

About the Mastery Series
Title: Strategic Planning in Action: A Two-Part Workshop Using the Strategic Ascent System
Audience: CFOs
Facilitator: Gordie Spater
Strategic Planning in Action Series Overview
Many strategic plans fail—not because leaders aren’t smart or committed, but because the process is disconnected from execution, lacks leadership alignment, or can’t keep up with change. This two-part workshop is designed for CFOs seeking clarity, alignment, and traction in their strategic planning efforts.
Over two sessions totaling four hours, you’ll assess your current planning process, uncover common breakdowns, and apply the Strategic Ascent System to begin drafting your own 3-Year Vision. This structured approach to strategic planning supports leadership alignment, prioritization, and long-term execution.
The format combines instruction, solo reflection, and collaborative review in small groups.
You'll Leave With:
- A clearer understanding of where your current planning process falls short
- A proven framework for creating a 3-Year Vision that drives strategy and decisions
- Peer feedback from other CFOs facing similar strategic challenges
- A draft of your 3-Year Direction, including strategic goals to bring back to your team
Led by: Gordie Spater, CEO of Katahdin Group—20+ years of experience guiding leadership teams through strategy and execution using the Strategic Ascent System.
Day 1 - July 29, 2025 - 1pm - 3pm ET
Objective:
Understand planning pitfalls, explore the Strategic Ascent System, and begin drafting a 3-Year Vision.
- Welcome & Framing (10 min): Why strategic planning fails
- Breakouts (25 min): What’s working / what’s not
- Large Group Share-Out (10 min)
- Introducing the Strategic Ascent System (15 min): Framework and success examples
- Overview of the 3-Year Direction Tool (10 min): Anchoring the vision
- Individual Work (20 min): Draft your 3-Year Vision
- Small Group Sharing (20 min): Peer reactions to early drafts
- Wrap-Up (10 min): Preview Day 2 and refine draft before next session
Day 2 - August 5, 2025 - 1pm ET - 3pm ET
Objective:
Strengthen and validate your 3-Year Vision through peer feedback and link it to execution.
- Welcome Back & Check-In (5 min): Set intention for feedback and refinement
- Breakouts (70 min): Each participant shares draft, receives peer input
- Large Group Debrief (10 min): Key insights and reflections
- What Comes After (15 min): Connect the vision to execution—goals, accountability, and rhythm
- Closing & Next Steps (15 min): Q&A, reflections, and optional follow-up with facilitators
Final Outcome: A clear, peer-reviewed 3-Year Strategic Vision, including direction and strategic goals that can serve as the foundation for execution, alignment, and measurable success.
Program FAQs
About The Speaker
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Gordie Spater
Gordie Spater is a seasoned entrepreneur, facilitator, and the current CEO of Katahdin Group. With nearly two decades of experience leading high-growth organizations, he brings a rare combination of strategic insight, real-world business acumen, and an approachable, grounded presence. His professio [...]