Drive Tangible Results with Strategic Planning
Transform Your Vision into Actionable Strategy with Thrivence
Our Strategy Experts Have Served Fortune 50 Companies & Influential Non-Profits
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Don't Fall Victim to Poor Strategic Planning
Companies that neglect strategic planning and execution are 2x as likely to report below-average profits. Poor resource allocation, failure to manage risks, and a lack of accountability all contribute to the financial strain of ineffective planning. Your organization deserves a strategy that drives real results and sets the stage for long-term success. Successful strategic planning requires more than putting a vision statement, business strategy, and business objectives on a page. It requires putting them into practice to realize your goals. That’s why our strategic planning consulting services focus on more than the strategy. We help you deliver it.
Craft a 3-Year Plan and See It Succeed
With over 60 years of collective strategy experience, our team will drive lasting results for your organization.
Improve accountability for
business objectives
Align your workforce around a common goal
Define shared measures of success and failure
Translate your business strategy into clear actions
Address business issues with a cross-organizational view
Drive competitive advantage and mission success
"In early 2024, we sought a strategic planning firm to help facilitate a session between our board of directors and senior leadership staff. We selected Thrivence to be our strategic partner. From thoughtful discovery discussions and stakeholder surveys to strategic planning sessions and detailed implementation guides, Thrivence unified our focus and equipped us with refreshed vision that energized our whole team. We appreciate our partnership with the Thrivence team; our organization looks completely different now."
Why Choose Thrivence?
Here's what you can expect from our experts & their approach:
Real-World Leadership Experience
Our team comprises former senior executives who have led major transformations in companies just like yours. We understand the pressures you face and the complexity of leading large organizations.
A Proven Track Record
With over 60 collective years of experience, our consultants have successfully partnered with executive teams across various industries, from finance to technology, to develop and execute strategic plans that deliver results. We bring data-backed insights and a rigorous approach to every engagement.
We Put Your People First
Your people are the touchstone of our strategic planning process. Our team factors in their needs and perspectives to create a sense of shared ownership. And we help you communicate the purpose, goals, and outputs of your plan to drive adoption.We're Designed for Action
We focus as much on outcomes as inputs. That’s why we design with implementation in mind, helping you with strategy planning that is actionable, not theoretical. Our tools and techniques make it possible to move quickly to results.
A New Strategy Experience for Leaders
This isn't just another strategic planning session or a plan that sits on a shelf—it's a transformative experience that empowers you to lead with clarity and confidence. At Thrivence, we understand the frustrations of reactive planning and the desire for a clear, actionable path. Our approach goes beyond the basics; it's about crafting a compelling narrative that guides your organization through the next three years.Powerful Assessments
Our powerful assessments provide a deep dive into your organization’s current state, uncovering the underlying issues that may be holding you back. With insights tailored to your unique challenges, we help you see the big picture clearly and identify actionable steps to move forward. These assessments aren't just about gathering data—they’re about equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed, strategic decisions that drive lasting success.
Meet Your Strategy Guides
Gary McClure
Gary is a senior consultant for Thrivence and the practice leader for strategic planning for the firm. Gary has more than 30 years management experience with companies ranging from Fortune 50 to small firms and in a variety of industries.
Gary, a certified professional facilitator, leads teams to achieve their objectives and frequently directs complex projects involving business strategy, organizational performance, and market repositioning. He also uses his change management certifications to help companies navigate through enterprise-wide transformation.
Prior to 15 years in other management consulting firms, Gary spent eight years in the technology division of LifeWay, led marketing for a leading economic development publication, and spent 10 years with Nortel Networks in various strategic marketing leadership roles. He has an economics degree from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the Owen School at Vanderbilt University.
Alecia Wynn
Alecia Wynn is a Senior Consultant with 25+ years of experience. Consulting with boutique and international firms provides her knowledge of many industries including healthcare, retail, hospitality, finance, education, and manufacturing. Additionally, Alecia held operational roles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Health IT, HCA Physician Services, and LifeWay Christian Resources. Her combined consulting and operational experiences result in her ability to offer clients a balance of industry best practices and customized solutions. Alecia's expertise includes:
- Transformation Adoption
- Leadership Development
- Culture Evolution
- Change Management
- Strategic Alignment & Planning
- Organizational Design
- Program/Project Leadership
Todd McCullough
Todd is a transformational and innovative Senior Executive Leader known for helping organizations across industries renew their growth by facilitating executive teams to align around a core purpose and execute strategy. Over the last 20+ years Todd has helped over 100 of the Fortune 500 companies with growth strategies. He has been hired by 6 of the largest consulting firms to help them learn Design Thinking, which is now a leading methodology for innovation. Todd brings methods and tools that marry traditional strategy and Design Thinking to produce breakthrough ideas and results.
Todd has helped hundreds of companies change the way they think and act to create their future. He advises CEOs and works with executive teams to help them grow their businesses in a more disciplined way. Highly skilled in synthesizing complex challenges into clear, compelling agendas, he uses a rare combination of science and creativity to routinely produce breakthrough ideas. For well over a decade, Todd has taught both students and executives at the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt. In addition, he teaches at Illinois Tech’s Institute of Design, one of two schools that pioneered Design Thinking, and the first school to offer a PhD in innovation. He also has his CPA (inactive) and an MBA from Owen at Vanderbilt University.
Does This Sound Like Your Organization?
- 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategies successfully, which can lead to a host of inefficiencies and financial losses
- 85% of leadership teams spend less than one hour per month on strategy, while 50% spend no time at all—leading to poor execution and missed opportunities
- 95% of employees don't understand their company's strategy, making it nearly impossible for them to align their day-to-day activities with strategic goals
- 60% of organizations don't tie their financial budgets to strategic priorities, often resulting in misallocated resources and underperformance
- Companies that successfully implement strategic initiatives increase their profitability by up to 77%, showing the clear financial benefits of effective planning
- 48% of organizations fail to meet at least half of their strategic targets, demonstrating the widespread challenge of strategy execution
The Keys to Success & How We Help
Our strategic planning approach is more than a meeting resulting in a plan. What you get with Thrivence is a holistic approach that ensures your plan is successful.
What's Included in the Strategic Planning Kit
Strategy Accelerator
$4,500
Assess Your Firm & Get Strategy Coaching
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Conduct an assessment of your organization
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60-minute coaching call with Thrivence
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Get access to the strategic planning kit & field guide
Strategy Workshop
$10k-$15k a Day
We'll Facilitate a Private Workshop for Your Team
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Get an in-person coaching workshop for your leadership team
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The strategic planning kit & field guide
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The strategic planning playbook
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All printed checklists & templates
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Implementation & action planning
Craft Your Strategy Journey
Contact Us
Select Services for Your Firm
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In-depth discovery session
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Communications plan
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Change management plan
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Accountability workshop
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30-60-90 day team check-ins
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Powerful assessments for your team
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Departmental strategy
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Executive Coaching
Have questions?
We're here to help.
What are the different strategic planning options available?
We offer four main strategic planning options:
- Strategy Essentials: This is a self-guided option that includes a 60-minute consultation and a digital copy of our Strategic Planning Playbook, designed to help you create and implement a strategic plan on your own.
- Strategy Accelerator: This option involves co-facilitated sessions where our experts work alongside your team to develop a strategic plan tailored to your organization’s needs.
- Strategy Retreat: A fully immersive 1- or 2-day retreat led by our strategic planning experts, focusing on high-level strategy development and alignment.
- Comprehensive Strategic Planning Program: This is a multi-year program designed for ongoing strategic guidance, execution support, and plan optimization.
How do I know which option is right for my organization?
The best option depends on your organization's specific needs, resources, and goals. If you're looking for a hands-on, in-depth experience with expert guidance, our Strategy Retreat might be ideal. If you prefer to start with initial guidance and take a more self-directed approach, the Strategy Essentials offers valuable resources to get you started. Our team is available for an initial consultation to help you decide which option will best support your goals.
What happens during a Strategy Retreat?
Our Executive Strategy Retreat is a focused, immersive experience designed to align your leadership team around a clear strategic vision. Over the course of 1 or 2 days, our facilitators will lead your team through discussions, exercises, and planning sessions. The retreat aims to identify key strategic priorities, align resources, and develop a cohesive action plan. By the end of the retreat, your team will have a clear, actionable strategy to drive your organization forward.
Do you have options beyond the retreat?
Yes! Our Comprehensive Strategic Planning Program is typically a three-year engagement, though it can be tailored to meet your organization’s specific needs. This program provides continuous support through regular check-ins, plan adjustments, and ongoing strategic advice, ensuring that your organization stays on track and adapts effectively to any changes in the business environment.
Can we customize the strategic planning services to fit our specific needs?
Yes, all of our strategic planning services can be customized to fit the unique needs of your organization. Whether you require more intensive workshops, additional consultation hours, or specific focus areas, we will tailor our approach to ensure it aligns with your business goals and challenges.
How do you ensure the strategic plan will be implemented effectively?
We focus on creating actionable strategic plans with clear milestones, responsibilities, and timelines. During our sessions, we emphasize the importance of accountability and follow-through. For ongoing support, our Comprehensive Strategic Planning Program includes regular reviews and adjustments to ensure the plan is being implemented effectively and continues to align with your organization's goals.
What kind of follow-up support do you offer after the strategic planning sessions?
For all our strategic planning options, we offer follow-up support to ensure successful implementation. This can include regular check-in calls, additional consulting sessions, progress tracking, and access to resources and tools. Our goal is to provide ongoing support to help you stay on track and adapt your strategy as needed.
What industries do you specialize in?
Our team has experience across a broad range of industries, including finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and more. Our approach is adaptable, allowing us to apply our strategic planning expertise to the specific needs and challenges of different sectors. We bring a deep understanding of various market dynamics and tailor our solutions to fit your industry’s unique landscape.
How We're Helping Firms Generate Real Business Results
Client Success Story: Recruiting
A leading engineering firm was struggling to attract talent, so we developed a custom AI initiative to optimize job postings. Traffic to postings doubled and dramatically increased applications, reviews, and interviews.
- Applications: 132% Increase
- In Review: 2,260% Increase
- Interviews: 375% Increase
More Client Success Stories
- Reduced Costs: A local municipality generated cost savings up to 80% using AI/ML and image recognition with our custom software that reduced man hours for their asset management program.
- Improved Sales: A firm developed a successful strategic sales and marketing strategy all from a single photo of a project.
- Enhanced Workflows: Other firms have used AI to automate data analytics to build prompts for extracting data from images, building programming code, and highlighting risk in contract reviews.
What You'll Leave With
A certificate & badge to share with others
Frameworks you can immediately apply
Bonus course ($197 for free) & free downloads
Free Guide: AI Checklist for AEC Leaders
A 3-part framework and checklist to help you integrate AI to solve problems & grow your business
