Strategy Stress Test
About this capability programme
Strategy Function Development helps a Chief Strategy Officer or Head of Strategy strengthen the way strategy is developed, challenged, decided and reviewed across the business. Rather than producing a strategy on behalf of the function, we work with the team to improve its mandate, planning process, tools and influence.
The programme combines senior sparring, targeted design work, applied training and practical work on live strategic questions. The objective is a stronger internal strategy capability that remains after the engagement. Every programme is personally led by Dr Frank Heyd.
Who will benefit most from this programme?
Chief Strategy Officers, Heads of Strategy, business unit strategy leaders and newly appointed strategy teams with a mandate to improve their contribution.
It also suits companies revisiting their planning cycle, integrating foresight into strategy or moving from annual planning toward continuous strategic review.
Why develop your strategy function?
Many strategy teams manage planning calendars and presentations without enough influence on the decisions and trade-offs that shape performance. Others have strong analysts but lack a shared method, clear forums or effective links to finance and operating units.
We improve the strategy operating system with the people who must run it. The work is grounded in real decisions, not a generic training syllabus.
What will the strategy team develop?
Clearer mandate
A shared definition of the function’s role, stakeholders and contribution to critical decisions.
Planning architecture
An integrated cycle connecting strategic horizons, annual planning and periodic reviews.
Decision governance
Clear forums, inputs, accountabilities and escalation for consequential strategic choices.
Evaluation methods
Practical tools for growth opportunities, portfolios, strategic assumptions and investment choices.
Team capabilities
Stronger skills in analysis, scenario thinking, synthesis, judgment and executive dialogue.
Management rhythm
A workable cadence of reviews, triggers and follow-through rather than one annual event.
How we strengthen your strategy function
- Assess the starting point
Review the function’s mandate, methods, interfaces and current strategy cycle with its leader and key partners. - Agree the upgrade priorities
Select the few changes that would most improve effectiveness, given capacity and executive expectations. - Co-design the operating model
Develop planning routines, decision forums, templates and methods with the internal strategy team. - Apply to live work
Use selected strategic decisions and working sessions to test and refine the new approach. - Embed and transfer
Coach key people, establish a manageable review rhythm and hand over tools and ownership.
Built around your function and its priorities
Some teams need a focused ramp-up for a new strategy leader; others benefit from a series of monthly working sessions over several months. The scope follows the function’s real challenges and available budget.
Let’s discuss where your strategy team can create more value for the business.
