In today’s episode, Mike talks with Steve Fisher, a founding partner of Strategy Partners Group. Steve helps his clients get “unstuck” from short-term tactical thinking and make the transition to long-term strategic planning and growth.

He discusses the importance of having a written, structured growth plan with metrics, and how to delegate parts of the plan effectively while still holding people accountable. Steve also talks about the role trust plays in executing strategy, especially in mergers and acquisitions when cultures need to merge.

HONESTY + DISCRETION = A TRUSTED STRATEGIC PARTNERWhen it comes to financial matters and money management, Steve’s Core Values include Honesty and Discretion. As a trusted strategic partner, Steve treats a client’s confidence as if it was an attorney-client privilege. Steve knows he must remain vigilant and cautious about protecting what his clients tell him. His discretion builds trust so clients feel comfortable talking with him.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NUMBERS GUYSteve possesses an engineer persona through education and early career experience. But his transition into finance was natural since he’s very detailed and thorough. With his linear thinking and inclination for being process-driven, most people are surprised to find Steve both relatable and personable. Steve has years of experience taking complex conversations and making sure everyone involved in the decision-making understands what’s being presented. People often ask him, “What did the CPA just say?” And Steve will translate for them.

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEMSteve has long been inspired by this famous quote from Yogi Berra, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” He learned from a former boss who served in Vietnam as a Marine to slow down both his mind and body and “quiet the noise” when matters get stressful or challenging. Then he focuses on one thing: What’s the big problem to be addressed?

FINANCE FOR EVERYONEIn addition to using his knowledge and skill with clients, he has been privileged to collaborate with training professionals to co-develop and present curriculum entitled “Finance for Everyone.” Steve served as a subject matter expert for Panasonic’s Executive Training program. He also served as a speaker for Human Resource and Management Professionals from a variety of companies at Emory University’s Continuing Education Division.

• The difference between tactical and strategic thinking
  
• How to transition from “firefighting” to long-term strategy
  
• Why it’s critical to have a written, structured growth plan
  
• How to delegate effectively and hold people accountable
  
• The importance of trust and merging cultures in M&A
  

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-fisher-cfo/
  
• Website: https://strategypg.com