Strategy and Leadership Podcast

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.

Anthony Taylor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/] 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 [https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-facilitator]. Learn to be a better leader in our academy: https://courses.smestrategy.net/ [https://courses.smestrategy.net/]

Anthony Taylor [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/] and Tim Koller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkoller/] 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 insights from his extensive experience in corporate finance and highlights the need for a disciplined approach to decision-making and investment.   Connect with Tim here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkoller/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkoller/] Get his book: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/valuation-measuring-and-managing-the-value-of-companies [https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/valuation-measuring-and-managing-the-value-of-companies] #businessvaluation, #revenue growth, #profitability, #strategicplanning, #decision-making, #corporatefinance,  #financialanalysis, #cashflow Learn more about SME Strategy Consulting https://www.smestrategy.net [https://www.smestrategy.net/]

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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFBtbWtncnBDNmpUWWxXS0pyNG9CUUJSZWhtZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuSnoxa1d2NEtzR0ZFandCS0M2WjE3MnJNTFRWOThvby0xX1p0NjVUWlRLYUtuZzN4ZHhnUjFUMDU5TmdIbjdTZUdWeldSWXN5UndES2VfUGRXXzItdkNVc1ZYRTZvRXBaamZEYVc2cnRmWVE1U19jaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smestrategy.net%2Fcontact&v=KIp0dBaaj58] ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn:   / anthonyctaylor604   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZtOVd3TW1DS0VxaGhzNzNyRktNdVllTVJLd3xBQ3Jtc0tsT1Z2bHptRUZibkRYaXdUbnFNQ21RazFkSWE3R3R0Q3lBZEhpNVVZQkRMRXBISWdmWTBXbUZHVVFDbTNyS3JrQnduaThGaEtYT3lTWFVhMEFGNVRPTTEya1FSMzAyYmVJbHBDdnl5WDJRNndOMGlPSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fanthonyctaylor604%2F&v=KIp0dBaaj58]

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do] Introduction to Kevin Surace and His Work * 03:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do&t=180s] The Role of AI in Modern Business * 06:02 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do&t=362s] Generative AI: Transforming Content Creation * 09:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do&t=544s] AI in Leadership and Decision Making * 11:46 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do&t=706s] The Joy Success Cycle: Finding Joy in Work * 18:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19Uic2X5-do&t=1080s] Conclusion and Final Thoughts // Connect with us: ► Contact us: https://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmRlTUNGc0twSEN2YnEyMF9wQW5td3pncGUxQXxBQ3Jtc0tsSWN0eHlOdzRpTmZGcENzZGpIbnN3eEwtOE1TXzFDbDVDbmFQcnR3TWdYT3N1ZmVpNVpON3c2SjVDamcxNkFDWFV0cUVsLWZfZTJoQXN1Rm1rcVBwNTZSSGRTYWdZZWo3ZUg5NEZGdVhmNGZmV2NYWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhubs.la%2FQ03gh-Pj0&v=19Uic2X5-do] ► Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn:   / anthonyctaylor604   [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVFmZVk2Y3V5dVJ4aVNPOWxZcmZRNVhuLWlYQXxBQ3Jtc0trYTVrY2U1aTk3MHNaX2NnaHNlNmVObWJWaFBReU44ZHliQ2hsZUEtdmp6cmRCVzFTQ0k3LXpTandoU2stY21iS245dkVLM3ZqdGZlOC1BR0ZiTVZHWG1SU0NwczlLS00yUFVsN3ZCVUw0ZXVqbUxXcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fanthonyctaylor604%2F&v=19Uic2X5-do]   // 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 [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblNxMGUxaWlFRklLa29LM3ltcnNLWU5WdGFXUXxBQ3Jtc0tsUGt2dG1renp3Q0tFWGZFOWc3ZkV3SEhoWFBUelYtSWpuV19EaE9Va3h1RndCaS16RUhNWnBuNVdsUUtGVERWdjRaM1F3SWJPQmcwaDRPWEFZY1lTb1FpR1dkRzlyYTZ2NU02MGpuWHVubkhFaVRhNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhubs.la%2FQ03gh-Pj0&v=19Uic2X5-do] ► 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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9ONC1tWVVLWFdSRTdTLVIxWHFTMGd1alVOQXxBQ3Jtc0tsY2F3QVdJY1FRdkotQ1Q4X3hKdFRISUp4Y2JUTXZwamZfb3RvbGRYRlp6TkNMSUo3a19pZEp0VkQyZ2ZkTDV2Z0o0anpiV0RBRFZmOTBVS0haWUR1b3BnR3g4NHUzOW1qWU91TmlGSHg0LXJ2Qk5Baw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.smestrategy.net%2F&v=19Uic2X5-do] ► 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/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3FTejk3eGhmMGhUbWpuY04wWm9HLTFWMmV5UXxBQ3Jtc0tueWtDU0VtcmVvRE01cTRFWjVzN0w3RnFBLXZhRkM2czNzOXJSNml2amxERkhpblJXN0lxZjVsUExxN2s0OUVHWkowUEJMTmE0bXJuSi1pQm5oRWJJWU1MaEV3NEh2X1FCWnhCMzV3N2V3WnV1MG5zcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcourses.smestrategy.net%2F&v=19Uic2X5-do]