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:
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► 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.
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► 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/
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21:41
Servant Leadership and Exit Strategies in 2025: Business Strategy with Cameron Bishop
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, and the strategic steps businesses must take to maximize their value for a successful exit.
Key Takeaways:
Hyper-Growth & Leadership: Learn how servant leadership principles can effectively guide and sustain hyper-growth within an organization.
Employee-Centric Strategies: Discover the value of employee engagement, active listening, and fostering a collaborative organizational culture.
The Power of Communication: Understand why transparent and frequent communication is vital during periods of transformation and change.
Strategic Exit Planning: Gain insights into the critical steps and mindset shifts required to strategically plan for a successful business exit in the current landscape of 2025.
Maximizing Business Value: Learn why proactive planning and working "on" your business, rather than just "in" it, is essential for achieving optimal business valuation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Management Styles
02:53 Navigating Challenges in Business
06:08 Transformational Leadership and Employee Engagement
08:59 Communication and Integration in Organizations
11:48 Building a Diverse Leadership Team
14:54 Preparing for Business Exit Strategies
18:08 The Importance of Business Valuation and Planning
If you're in a period of hyper-growth, going through transformational change, or planning your exit strategy, consider a strategic planning facilitator to align your team and clarify your vision.
// Connect with us:
► Contact us: https://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0
► 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://hubs.la/Q03gh-Pj0
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22:52
Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI in 2025 with Faisal Hoque
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 governance, addressing the critical ethical concerns and potential risks of AI. This discussion emphasizes the collective responsibility of leaders, organizations, and governments in guiding the development and application of AI responsibly. Understand why a clear strategic approach to AI is now a core necessity.
Key Takeaways:
AI demands a fundamental shift in strategic leadership, strategic management, and strategic thinking. Effective strategic planning and implementation must account for current market uncertainty.
Focus and purpose are foundational for effective business and strategic leadership.
The CARE framework provides a clear method for assessing critical AI risks.
AI offers significant potential for predictive modelling, including healthcare advancements.
Over-reliance on AI can lead to a decline in fundamental human capabilities.
Sound AI governance hinges on shared collective responsibility.
The ongoing evolution of AI requires adaptable and decisive leadership.
Understanding the balance of opportunity and risk is a core element of strategic planning.
Direct engagement with ethical considerations is essential for AI implementation.
Chapters:
00:00 The Essentials of AI and Technology in 2025
03:05 Navigating Business Uncertainty: A Leadership Imperative
06:12 The Foundational Role of Purpose-Driven Leadership in the Age of AI
09:12 The CARE Framework: Essential AI Governance
10:47 Understanding the Real Risks and Ethical Concerns of AI
19:26 Collective Responsibility: The Bedrock of AI Development
// 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
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24:53
The New Rules of Talent Retention with Global Talent Advisor Steve Cadigan
🚨 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 consider for strategic implementation today.
Steve doesn't hold back. He exposes the core issues plaguing businesses and leaders and provides clear directives for immediate action.
Here's what you'll learn:
The truth about employee tenure: (Did you know? The average tenure for 20-35 year olds is just 2.5 years, 4 years average for US)
Why your company needs to become a "business school" to retain top talent.
The critical "skills awareness problem" and how to solve it.
Why trust and transparency are non-negotiable in today's workforce.
How to turn your alumni into a strategic asset.
The mandatory business transformation needed to adapt to the new talent reality.
Cadigan's Strategic HR Directives:
Tenure is Transient: Recognize the reality of shorter employee retention and prioritize rapid skill acquisition.
Learning is Core: People are loyal to learning, not positions. It’s time to invest in continuous growth.
Skills Awareness is Paramount: Bridge the skills gap with internal development.
Trust is Non-Negotiable: Build a culture of transparency and communication.
Alumni are Strategic Assets: Leverage your former employees for future success.
Skill Growth drives Career Security: Empower employees with valuable, future-proof skills.
Business Transformation is Mandatory: Reimagine your business model for the new talent landscape.
Direct Talent Retention Strategies for Actionable Impact:
Establish Learning as a Core Function: Implement strategic learning programs and mentorship.
Optimize for Rapid Skill Acquisition: Design flexible career paths and project-based learning.
Build a Culture of Unwavering Transparency: Implement consistent communication and feedback channels.
Leverage Alumni as a Strategic Network: Create alumni networks and host strategic events.
Prioritize Skill Development for Career Stability: Focus on skill-based training and career growth opportunities.
Strategic Implementation for Lasting Results:
Conduct a thorough assessment of current practices. Invest strategically in learning and development.
Establish a culture of trust and clear communication.
Develop a structured alumni engagement program.
Embrace adaptability as a foundational principle.
Don't let your talent retention strategies fail!
Watch this episode to gain the crucial insights and actionable strategies you need to adapt and thrive in today's talent market.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Talent Advisor Steve Cadigan
03:01 The Evolving Role of HR in Talent Management
05:52 Challenges in Attracting and Retaining Talent
08:52 Developing Effective Talent Strategies
12:02 The Importance of Learning and Development
14:43 Reimagining Business Models for Talent
18:10 Building Trust and Organizational Health
21:00 The Future of Talent and Employee Loyalty
23:51 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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SME Strategy can help increase the speed of internal change and implementation by driving alignment and buy-in with stakeholders through a structured and streamlined process. Book a call today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic...
// 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...
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29:20
Goodfood's Vision for Strategic Growth: A Conversation with CEO Jonathan Ferrari
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 employing nearly a thousand people.
Jonathan shares his vision for strategic growth and his journey from investment banking to revolutionizing the Canadian food delivery landscape. We explore the strategic decisions that propelled Goodfood's growth, including:
1. Navigating Early Challenges: Learn how Goodfood overcame logistical hurdles and innovated in temperature-controlled packaging, moving from apartment deliveries to a nationwide network.
2. Strategic Diversification: Explore the company's bold move into Bitcoin reserves and its strategic acquisition of Genuine Tea, showcasing innovative approaches to asset management and growth.
3. Building a Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Understand how Goodfood prioritized quality, sustainability, and social impact, partnering with organizations like the Breakfast Club of Canada to address food insecurity.
4. Leadership and Thought Leadership: Gain valuable lessons into Jonathan's strategic vision and leadership philosophy.
As a strategic management facilitator, Anthony Taylor expertly guides the conversation, extracting key takeaways that you can apply to your own business.
Chapters:
00:00 The Birth of Goodfood: A Culinary Journey
03:04 Challenges in the Food Delivery Space
06:04 Sustainability and Supply Chain Innovations
09:05 Social Impact and Community Engagement 12:02 Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve
17:59 Acquisition and Supporting Food Entrepreneurs
Key Takeaways:
- Goodfood was founded in 2014 to address food delivery needs.
- The company delivers 15 million meals annually and employs nearly 1,000 people.
- Sustainability in packaging is a core focus for Goodfood.
- Goodfood has donated over a million meals to combat food insecurity.
- The company has adopted Bitcoin as a strategic reserve for financial growth.
- Building a direct-to-consumer logistics network was a significant challenge.
- Community engagement is vital for Goodfood's mission.
- Goodfood aims to support other food entrepreneurs through acquisitions.
- Sourcing local and healthy ingredients is a core value at Goodfood.
- Jonathan's entrepreneurial spirit drives the company's innovative strategies.
If you're looking for expert guidance in strategic management facilitation, visit our website at www.smestrategy.net to learn more about our services and how we can help your organization achieve its strategic goals.
// 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
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
Connect with the host, Anthony C Taylor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyctaylor604/
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