Why I Started Our FY27 Strategy Session with a Suitcase….
What comes to mind when you think of strategy planning?
For many people, it’s a room full of flip charts, spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides and lengthy discussions about objectives and priorities.
While those things all have their place, I wanted to approach our FY27 Strategy Weekend a little differently.
So, I walked into the room carrying a mini suitcase.
Not because anyone was going on holiday, but because strategy is, at its heart, is a journey.
Setting the scene
The Change Factors theme for FY27 is creative, so when asked to give our updates on the following subjects; Celebrate, Grow and Create, I took the task seriously!
The suitcase became a simple but powerful metaphor for the year ahead. Before we could map out where we wanted to go as a business, we first needed to think about what we wanted to pack for the journey.
Inside the suitcase were three items, each representing a different part of my strategy.
“Strategy isn’t something you present to people. It’s something you build together.”
Celebrate where I’ve been
The first item was a passport.
A passport represents the journey I’ve taken. It carries the stamps, stories and experiences that have shaped me leaving the Financial Services Corporate industry after 15 years.
So, before looking ahead to FY27, I paused to recognise what I’d already achieved. The projects in motion delivered, the relationships I’ve built, the challenges I’ve overcome and the lessons I’ve learned.
Too often, organisations move straight to the next goal without taking the time to acknowledge progress. Celebration creates perspective, confidence and momentum.
Grow what matters
Next came a gym weight.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident.
Whether it’s building new capabilities, strengthening relationships, expanding services or developing as individuals, growth requires intention and consistency.
Just like how I’m passionate about building strength in the gym, meaningful growth often comes from doing the hard things repeatedly, even when they’re uncomfortable.
I challenged myself to think about where I wanted to become stronger, not just as a Senior Consultant, but as a team.
Create the future
Finally, I unpacked a jigsaw puzzle of a Map of Australia (alas, I tried to find a world map, but my kids only had an Australia one)
The map didn’t tell me how fast I’ll get there, but it helps ensure I’m heading in the right direction.
For us as a team, that meant exploring the impact we want to have in FY27. The experiences we want our clients to remember. The culture we want to continue building. And the opportunities we’re excited to create together.
Direction matters just as much as destination.
More than an activity
The suitcase wasn’t the strategy.
It was the conversation starter.
One of the most rewarding parts of facilitating workshops is finding ways to make ideas tangible. When people can see, touch and interact with a concept, conversations become richer, engagement increases and ideas stick long after the session has ended.
As change consultants, that’s exactly what we strive to do with our clients every day.
Because strategy isn’t something you present to people.
It’s something you build together.
Final thoughts
The props will eventually be packed away, but the conversations they sparked will continue to shape how we approach FY27.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas create the biggest impact.
So, next time you’re planning a strategy session, ask yourself:
If your strategy were a journey… what would you pack in your suitcase?