Harvard Executive Training: Beyond Strategic Planning

In early September, I had the incredible opportunity to complete the Beyond Strategic Planning training at Harvard University, led by Professor David Shore and joined by an inspiring cohort of 21 industry experts. This transformative experience reinforced my commitment to holistic leadership and revealed practical ways to align strategy with execution and sustainability.

This training emphasized moving beyond traditional strategic planning to adopt adaptable, forward-thinking approaches. It aligned perfectly with my leadership journey and my focus on fostering meaningful transformation within higher education and leadership development.

Key Takeaways:

• Holistic Frameworks: Strategy requires a systematic framework where structure follows strategy, ensuring seamless execution and sustainability.

• Guided Implementation: Combining strategic plans with guided implementation and sustainment plans is critical to driving organizational goals and change initiatives.

• End-to-End Approach: This unique program bridged the gap between strategy, execution, and sustainability, offering a comprehensive approach to strategic planning.

• Real-World Insights: Tales from field experts, including McKinsey & Company, provided practical lessons in resilience and adaptability.

• Actionable Roadmaps: The program’s hands-on projects ensured participants left with clear plans to achieve organizational objectives.

• Embedding Strategy: Establishing processes to integrate strategy into daily operations ensures alignment and long-term value creation.

I am excited to apply these insights to foster true transformation—beginning within and radiating outward to the communities and initiatives I’m honored to serve. I look forward to guiding students and future leaders with strategies that are resilient, adaptive, sustainable, and deeply relevant, helping shape a future where growth and innovation flourish hand in hand.