601: Former CNN and NBC News Anchor Lynn Smith on Building Authentic Presence and Excellent Communication

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we shared five tips to fight fatigue. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

23 Feb 202216min

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 218, an episode with a sought-after keynote speaker and a National Champion storyteller, Kindra Hall. Get Kindra's book here: https://amzn.to/3sRmOp3 In this episode, Kindra spoke about the importance of understanding the power of stories that an individual tells and believes and how it impacts our daily lives. She discussed how self-stories influence everything you do, everything you say, and everything you are. Kindra Hall is President and Chief Storytelling Officer at Steller Collective, a consulting firm focused on the strategic application of storytelling to today's communication challenges. Kindra is one of the most sought-after keynote speakers trusted by global brands to deliver presentations and training that inspire teams and individuals to better communicate the value of their company, their products and their individuality through strategic storytelling. What began as a chance encounter at age 13 with a storytelling cassette tape grew into a passion for not only telling stories, but a mastery for teaching others the methods and science of storytelling so they can better tell their own. Kindra was a National Champion storyteller, a member of the Board of Directors of the National Storytelling Network and has her master's degree in communications where she conducted original research studying the role of storytelling in defining and revealing organizational culture. She is a former Director of Marketing and VP of Sales. Today, Kindra's work can be seen at Inc.com, Entrepreneur.com and as a contributing editor for SUCCESS Magazine. Kindra's message spans all industries and her clients include Facebook, Hilton Hotels, Tyson Foods, Target, Berkshire Hathaway and the Harvard Medical School. Her much anticipated book will be released by Harper Leadership in the fall of 2019. Regardless of the industry, Kindra has become a conference favorite for her clients. The blend of inspiration and education in her keynotes mean that audiences leave feeling excited and equipped to finally put their stories to work in a tangible way. Choose Your Story, Change Your Life: Silence Your Inner Critic and Rewrite Your Life from the Inside Out. Kindra Hall: https://amzn.to/3sRmOp3 Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

21 Feb 202251min

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss a special type of case study called a period case study which is significantly harder to do, but incredibly useful. Most consultants prefer case studying the latest and greatest fad, which is extremely misleading, as explained in this podcast. Click here to see the full study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

16 Feb 202212min

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss the tough work being done by the Organizational Design team. We discuss the three tensions which drive all Organizational Design recommendations and the trade-offs required. We also spoke about the most important requirement to implement a new culture and structure at any company, and it is quite simple to do. As you will see, the Organizational Design stream is struggling in the study. Click here to see the full Corporate Strategy & Transformation study and here to see the merger study and market entry study. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

14 Feb 202215min

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 215, an episode with an award-winning entrepreneur, business leader, and best-selling business author, Catherine Bell. Get Catherine's book here: https://amzn.to/3Gzdqvf   In this episode, Catherine spoke about the importance of humanity and trust in every organization. She highlighted that as a leader, we need to pause and understand where we are as a person, which allows us the discretionary space to make the best decisions. Mindful and self-aware leaders are higher performers compared to those who are not.   Catherine Bell focuses on awakening and sustaining the fire within as Founder of The Awakened Company with passion, purpose, and play. Catherine founded BluEra, a Profit 500 executive search firm. She now helps organizations develop healthy culture strategies and hosts webinars on leadership and the Enneagram.   She also started The Awakened Project, a jewelry line that helps females get out of poverty by starting their businesses with microloans. Catherine has also been a Board Member of the Distress Centre and Open to Grow. She is currently an Advisor to the Impact Society and Telus Spark. Catherine teaches at the Queen's (Smith) School of Business in their Masters of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. She has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Not for Profit Essentials Program, is Certified in the Enneagram and Yoga Teacher Training, and has an MBA from Queen's University.   The Awakened Company. Catherine Bell: https://amzn.to/3Gzdqvf Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

9 Feb 202247min

Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 214, an episode with CEO and executive coach, Emily Bermes. Get Emily's book here: " data-userid="751940007443001344" data-orgid="751940008097312768">https://amzn.to/3B2vZXD In this episode, Emily spoke about the challenges that new generation executives are facing, particularly during the trying times of the pandemic. She discussed how having no physical role model or person to look up to impacts how an executive behaves and performs, and how executives cope up with that. Emily Bermes is the CEO of a human capital consulting firm. She has devoted her career to helping executives—from Fortune 100 companies to industry-shifting startups—successfully assimilate into new roles, create strong teams, and develop cultures that attract and retain the best talent. Combining more than 20 years of experience as a partner-level management consultant and executive coach with her background as a quantitative researcher, Emily is a master at creating customized, elegant solutions for the toughest organizational and human capital challenges. She has successfully assimilated nearly 100 executives across multiple industries. Bombproof: A Field Proven Guide for the New-to-Role Executive. Emily Bermes: " data-userid="751940007443001344" data-orgid= "751940008097312768">https://amzn.to/3B2vZXD Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

7 Feb 202237min

For this episode, let's revisit one of Strategy Skills classics where we discuss why you should avoid the strategy echo chamber. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

2 Feb 202214min

For this episode, let's revisit one of the classics by Strategy Skills where we discuss what makes a study a "transformation study" and how to determine if an organization is going through a transformation or something else, such as restructuring. Enjoying our podcast? Get access to sample advanced training episodes here: www.firmsconsulting.com/promo

31 Jan 202222min