The Strategy Academy

Stategic Thinking Certification Program

Unlock the game-changing benefits of becoming a strategic leader!

Enroll alone or with your team!

APRIL SESSIONS SOLD OUT!

Next Session Starts May 26th

$499

ENROLL

Master the foundational concepts of Strategic Intent and Strategic Options, and acquire the tools to define your organization's future direction.

2-3 weeks

7-8 hrs/week

StratifyPro Software - 1 year!

This course earns you a Certificate of Completion from StratifyPro and Letter of Recommendation from Board Executives

Why Enroll in the Strategic Thinking Certification Program?

In today's hyper-competitive global landscape, sustained success hinges on a company's ability to innovate and strategically shape its future. This demands a new breed of strategic leaders – individuals equipped not only with a growth mindset but also with a clear innovation agenda and a powerful forward-thinking perspective. The Strategic Thinking Certification Program is meticulously designed to empower you to deliver impactful results through enhanced critical thinking, providing you with the frameworks and practical skills necessary to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and confidently lead your organization towards its strategic goals.

47%

Higher revenue growth is seen in organizations that embrace strategic thinking and cultivate long-term mindsets.

SOURCE: McKINSEY

97%

More likely to achieve above-peer profitability are companies that implement comprehensive growth strategies.

SOURCE: ENVISIO

Overview

INTRUDUCTION TO COURSE

In today's complex and rapidly evolving business landscape, strategic thinking is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for sustainable success. This course provides a comprehensive framework for developing and applying strategic thinking skills to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve your organization's vision.

We begin by establishing a strong foundation, focusing on defining your organization's core 'Why,' mission, vision, and values, which serve as the bedrock for all strategic decisions. You'll learn to conduct thorough internal assessments, evaluating your organization's resources, capabilities, core competencies, and culture to identify strengths and address weaknesses.

The course then guides you through external assessments, teaching you to analyze the macro-environment using tools like PESTLE, understand industry-specific dynamics with Porter's Five Forces, and develop strategic scenarios to anticipate future possibilities. You'll learn to synthesize internal and external insights through SWOT analysis, formulating concrete strategic actions and bridging the gap between analysis and practical strategic responses.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to not only analyze your organization's current position but also to develop proactive strategies that drive sustainable competitive advantage and achieve your long-term goals.

KEY CONCEPTS

Foundation: A strong strategic foundation is built on a clear and compelling "Why," a well-defined Mission, an inspiring Vision, and a set of guiding Values. This framework is a crucial starting point for strategic thinking and planning.

Internal & External Assessments: Internal assessment reveals an organization's strengths and weaknesses, while external assessment identifies opportunities and threats in its environment. Together, these assessments form the basis for strategic decision-making.

Combined Strategies: Transitions participants from analyzing internal and external environments to formulating strategic direction. It emphasizes the integration of these analyses using tools like SWOT and TOWS, refining the organization's 'Why', and initiating strategic planning with StratifyPro.

CORE MODULES

Get ready to embark on a journey into the heart of strategic thinking! This comprehensive agenda provides a roadmap for our upcoming sessions, outlining the key modules and objectives we'll be exploring together. From laying the foundational groundwork of your organization's core identity to integrating internal and external insights for effective strategy development, each module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive your organization towards meaningful success.

Module 1: The Foundation

Objective: To define the organization's core identity and purpose.

The Why: Core Purpose

The Mission: What We Do & For Whom

The Vision: What We Aspire to Be

The Values: Guiding Principles

Module 2: Internal Assessment

Objective: To analyze the organization's internal resources, capabilities, and value chain to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Importance & the Building Blocks

Importance of Internal Analysis

Resources: The Building Blocks

Capabilities: Putting Resources to Work

Core Competencies: Source of Competitive Advantage

Competitive Advantages: Standing Out

Detailed Value Chain Analysis

Introduction to Value Chain Analysis

Identifying & Analyzing Value-Adding Activities

Assessing Effectiveness & Efficiency

Discovering Opportunities for Improvement

Module 3: External Assessment

Objective: To analyze the external environment, including macro-environmental factors, industry-specific dynamics, and potential future scenarios, to identify opportunities and threats.

Analyzing the Macro-Environment (PESTLE)

Introduction to External Analysis & PESTLE Framework

Macro-Environmental Analysis

Industry Specific (Porter’s Five)

Synthesizing PESTLE Findings

Identifying Strategic Implications

Scenario Planning

Leveraging PESTLE & Porter’s Five Forces

Crafting Plausible Future Scenarios

Groundwork for Strategic Actions

Strategic Action Development

Formulating Concrete Strategic Actions

Bridging Analysis & Practical Strategic Responses

Proactively Address Potential Future Environments

Module 3: Combined Strategies

Objective: To integrate internal and external analyses to formulate effective strategies and refine the organization's core purpose.

Introduction to Combined Analysis & Strategic Direction

Understanding SWOT Analysis

Filling in SWOT Matrix

TOWS Matrix Using SWOT Analysis and External Assessments

Refining the Company's "Why"

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define their organization's core identity (Why, Mission, Vision, Values).

Conduct thorough internal and external analyses.

Formulate effective strategies that align organizational culture and environmental understanding with strategic intent.

Develop concrete action plans to drive their organization towards defined success.

WHO BENEFITS

Leaders &
Teams

Acquire the frameworks and tools to enhance strategic thinking within your team, department, or organization.

Aspiring, Mid & Entry-Level Managers

Advance your career by developing the skills to successfully enable and deliver strategic thinking.

Entrpreneurs and Consultants

Develop the strategic thinking skills necessary to articulate compelling Strategic Intent and formulate robust Strategic Options that position organizations for future success.

INCLUDES THE FULL VERSION
AI POWERED STRATIFYPRO SOFWARE FOR 1 YEAR!

Detailed Syllabus

4 Modules, 25-30 Hours

Download Full Syllabus (pdf)

2-3

hrs

The Foundation : One 2-3 hour sessions + homework + testing

The Strategy Foundation

A strong strategic foundation is built on a clear and compelling "Why," a well-defined Mission, an inspiring Vision, and a set of guiding Values. These elements must be interconnected and aligned to provide direction, purpose, and ethical grounding for the organization's strategy. This framework is a crucial starting point for strategic thinking and planning.

Key Concept

Understanding and applying the "Why," Mission, Vision, and Values framework is a strong strategic foundation. This foundation provides clarity of purpose, direction, and ethical grounding, enabling better decision-making, resource allocation, and a unified organizational culture, ultimately increasing the likelihood of achieving strategic goals and long-term success.

Learning Outcomes

Define "Why," Mission, Vision, and Values.
Develop impactful "Why" statements.
Create clear Mission statements.
Formulate inspiring Vision statements.
Identify core organizational Values.
Analyze the interconnectedness of these elements.
Apply the framework to real-world examples.
Present and discuss their work effectively.
Understand the iterative nature of this process.

Featured Exercises

"Why" (Core Purpose): Exercise: Define your organization's core purpose beyond profit.
Mission (What We Do): Exercise: Articulate your organization's current activities and target audience.
Vision (Desired Future): Exercise: Envision your organization's desired future state and long-term aspirations.
Values (Guiding Principles): Exercise: Identify the core principles that will guide your organization's behavior.
Interconnectedness: Exercise: Analyze how the "Why," Mission, Vision, and Values align and support each other.
Iterative Process: Exercise: Refine your initial "Why," Mission, Vision, and Values based on further analysis.
FitLife Example: Analyze the provided example to understand the practical application of the framework.
Group Work: Exercise: Develop the "Why," Mission, Vision, and Values for an assigned company.
Sharing & Feedback: Exercise: Present your work and provide/receive feedback from peers.

3-4

hrs

Strategic Options & Intent : One 3.5-hour session + homework + testing

Combined Strategies

This module integrates internal and external analyses to define strategic direction. It emphasizes synthesizing insights, using SWOT/TOWS to bridge factors, and proactively aligning strengths with opportunities. The module reinforces the organization's 'Why' and uses StratifyPro for AI-driven initial plan generation, transitioning from analysis to actionable strategies.

Key Concept

This process delivers a clear, actionable strategic plan. Integrating internal and external assessments enables informed strategic intent, focused objectives, and concrete action plans, maximizing strengths, capitalizing on opportunities, mitigating threats, and increasing the likelihood of strategic success.

Learning Outcomes

Integrate Internal and External Analysis: Learn to combine market insights with internal capabilities for strategic understanding.
Utilize SWOT/TOWS: Master tools for translating analyses into actionable strategies.
Refine Core Purpose: Understand how to clarify an organization's "Why" for strategic alignment.
Develop Strategic Options: Translate analysis into viable strategic choices.
Select Strategic Direction: Choose a clear path for your company's future.
Build Initial Plans: Use AI to quickly generate strategic plans within StratifyPro.

Featured Exercises

SWOT Analysis: Synthesize internal and external insights for strategic decision-making.
TOWS Matrix: Translate SWOT analysis into actionable strategic options.
"Why" Refinement: Clarify core purpose and passion for strategic alignment.
Strategic Options: Develop a range of potential strategic directions.
Strategic Intent: Select a compelling and viable strategic direction.
Strategy Design: Develop strategies and initiatives with resource allocation and action plans.
StratifyPro Quick Start: Generate AI-powered strategic plans and refine them on the platform.

6-7

hrs

Internal Assessment : Two 3-hour sessions + homework + testing

Internal Assessment

Internal assessment is the foundation of strategic analysis. By systematically evaluating an organization's resources, capabilities, core competencies, competitive advantages, and culture, we identify both strengths to leverage and potential weaknesses to address. This understanding of the internal landscape is crucial for crafting effective strategies that capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats in the external environment, ultimately leading to sustainable competitive advantage.

Key Concept

A clear understanding of an organization's strengths and weaknesses relative to its competitors and industry. This understanding forms the basis for informed strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, capability development, and competitive positioning, ultimately enabling the organization to leverage its advantages and address its disadvantages for improved performance.

Learning Outcomes

Classify and evaluate organizational resources.
Distinguish resources, capabilities, and core competencies.
Apply the VRIN framework.
Link core competencies to competitive advantages.
Define and explain organizational culture.
Develop a values, behaviors, and norms framework.
Identify potential internal weaknesses.
Integrate internal assessment elements.
Analyze interconnectedness of internal factors.
Apply internal assessment frameworks.

Featured Exercises

Resource Brainstorm: Identify and categorize company resources (tangible, intangible, human).
Capability ID: Determine what the company does with its resources.
Core Competency Analysis: Analyze capabilities using the VRIN framework.
Competitive Advantage ID: Link competitive advantages to core competencies.
Culture Definition: Define values, behaviors, and norms aligned with the company's purpose.
Weakness ID: Identify potential resource, capability, and strategic weaknesses.
Connecting the Dots (HW): Integrate all internal assessment elements.

10-11

hrs

External Assessment : Four 3-hour sessions + homework + testing

External Assessment

External assessment is essential for strategic success. Using PESTLE, organizations analyze the macro-environment to identify key trends, their interactions, and potential opportunities and threats. This analysis, combined with scenario planning, enables the development of robust strategies for navigating the external landscape and achieving organizational goals.

Key Concept

External assessment delivers better strategic decisions. Understanding the macro-environment and future scenarios enables informed strategy development, improved resource allocation, and greater agility, leading to enhanced organizational performance and competitive advantage.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the strategic importance of macro-environmental analysis.
Apply the PESTLE framework to identify and categorize key external factors.
Analyze the competitive landscape within the macro-environment using Porter's Five Forces
Analyze the interactions between PESTLE factors and their combined impact.
Develop contrasting future scenarios based on PESTLE analysis.
Formulate strategic actions to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats within different scenarios.
Connect macro-environmental analysis to strategic decision-making.

Featured Exercises

PESTLE Brainstorm: Identify and categorize macro-environmental factors.
Two-Factor Analysis: Analyze interactions between two PESTLE categories.
Porter's Five Forces Analysis: Analyze industry competitive dynamics
Scenario Planning: Develop contrasting future scenarios.
Strategic Actions: Develop strategic responses for each scenario.

Syllabus

Your Instructor

Dr. Richard Aquilina is a globally recognized leadership expert with a focus on bridging the "Human Side of Technology." He specializes in coaching executives, leaders, and top talent in technical fields, driving team alignment, engagement, and transformational change. With extensive experience in Fortune 500 companies and academia, he provides practical coaching strategies ("RICHuals™") and authored training manuals to accelerate individual and team effectiveness. He holds a doctorate from Michigan State University and has extensive post-graduate education.

CEOMessage

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

CEO-Level Guidance for Business Growth

Our experienced team of former CEOs and executives understands the unique challenges you face. We've been in your shoes and know how to navigate complex business environments. Let us help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve your goals.

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Strategic Thinking Certificate Course
Online Class Sessions
SOLD OUT - Classes Begin April 29th - SOLD OUT
Ended
499 US dollars
View Course
Strategic Thinking Certificate Course
Online Class Sessions
SOLD OUT - Classes Begin April 29th - SOLD OUT
Ended
499 US dollars
View Course
Strategic Thinking Certification Program
Online Class Sessions
2-3 weeks | Eight 3-4 hour sessions | M-W-F | Enrollment deadline May 12 | Class begins May 26
Starts May 26
499 US dollars
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OUR SIMPLE METHODOLOGY

Download our THINK-PLAN-GO® Methodology

Your sneak peak into our very own strategic planning and execution approach that enables outcomes that has been tried, refined and proven for over three decades.

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YOUR VERY OWN STRATEGY MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Download our Strategy Toolkit

Discover the secrets to mastering strategy management with the StratifyPro Management Platform that embodies the Think-Pan-Go Methodology. Through a seamless blend of technology, a proven methodology and management expertise, the StratifyPro Platform is your best partner in navigating the challenging waters of global business, ensuring that your strategic initiatives are both effective and adaptive.

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Use Cases

Core Features

StratifyPro Process

The Strategy Academy

Stategic Thinking Certification Program

Unlock the game-changing benefits of becoming a strategic leader!

$499

Master the foundational concepts of Strategic Intent and Strategic Options, and acquire the tools to define your organization's future direction.

Why Enroll in the Strategic Thinking Certification Program?

47%

97%

INTRUDUCTION TO COURSE

KEY CONCEPTS

CORE MODULES

Module 1: The Foundation

Module 2: Internal Assessment

Module 3: External Assessment

Module 3: Combined Strategies

Course Outcomes

WHO BENEFITS

Detailed Syllabus

4 Modules, 25-30 Hours

2-3

The Strategy Foundation

Key Concept

Learning Outcomes

Featured Exercises

Your Instructor

Get Info on out upcoming courses

Leave your name and email and we will contact you !

Strategic Thinking Certificate Course

Strategic Thinking Certificate Course

Strategic Thinking Certification Program

Your sneak peak into our very own strategic planning and execution approach that enables outcomes that has been tried, refined and proven for over three decades.