The Strategy and Leadership Podcast with Anthony C. Taylor

SME Strategy Consulting INC
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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/

  1. 21H AGO

    Why Your Leadership Team Isn’t Aligned on What Drives Value with 9 Figure Founder Lee Benson

    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 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor Produced by Rednyne Productions https://www.rednyne.com

    27 min

  2. APR 7

    The Creator Economy Is Just Getting Started with Greg Selkoe of XSET

    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/toolkit Book a Strategic Alignment Reviewhttps://www.smestrategy.net/contact Learn more about SME Strategyhttps://www.smestrategy.net Connect with Anthony Taylor on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor Produced by Rednyne Productionshttps://www.rednyne.com

    28 min

  3. MAR 31

    Chris Deaver, Former Apple & Disney Leader | Culture as the Operating System of Strategy

    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-Toolkit If 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-Execution Connect with Chris Deaver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-deaver/ Website: https://www.bravecore.co About the Host Anthony 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 Strategy SME 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

    30 min

  4. MAR 24

    Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai

    Applying AI Responsibly Without Overengineering or Chasing Hype with Daniel Hindi, CEO of NOEM.ai Many 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-Toolkit If 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-Execution Connect with Daniel Hindi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhindi/ Website: https://noem.ai About the Host Anthony 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 Strategy SME 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

    25 min

  5. MAR 17

    Success Isn’t the Gear, It’s the Operator: Special Forces Performance Lessons for Leaders with Simon Jeffries

    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-Toolkit If 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-Execution In 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/thenaturaledge About the Host Anthony 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/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME 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

    22 min

  6. MAR 10

    From Small Companies to Public Markets: 100+ M&A Deals with Callum Laing of Unity Group

    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-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: How small businesses can use capital markets to accelerate growth Why mergers and acquisitions can be powerful tools for scaling companies How the agglomeration model allows businesses to grow without losing independence The strategic differences between running a private company and operating in public markets Why patience and alignment matter more than speed when structuring M&A deals How entrepreneurs can think differently about partnerships, capital, and long-term value creation Connect with Callum Laing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callumlaing/ Unity Group: https://www.unity-group.com/ Website: https://www.callumlaing.com/ About the Host Anthony 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/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME 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.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

    25 min

  7. MAR 3

    Beyond the Margin of Error: Risk, Probability & Strategic Decision-Making with Professor Emeritus Dr. Michael Orkin

    In business, leaders make decisions every day under uncertainty. But what if the biggest risk isn’t the one you see — it’s the one you misunderstand? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Dr. Michael Orkin, Professor Emeritus of Statistics and author of The Story of Chance: Beyond the Margin of Error, to explore how probability, randomness, and cognitive bias shape executive decision-making. Drawing from decades of experience in statistics, gambling mathematics, and data science, Dr. Orkin explains why leaders often confuse correlation with causation, overestimate their odds of success, and underestimate the role of scale and opportunity in rare events. From lottery math to prediction markets, casino risk models to executive strategy, this conversation reframes how organizations should think about expected value and long-term advantage. Dr. Orkin breaks down why even “positive EV” opportunities can fail if risk is mismanaged, introduces the Kelly Criterion as a disciplined approach to capital allocation, and highlights how cognitive traps can distort judgment at every level of leadership. Anthony and Dr. Orkin explore what it means to increase your “house edge” in business — not through luck, but through disciplined probability thinking, structured decision-making, and clear risk allocation. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: strategy is not about eliminating uncertainty — it’s about making smarter bets under uncertainty. 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-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: • Why rare events happen more often than you think • The difference between correlation and causation in business data • How expected value applies to strategic decisions • Why risk mismanagement destroys even strong opportunities • How the Kelly Criterion informs smarter capital allocation • How leaders can avoid cognitive traps when interpreting data Connect with Dr. Michael Orkin Website: https://drmikeorkin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-orkin-5600584/ About the Host Anthony 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/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME 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.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

    29 min

  8. FEB 24

    Engagement as Strategy: Driving Enterprise Value with Life Sciences CEO Christine Miller

    In many organizations, engagement is treated as a morale metric or a human resources initiative. But what if engagement isn’t a byproduct of strategy — what if it is the strategy? In this episode of the Strategy and Leadership Podcast, host Anthony Taylor sits down with Christine Miller, former CEO of Melinta Therapeutics and seasoned Life Sciences executive, to explore how disciplined strategic planning, structural clarity, and cross-functional alignment can transform enterprise performance. With a background spanning engineering, portfolio leadership, and executive transformation, Christine shares how she helped reshape an organization by building a clear five-year roadmap anchored in four unwavering strategic priorities. Christine explains why engagement cannot be separated from execution. Leaders often chase growth without building the structural foundation required to sustain it. By aligning teams around long-term objectives, reinforcing priorities annually, and resisting the temptation to chase distractions, her organization increased engagement from 69% to 95%, achieved profitability for the first time, and more than doubled revenue. The conversation dives into the realities of leading in complex, highly regulated industries where innovation, regulatory oversight, and stakeholder alignment must coexist. Christine outlines how designing products with patients and payers in mind requires long-term thinking, rigorous data discipline, and iterative strategy — not reactive decision-making. Beyond operational structure, Christine shares insights into leadership visibility and the importance of advocating for both yourself and your team. She reflects on the underrepresentation of women in senior biotech roles and explains how strategic self-promotion, mentorship, and collective amplification can strengthen leadership pipelines across industries. Anthony and Christine explore what it takes to move from vision to execution, why strategic planning is often hardest to start but most valuable over time, and how leaders can create clarity in the face of macro uncertainty. The episode closes with a powerful reminder: growth without foundation is fragile. Engagement, when treated as a strategic lever rather than a scorecard, becomes one of the most powerful drivers of enterprise 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-Toolkit For in-person strategic planning and leadership alignment programs: https://www.smestrategy.net In this episode, you will learn: Why engagement must be designed structurally, not socially How to build and maintain a five-year strategic roadmap The role of cross-functional alignment in driving enterprise value Why disciplined priorities outperform reactive decision-making How long-term strategy supports innovation in regulated industries The importance of visibility and self-advocacy in leadership progression Connect with Christine Miller LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemiller95/ About the Host Anthony 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/anthonyctaylor604 About SME Strategy SME 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.net Podcast produced by: www.rednyne.com

    31 min
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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/

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