You’ve built the strategy. Your executive team is aligned.

So why isn’t it gaining traction?

Because strategy doesn’t usually break at the top. It breaks in the middle.

Senior managers and next-level leaders are often responsible for translating vision into execution – but they’re rarely developed with that task in mind.

What we see again and again:

➤ Strategic priorities get interpreted differently across departments

➤ Ownership fades, and decision-making floats back up

➤ Energy dips, morale slides and momentum stalls

The issue isn’t knowledge – it’s activation. And fixing it requires more than communication. It requires development.

Here are five ways to strengthen execution and close the leadership gap:

1️⃣ Invest in the “middle.”

Stop focusing only on executive alignment or frontline execution. Your senior managers drive the day-to-day translation of strategy. That’s where investment matters most.

2️⃣ Build shared belief – then shared behavior.

If managers don’t see themselves in the strategy, they won’t own it. Strategy needs to move from awareness to alignment to action.

3️⃣ Develop real-world capability.

Execution requires influence, communication, adaptability and decision-making under pressure. These aren’t just traits – they’re competencies you can build. And they’re often the difference between surviving and scaling.

4️⃣ Create clarity across teams.

Most breakdowns aren’t due to bad strategy. They come from unclear expectations, inconsistent communication and undefined roles across functions.

5️⃣ Equip leaders to lead together.

Growth happens faster when leaders develop in cohorts – practicing real skills in real time, while working ON the business – not just IN it. These aren’t one-off fixes. They require intentional development – done in the right environment, with the right support. That’s exactly why we built Level Up Mastermind. It’s not just a leadership course – it’s a practical, immersive experience that helps your senior and next-level leaders close the gap between strategy and execution.

Our fall cohort begins September 24th and the spring session sold out over a month in advance, so don’t wait to register! Private cohorts are also available on request.

If you want strategy to stick, invest in the people who carry it.