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.
Stephen Shafer is a global leader who delivers clarity, alignment, and transformative results at scale. After joining A.O. Smith in 2024 as President and COO with responsibility for operations, supply chain, and IT, he became CEO in 2025 to accelerate profitability, innovation, and execution in water technology. His leadership is grounded in a rigorous operating rhythm and an ability to mobilize large organizations around bold strategic outcomes.
Earlier roles at McKinsey, Ford, and NASA built his depth in complex systems and performance improvement. Across industries, he turns ambition into measurable results and strengthens the management habits that drive durable growth.
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.