Alignment & Leadership: Why Most Strategic Plans Fail (and How to Fix Them)
In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we dive into the first pillar of the 2025 State of Strategy Execution Report: Alignment and Leadership. Hosts Jonathan Morgan, SVP of Operations at AchieveIt, and Joe Krause, SVP of Strategy Consulting, break down why so many strategic plans crumble at the top—and what leaders can do to reverse course. From lackluster vision statements to inconsistent communication, this episode challenges leadership teams to reflect on whether they’re truly setting the tone for success.Whether you're leading a strategy rollout, trying to gain cross-functional alignment, or wondering why your team isn’t rallying behind your vision—this episode is a must-listen. Jonathan and Joe blend years of hands-on consulting experience with data-backed insights from over 250 strategy leaders across industries. ✅ Why You’ll Want to Listen:Discover the top 5 reasons strategic plans fail—and how nearly all of them trace back to leadershipLearn how to create a communication strategy that drives long-term engagement (not just a flashy launch)Find out how “How” and “Why” questions can realign disconnected teamsHear real-world examples of what strong leadership alignment looks like in action👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and catch the full State of Strategy Execution series as we explore each pillar in upcoming episodes!
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31:40
Introducing the State of Strategy Execution 2025
Are you actually executing your strategy—or just making plans that collect dust? In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we dive into the key findings from the 2025 State of Strategy Execution report and break down what separates high-performing organizations from the rest. Hosting the conversation are Jonathan Morgan, SVP of Operations at AchieveIt, and Joe Krause, SVP of Strategy Consulting, two of AchieveIt's seasoned strategy experts.We explore the biggest roadblocks companies face, the role of leadership in execution, and how consistent updates, clear accountability, and the right technology can drive 10X better outcomes. Whether you're leading a team or driving strategy at an executive level, this episode will give you practical, no-nonsense insights to level up your execution game.Why you’ll want to listen:The 5 critical factors that determine whether your strategy will succeed or failWhy measuring activity ≠ measuring success—and how to track real impactHow real-time dashboards make organizations 10X more likely to achieve their goalsThe #1 leadership mistake that’s killing strategy execution (and how to fix it)Find the full 2025 State of Strategy Execution here: https://www.achieveit.com/resources/2025-state-of-strategy-execution/Key Topics with Timestamps:00:00 Insights from 2025 Strategy Execution Survey06:05 Effective Success Metrics and Updates09:01 Strategic Planning for Leaders10:24 Process Adherence for Improved Clarity13:09 The Impact of Losing Corporate Vision17:41 Transforming Plans into Action21:02 Impact of Strategic Isolation on Business24:44 Engaging Future Leaders Effectively26:59 Governance Guide: Clarifying Plan Engagement31:06 Real-Time Dashboards Enhance Strategy Performance33:52 Optimizing Dashboard Utilization38:40 The Value of Strategic Planning39:28 Reaffirming Strategic Communication Essentials
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42:15
Advocating for Impact: Building a Case for Strategic Initiatives
How do you transition from commodities trading to leading strategy at a global mental health company?Mark Muston, Head of Business Operations & Strategy at Modern Health, shares how he made the leap, why hiring for potential matters more than a perfect resume, and how to pitch leadership like a startup founder. If you’re in strategy, operations, or just trying to build a team that actually gets things done—this episode is for you. In this conversation, Mark breaks down what it takes to build cross-functional initiatives, advocate for your team in a cost-center role, and make strategic decisions that drive real impact. Plus, he shares valuable lessons on navigating career transitions and knowing when (and how) to push for change.🎧 Why you’ll want to listen:The #1 hiring mistake leaders make—and how to find the best talent beyond the resume.Why your resume should tell a data-driven story (and how to craft one that stands out).The “VC mindset” for getting leadership buy-in and securing resources for strategic initiatives.How to balance small quick wins with big ROI projects in strategy and operations.Key Timestamps:00:00 Transitioning from Trading to Business Development03:46 Journey to Modern Health Leadership07:04 Aligning Career with Purpose10:52 Reevaluating Hiring Standards in Healthcare14:57 Assessing Ambition Through Resume Signals18:02 Lessons Learned: Trading to Tech Transition20:32 Prioritizing Business Problem Solving25:56 Navigating Startup Challenges and Flexibility26:49 Aligning Projects with Business Priorities31:29 Manual MVP Testing and Scaling34:03 Prioritizing Impact Over BusyworkListen now to The Strategy Gap!
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36:20
Startups vs. Corporates: Innovating AI in the High-Stakes World of Healthcare
Can a startup stay agile while scaling—and still innovate?In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we're joined by Dave McMullin, Chief Strategy Officer at Anumana, to dive into the balancing act of startup strategy. With experience spanning biotech giants and high-growth startups, Dave shares his insights on aligning long-term vision with short-term wins, keeping innovation alive while building structure, and staying disciplined in execution. Whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or navigating strategic growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.Why you'll want to listen:How to balance long-term strategy with real-time pivots in a fast-moving companyThe key to scaling without stifling innovation or creativityA simple yet powerful tactic to ensure strategy doesn’t get lost in daily operationsWhat startups can learn from big corporations—and what they should leave behindListen now to The Strategy Gap and get expert insights from Dave McMullin!
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30:27
Why Alignment Matters: Insights on Building Unified Organizations
Ready to uncover the secrets to true organizational alignment and long-term strategic success? In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we’re joined by Ken Sagendorf, Chief Strategy Officer at True Alignment and host of the True Alignment Podcast. With decades of experience as a strategic leader, innovator, and educator, Ken brings unparalleled insights into bridging the gap between strategy creation and execution.From the importance of embracing a generalist mindset to understanding the emotions driving workplace behaviors, Ken challenges us to rethink how we approach leadership, alignment, and change. Whether you’re a business leader, strategist, or someone passionate about fostering collaboration, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.Why You’ll Want to Listen:Discover why generalists are the ultimate gap-bridgers and how they create value across organizations.Learn how to address emotions and values as the key to fostering true alignment in your team.Find out why strategy is a long-haul process and how trust and openness drive success.Explore Ken’s concept of quantum alignment and how personal and professional values intersect.
The Strategy Gap A show about the space between savvy strategy and practical execution — and everything that can go wrong on the way. Ever finish out the workday and realize you were super busy but didn’t actually accomplish what you wanted? A lot of companies operate this way. Many of us know where we want our organization to go, but struggle to understand how we’re progressing and how to make sure we get there. This is a show about the best-laid plans, properly executing as you scale, and the processes you need to achieve your goals.In this show, hosted by Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause, each episode features conversations with strategy and operational leaders on key insights in strategic planning, strategy execution, and more.
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