Coaching and Consulting on Business & Corporate Strategy

Master Strategic Thinking: A Practical Guide to Advising & Facilitating

This comprehensive course equips you with the skills to think strategically, advise effectively, and facilitate impactful conversations – whether you're working with clients, leading your organization, or advising portfolio companies. Learn to sharpen your strategic thinking, structure powerful sessions, and confidently engage decision-makers.

Course Highlights:

• Practical AI Integration: Experience enhanced learning with Udemy's Role-Play AI feature for realistic practice and an AI-generated voice-over for improved clarity.
• Four Core Sections: A carefully structured curriculum covering the entire strategic process.

Section 1: Understanding Strategy Fundamentals to Guide Better Conversations

• Competitive Advantage: Discover how organizations build and sustain a competitive edge through cost leadership, differentiation, focus, and beyond.
• Business Models: Master the Business Model Canvas to analyze and optimize business models for strategic advantage.
• Corporate Strategy & Portfolio Thinking: Understand resource allocation and business unit management in diversified companies.
• Strategic Positioning: Utilize the Strategy Diamond to shape conversations around competitive positioning.
• Practical Frameworks: Apply frameworks like the Business Model Canvas, Strategy Diamond, and BCG Matrix through hands-on role-play scenarios.

Section 2: Exploring Strategic Approaches & Facilitation Techniques

• Strategic Models: Explore classic, deliberate strategy models alongside emergent, adaptive approaches.
• Positioning vs. Entrepreneurial Approaches: Learn when to apply Porter's positioning approaches versus Mintzberg's entrepreneurial approaches.
• Innovative Models: Discover and apply cutting-edge models like Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and Blitzscaling.
• Collectivistic Approaches: Understand how collaborative dialogue drives strategic emergence.
• Practical Application: Apply strategic thinking using tools like SWOT analysis and market experimentation in simulated scenarios.

Section 3: Building Buy-In: Facilitating Strategic Dialogues for Action

• Strategic Conversation Dynamics: Ask insightful questions to unlock deeper understanding and avoid relying solely on opinions.
• Dialogue-Led Leadership: Lead through dialogue, fostering clarity, alignment, and ownership.
• Overcoming Resistance: Employ techniques to address cognitive biases and overcome resistance to change.
• Structured Conversation Models: Utilize tools like the Six Thinking Hats, OSKAR, and PRACTICE for effective dialogue.
• Analysis to Action: Close conversations with clear momentum and actionable next steps.
• Practice Opportunity: Simulate tense leadership discussions and team decision-making exercises.

Section 4: Leading Discovery Conversations for Strategic Focus

• Discovery Conversation Structure: Move from identifying symptoms to uncovering root causes.
• Industry & Market Diagnosis: Analyze competitive dynamics using Porter's Five Forces and other diagnostic tools.
• Internal Alignment: Identify and address internal misalignments between strategy and execution.
• Strategic Intervention Design: Frame insights and define clear next steps.
• Case-Based Exercises: Practice leading diagnostic conversations to sharpen strategic focus and drive decisions.

Applied Practice: Role-Play Activities

Throughout the course, engage in role-play scenarios designed to apply learned concepts to real-world business situations. Practice advising, facilitating, and leading conversations on topics including:

• Business Model Development
• Competitive Analysis
• Innovation Strategies
• Leadership Alignment

Continuous Improvement: Our role-play scenarios are constantly evolving based on learner feedback and emerging industry trends.

What You'll Achieve:

• A structured, professional approach to strategy conversations.
• Practical tools to advise, challenge, and align leadership thinking.
• Confidence in applying frameworks with flexibility.
• The ability to lead discussions that translate analysis into action.
• Real-world practice through simulated scenarios.