Aggressively Human: Online Business in the Age of AI, Algorithms & Automations

Do you need more strategy? Strategy versus Implementation

Dec 11, 2025

Many believe they struggle with strategy when, in fact, it's implementation that's the issue. A well-crafted plan can flop without the right support. The hosts share insights on why solely handing over strategies often leads to frustration. They draw an analogy between strategies and maps, emphasizing the need for GPS-like guidance. Check-ins, hands-on assistance, and tailored implementations are crucial for success. They also highlight the limitations of AI in execution and the importance of managing time to avoid overwhelm.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

28-Point SEO Plan That Didn’t Get Done

Meg handed Jessica a 28-point SEO plan and Jessica only implemented the low-effort items and two posts.
The rest stalled because writing new content felt like a task, not something that energized Jessica.

INSIGHT

Strategy Must Match Capacity And Goals

Strategy can outpace a client's emotional or practical capacity so it becomes busywork.
A good strategy must align with the client's actual end goal and available bandwidth.

ADVICE

Ask For Turn-By-Turn Directions

If you buy a full strategy, ask for the very next step or a turn-by-turn plan so you can actually start.
Expect to pay more for frequent check-ins because that provider's time and attention cost extra.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Most people think they have a strategy problem. What they actually have is an implementation problem.

In this episode, the two of us talk honestly about something we see over and over again—in our clients, in our businesses, and sometimes in ourselves: the difference between having a strategy and having the support to actually do the work. We both love a good plan, but we’ve watched plenty of perfectly sound strategies fall apart the moment they hit a real calendar, a real workload, or a real human with limited energy.

Our conversation explores what strategy really gives you (direction, priorities, a sense of sequence) and what implementation requires (the skills to actually execute, time, and accountability). We compare strategy to a map: it shows where you want to go and the possible routes to get there. And we talk about the gap, when you need turn-by-turn directions, the recalculating voice when they get off track, and sometimes, the driver who can help get them moving again. The conversation ranges from client experiences with “strategy-only” offers to what it means to truly support implementation—through deadlines, accountability, and a bit of hands-on help when needed.

* Why “strategy-only” offers often fail to create results

* Jessica’s 28-point SEO plan story—and what it revealed about capacity vs. desire

* How clients need different kinds of support: the map, the GPS, or the person doing the work

* The “recalculating” role—why to choose a provider who will help you get back on course after a detour

* Why overwhelm happens when the plan outpaces your emotional or practical capacity

* Jessica’s existential “do I go hands on or not” dilemma

* How deadlines, feedback, and accountability turn theory into momentum

* Why AI can’t be your driver—it doesn’t check if you actually did the thing

* The truth: strategy doesn’t scale without implementation rhythms and time management

Connect with Us

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Meg Casebolt

Jessica Lackey

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aggressivelyhuman.substack.com

Do you *need* more strategy? Strategy versus Implementation

28-Point SEO Plan That Didn’t Get Done

Strategy Must Match Capacity And Goals

Ask For Turn-By-Turn Directions

Do you need more strategy? Strategy versus Implementation