BTR 5 - Making the Strategic Plan Worth It

In this episode of Beyond the Result, transformational executive leader Nathan K. Walters challenges conventional thinking about strategic planning. In a business landscape shaped by volatility, rapid change, and shifting priorities, many leaders are asking: Is strategic planning still a valuable exercise—or has it become obsolete?

While it doesn’t show up on a balance sheet, strategic planning is a major investment of time, energy, and talent. The planning horizon varies by industry—1 to 5 years in retail, 10 to 30 years in energy—but the challenge is the same: how do you create a roadmap when the terrain keeps shifting?

Drawing on years of leadership experience and an MBA specialization in strategic management, Nathan explores why some organizations thrive with clear strategic direction while others struggle to stay aligned. He outlines what separates high-performing teams: a deep understanding of the full planning cycle, cross-functional coordination, and the discipline to revisit and refine strategy in real time.

Discover:

• Why strategic planning is a “team sport” and not just an executive task
• How to treat your strategy as a living document, not a one-time event
• The emerging use of agile principles in long-term planning
• What it takes to stay aligned in the face of disruption

Whether you're leading a startup or steering a multinational, this episode will help you assess whether your organization is driving toward strategy—or drifting with momentum.