In today's fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, strategic planning has never been more crucial. As we set our sights on 2025, it's essential to craft a well-thought-out strategy that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future opportunities. Strategic planning is the backbone of any successful organization. It involves setting clear objectives, determining the necessary actions to achieve these goals, and mobilizing resources to execute the plan.

As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial for leaders to reflect on their achievements and set the stage for an even more successful year ahead. Here are some strategies to ensure you finish strong and set a powerful tone for the future.

1. Evaluate and Reflect

Before you can make impactful changes, it's essential to take a step back and evaluate your progress:

• Review Goals: Have you accomplished what you set out to achieve? If not, what obstacles stood in your way?

“In the midst of chaos, find your inner calm.” This profound quote from The Chaos of Standing Still encapsulates the art of staying centered and composed, even when everything around us is in turmoil. In the heart of a charged political season that’s dominating every conversation, this rings especially true.

For executives and senior managers, the primary concern is how the election will impact the economy and their businesses’ survival.

You know the feeling. The stomach-churning anxiety that seizes you when it’s time to look at your bank account, even though you’re a seasoned executive with a high salary. You’re a leader, a powerhouse of innovation and strategy, yet the mere mention of personal finances leaves you in a cold sweat. The ghost of your past haunts you, whispering that you’re not capable or deserving enough.

The labels 'old woman', 'crone', and 'senior citizen' fail to capture the essence of my journey. They simply do not do justice to my rich tapestry of experiences as a pioneering Black woman. Moreover, these words fall short of summarizing my invaluable roles as a devoted mother, a loving grandmother, and a steadfast friend. I am not just an ordinary woman; I am an embodiment of strength, resilience, and love.

Even the upper echelons of the corporate world, from CEOs to senior managers, often grapple with a common public speaking fear: "The audience will see right through me. They'll pick apart my research, doubt my authority, critique my attire, and scoff at my communication skills." Such thoughts paralyze them, despite their stellar resumes and numerous triumphs, especially when they're under the spotlight, be it at a board meeting, a staff gathering, or a TED Talk

In my recent column in USA Daily Chronicles, I challenged the readers to ask themselves if they had dared to confront the dormant power within you? A force waiting to erupt, if only we could shatter our self-imposed chains? Introducing Maria, a woman who, like countless others, was ensnared by her own self-doubt. Hailing from a neighborhood where ambitions were regularly crushed before they could soar, Maria was well-acquainted with the sensation of confinement.

I'm thrilled to contribute to the 'Price of Business', a renowned radio show and news platform, through both blogging and vlogging. My segment, 'Achieving Your Goals', graces the airwaves once a month and also features in numerous newspapers nationwide. The core of my content? Taming that pesky inner critic. I share insightful strategies to silence self-doubt, unlocking your full potential in both your professional and personal life.

We all have a voice that constantly criticizes, belittles, and judges us. This voice has many names: inner critic, judge, saboteur, the superego. Our inner critic can be a cruel and profoundly damaging force.

Black women are leading the charge in entrepreneurship, with a staggering 50% growth in business ownership between 2014 and 2019. This surge outranked any other female demographic, marking Black women as formidable players in the business world. They made up a substantial 42% of all new women-led businesses during this period. Despite a commendable spirit of entrepreneurship among Black women, the reality is stark. Only a mere 3% of them manage to helm mature businesses. It's a sobering statistic, considering that a business is generally considered mature once it crosses the five-year mark. The disparity is clear and calls for a closer look.

Reading the headlines over the last few months would make you think that DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is dead. But those headlines ignore some important facts. First, you can't kill an idea. Second, diverse communities are not going anywhere, and lastly, DEI is profitable for business…which is the point of business. The death of DEI is not a natural one. It is a murder, the reversal of decades of hard-won victories for women, people of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community.  

Meet our guest blogger S. Kumari, Chief Executive OfficerChief Executive Officer., Gigology Strategy & Solutions LLC. She writes, In a world where servant leadership often goes unnoticed, black women bear a significant responsibility in grasping its true essence. It's more than holding positions of authority; it's about serving with humility, empathy, and integrity. When others recognize our potential and uplift us, it's crucial to acknowledge their belief in us.

On Christmas Day 2015, I took my usual 2-mile walk and felt my bra tightening. I continued walking, but I had to sit and rest for the first time. Hours later, as I attempted to leave a movie theatre, I lost consciousness and fell to the floor. It seems I had a woman’s version of a heart attack.

Most of my public speaking clients have the same mantra: "The audience will know I am an imposter. They will question my research, they will know I am not a thought leader, they will hate my clothing, and it's too bad my speaking and writing skills suck."

grat·i·tude

noun
the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation
Gratitude activates positive emotions, improves health, and builds strong relationships. Happy Thanksgiving.

My inner critic kept telling me that if I let my hair go gray, I would no longer be beautiful and accepted, and I would never get a consulting gig again.