In this episode of MasterMinded, hosts Jeff Skillen and Mark Scrivner dig deep into what makes strategic planning actually work. They unpack how to avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of strategy sessions that feel like a waste of time, and instead show how leaders can turn planning into a sustainable, energizing process. From simplifying frameworks to building accountability cadences, Jeff and Mark share practical insights you can put into practice immediately. 

Timestamps: 

01:00 – Why strategy sessions don't have to be a slog 

02:30 – Shifting from checklist planning to culture-building 

05:00 – The importance of frameworks and facilitation 

08:20 – Why leaders should participate, not just facilitate 

12:50 – Focusing on 3–5 objectives for clarity and impact 

18:10 – Creating execution cadences that drive follow-through 

27:30 – Thinking bigger: revenue goals and mindset shifts 

33:15 – Why even small teams need strategic planning 

39:20 – Best practices for offsite and pre-work prep 

49:00 – Making planning engaging with themes and culture 

55:00 – Execution, accountability, and unlocking potential 

What You'll Learn in This Episode 

• Why strategic planning fails when treated as a checklist — and how to shift it into culture. 

• How to simplify planning down to 3–5 clear, measurable objectives. 

• Why outside facilitation or frameworks help leaders get more from their teams. 

• How cadence and accountability transform planning into execution. 

• Practical ways to engage your team with pre-work, themes, and celebrations that sustain momentum. 

Learn More & Connect 

Show Notes + Resources: https://snapshotinteractive.com/masterminded  

Connect with Jeff Skillen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffskillen  | https://www.skillsetenterprises.com 

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner  | https://snapshotinteractive.com  

Connect with Lee Pepper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leepepper  | https://www.neveroutmatched.com  

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com