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 Direction. 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 Direction 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 - September 10, 2025 - 1pm - 3pm ET

Objective:

Understand planning pitfalls, explore the Strategic Ascent System, and begin drafting a 3-Year Direction.

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 direction
Individual Work (20 min): Draft your 3-Year Direction
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 - September 17, 2025 - 1pm ET - 3pm ET

Objective:

Strengthen and validate your 3-Year Direction 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 Direction, including direction and strategic goals that can serve as the foundation for execution, alignment, and measurable success.

Program FAQs

Who is this workshop designed for?

This workshop is specifically tailored for CFOs who are actively involved in strategic planning and want to improve alignment, execution, and long-term impact. It’s ideal for those looking to take ownership of their organization’s strategic direction.

What is the Strategic Ascent System?

The Strategic Ascent System is a structured planning framework developed by Katahdin Group, used by leadership teams across industries to create actionable, long-range strategies. It emphasizes clarity, alignment, and execution.

What can I expect to leave with?

You’ll walk away with a peer-reviewed draft of your 3-Year Strategic Direction, a deeper understanding of where your current process may fall short, and a proven framework to guide strategy and execution in your organization.

What is the format of the workshop?

This is a two-part live virtual workshop conducted over Zoom. Each session is two hours long and includes a mix of group discussion, peer feedback, breakout activities, and individual reflection.

Do I need to attend both sessions?

Yes, both sessions are designed to build on each other. You’ll start your 3-Year Direction in the first session and refine it through peer feedback in the second. Attendance at both is essential for a complete experience.

Will this be recorded?

No, due to the interactive and peer-based nature of the workshop, it will not be recorded. This ensures confidentiality and promotes candid discussion among participants.

How many participants will be in the workshop?

We keep the group size small to maximize interaction, trust-building, and personalized feedback—typically no more than 20 CFOs.

What kind of feedback will I receive?

You’ll receive input from fellow CFOs who are facing similar strategic challenges. The group environment is designed to foster honest, constructive, and supportive feedback.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

No prep is required, but you will need access to your current financials and a copy of your current goals and strategic plan (if you have one) to reference during the sessions.

Is there an opportunity for follow-up or coaching after the workshop?

Yes. At the end of the second session, participants will have the option to engage in follow-up coaching with Gordie Spater for deeper support in implementing their 3-Year Strategic Direction.

What makes this workshop different from other strategy sessions?

This isn’t a passive webinar or theory-heavy course. It’s a hands-on, interactive experience designed to generate real progress and peer-supported outcomes you can immediately use with your leadership team.

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About The Speaker

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 [...]
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