We interview CEOs, business leaders, and thought leaders to get their perspectives on strategy, leadership, management, and other trends that can support your career and help you run a ”best-in-class” business or non-profit. Be sure to subscribe and tell us what you’re taking away from each episode. About SME Strategy We facilitate strategic planning offsite meetings and support the accountability of the plans and the leadership teams who lead them. Learn more at: https://www.smestrategy.net ...
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SME Strategy Consulting Podcasts
Margin Maximizers brings big business smarts to Medium Enterprises. In each episode, Soonah and Karen reveal the secrets to increasing your business's profits through an operational approach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bringing you the latest news, views and experiences in Technology, Talent and Transformational change hosted by CTO, Author and leading Tech For Good advocate Prof. Sally Eaves @sallyeaves. With weekly episodes and an inspiring diversity of guests from some of the most pioneering organisations, projects and people of our time, this is Your engaging space to learn from C-Suite to Student, CIO to Academic and Enterprise to SME. Our shows focus on the latest innovations in emergent technology i ...
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Dr. Colin M. Fisher: The Hidden Science of Group Dynamics | Strategy and Leadership Podcast
25:15
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How do you build teams that truly work together instead of falling into dysfunction? In this Strategy and Leadership podcast, Dr. Colin M. Fisher—Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at UCL School of Management and author of The Collective Edge—shares two decades of research on group dynamics, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing f…
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Will Your Business Sell? Let’s Talk Brutal Truths.
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25:50
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Most business owners assume they’ll sell when they’re ready. But the harsh truth? Most businesses aren’t even close to being sale-ready. In this episode, Soonah and Karen break down the brutal reasons why deals fall over - and what you can do about it now. Topics we’re not sugar-coating: 🔷 Owner-dependency is a death sentence 🔷 Your financials? The…
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Leading Nonprofits Like Businesses with Andy Price, CEO & Scout Executive
16:33
16:33
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16:33
How do you lead nonprofits like businesses while staying true to your mission? In this episode, Andy Price, CEO & Scout Executive of the Grand Canyon Council, shares lessons from over 30 years in nonprofit leadership. He reveals how to inspire volunteers, measure real impact, and turn around organizations in crisis. Watch the full conversation to l…
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Leading Global Brands & Data-Driven Growth, with Co-CEO of Cro Metrics Gwen Hammes
22:06
22:06
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22:06
Why do the world’s leading brands increasingly act like startups? In this episode, Co-CEO of Cro Metrics, Gwen Hammes, shares her insights from working with global giants such as Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Stellantis, Clorox, Levi Strauss, Sargento, and SC Johnson. Drawing from her decades of experience at iconic agencies like Ogilvy, FCB, and DDB, Gwen…
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The Brutal Truth About Business Sale Value What Most SME Owners Miss.mp4
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With over a decade of front-line experience, Mick Godwin has seen the real - and often brutal - truth behind business exits. As a Senior Business Broker at Benchmark Business Sales, Mick doesn’t sugarcoat it: most SME owners are sitting on a ticking time bomb of misplaced expectations when it comes to the value of their business. Known for his dire…
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Why Fearless Leaders Outperform w/ Brendan Keegan
17:47
17:47
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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, motor…
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Why Innovation Fails, and How to Fix It w/ Robyn Bolton
16:46
16:46
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Why do so many innovation initiatives fall flat—even in successful companies? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor sits down with innovation expert Robyn Bolton to discuss what leaders get wrong about innovation, how to create the right conditions for it to thrive, and what it takes to build a truly innovative cult…
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Why Some Teams Fail While Others Thrive w/ Vanessa Druskat
18:38
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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, a…
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HR Strategies That Protect Your Bottom Line with Renee Henville
29:04
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In this episode, we’re joined by Renee Henville, Founder of Integrate Human Resourcing and Recruit Collective, to unpack the full employee life cycle - from recruitment to retention and everything in between. We explore how smart hiring, onboarding, development, and offboarding practices can reduce business risk, boost productivity, and ultimately …
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THE DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE NLP and the Science of Positive Change
21:47
21:47
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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 everyd…
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One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and a 40 Under 40 awardee, Dr. Julie Wilson
9:05
9:05
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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 communic…
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Expense Policies That Actually Improve Profitability
25:31
25:31
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In this episode, Karen and Soonah break down the hidden power of strong expense policies – not just as a compliance tool, but as a profit strategy. From rogue credit card spending to fuzzy approval flows, they share how tightening the reins on expenses can directly improve your margins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
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Why “Phase 0” is the secret to ERP success & the industries that truly benefit from SAP
32:56
32:56
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We’re joined by Judith O’Callaghan from Global ERP Advisory to unpack the real story behind successful business transformations. From cross-stitching quirks to cutting through ERP chaos, Judith shares how “Phase 0” sets the foundation for everything that follows. Whether you're a CFO, advisor, or transformation lead, this episode is a must-listen. …
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John D. Marvin's Leadership at Texas State Optical
21:20
21:20
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In this captivating episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony welcomes John D. Marvin, the esteemed CEO and President of Texas State Optical (TSO). Together, they delve into the fascinating history of TSO, a pioneering optometry practice founded in 1936 by the Rogers brothers, and its evolution into a respected brand across multi…
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This week on Margin Maximizers, Soonah and Karen dive into why collaboration isn’t just helpful - it’s essential when you're trying to turn numbers into real business impact. If you’re a CFO, accountant, or advisor focused on more than just the P&L, this one’s for you. Here’s what you’ll hear: 1️⃣ Why Collaboration Beats Isolation How siloed teams …
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From Military to Tulip Farming: Andrew Miller's Unconventional Journey
19:52
19:52
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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 strateg…
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Karen and Soonah unpack what really happens when business owners resist structure, dodge accountability, and stay loyal to the wrong people. From chaos disguised as “freedom” to teams hiding behind broken systems, this episode reveals how leadership blind spots drain culture - and margin. Hard truths, sharp insights, and a clear path to taking back…
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Navigating Turbulence: The Evolution of Leadership with Blair LaCorte
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20:35
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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 …
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Are You the Block? Are you the reason your business is not moving forward?
29:01
29:01
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29:01
In this raw and revealing first episode, Karen and Soonah dive into the uncomfortable truth many SME owners face: sometimes you are the bottleneck. From resisting change to clinging to control, we explore how fear, pride, and exhaustion can stall growth. You’ll hear the tell-tale signs of self-sabotage, real-world pushbacks, and a practical checkli…
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McKinsey Partner Tim Koller on Mastering Business Valuation
25:17
25:17
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Anthony Taylor and Tim Koller discuss the critical aspects of business valuation, emphasizing the importance of balancing revenue growth and profitability. They explore strategic decision-making in large organizations, the role of the CEO in resource allocation, and the necessity of understanding financial drivers to create value. Tim shares insigh…
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Infinite Possibilities: Lessons from Space with Dr. Bernard Harris
17:18
17:18
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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 t…
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The 8 Crucial Numbers - Doing Less for More
31:39
31:39
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Karen and Soonah break down the 8 key financial numbers every business owner must track to maximise profits and performance. Learn how focusing on the right data - like Gross Profit Margin, Customer Lifetime Value, and Break-Even Point - can transform your business without the overwhelm. Plus, discover two bonus cash flow metrics you can’t afford t…
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How To Build A Standout Presence in The Finance Industry
32:40
32:40
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32:40
In this powerhouse episode, Soonah and Karen dive into what truly sets Margin Maximizers apart. They unpack how to build a standout presence in the finance industry through strategic clarity, scalable systems, and real-world leadership. Karen shares her gift for creating structure, driving accountability, and bridging vision with execution, while S…
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The Future Of Work with AI: AI For Business Strategy and Leadership in 2025 with Kevin Surace
21:41
21:41
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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 yo…
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Servant Leadership and Exit Strategies in 2025: Business Strategy with Cameron Bishop
22:52
22:52
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22:52
This episode of the SME Strategy & Leadership podcast focusses on navigating hyper-growth, the power of servant leadership, and crucial exit strategies relevant for 2025. Cameron Bishop of Raincatcher shares his extensive experience in leading companies through significant transformations, emphasizing effective communication, employee engagement, a…
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Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI in 2025 with Faisal Hoque
24:53
24:53
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On this episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, global management thought leader Faisal Hoque serves up essential guidance on the evolving landscape of AI and technology in 2025. He underscores the vital role of purpose-driven leadership in navigating today's market uncertainty. Faisal introduces the CARE framework as a fundamental structure for AI go…
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The New Rules of Talent Retention with Global Talent Advisor Steve Cadigan
29:20
29:20
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29:20
🚨 Talent retention strategies are failing. Businesses need to fundamentally shift operations to continue to thrive. 🚨 In this powerful episode of the SME Strategy Podcast, we sit down with Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn's first CHRO and a global talent advisor, to uncover the harsh realities of today's talent marketplace and reveal what you need to consid…
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Goodfood's Vision for Strategic Growth: A Conversation with CEO Jonathan Ferrari
24:30
24:30
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Join Anthony Taylor, a seasoned strategic planning facilitator and the host of the SME Strategy Podcast, as he sits down with Jonathan Ferrari, the visionary founder, CEO, and chairman of Goodfood. Discover how Jonathan transformed a simple idea (fresh meal kits) into a national Canadian brand, delivering over 15 million meals annually and employin…
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OKRs & Performance Culture: Interview with Ben Lamorte of OKRS.com
20:59
20:59
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In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, Anthony Taylor chats with Ben Lamorte, an OKR expert, to break down how to actually make progress and drive measurable outcomes. Think OKRS explained without pretense. Ben, who's been helping teams nail their goals for years, reveals a major pitfall: treating OKRs as mere to-do lists. He'll sh…
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Conflict As An Opportunity: A Conversation with Dana Caspersen on Conflict Management In The Workplace
21:05
21:05
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In this episode we are joined by Dana Caspersen, TedX speaker and author of "Conflict is an Opportunity," who reveals how to: Shift from blame to collaborative solutions. Cultivate curiosity and active listening. Make requests, not demands, for buy-in. Avoid the high cost of conflict avoidance. Build strategic capacity through conscious decision-ma…
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