We interview CEOs, business leaders, and thought leaders to get their perspectives on strategy, leadership, management, and other trends that can support your c...
Conflict As An Opportunity: A Conversation with Dana Caspersen on Conflict Management In The Workplace
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-making.
Key Takeaways
Conflict is often viewed negatively, but it can be a creative space.
Curiosity is essential for navigating conflict effectively.
Trust can develop through open and honest communication.
Avoiding conflict leads to a loss of information and relationships.
Leaders should focus on the situation, not the person, in conflict.
Expressing needs without blame fosters better communication.
Understanding different perspectives is crucial in conflict resolution.
Conflict can reveal important information that may otherwise be overlooked.
Engaging in conflict can lead to more conscious decision-making.
Building power together in conflict can lead to better outcomes.
Chapters
00:00 The Dance of Conflict: An Introduction
10:01 Understanding Conflict as an Opportunity
20:05 Navigating Power Dynamics in Conflict
// 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
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21:05
The Power Of The Chief of Staff Role: Interview with Maggie Olson of Nova Chief of Staff
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
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18:19
Growth Strategy in Volatile Times: Interview with Rebecca Homkes
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...
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17:58
The Art of Innovation: Lessons from Microsoft -JoAnn Garbin
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
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28:37
Nicholas Lalla, founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs
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/
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.
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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/