Ryan Berman an author and the founder of Courageous, a consultancy that uses a 'special forces' approach to problem solving, storytelling and leadership. Today, Courageous works with well known brands like the National Football League, Caesars Entertainment and Johnson & Johnson. Ryan joins us to share his experiences writing the book, working in the agency world, and starting his own successful consultancy. Some of the topics covered include: The Courageous approach to solving business problems Ryan focuses on three aspects: process, point of view and openness, when talking about Courageous and how they've been able to solve problems for some of the most well-known brands. After starting an agency with zero clients and building it up over a decade, Ryan has learned to trust the process. By telling it like it is and providing a real point of view, he's been able to earn trust and build his business into what it is today. The 'epidemic of clarity' Ryan discusses the 'epidemic of clarity' we're living in now, with so many different points of information, so much data, so many key stakeholders to listen to. Ultimately, it is slowing us down. He says many brands are confronted with ten different doors to walk through, and while trying to decide which would be best, their competitors are experimenting, learning and pivoting. The 'special forces' strategy Ryan has used Ryan breaks down what it means to use a 'special forces' approach to solving business problems. It starts at the end by having a mission based approach. By clearly identifying the problem at the beginning, it will be easier to pinpoint the mission before embarking on a project. Another aspect of the 'special forces' strategy that Ryan has used is using custom-built teams, specifically people from big companies that bring experience and shared values. How to build trust The question Ryan asks when beginning a new relationship with a brand is "Are you a coward brand or a courage brand?" He believes that starting with the hard questions and showing people you're willing to go there is the best way to build trust from the beginning. He also delves into the lengthy and definite impact of not having trust. Get our FREE Strategic Planning Workbook template here: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-process-template-workbook Enroll in our strategic planning course to learn our process for creating a strategic plan successfully (without hiring anyone): https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-planning-steps-course Are you looking for someone to facilitate your strategic planning process? Book a complimentary consultation to learn more about our approach: https://www.smestrategy.net/contact Want a software to track & monitor your strategic plan? Get a free trial for Cascade Strategy: https://go.executestrategy.net/trial?fpr=smestrategy // WEBSITE & RESOURCES: Website ► https://www.smestrategy.net/ Blog ► https://www.smestrategy.net/blog Strategy & Leadership Podcast ►https://www.smestrategy.net/podcast Alignment Book ► https://www.smestrategy.net/alignment-book Contact ►https://www.smestrategy.net/contact // FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/Smestrategy/ LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/2866558 Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/anthonyctaylor/ Twitter ►https://twitter.com/smeinsights // 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. Based out of Vancouver, BC, we've worked with organizations all over North American and beyond in various industries including nonprofits, universities & government organizations. To learn more about working with a facilitator: https://www.smestrategy.net/strategic-plan-creation

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