Build a Better Agency Podcast Episode 520 Innovative Exercises for Strategic Planning with Drew McLellan
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Sep 21, 2025 Drew McLellan shares innovative strategies for agency leaders to rethink their planning for the upcoming challenges of 2026. He advocates for moving beyond traditional SWOT analysis to include hands-on exercises like scenario stress testing and client empathy mapping. Teams are encouraged to engage in reverse mentoring and role-playing as competitors to uncover hidden needs and strengths. Drew emphasizes the importance of testing new plans with external advisors and setting measurable objectives to navigate future uncertainties effectively.
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Challenges Are Also Opportunities
- 2026 requires deeper, not surface-level planning because AI, margins, culture, and new competitors change rules.
- Treat these disruptions as paired opportunities and threats to be leveraged through reinvention.
Design The Right Planning Process
- Block dedicated time for planning, include diverse voices, and set ground rules for candor and equal participation.
- Capture transcripts or notes so you can revisit the path to each insight and bring the wider team along.
Do Scenario Stress Tests
- Run scenario stress tests on 2–3 big 'what if' situations to reveal brittle spots.
- For each scenario, decide what to stop, start, or change and which skills or signals to watch.