> Our Services > Collaborative Actionable Strategic Plans

Collaborative Actionable Strategic Plans

Improve Competitiveness and Profitability

Engagement with the Strategy Doctor will enable your leadership team to formulate a strategic plan that will enhance competitiveness and profitability as indicated by the case studies below.

  • “Your process has been quite amazing. And as everybody has said, your approach and your tools have actually assisted us to arrive at this point in time so quickly.”

    Tina E
    Group Managing Director
  • “You really know what strategy is, and what work you have to do, to do it.”

    Michael Utvich
    Marketing Strategy Expert
  • “I found this exceptionally valuable. I’m really excited about this; I really think it was very valuable to us.”

    Gerhard S
    Group Executive, Strategic Support
  • “I think the process is also very easy to understand and very easy to follow.”

    Andri D
    Head: Financial Control
  • “What was even more interesting was how your tool was able to collect different views and put them together and interpret into a singular view.”

    Sihle M
    Chief Information Officer
  • “Deceptively simple – incisive and powerful.”

    Clare
    CEO, Town Planning firm
  • “Building a brighter future with confidence and certainty…”

    Keith T
    Retail Transformation Specialist

Testimonial — Mr André van Heerden — Managing Director of Cape Reed — Dubai, South Africa, Spain — strategic plan facilitation

We engaged Dr James Robertson to facilitate a critical strategic planning session for Cape Reed International, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with his guidance and expertise. Dr Robertson brought an exceptional level of insight and professionalism, creating an environment that encouraged open discussion while keeping us focused on our objectives.

His ability to connect with our team and quickly understand the unique aspects of our business and industry helped ensure that every voice was heard and every idea considered. Dr Robertson introduced new perspectives that challenged us to think beyond the status quo, which was instrumental in refining our strategic vision and setting clear, actionable goals.

We are now positioned to move forward with a renewed sense of direction and confidence, thanks in large part to Dr Robertson’s efforts. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to any organization looking to deepen its strategic focus and achieve meaningful, lasting progress.

Endorsement Video — Itzik Levy — Research and Development Division of Tiger Brands regarding Strategic Planning

Join our email list

I publish regular emails in which I discuss various matters relating to the strategic management of organizations including developing strategic plans and how to get maximum strategic value from corporate ERP, AI, CRM and other systems in order to enable clients to thrive and increase profitability  I also assist with procurement of such systems as well as optimizing those systems.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please let me have the email address you want me to use in the form below:

    Testimonial — Professor Malcolm McDonald, Professor Emeritus at Cranfield School of Management regarding Strategic Abilities

    “Dr Robertson has taken on board my methods and principles and applied them to a degree comparable to the best of the people who have engaged with me over the years.

    “He has extended my strategic thinking into the field of business information systems in a highly innovative and advanced way and has incorporated this into his publications with regard to Strategic Essence.

    “He has also extended my strategic analysis methods into an advanced strategic planning methodology which encapsulates the best of my thinking.

    “I have no hesitation as recommending Dr Robertson as a person having extraordinary knowledge and experience.”

    Feedback — Tina Eboka, Group Managing Director — NTP Radioisotopes — Nuclear Medicine Supplier

    Your process has been quite amazing. And as everybody has said, your approach and your tools have actually assisted us to arrive at this point in time so quickly.

    I think your process made that easy, it made it comfortable for us as well [as] to express our individual perspectives.”

    Case Study — ARMSCOR IT

    Problem: IT Department was not aligned with the business, business was looking at outsourcing the IT Department
    Action: Strategic SnapShots© with the management of each operational division to determine strategic expectations for IT followed by developing a Strategic Action Plan
    Resolution: IT remained in-house and progressively aligned with the business

    Testimonial — ARMSCOR IT — Conference Paper — Joff Nelson Project Manager

    “As a result of the I.T. Strategy, the Armscor I.T. Department has significantly refocused on business service and business effectiveness and significant improvements have been experienced.  The paper outlines some of the steps that have been taken and some of the benefits that are already being experienced.  It is concluded that the implementation of a market focused I.T. Strategy at Armscor has given rise to a situation where outsourcing is unlikely to be found necessary and where insourcing has been found viable.”

    Testimonial — Itzik Levi — Group R&D Director, Tiger Brands (FMCG multi-national)

    “The plan that we have put together is realistic and manageable. When we presented to Exco, they were very impressed.”

    “I would like to thank you for the two-day workshop that we had with you . It allowed us to create the R&D strategic plan for the next 3 years. The method and the simplicity that you used got the best out of us as a team. We managed to prioritize what is important for us as an organization.

    The plan that we have put together is realistic and manageable. When we presented to Exco, they were very impressed and supportive that the plan can is achievable and [will] make a difference to the organization.”

    Testimonial — Scott Roy, CEO More To Life Organization regarding Strategic Facilitation of a large and diverse team

    “As an organizational change consultant, I had an extraordinary experience with James leading us through a multi-day conference where 28 people from many different backgrounds met to determine the future path for our organization. James was highly skilled as a professional guiding the group conversation, many times at which we encountered significant difficulty and resistance among the group. His patient and skilled manner guided the group over three days to a consensus way forward for the organization. ed to Exco, they were very impressed and supportive that the plan can is achievable and [will] make a difference to the organization.”

    “I know James has many more skills than we experienced those days, primarily in the field of IT and how organizations often fail to fully install, embed, and realize the full impact of huge investments that companies make in ERP systems. I believe he is an asset, not only because of his knowledge and expertise, but also his character and the manner in which he conducts his work. “

    Request a call to discuss your requirements

    If you would like a no charge, no obligation Zoom call to discuss y our concerns and requirements please provide your details below:

      Feedback — Gerhard Smith, Group Executive, Strategic Support — NTP Radioisotopes

      “I found this exceptionally valuable.”

      “I’m really excited about this; I really think it was very valuable to us.”

      Feedback — Sihle Mthiyane, Chief Information Officer — NTP Radioisotopes

      “What was even more interesting was how your tool was able to collect different views and put them together and interpret into a singular view.”

      Feedback — Clare Wright — CEO Clare Wright Town Planning

      “Deceptively simple – incisive and powerful.”

      “Completed in a true partnership between consultant, algorithm and your business that will enable you to continue forging ahead in the new normal. Give it a try. It wont break the bank and, certainly in my case, I know will direct more pounds to my account and ease my current work-life balance frustrations.”

      When Clare saw her workshop results, this is what she had to say: “Wow! That is Amazing, Amazing”

      Testimonial — Gaurav Mitawa, Managing Director and Founder of Vision AI Automation, India

      “James gave us a great masterclass on strategic planning. He found Critical gaps in our organization that we hadn’t noticed before. His observations was detailed, and we’re sure it will help us grow a lot faster. If you need to find critical Gaps, and implement strategic planning James is the best!”

      Testimonial — Margot Murphy, Beyond Resilience, New York, USA regarding Strategic Facilitation

      “James experience and focus on Strategic Planning is exceptional. Before enlisting James to review our business concept and plan, the concept at large was clear but there was not enough specificity in our approach to make it robust and overcome our doubt about actionability …

      “James’ system and his method of facilitating group dialog to ferret out and create alignment among the team was very welcomed, relieving tension from the start. This released team energy and dialog to work with James to actually change the direction of the Strategic Plan and resulting business. We are strong and on our way. The turning point was James’ approach to quantify issues and numerically demonstrate the validity of the new direction. Now we enlist James’ approach for every Planning session and for any areas where Management agreement to action is required.”

      Testimonial — Mike de Klerk, Chief Operating Officer of the HSRC regarding various IT services including IT Department Strategic Plan and Corporate Strategic Plan implementation

      Testimonial — Mike de Klerk, Chief Operating Officer of the HSRC regarding various IT services including IT Department Strategic Plan and Corporate Strategic Plan implementation

      Case Study — Tiger Brands Research and Development Department

      Problem: Annual Plan Presentation to Executive Committee shortly due and no plan.

      Action: Two and a half days of workshops produced a comprehensive strategic action plan together with an outline of the presentation to the EXCO.

      Resolution: Exco congratulated Department Head and budget approved — see Endorsement Video below.

      Case Study — Cape Reed International — Dubai, Spain, South Africa

      Problem: Business was flatlining, looking to return to strong growth, not sure how to get there.

      Action: Three day workshop preceded by executive one on one interviews produced detailed action plan that all management members had participated in and owned.

      Resolution: Plan fully accepted by the management team and commenced implementation — see Testimonial above.

      Join our email list

      I publish regular emails in which I discuss various matters relating to the strategic management of organizations including developing strategic plans and how to get maximum strategic value from corporate ERP, AI, CRM and other systems in order to enable clients to thrive and increase profitability  I also assist with procurement of such systems as well as optimizing those systems.

      If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please let me have the email address you want me to use in the form below:

        Why CEOs come to us…

        “We have done loads of planning but we are struggling to deliver.”

        There is a solution…

        A collaborative planning method that pools the knowledge, experience and wisdom of your team to produce a plan you all own and can execute.

        “We have tension in the team – people pulling in different directions.”

        There is a solution…

        Our method ensures that everyone is heard. Differences are made visible in a non-threatening, collaborative manner, that creates a basis for team alignment.

        “We have spent a fortune on our strategy but the plan is lying on the shelf gathering dust.”

        There is a solution…

        We facilitate YOUR TEAM to develop a plan that is practical, measurable and actionable, and so is simple to execute.

        We have an experienced team generating great ideas, but we are struggling to crystalise our ideas into an actionable plan.”

        There is a solution…

        A Critical Thinking method that focuses your team on the 20% that will deliver the 80%.

        “We are about to begin our planning cycle for the new year and do not have a reliable method.”

        There is a solution…

        We have a planning method that is robust, reliable, fast, and effective that will enable your team to quickly and easily develop a high quality plan.

        Request a call to discuss your requirements

        If you would like a no charge, no obligation Zoom call to discuss y our concerns and requirements please provide your details below:

          Clear Direction

          Where we are going and where we want to go

          Group R&D Director, FMCG multi-national

          “The plan that we have put together is realistic and manageable. When we have presented to Exco, they were very impressed.”

          “I would like to thank you for the two-day workshop that we had with you . It allowed us to create the R&D strategic plan for the next 3 years. The method and the simplicity that you used got the best out of us as a team. We managed to prioritize what is important for us as an organization.

          The plan that we have put together is realistic and manageable. When we have presented to Exco, they were very impressed and supportive that the plan can is achievable and [will] make a difference to the organization.”

          Team Aligned

          Differences of opinion resolved

          CEO of Occupational Health and Safety Consultancy

          “I came away from it [the workshop] with a much clearer vision, new feasible, and achievable objectives and in particular what was on the hearts of my staff in these most difficult of times.”

          “I would like to express my sincere appreciation and that of all our staff in thanking you and Paul for an informative,  well-structured, well-illustrated two way communicated workshop. Not knowing what to expect I was suitably impressed by the clarity of thought and sound logic, which when presented, resonated with myself. We found the workshop to be of great strategic value and one which was thought provoking and given us much food for thought. It is always good to have a neutral outsider’s perspective as I came away from it with a much clearer vision, new feasible, and achievable objectives and in particular what was on the hearts of my staff in these most difficult of times. Your presentation and guidance was both professional and enlightening.”

          Step by Step Plan

          Get where you want to go – a plan owned by your entire team

          President, National Bar Association (Las Vegas Chapter)

          “James and Paul take you through a logical methodology for making sound business decisions and leave no stone unturned in this pursuit.”

          “The Strategic Snapshot Workshop is very thorough. James and Paul take you through a logical methodology for making sound business decisions and leave no stone unturned in this pursuit. When you go through the Strategic Snapshot process you will feel more confident in your decisions and you will have the plan and the steps to follow through with your decisions/intended goals. The plan is flexible with built-in tracking capabilities to track where you are versus where you want to be. I found this most valuable and insightful. After the session, James and Paul offer ongoing support for you and your team so that you can constantly check the temperature of meeting your intended goals.”

          Join our email list

          I publish regular emails in which I discuss various matters relating to the strategic management of organizations including developing strategic plans and how to get maximum strategic value from corporate ERP, AI, CRM and other systems in order to enable clients to thrive and increase profitability  I also assist with procurement of such systems as well as optimizing those systems.

          If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please let me have the email address you want me to use in the form below:

            • “Your process has been quite amazing. And as everybody has said, your approach and your tools have actually assisted us to arrive at this point in time so quickly.”

              “I think your process made that easy, it made it comfortable for us as well [as] to express our individual perspectives.”

              Tina E
              Group Managing Director
            • “I found this exceptionally valuable.”

              “I’m really excited about this; I really think it was very valuable to us.”

              Gerhard S
              Group Executive, Strategic Support
            • “Deceptively simple – incisive and powerful.”

              “Completed in a true partnership between consultant, algorithm and your business that will enable you to continue forging ahead in the new normal. Give it a try. It wont break the bank and, certainly in my case, I know will direct more pounds to my account and ease my current work-life balance frustrations.”

              Clare
              CEO of Town Planning Firm
            • “You really know what strategy is, and what work you have to do to do it.”

              “The more I know you, James, the more I’m impressed with the fact that you just have such a deep and organic understanding of strategy going way back… I used to work strategy at the beginning of my career with people that really understood strategy at a granular level, and it’s been a real delight to work with you because you know the real essence of strategy… A lot of people talk about strategy or present work on strategy that’s so thin, you know, that’s so superficial. You don’t. You really know what it is. You really know what strategy is, and what work you have to do to do it.”

              Michael Utvich
              Strategy Expert
            • “I think the process is also very easy to understand and very easy to follow.”

              Andri D
              Head of Financial Control
            • “Building a brighter future with confidence and certainty…”

              “Due to the latest epidemic, we are reinventing the company and consulting a specialist in business strategy. Dr James A Robertson has inspired us to identify and clarify our challenging areas and goals as a company. The Doctor identified the diversified opinion of management and brought it all together with ease and with great tactfulness, allocated areas and responsibility for action and later review, providing worksheets and KPI’S for us to continue on the identified and projected growth path. As a company we look forward with excitement and new vision to building a brighter future with confidence and certainty with the guidance and the addition of the Strategy Doctor to our management team in the coming year.”

              Keith T
              Business Owner - Retail Transformation Specialist
            • “…it’s a no-brainer.”

              “Once in a while you find gadget or device that you didn’t know you needed but once you have it then you realise that you just don’t want to be without it. The StratSnap is that device, in this case a piece of really useful software which has been well proven in practice. A bargain. The selling point is that… the decision-maker can identify various problem areas in their current business strategy, and concretise their thinking (very quickly)… it’s a no-brainer.”

              Charles Whitaker
              Business Owner
            • “What was even more interesting was how your tool was able to collect different views and put them together and interpret into a singular view.”

              Sihle M
              Chief Information Officer
            • “Building a brighter future with confidence and certainty…”

              “Due to the latest epidemic, we are reinventing the company and consulting a specialist in business strategy. Dr James A Robertson has inspired us to identify and clarify our challenging areas and goals as a company. The Doctor identified the diversified opinion of management and brought it all together with ease and with great tactfulness, allocated areas and responsibility for action and later review, providing worksheets and KPI’S for us to continue on the identified and projected growth path. As a company we look forward with excitement and new vision to building a brighter future with confidence and certainty with the guidance and the addition of the Strategy Doctor to our management team in the coming year.”

              Keith T
              Business Owner - Retail Transformation Specialist
            • “Invaluable for teams and companies with multiple stakeholders.”

              “I was fortunate enough to participate in a Quick Attack session with James and Paul and was fascinated to discover priorities and highlight areas to emphasise within my business. The report delivered after the session has helped me to create concrete plans for my business moving forward and helped crystalise points of tension into firm decisions as a business owner. I highly recommend the workshop and if it was valuable for me as a solo-preneur I can see it would be invaluable for teams and companies with multiple stakeholders.”

              Jennifer Bishop
              Business Owner
            • “a great way to assess as a team where your priorities lie.”

              “It has certainly made me think about how I approach my planning and priorities for events and day to day work going forward. The tool is a great way to assess as a team where your priorities lie and where they may differ, and how through some simple calculations and discussions a resolution can be found. I hope to utilise the tool in future event planning and longer term projects.”

              Melissa Bourne
              Event Planning Manager
            • “…great in getting alignment of a team.”

              “The strategy process is great in getting alignment of a team, through the collaborative nature of the process, and getting the team focused on the critical execution steps.”

              Robert Hutchinson-Keip
              Non-executive Director
            • “James gave us a great masterclass on strategic planning. He found Critical gaps in our organization that we hadn’t noticed before. His observations was detailed, and we’re sure it will help us grow a lot faster. If you need to find critical Gaps, and implement strategic planning James is the best!”

              Gaurav Mitawa
              Managing Director and Founder of Vision AI Automation, India
            • “James experience and focus on Strategic Planning is exceptional. Before enlisting James to review our business concept and plan, the concept at large was clear but there was not enough specificity in our approach to make it robust and overcome our doubt about actionability …

              “James experience and focus on Strategic Planning is exceptional. Before enlisting James to review our business concept and plan, the concept at large was clear but there was not enough specificity in our approach to make it robust and overcome our doubt about actionability …

              Margot Murphy
              Beyond Resilience, New York, USA regarding Strategic Facilitation
            • “Dr Robertson’s advice, as IT Consultant, in regard to IT development strategy was well-founded and practical. I would be happy to recommend his services to others.”

              Mike de Klerk
              Chief Operating Officer of the HSRC regarding various IT services including IT Department Strategic Plan and Corporate Strategic Plan implementation

            Diverse Industries

            Over the years I have worked with clients in a very great diversity of industries including Investment, Consulting, Risk Management, Manufacturing, Distribution, Logistics, Financial Services, Mining, Construction, Correctional Services, Government, etc.

            This gives me a very broad base of experience with which to facilitate processes for new clients and assist them to formulate effective high value solutions that in many cases can be quickly and easily implemented.

            My diverse experience also enables me to facilitate comprehensive solutions to complex business problems.

            Request a call to discuss your requirements

            If you would like a no charge, no obligation Zoom call to discuss y our concerns and requirements please provide your details below: