Strategy and Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Anthony Taylor talks with Maggie Olson, a former T-Mobile Chief of Staff, about what that job really means. They cover how it's a strategic role, not just admin, how it differs from other leadership roles, and what skills are needed. Maggie explains how to become a Chief of Staff and why leaders should consider hiring one to boost efficiency. This podcast reveals how hiring Chief of Staff can be your secret weapon to strategic success.

TAKEAWAYS

• Chiefs of Staff are strategic partners for leaders.
• The role is expanding as leaders seek higher-level support.
• A Chief of Staff organizes and prioritizes initiatives for leaders.
• Networking is crucial for aspiring Chiefs of Staff.
• Look for roles that involve high-level support, not just administrative tasks.
• Experience in customer service can enhance a Chief of Staff's effectiveness.
• Special projects can provide valuable experience for future Chiefs of Staff.
• A Chief of Staff needs strong access to the leader to be effective.
• Understanding the unique needs of the organization is key to success.
• Consider the timing and readiness of the organization before hiring a Chief of Staff.

 

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Chief of Staff Role
• 03:04The Evolution and Importance of the Chief of Staff
• 05:59 Identifying the Right Fit for Chief of Staff
• 08:58 Career Pathways to Becoming a Chief of Staff
• 12:07 Skills and Experiences that Shape a Chief of Staff
• 14:54 Final Thoughts and Resources for Aspiring Chiefs of Staff

// Connect with us:

► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact

► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/ // About SME STRATEGY CONSULTING: SME Strategy is a management consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations develop and implement their strategic plans. We work with teams to facilitate conversations about strategic direction and business strategy so that our clients can focus their energy on what will move them forward faster.

► Work with us: Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator

In this episode, Rebecca Homkes, author of "Survive, Reset, Thrive," discusses practical strategies for building a growth strategy in volatile times with host Anthony C. Taylor. The discussion explores proactive survival strategies, the "loop mentality" in strategic planning, building competitive advantages, and the significance of acting on beliefs rather than waiting for facts. Plus, we touch on developing talent for long-term resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Learn how to create a sustainable growth strategy in volatile times in this episode of the SME Strategy Podcast.

 

Key Takeaways

• Must embrace uncertainty as a growth opportunity.
• The reset phase is crucial for thriving post-crisis.
• Loop thinking allows for continuous strategy cycles.
• Proactive survival means preparing before shocks occur.
• Competitive advantages are eroding faster than ever.
• Acting on beliefs can lead to better strategic decisions.
• Organizations should focus on building loyalty with customers.
• Talent development is essential for long-term growth.
• Strategic plans should be living documents that adapt.
• Growth requires a commitment from leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Survive, Reset, Thrive

02:55 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership

05:51 The Importance of Loop Thinking

08:49 Building Competitive Advantage

12:11 Kickers and Killers: Strategic Planning Insights

14:58 Developing Talent for Growth

16:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

 

// Connect with us:

► Contact us: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact

► 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://www.smestrategy.net/strategic...

JoAnn Garbin, author of the Insider's Guide to Innovation at Microsoft. She explores the concept of regenerative data centers, the creative journey of innovation, the importance of diverse perspectives, and the challenges faced in the innovation process. Joanne shares her personal experiences, including her battle with cancer and how it has shaped her approach to innovation and leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for a holistic view of innovation beyond technology, focusing on community engagement and sustainable practices.   takeaways

• Regenerative data centers aim to create positive feedback loops with their environment.
• Innovation requires a diverse range of perspectives and collaboration.
• Identifying pain points and opportunities is crucial in the innovation process.
• Synthesis is a key component of successful innovation.
• Life experiences can profoundly shape one's approach to leadership and innovation.
• Engaging with the community can transform perceptions of infrastructure projects.
• Incremental improvements are not enough; sometimes a complete refactor is necessary.
• Bad innovation often stems from a lack of understanding of the target audience.
• The journey of innovation is complex and requires both hard and soft skills.
• Personal challenges can lead to a renewed focus on what truly matters.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to C-Suite Conversations 01:19 Understanding Regenerative Data Centers 03:37 The Creative Journey of Innovation 09:43 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives in Innovation 11:34 Identifying Bad Innovation Practices 14:36 Navigating Challenges in Innovation 19:35 Personal Experiences Shaping Innovation Perspectives 25:56 Connecting with the Audience and Future Endeavors

In this episode of C-suite Conversations, host Anthony Taylor speaks with Nicholas Lalla, founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs. They discuss the journey of establishing an innovation economy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the importance of strategic focus and stakeholder engagement, and the challenges of change management in urban development. Nicholas emphasizes the need for cities to find their unique strengths and not simply emulate larger tech hubs like New York or San Francisco. The conversation highlights the potential for mid-sized cities to thrive by leveraging their assets and fostering inclusive growth.

 

00:00 Introduction to Tulsa Innovation Labs 02:46 Building an Innovation Economy 06:06 Strategic Focus and Stakeholder Engagement 08:50 Change Management in Urban Development 11:50 Decentralizing the Innovation Economy 14:47 Final Thoughts and Future Directions   For more on Tulsa Innovation Labs visit: https://www.tulsainnovationlabs.com/   For more on SME Strategy visit: https://www.smestrategy.net/

The Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor welcomes Nigel Thurlow, CEO of the Flow Consortium, to delve into the nuances of lean thinking and continuous improvement. Nigel shares his extensive experience from Toyota and beyond, offering insights into how Lean principles can apply to various organizational contexts, emphasizing the significance of behavior alongside methodology and tools. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions on cultural transformation, the role of human factors, and how organizations can effectively harness their workforce to achieve long-term success.

Nigel explores the concept of viewing organizations as complex adaptive systems and discusses why prescriptive methodologies often fall short in such environments. He emphasizes the importance of human behaviors and culture in achieving continuous improvement, drawing from his collaborations with complexity thinking experts. Listeners will learn about the practical application of lean methodologies beyond manufacturing environments, discover the importance of root cause analysis, and gain insights into how organizations like McKinsey are shifting their focus toward unlocking human potential. Nigel also discusses practical strategies for leaders to engage employees in continuous improvement and empower teams to make impactful decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Lean thinking transcends manufacturing and can be applied to any area with non-value-added activities, focusing on eliminating waste and enhancing processes.

• Organizations must adapt to complex systems by shifting from prescriptive methodologies to emphasizing human factors and team dynamics.

• Effective leadership involves empowering teams to address problems and contribute to cultural transformation by creating a psychologically safe environment.

• Root cause analysis should identify not only the point of occurrence but also the point of cause to effectively address underlying issues.

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

Episode Summary:

Cindy Anderson, CEO of Think Strategy, shares her expert insights into the world of business transitions and strategic acquisitions. Cindy stresses the importance of preparing an exit strategy well in advance, highlighting a five-year timeline to ensure the business is poised for a successful transition. She delves into crucial considerations business owners need to assess, such as the value of company growth, strategic acquisitions, leadership development, and team readiness, especially in the context of evolving market trends as we approach 2025.

Throughout the conversation, Cindy explores various exit strategies, including the intricacies of ESOPs, helping owners to find tailor-made solutions that align with their business objectives and personal goals. By considering internal transitions or preparing for external sales, she emphasizes the necessity for intentional planning to maximize company value. The discussion extends to the importance of leadership readiness and team development, empowering owners to add significant value to their businesses. Cindy reflects on her personal journey of selling her CPA firm and how those lessons shape her approach today. Listeners will gain a thorough understanding of strategic planning in the context of transitioning out of a business, ensuring the optimal outcomes for both owners and employees.

Key Takeaways:

• The Importance of an Early Exit Strategy: Business owners should plan their exit strategies at least five years in advance, providing time to prepare for successful transitions.

• Valuing Internal and External Transitions: Every business needs a strategy that aligns with its unique goals and the marketplace, such as implementing ESOPs for suitable companies.

• Leadership and Team Development: Building a strong, independent leadership team can enhance a company's value and facilitate smoother transitions.

• Timing and Strategy Flexibility: Understanding when to act on a sale offer based on market conditions and readiness can significantly influence the success of the transaction.

• Cindy's Personal Experience: Lessons learned from selling her own business highlight the importance of having a comprehensive plan and experienced advisors during transition phases.

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/

Thomas Dunlap is the managing partner at Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, an established law firm with around 80 lawyers. His extensive expertise lies in intellectual property law, supported by a diverse professional background as a former CEO of a biotech company, and an army officer with military training. He shares his knowledge by teaching an class on intellectual property for engineers and scientists at Lafayette College.

Episode Summary:

With a distinguished background in law, business, and the military, Thomas shares fascinating insights into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property (IP), particularly the challenges and opportunities they present. As the discussion delves into the transformative landscape of AI, Taylor and Dunlap consider how businesses can strategically leverage AI technology without compromising their intellectual assets.

Throughout the conversation, Dunlap highlights the "Wild West" nature of AI and its implications for IP protection. He shares valuable perspectives on how AI technologies are reshaping industries, urging companies to adapt and integrate these tools to stay competitive. Dunlap also sheds light on his law firm's innovative management structure, emphasizing the importance of hiring professionals, even non-lawyers, to efficiently manage non-core activities like HR and marketing. His unique approach showcases how legal practices can break traditional barriers and foster a progressive work environment focused on specialization and efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• AI & IP Law: The intersection of AI and intellectual property law poses complex challenges, with the need to clearly define ownership of AI-generated content.

• Innovation in Management: Employing non-lawyer professionals for peripheral tasks enhances efficiency and allows specialized professionals to focus on their core strengths.

• Adoption of AI Tools: Companies not using AI risk falling behind, as AI is an invaluable tool for creative and operational enhancement in businesses.

• Educational Integration: Encouraging future scientists and engineers to utilize AI responsibly can lead to innovative developments and solutions.

• Leadership Practices: Building a successful organization involves aligning management practices with core strengths and creating a culture centered around trust and efficiency.

 

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.

About the Guest(s):

Renee Moorfield, PhD Renee Moorfield is the CEO of WisdomWorks Group, a company committed to making thriving a standard of success within organizations. Over her 30-year career, Renee has worked closely with well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and AT&T, providing leadership development and cultural transformation insights. She combines scientific research on thriving with practical strategies for leadership to foster environments where individuals and organizations can flourish.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor converses with Renee Moorfield, PhD, the CEO of WisdomWorks Group, about the science of thriving leadership. Drawing from three decades of experience and working with industry giants, Renee shares her thought-provoking insights and frameworks that focus on creating thriving work environments. Her passion for promoting well-being, resilience, and effective leadership is evident throughout the conversation.

The discussion dives deep into the differentiating factors between leadership and management, emphasizing the importance of utilizing strategic plans to cultivate successful teams within complex dynamic systems. Renee highlights the significance of nurturing thriving leadership backed by science, rather than relying solely on motivational tactics. Listeners will discover the impact of self-care, resilience, and creating supportive work environments for personal and organizational achievement. Renee underlines that thriving should be considered a standard measure of success in today’s businesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Thriving is an innate capacity within all humans, yet individuals often delay focusing on it. Leaders should integrate personal thriving into daily life to contribute positively to their teams.

• A thriving culture in organizations doesn’t just mean wellness programming but creating environments where employees can flourish and realize their potential.

• Middle managers play a crucial role in cushioning their teams from less supportive corporate structures, making their own self-care and understanding of thriving essential.

• Leadership is about cultivating environments and focusing on relationships before business to support each team member's growth and effectiveness.

• Simple reflective practices, when embedded into leadership, can lead to significant changes in work dynamics and individual well-being.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Your capacity to thrive is innate to you as a human being. You're biologically hardwired to do these things."

2. "One of the groups we kind of worry about the most is middle managers because they're the ones buffering from so many directions."

3. "Personal reflection is what’s called psychoactive. It already starts to shift how you see how you're designing your life."

4. "At the end of the day, of course, results matter, but the way we get there is through healthy relationships."

5. "The role of a leader is to steward environments where all people can thrive."

Resources:

• Website: wisdom-works.com

• LinkedIn: Renee Moorfield

Renee Moorfield’s perspectives provide a fresh lens on leadership and thriving. To explore more profound insights shared in this discussion, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more empowering content from the Strategy and Leadership Podcast.

 

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/

About the Guest:

Dawn Reese is the CEO of The Wooden Floor, a creative youth development organization that empowers young people through the transformative power of dance and access to higher education. With over 15 years at The Wooden Floor, Dawn has driven significant organizational growth, guided by her expertise in strategy, business development, and finance. Her career began in the technology sector before transitioning to the nonprofit sector, where she applies her business acumen to make meaningful community impact. Dawn is also a proponent of strategic planning and servant leadership.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Dawn Reese, CEO of The Wooden Floor. Dawn shares her incredible journey from the tech sector to leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming young lives through dance and education. The episode dives into the strategic planning and leadership approaches that have driven The Wooden Floor's success. Listen in to discover how strategic visioning and a commitment to people-centric leadership can drive meaningful change in both organizations and communities.

Dawn Reese elaborates on how The Wooden Floor is more than just a dance studio; it's a creative youth development organization that supports underserved children through dance education, academic support, and college readiness programs. With 100% of their students enrolling in higher education since 2005, Dawn outlines the organization's strategic growth from its humble beginnings to its current expansive reach. The conversation delves into the importance of a long-term strategic plan that includes chapters allowing for iterative progress, stakeholder engagement, and intentional growth that aligns with the organization's mission.

The episode also emphasizes the crucial role of servant leadership and empathy in cultivating a thriving organizational culture. Dawn's dedication to fostering a supportive and accountable work environment has led to impressive retention rates within her team. She candidly shares lessons learned from past experiences and underscores the importance of living out a clear mission-driven vision. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for leaders aiming to implement effective strategic planning while leading with heart and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• The Wooden Floor goes beyond being a dance studio, transforming young lives through dance education and college readiness, ensuring 100% of students enroll in higher education.

• Strategic planning involves a long-term vision with iterative chapters that allow for flexible and responsive growth, rather than rigid SMART goals.

• Servant leadership and empathy are key to fostering strong, dedicated teams and ensuring organizational success.

• Effective strategic planning requires strong stakeholder engagement, listening, and implementation as insights are gathered.

• Having a growth filter ensures decisions are mission-driven and sustainable, aligning with the organization's core values and strategic objectives.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We inspire and transform young people through the power of dance and access to higher education." – Dawn Reese

2. "Not a lot of organizations can do a 10-year vision...we set the vision for the organization." – Dawn Reese

3. "For us, it's been really intentional about how we want it...we don't want to grow for growth's sake." – Dawn Reese

4. "If they're taken care of, then they'll take care of our mission." – Dawn Reese

5. "If I'm ever a CEO, I want to be the person that people can talk to and count on." – Dawn Reese

Resources:

• Website: The Wooden Floor

• Dawn Reese on LinkedIn: Dawn S. Reese

Tune into this episode for an in-depth look at how strategic planning and servant leadership can transform an organization and its community impact. Whether you're in the nonprofit sector or corporate world, there's a wealth of practical insights and inspiration to be found. Stay tuned

 

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/