I’m often in conversation with CEOs and business leaders whose calendars are packed with client meetings, “quick syncs,” conferences, and community engagements. They’re usually well-read, well-prepared, and genuinely committed to growth.
And yet they still struggle to find the time to just…think.
Strategic thinking helps leaders identify emerging opportunities, anticipate market shifts, and prioritize resources, but these days, time to think seems like an endangered species on the C-Suite calendar.
If this is hitting very close to home for you, know that 1) you’re not alone and 2) it’s not your fault. There’s simply a design flaw in the way we operate as leaders.
As you rise, the doing shifts from fewer tactics to more decisions, and unless we’re intentional about it, the door in our brains to strategic thinking rarely opens.
Space to think is not a luxury. It’s a leadership imperative.
When we carve out this precious time, we cease reacting to the next urgent thing and instead center our attention on what actually matters most. The same is true for strategic communications: It’s not about doing more or producing more content, it’s about creating the conditions for clarity so your messaging has:
- Purpose
- Consistency
- Power
If you’re feeling pulled in two directions right now with either “We need to finish the year strong” or “I need breathing room,” here are three simple ways to reclaim thinking time that actually makes a difference:
- Protect calendared time for Q1 clarity. Block 90 minutes this week to set your top three priorities for the start of the year. When priorities are clear, communication becomes intentional — not reactive.
- Choose the next right step. You don’t have to solve it all today. Decide what matters most right now, not everything that could matter.
- Focus your outreach. If you’re still pushing toward year-end revenue or stakeholder goals, reach out to current clients or partners with something specific and relevant — not everything you offer.
Small, intentional moves beat frantic sprints every time.
Reach out if you want support to:
- Clarify your messaging
- Prioritize the most strategic opportunities
- Align internal and external communications
This is exactly the work I do to help senior leaders and teams think and plan communications more strategically so they can reach and engage the customers, employees and other audiences fundamental to the long-term sustained growth of their business.
Your calendar is packed, but finding the time to get the clarity you need and the space to access it is a must. I’m here to help.
Reach out if you want support to:
- Clarify your messaging
- Prioritize the most strategic opportunities
- Align internal and external communications
This is exactly the work I do to help senior leaders and teams think and plan communications more strategically so they can reach and engage the customers, employees and other audiences fundamental to the long-term sustained growth of their business.
Your calendar is packed, but finding the time to get the clarity you need and the space to access it is a must. I’m here to help.
How I’m Helping Leaders and Teams
- ✨Fractional Chief Communications Officer | Ongoing, executive-level partnership designed to align strategy, structure, and storytelling—so your internal and external communications actually drive results. LEARN MORE →
- ✨ Communications Clarity for CEOs | A half-day intensive that helps you align your mission, messaging, and strategy so you can communicate with confidence everywhere you lead, market, or sell. BOOK A FREE CONSULT →