In this episode, I discuss the importance of strategic planning tailored to the size and needs of your organization with special guest Kate Scherr-Adams. We talk about the significance of stakeholder engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how to develop focused, actionable plans. Plus insights on right-sizing your strategic initiatives, making data-informed decisions, and fostering a collaborative environment within your team.

Episode Highlights

• 03:09 Challenges and Changes in Strategic Planning
• 05:16 Strategic Planning Essentials
• 07:25 Tailoring Strategic Planning to Organizational Needs
• 11:31 Importance of Stakeholder Engagement
• 16:45 Adapting to Organizational Challenges
• 20:26 Uncovering Organizational Issues Early On
• 20:58 The Importance of External Perspective
• 22:15 Strategic Planning vs. Organizational Readiness
• 24:20 Defining and Engaging Stakeholders
• 27:41 Collecting and Utilizing Data Effectively
• 32:47 Incorporating DEI in Strategic Planning

Meet the Guest

Kate Scherr-Adams, is a strategist, trainer, and facilitator dedicated to helping nonprofits and public-sector organizations navigate challenges and drive meaningful change. With a background in social work and nonprofit management, she founded KS Solutions Consulting in 2011, specializing in professional development, DEI, and workplace wellness.

Kate has held senior leadership roles at Business Volunteers Maryland, the Family League of Baltimore City, and more, bringing expertise in strategic planning, board dynamics, and partnership building. She also teaches strategy and community engagement at UMBC.

An avid volunteer, nature lover, and community advocate, Kate believes in listening to the birds, not the thunder—an outlook that guides both her work and life.

Connect with Kate:

website: https://www.kssolution.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescherr-adams/

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