Some project meetings can feel like significant milestones to celebrate.
A couple of weeks ago, I sat in on a Strategy Projects meeting with 20 stream leads and project managers. One by one, they shared updates. And unexpectedly, I felt it: that warm and fuzzy feeling: They were totally on the right path, the energy in the room was unmistakable.
Why was this so exciting?
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From strategy paper to live projects: The work began with a high-level strategy paper championed by the CEO. I partnered with the newly appointed Strategy Program Manager and ELT to to convert these into real projects. Prioritised projects within each of the strategic pillars.
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Motivated project managers: Every update showed ownership. Project managers were energised, visibly proud of progress, and focused on impact.
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A culture transformed: Previously the organisation was described by staff as “siloed”. I now watched cross-team collaboration unfold naturally. The way we approached the program setup, as well as a realignment of structure, has brought the divisions closer. I could see the mtg interactions demonstrating a much more collaborative culture.
The CEO confirmed the Board is fully behind this, and it’s easy to see why. Execution is happening. Culture is shifting. Strategy is no longer an idea, it’s action and I am so thrilled for them.
A well-structured Strategic Program sets you up for culture change
3 tips to move from High-Level Strategy to Energized Execution
1. Untangle the strategy spaghetti
Start by clearly defining what counts as a project. Scope each remit to avoid duplication, grey zones, or BAU overlap. Clarity here sets the tone for confident execution.
2. Invest in your strategy execution team
Your Strategy Execution Team (Chief Transformation Officer or Program Manager, Stream Leads and Project Managers) are the powerhouse of your strategy. Their energy and commitment are contagious. Make sure they feel empowered and supported. Offer strategy execution training and a flexible toolkit. In the example above, I ran a custom bootcamp for them and now the team all have access to frameworks in The Turbochargers Hub.
3. Build culture intentionally in “how” you implement
Execution isn’t only about what you do, it’s how you do it. The way you set up your strategy program, run meetings, and make decisions all shape the culture. This is the critical piece to developing your culture in the right direction. It can be easily sabotaged. Authenticity builds trust.
When your strategy moves off the page and into engaged hands, transformation begins. These tips help you move faster, with culture and collaboration as your accelerants.
“Execution is the ability to mesh strategy with reality, align people with goals, and achieve the promised results.”
Larry Bossidy, former CEO, Honeywell and Ram Charam, Author
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About Lisa Carlin
Lisa Carlin is a Strategy Execution Specialist. She works with business leaders to go from strategy to plan to result, in tough environments. Her clients love having her expertise and guidance to navigate their workplace culture and use AI to achieve success.
Lisa is author of the globally acclaimed newsletter, Turbocharge Weekly, read by 8,000 business leaders.
Lisa’s career includes roles at McKinsey and Accenture, then running her own business since 1999. Over this time she has delivered over 50 implementations with a 96% success rate.