Strategy at the Speed of Change

In this episode recorded live at Accelerate 2025, AO Smith CEO Steve Shafer joins Deidre Paknad to discuss how leaders keep strategy moving when markets shift faster than traditional planning cycles. Steve shares how he connects long-range goals to quarterly OKRs and how WorkBoard supports his teams in staying aligned and focused. From adjusting priorities to using real-time execution insights, this conversation offers a practical look at keeping strategy current and actionable.

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About Steve Shafer
Stephen Shafer was named President and CEO of A. O. Smith Corporation on July 1, 2025. He has responsibility for the company’s global operations, as well as strategy development and implementation, profitability and shareholder return.

Steve joined A. O. Smith as President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2024 to lead the company’s global business units, including operations, supply chain, corporate technology and information technology.

Before joining A. O. Smith, Steve was president of the Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division for 3M Company. Prior to 3M, Steve was a consultant at McKinsey & Company advising industrial businesses on strategy and operational improvement and held a number of operational roles at Ford Motor Company and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Steve is a member of WorkBoard's Executive Advisory Board. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.

About Deidre Paknad
Deidre Paknad has founded and led three tech startups, acquired companies and been acquired, and led a high-growth business as an executive at IBM for several years; this affords her a unique perspective on using both speed and scale to drive growth. In her role as CEO at WorkBoard, she works with senior leadership teams at some of the world’s largest companies to clarify, align, and drive strategic priorities with greater speed and agility. She is a frequent speaker on Outcome Mindset™ and tapping into ambition.

Deidre has over a dozen patents and has twice been inducted into the Smithsonian Institution for innovation. Goldman Sachs named her one of the 100 most intriguing entrepreneurs of 2019. Deidre hosts The OKR Podcast, which focuses on accelerating outcomes and fostering an outcomes culture.

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