

The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor
SME Strategy Consulting INC
The Strategy & Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor explores strategic planning, strategy execution, and executive leadership in complex organizations.
Hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, Founder & Principal of SME Strategy, the show features conversations with CEOs and senior leaders on business strategy, organizational alignment, leadership development, and change management.
Episodes examine real trade-offs, decision-making, and the practical structures that turn strategic plans into measurable results and sustained team performance.
Designed for CEOs and executive teams responsible for making strategic plans work in the real world.
Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Hosted by Anthony C. Taylor, Founder & Principal of SME Strategy, the show features conversations with CEOs and senior leaders on business strategy, organizational alignment, leadership development, and change management.
Episodes examine real trade-offs, decision-making, and the practical structures that turn strategic plans into measurable results and sustained team performance.
Designed for CEOs and executive teams responsible for making strategic plans work in the real world.
Learn more: https://www.smestrategy.net
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
Why Fearless Leaders Outperform w/ Brendan Keegan
Why does fearless leadership matter more than ever? In this podcast, entrepreneur and author Brendan P. Keegan unpacks what it means to be a fearless leader and how to create environments that support high performance. With over 25 years as a CEO and now on a mission to build one million fearless leaders, Brendan shares lessons from business, motorsports, and his own life about courage, culture, and continuous growth.
About the Guest:
Brendan P. Keegan is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of Dare to Disrupt: The 8 Pillars of Transformation. He has served as CEO of six companies, invested in ventures spanning motorsports to technology, and is Co-Owner of Andretti Global. Brendan is also the founder of The Fearless Leadership Experience, with over 150,000 subscribers on LinkedIn, dedicated to his mission of building one million fearless leaders
Listen to the full conversation to learn actionable leadership advice that will help you perform at your best and inspire others to do the same.
Work with us to facilitate your strategic plan: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator
Learn more about our courses: https://courses.smestrategy.net/courses/Leading-Strategy-Execution

Aug 13, 2025 • 17min
Why Innovation Fails, and How to Fix It w/ Robyn Bolton
Robyn Bolton, founder of MileZero and former P&G brand manager, dives into the intricacies of why so many innovation efforts stumble in successful companies. She explains how leaders often stifle creativity by clinging to past successes and highlights the need to balance instinct with innovative thinking. Robyn shares actionable stories, including the importance of flexibility within corporate constraints and cultivating a culture that embraces change. Prepare to rethink how you lead innovation in your organization!

Aug 7, 2025 • 19min
Why Some Teams Fail While Others Thrive w/ Vanessa Druskat
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, our guest, Vanessa Druskat, author of "The Emotionally Intelligent Team: Building Collaborative Groups That Outperform the Rest," provides valuable insights into what makes some teams succeed while others fail. Vanessa discusses the importance of psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics. She shares her journey from academia to developing a model for building emotionally intelligent environments where team members thrive.
Discover how understanding team interactions and cultivating trust can transform the way teams function. Vanessa explains the role of empowerment, belonging, and the many-to-many relationships crucial for team success. Whether you're a leader looking to improve team performance or curious about the intricacies of team dynamics, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

Jul 30, 2025 • 22min
THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE NLP and the Science of Positive Change
Welcome to this exciting episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, where we delve into the transformative power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with our expert guests, Josh Davis and Greg Promushkin. As authors of 'NLP and the Science of Positive Change,' they share their unique insights into how NLP can be practically applied in everyday life and leadership to foster significant and lasting changes.
Our discussion highlights the importance of effective communication, understanding and meeting others mentally and emotionally, and practicing the art of influence. Whether you are looking to improve your leadership skills or personal development, this episode provides valuable strategies and real-world examples of how NLP can help you achieve your goals.
Tune in and discover the difference that makes the difference, a step towards better communication and leadership. Subscribe for more insightful conversations like this one on the Strategy and Leadership Podcast.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to NLP and Its Importance
03:09 Understanding Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
07:33 Practical Applications of NLP in Everyday Life
11:07 How to Incorporate NLP in Communication
14:29 The Impact of Communication and Responsibility
19:35 Closing Thoughts on NLP and Communication
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Jul 23, 2025 • 9min
One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and a 40 Under 40 awardee, Dr. Julie Wilson
In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Julie Wilson shares her journey as a family doctor and healthcare leader. She discusses her passion for ethical business practices, the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, and her vision for expanding healthcare access. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the need for effective communication and compassion in leadership, as well as the significance of fostering a supportive environment for employees. The conversation highlights her commitment to driving system-level change in healthcare and her excitement for future growth in her organization.
Access our courses to support your strategy leadership: https://courses.smestrategy.net/
Learn more about our Strategic Planning Facilitation Services
► Contact SME Strategy: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
► Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/

Jun 18, 2025 • 20min
From Military to Tulip Farming: Andrew Miller's Unconventional Journey
Andrew Miller, the president and CEO of United Way of Skagit County and the co-founder and CEO of Tulip Valley Farms. Discover how Andrew transitioned from a career in Air Force intelligence to embracing life as a tulip farmer, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to both farming and community work.
Andrew shares his unique strategic insights, discussing the challenges and opportunities in the tulip farming industry, the transformation of the United Way of Skagit County, and the importance of adaptability and curiosity in leadership. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a nonprofit leader, or someone fascinated by unconventional career paths, this episode offers valuable lessons on maintaining an agile mindset and navigating change in today's fast-paced world.

Jun 5, 2025 • 21min
Navigating Turbulence: The Evolution of Leadership with Blair LaCorte
Anthony Taylor interviews Blair LaCorte, a seasoned CEO with extensive experience in private equity and aviation. They discuss Blair's journey, particularly his time at XOJet, where he transformed a struggling airline into a successful business through innovative strategies and a focus on customer needs. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership, team dynamics, and the necessity of self-care for CEOs. Blair shares valuable insights on navigating challenges, fostering innovation, and treating people with respect, even during difficult transitions.
Learn more about SME Strategy and how we support strategic planning facilitation.
Learn to be a better leader in our academy: https://courses.smestrategy.net/

11 snips
May 27, 2025 • 25min
McKinsey Partner Tim Koller on Mastering Business Valuation
Tim Koller, a McKinsey Partner and co-author of "Valuation," dives into the nuances of business valuation. He explains the delicate balance between revenue growth and profitability and critiques short-term cost-cutting measures that can jeopardize long-term success. Koller highlights the CEO's pivotal role in resource allocation and the importance of using a structured capital investment framework. He also discusses how future leaders must adapt to technological advancements while developing a solid grasp of valuation drivers, all to enhance decision-making.

May 21, 2025 • 17min
Infinite Possibilities: Lessons from Space with Dr. Bernard Harris
Dr. Bernard Harris, the first black astronaut to walk in space, shares his incredible journey from childhood dreams of space exploration to becoming a physician, venture capitalist, and author. He discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization, and embracing infinite possibilities in achieving one's highest potential. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for audacious goal setting and the value of perspective gained from unique experiences, such as viewing Earth from space. He also offers insights into leadership and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.
► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact
► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: / anthonyctaylor604

Apr 22, 2025 • 22min
The Future Of Work with AI: AI For Business Strategy and Leadership in 2025 with Kevin Surace
This SME Strategy Podcast episode features technology and leadership innovator Kevin Surace, offering expert guidance on leveraging generative AI to enhance content creation and drive strategic growth and strategic planning.
Learn how to make better decisions, improve your customer experience, and cultivate a culture of joy in work that supports your business strategy. Kevin's perspectives on leadership in 2025 and the role of innovation are crucial for any business aiming for strategic success.
Tune in for practical takeaways on building a future-forward business strategy powered by AI.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kevin Surace and His Work
03:00 The Role of AI in Modern Business
06:02 Generative AI: Transforming Content Creation
09:04 AI in Leadership and Decision Making
11:46 The Joy Success Cycle: Finding Joy in Work
18:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
// Connect with us:
► Contact us: https://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0
► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: / 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://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0
► Take The Aligned Strategy Course: Leading a strategic planning session of your own? Get the tools you need to be effective in our Aligned Strategy Course. https://courses.smestrategy.net/
► Strategy Leadership Toolkit: Unlock your potential as a leader with a comprehensive toolkit designed for managers. Master strategic decision-making, planning, and stakeholder engagement to drive effective change. https://courses.smestrategy.net/


