Who’s actually accountable in your strategic plan? If your answer includes more than one name… that might be the root of your execution problems. In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan (SVP of Operations at AchieveIt) and Joe Krause (SVP of Strategy Consulting) tackle one of the most misunderstood pillars of execution: accountability.

From the danger of group-think to the power of visibility and recognition, they dig into what really moves teams from idea to impact. With relatable stories (hello, MBA group projects) and practical advice, this episode is packed with insights for anyone tired of watching plans stall due to unclear ownership and disengaged teams.

Why you’ll want to listen:

• Learn the “fire drill test” to identify true ownership in your plans
• Understand how public progress tracking can boost engagement across the org
• Discover low-cost ways to create accountability through recognition
• Hear how leaders can tailor accountability structures to different employee types

👉 Hit play and close the gap between strategy and execution. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!

Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the backbone of strategy execution.

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan (SVP of Operations) and Joe Krause (SVP of Strategy Consulting) dig into why so many organizations say they value collaboration but still fail to practice it. From breaking down silos to running meetings that don’t suck, they share real-world lessons (and hard truths) about what it takes to turn big plans into real progress. With 77% of leaders saying silos hold them back — and 79% of failed initiatives pointing to poor collaboration — this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to get strategy over the finish line.

Whether you're leading a strategy team or sitting in cross-functional meetings wondering why progress stalls, this conversation is full of relatable moments, tactical tips, and a healthy dose of humor. Learn how to structure collaboration so it actually works, without overwhelming your calendar — or your team. 

🎧 Why you’ll want to listen:

• Learn how to set expectations so planning conversations don’t derail.
• Hear how access and awareness are more powerful than more meetings.
• Get tips to run productive, high-impact meetings your team won’t dread.
• Find out why most plans fail — even when collaboration is “part of the strategy.”

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we dive into the first pillar of the 2025 State of Strategy Execution Report: Alignment and Leadership. Hosts Jonathan Morgan, SVP of Operations at AchieveIt, and Joe Krause, SVP of Strategy Consulting, break down why so many strategic plans crumble at the top—and what leaders can do to reverse course. From lackluster vision statements to inconsistent communication, this episode challenges leadership teams to reflect on whether they’re truly setting the tone for success.

Whether you're leading a strategy rollout, trying to gain cross-functional alignment, or wondering why your team isn’t rallying behind your vision—this episode is a must-listen. Jonathan and Joe blend years of hands-on consulting experience with data-backed insights from over 250 strategy leaders across industries. 

✅ Why You’ll Want to Listen:

• Discover the top 5 reasons strategic plans fail—and how nearly all of them trace back to leadership
• Learn how to create a communication strategy that drives long-term engagement (not just a flashy launch)
• Find out how “How” and “Why” questions can realign disconnected teams
• Hear real-world examples of what strong leadership alignment looks like in action

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and catch the full State of Strategy Execution series as we explore each pillar in upcoming episodes!

Are you actually executing your strategy—or just making plans that collect dust? In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we dive into the key findings from the 2025 State of Strategy Execution report and break down what separates high-performing organizations from the rest. Hosting the conversation are Jonathan Morgan, SVP of Operations at AchieveIt, and Joe Krause, SVP of Strategy Consulting, two of AchieveIt's seasoned strategy experts.

We explore the biggest roadblocks companies face, the role of leadership in execution, and how consistent updates, clear accountability, and the right technology can drive 10X better outcomes. Whether you're leading a team or driving strategy at an executive level, this episode will give you practical, no-nonsense insights to level up your execution game.

Why you’ll want to listen:

• The 5 critical factors that determine whether your strategy will succeed or fail
• Why measuring activity ≠ measuring success—and how to track real impact
• How real-time dashboards make organizations 10X more likely to achieve their goals
• The #1 leadership mistake that’s killing strategy execution (and how to fix it)

Find the full 2025 State of Strategy Execution here: https://www.achieveit.com/resources/2025-state-of-strategy-execution/


Key Topics with Timestamps:

00:00 Insights from 2025 Strategy Execution Survey
06:05 Effective Success Metrics and Updates
09:01 Strategic Planning for Leaders
10:24 Process Adherence for Improved Clarity
13:09 The Impact of Losing Corporate Vision
17:41 Transforming Plans into Action
21:02 Impact of Strategic Isolation on Business
24:44 Engaging Future Leaders Effectively
26:59 Governance Guide: Clarifying Plan Engagement
31:06 Real-Time Dashboards Enhance Strategy Performance
33:52 Optimizing Dashboard Utilization
38:40 The Value of Strategic Planning
39:28 Reaffirming Strategic Communication Essentials

How do you transition from commodities trading to leading strategy at a global mental health company?

Mark Muston, Head of Business Operations & Strategy at Modern Health, shares how he made the leap, why hiring for potential matters more than a perfect resume, and how to pitch leadership like a startup founder. If you’re in strategy, operations, or just trying to build a team that actually gets things done—this episode is for you. In this conversation, Mark breaks down what it takes to build cross-functional initiatives, advocate for your team in a cost-center role, and make strategic decisions that drive real impact. Plus, he shares valuable lessons on navigating career transitions and knowing when (and how) to push for change.

🎧 Why you’ll want to listen:

• The #1 hiring mistake leaders make—and how to find the best talent beyond the resume.
• Why your resume should tell a data-driven story (and how to craft one that stands out).
• The “VC mindset” for getting leadership buy-in and securing resources for strategic initiatives.
• How to balance small quick wins with big ROI projects in strategy and operations.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 Transitioning from Trading to Business Development
03:46 Journey to Modern Health Leadership
07:04 Aligning Career with Purpose
10:52 Reevaluating Hiring Standards in Healthcare
14:57 Assessing Ambition Through Resume Signals
18:02 Lessons Learned: Trading to Tech Transition
20:32 Prioritizing Business Problem Solving
25:56 Navigating Startup Challenges and Flexibility
26:49 Aligning Projects with Business Priorities
31:29 Manual MVP Testing and Scaling
34:03 Prioritizing Impact Over Busywork


Listen now to The Strategy Gap! 

Can a startup stay agile while scaling—and still innovate?

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we're joined by Dave McMullin, Chief Strategy Officer at Anumana, to dive into the balancing act of startup strategy. With experience spanning biotech giants and high-growth startups, Dave shares his insights on aligning long-term vision with short-term wins, keeping innovation alive while building structure, and staying disciplined in execution. Whether you're leading a startup, scaling a business, or navigating strategic growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

Why you'll want to listen:

• How to balance long-term strategy with real-time pivots in a fast-moving company
• The key to scaling without stifling innovation or creativity
• A simple yet powerful tactic to ensure strategy doesn’t get lost in daily operations
• What startups can learn from big corporations—and what they should leave behind

Listen now to The Strategy Gap and get expert insights from Dave McMullin!

Ready to uncover the secrets to true organizational alignment and long-term strategic success? In this episode of The Strategy Gap, we’re joined by Ken Sagendorf, Chief Strategy Officer at True Alignment and host of the True Alignment Podcast. With decades of experience as a strategic leader, innovator, and educator, Ken brings unparalleled insights into bridging the gap between strategy creation and execution.

From the importance of embracing a generalist mindset to understanding the emotions driving workplace behaviors, Ken challenges us to rethink how we approach leadership, alignment, and change. Whether you’re a business leader, strategist, or someone passionate about fostering collaboration, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.Why You’ll Want to Listen:

• Discover why generalists are the ultimate gap-bridgers and how they create value across organizations.
• Learn how to address emotions and values as the key to fostering true alignment in your team.
• Find out why strategy is a long-haul process and how trust and openness drive success.
• Explore Ken’s concept of quantum alignment and how personal and professional values intersect.

What does it take to turn strategy into real, actionable results? In this episode of The Strategy Gap, Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause sit down with Dave Parker, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Evergreen Life Services. With decades of experience in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Dave shares his unique insights on blending innovation, collaboration, and strategic clarity. From his groundbreaking "Mission Money Matrix" to lessons learned the hard way, Dave offers a fresh perspective on how organizations can align mission and impact with measurable outcomes.Tune in as

Dave reveals how trust, shared language, and a human-centered approach are essential for engaging teams and driving strategic success—whether you’re leading a small division or managing a complex, multi-state organization.Why You’ll Want to Listen:

• Discover the "Mission Money Matrix," a decision-making framework that balances mission impact with financial sustainability.
• Learn why trust and a shared language are foundational for strategy execution.
• Hear how John Wooden’s advice—“Be quick but don’t hurry”—applies to leadership and teamwork.
• Get practical tips for engaging your team and aligning daily work with strategic objectives.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Dave Parker, packed with takeaways to help you bridge the gap between strategy creation and execution!

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause sit down with Tonjia Coverdale, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Operations and Technology at Associated Bank. With over 25 years of experience in technology and strategic leadership, Tonjia brings a unique perspective on how organizations can elevate technology from a back-office function to a powerful enabler of business growth. Her dual expertise in academia and industry offers valuable insights for leaders looking to align strategy with execution.

Join us as we explore how to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy, with practical advice and real-world examples from Tonjia\u2019s extensive career. From celebrki7ating technology wins in ways that resonate with stakeholders to aligning tech initiatives with overarching business goals, this episode is packed with insights for leaders at every level. Whether you're a business executive or a technology professional, you\u2019ll walk away with actionable ideas to foster collaboration, optimize strategies, and unlock the full potential of your organization\u2019s technology investments.Why You\u2019ll Want to Listen:

• Discover why technology should be viewed as a strategic enabler, not just a cost center.
• Learn how to celebrate tech wins by translating them into measurable business value.
• Understand the importance of aligning technology initiatives with top-level business goals.
• Get actionable tips on building collaboration between technologists and business leaders.

What makes a business thrive in a constantly evolving world? According to Victor André Gamas Mayer, Managing Partner of Gamas Group, the answer lies in mindset, culture, and values. As the leader of a fourth-generation family business, Victor brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation.

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause explore how Gamas Group has sustained success by embracing family values while adopting a forward-thinking, global mindset.Victor shares powerful insights on the importance of hiring for cultural fit over technical expertise, fostering a culture of accountability, and maintaining a vision for growth that aligns with your company’s core principles. Whether your business operates locally or on an international scale, this episode is packed with practical lessons to help you align your strategy with impactful execution.

Why You'll Want to Listen:

• Learn how to adopt a global mindset to unlock new opportunities for growth.
• Discover why cultural fit and mindset often outweigh technical skills when hiring.
• Explore how family values can inform modern business strategies and success.
• Get actionable tips for creating a company culture rooted in care, responsibility, and accountability.

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause are joined by Tino Mantella, a seasoned executive with vast experience across industries including nonprofits, technology, and government. Tino shares his insights on the critical elements of strategic planning, the power of conscious capitalism, and the importance of aligning organizational culture with leadership goals.

From balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches to developing performance standards that drive real results, Tino’s approach to strategy is both refreshing and practical.Tune in to discover how Tino has navigated complex organizational challenges and how his unique perspectives can help leaders bridge the gap between strategy creation and execution.


Why You’ll Want to Tune In:

• Learn how to effectively balance top-down and bottom-up input in strategic planning.
• Discover the principles of “conscious capitalism” and how it can boost engagement and purpose.
• Get tips on developing performance standards that guide, rather than punish, teams.
• Hear practical advice on building alliances within your organization to make strategic decisions stick.
• Explore ways to foster a culture that aligns with and supports strategic goals.

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause interview Abhay Jain, VP of Strategy and Business Development at A+E Networks. They explore strategy creation, innovation, and execution in various organizations, emphasizing the importance of solving real problems to attract the right talent for startups.

Abhay shares insights on commercial real estate, focusing on lifestyle and startup incubation, and highlights the need for customer-centric strategies. The conversation covers planning horizons, fostering innovation while avoiding the "hippo effect," and the cultural differences between startups and large corporations. Abhay also offers advice on career flexibility and adapting to new opportunities. Tune in for practical insights on strategic planning and innovation!
Why you'll want to tune in:

• Discover unique strategies from top experts who share tips for overcoming common business challenges and fostering innovation.
• Learn from case studies and stories across industries that highlight successful strategic planning and innovation.
• Find practical tips and tactics you can apply in your organization to drive growth and enhance adaptability in today's changing markets.

In Episode 31 of The Strategy Gap, hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause speak with with Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer at Sunrise Banks. Eric brings over two decades of experience leading financial services organizations through transformational change and has extensive expertise in fintech, digital banking, strategy development, and leadership.

Together, they look at how Eric's extensive experience offers innovative insights for driving customer value. They over how diverse perspectives can drive strategic success and why a human-centered approach is crucial for effective technology implementation. Whether you're a business leader seeking sustainable growth strategies or simply passionate about future trends, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire and motivate you.

Why Tune In?

• Learn how strategic foresight can go beyond analytics to prepare your organization for future challenges.
• Discover real-life examples of technology that genuinely adds value and enhances customer experiences.
• Be inspired by stories and scenarios that highlight the importance of collaboration and adaptive strategies for growth.

In this episode:

00:00 Bridging Strategy Creation and Execution for Leaders

04:43 Apple's Financial Services and Strategic Efficiency

06:47 Energy Company's Foresight: Anticipating Tesla's Disruptive Potential

11:47 Incorporating Pandemic Preparedness in Strategic Planning

14:07 Disruption in Traditional Real Estate: Changing Business Models

19:35 Harnessing Foresight for Strategic and Innovative Success

23:16 Holistic Impact of Technology on Human Life

27:27 European Grocery Chains Introduce Community-Focused Slow Checkout Lanes

28:30 Trader Joe's: A Community-Focused and Enjoyable Shopping Experience

31:47 Anticipating Future Podcasts: Appreciating Valuable Insights

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause sit down with Isha Dhar, a talented leader currently heading Global Sales Strategy and Operations for Netflix's new ads platform. With over 15 years of experience in sales operations, business development, and analytics at big names like Meta Platforms and Dell Technologies, Isha offers a treasure trove of insights. She’s got an MBA from UNC and an engineering degree from India, and she’s now based in Austin, Texas.

The conversation kicks off with Isha sharing why sales operations is so vital. She highlights its close connection to business metrics and customer needs. Isha’s passion for her field shines through—she got into sales operations almost by chance, and those experiences have been incredibly rewarding. She underscores the importance of data-driven insights for making strategic decisions and aligning sales strategies with the broader business goals.

Another big topic of discussion is how to handle failure with a “fail fast” mindset. Isha emphasizes learning from mistakes to continually improve processes. She also talks about the importance of cross-functional collaboration, urging listeners to break down silos within organizations so strategies can be executed effectively across departments. Drawing from her diverse experiences, she notes how approaches can vary depending on corporate culture and the growth stage of an organization.

Before wrapping up, Isha shares some great leadership tips: trust your instincts, build solid relationships, and prioritize data-driven decisions. These principles have been key to her success and are sure to resonate with anyone looking to grow in their career.

In this episode:

00:00 Passionate About Understanding and Influencing Business Success

05:45 Variations in Sales Operations: Revenue, Planning, Execution Strategies

07:02 Key to Success: Right Jobs, Data-Driven Insights

11:39 Turning Failure into a Learning Opportunity in Leadership

16:20 Evaluating Data to Set Precedents for Business Interests

19:21 The Importance of Building Relationships and Effective Communication

22:31 Embracing Good Intentions in Every Conversation

24:29 Impact of Organizational Structure on Decision-Making and Collaboration

27:58 Trusting the Process: Embracing Growth and Learning

Jonathan and Joe sit down with Cheryl Farr, founder of Signal Brand Innovation, for a powerful deep dive into what makes or breaks a brand. Drawing from her work with giants like Nike and Coca-Cola, Cheryl reveals why true brand leadership goes far beyond logos and slogans—it’s about staying authentic to your core values.
 
From Minnetonka Moccasins’ rebranding success to Allbirds’ missteps, and a conversation about Southwest Airlines, this episode uncovers the real challenges and triumphs in brand strategy. Cheryl’s bold insights on brand filters and leadership-driven authenticity will have you rethinking how strategy and branding intertwine. If you care about brand loyalty and leadership, you won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode:

• 00:00 - Apple's Brand Strategy: Consistent Perception Management
• 6:05 - How Consistent Brand Connection Cultivates Customer Loyalty
• 10:16 - Balancing Brand Loyalty with Leadership Decisions in Organizations
• 12:38 - Employee Engagement: Key to External Brand Success
• 15:04 - Starbucks CEO's Daily Commute by Private Jet
• 18:13 - The Crucial Role of CEO Integrity in Brand Longevity and Reinvention
• 23:27 - Finding Your Brand's True, Meaningful, and Different Filters
• 24:45 - Company Reassesses Identity to Innovate Future Strategy
• 29:02 - Using Brand as a Vision Tool for Future Commitment
• 32:24 - Advice for Your Younger Strategy Practitioner Self

In this episode of "The Strategy Gap", hosts Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause engage in a robust conversation with Marc Mertz, the Chief Strategy Officer at Kaweah Health. Marc, who has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, delves into the significant role of a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). He explains that a CSO is pivotal in leading the development of the strategic plan, engaging various teams in the process, and overseeing the plan’s execution throughout the year. Marc highlights that his position allows him to focus on conceptual strategic thinking, such as developing new services and market positioning, as opposed to being absorbed by day-to-day operational responsibilities.

The discussion further explores the challenge of balancing immediate operational pressures with strategic foresight, especially in a high-stakes environment like healthcare. Marc shares his insights on encouraging executives and staff to allocate mental space for strategic thinking by conducting visioning sessions. He also talks about the importance of transforming complex strategic plans into simplified formats, such as a single-page document that includes the organization’s mission, vision, pillars, and measurable outcomes. This approach not only enhances understanding and visibility but also ensures the strategic plan remains a functional tool rather than a neglected document.

Moreover, the episode emphasizes the vital components of execution and accountability in strategic planning. Marc discusses the use of tools like AchieveIt to track progress, ensure timely updates, and maintain visibility across the organization. He also underscores the significance of regular updates and presentations to leadership teams and the board, which fosters continuous engagement and accountability. The conversation touches on the necessity of annual reviews to adjust plans as needed while celebrating milestones and successes to keep the momentum going. By engaging all levels of the organization and maintaining a structured review process, Marc firmly believes that strategic plans can transition from static documents to dynamic guides that drive meaningful progress.

In this episode:

• 0:00 The Role of the Chief Strategy Officer in Healthcare
• 4:19 Strategic Thinking for Executives During Crisis
• 8:34 Community-Informed Strategic Planning for Organizational Success
• 10:17 Including Stakeholders in Plan Execution: Focusing on Benefits
• 15:44 Scorekeeping and Visibility in Strategic Planning
• 17:41 Managing Control and Pressure in Professional Settings
• 20:43 The Power of Consistency in Achieving Change
• 25:41 The Importance of Adhering to One-Year Plans
• 27:35 Navigating the First Year: Patience and Focus

Curious about how universities are navigating the fast-changing landscape of higher education?

In this episode of The Strategy Gap, Jonathan Morgan and Joe Krause welcome Shawn Daley, the Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at George Fox University, for a deep dive into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of academia.

Discover how higher ed institutions are borrowing strategies from for-profit sectors to stay competitive, hear firsthand how Shawn is revolutionizing student and parent experiences with ideas borrowed from the hospitality and tech industries, and gain insight into the financial hurdles facing smaller schools. If you're looking to understand the next wave of change in higher education, this episode is a must-listen.

Here's what you'll learn in the episode:

• 00:00 - George Fox: Overcoming FAFSA Challenges and Growing
• 3:07 - Challenges of University Governance in a Changing Market
• 7:46 - Exploring the Influence of Hospitality in Real Estate and Urban Planning
• 13:10 - Monthly Staff Meetings and Initiative Reviews 
• 17:04 - Facilitating Faculty Collaboration Through Market Research Team Involvement
• 20:00 - The Chaotic Life of an Administrator
• 23:55 - The Future of Technical and Leadership Training
• 26:06 - Challenges of Higher Education Partnerships
• 29:40 - Enhancing Academic Career Success through Broader Sector Understanding

In today’s episode, Joe and Jonathan speak with Strategy & Revenue Operations Leader Lester Ang about the crucial balance between big-picture strategy and detailed work in strategy and revenue operations. A seasoned strategy and revenue operations advisor with a robust background in global teams and growth transformation, Lester brings no shortage of insights when it comes to effective leadership transitions and the role of listening, understanding, and adaptability to gain trust and credibility within any organization.

Join us as we discuss:

• How understanding people’s backgrounds helps when transitioning from an analyst role to a manager role
• Striking a balance between considering a variety of opinions with asserting one’s expertise and experience
• What challenges arise when it comes to incentivizing individuals in cost centers 
• When to zoom in on the details vs. when to zoom out for a broader view

When it comes to navigating turbulence and developing strategy in the face of challenges, few industries are more weathered than education. With how quickly education standards and practices are evolving—and how many stakeholders are involved—it’s hard to think of many areas that have more lessons to offer to all manner of strategists.

This week, Larkin Briley, Assistant Vice President of Strategy and Transformation at Belmont University, speaks with Joe and Jonathan about how higher education is navigating turbulent times, including the looming "enrollment cliff" and the decreasing perceived value of degrees. Larkin shares his insights on strategic planning and adaptation, highlighting the use of the OKR framework to align goals and emphasize impactful outcomes.
Join us as we discuss:

• Effective methodologies for setting priorities and measurable outcomes
• Balancing qualitative and quantitative measurements in strategic planning
• The importance of embracing fast iteration and learning from failure

For humans, the fear of change is so real and pervasive that there’s a word for it: metathesiophobia. Even if you didn’t know about this clinical term until now, you’re probably aware that organizations and teams of all types suffer from a fear of change—especially because there’s no shortage of examples of change being implemented ineffectively due to poor strategy or leadership.

In today’s episode, Joe and Jonathan are joined by Lindsey Joerger, Senior Director of Strategy Implementation at USP, who shares her insights on leading without authority and driving effective change management in the realm of strategy. 

Join us as we discuss:

• How to manage change while preserving core organizational values and practices
• The stages of change implementation: storming, forming, and norming
• Crucial elements for building trust within an organization to effectively implement change 
• The need to crystallize a shared vision and goal among team members