Strategic Planning: The Conversation Too Many Businesses Are Avoiding

Let’s be honest-most business owners know they should be doing strategic planning, but it’s often pushed aside in favour of day-to-day firefighting. The problem is, when you don’t stop to plan, you risk drifting. And in business, drift is dangerous.

I recently worked with a Perth-based, family-owned business turning over $25 million. They’d been operating successfully for over 30 years-but were heading into unknown territory. The founder was preparing to step back, but there was no formal succession plan. No shared direction. No clear leadership roles. Everyone was working hard, but not necessarily together.

Over two days, we brought their board into the same room and got real about the future.
• We unpacked where they wanted the business to be in five years-and who was going to lead it there.
• We clarified roles, assigned accountability, and gave structure to what had been vague good intentions.
• We mapped opportunities for growth and improvements across the business.
• And we built a plan that was practical, actionable, and-most importantly-owned by the team.

Now, that business has a clear plan. They meet every 90 days to track progress. Their leadership team is aligned. And the founder has confidence that his legacy is in safe hands.

This isn’t about ticking boxes or writing a dusty plan that lives in a drawer. This is about direction, alignment, and action.

If your business is growing, changing, or simply feeling stretched-you don’t need another bandaid. You need a clear plan, and the commitment to follow it.

Suzzanne Laidlaw