growthWhy mergers and acquisitions can be powerful tools for scaling companiesHow the agglomeration model allows businesses to grow without losing independenceThe strategic differences between running a private company and operating in public marketsWhy patience and alignment matter more than speed when structuring M&A dealsHow entrepreneurs can think differently about partnerships, capital, and long-term value creationConnect with Callum LaingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumlaing/Unity Group: https://www.unity-group.com/Website: https://www.callumlaing.com/About the HostAnthony Taylor is the CEO and Founder of SME Strategy and a trusted expert in organizational alignment and strategy execution. With over 15 years of experience facilitating strategic planning and leadership development, he helps organizations align their people, accelerate execution, and achieve their biggest goals.Connect with Anthony: linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604About SME StrategySME Strategy is a management consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and implementation. We help organizations align their teams around a shared vision so they can focus on what truly drives results.Learn more: www.smestrategy.netPodcast produced by: www.rednyne.com