In this third episode of the strategy series, Tara McDonagh tackles one of the most frustrating realities for communications leaders: you built the communications strategic plan … and it still isn't working.

The issue isn't always the communications strategy itself. More often, it's what happens after it's built. This episode breaks down why strategies fail to take hold and what it actually takes to make them operational, adopted, and effective.

In this episode, Tara explores:

• The difference between building a strategy and making it real
• Four common ways strong strategies fail
• Why lack of alignment, ownership, and cadence derail execution
• The concept of strategy as change, not a deliverable
• What operationalizing a strategy actually requires
• How to keep a strategy alive inside a fast-moving organization
• What shifts when strategy truly works

A communications strategic plan doesn't fail because it's wrong. It fails when it never becomes how the organization actually operates.

When the communications strategy becomes real, everything changes: resources grow, influence expands, and communications is pulled in earlier where decisions are shaped.

Keep advising. Always keep advising.

Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter on advancing as a Communications Business Advisor, Level Up: Be Extra, and her Raise the Tide™ emails for women in the field.

This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a professional development ecosystem for women in communications — helping them grow, connect, and lead with confidence through mentorship, coaching, professional development, and community.

If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review — it helps more communicators find the show and strengthens our collective voice.

Until next time, keep advising. Always keep advising.