BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS: BECOMING A MORE STRATEGIC THINKER
with Dr. Julia Sloan
November 04, 2025
10 AM - 1 PM Central Time
$395 (US) per person
VIRTUAL SESSION (3-HOUR)

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/Book by Dr. Julia Sloan
/Book by Dr. Julia Sloan

BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS: BECOMING A MORE STRATEGIC THINKER

 

Success in today’s fast-moving and complex global environment requires a new way of thinking strategically. Leaders responsible for driving strategy must be highly attentive, agile, adaptable, and innovative. This program explores four fundamental questions: why strategic thinking is critical for organizations, what it truly entails, who exemplifies it, and how it can be developed.

Through an engaging and interactive approach, participants will examine an unconventional model of the cognitive frameworks that support strategic thinking. They will uncover the five essential characteristics of effective strategic thinkers and learn how to cultivate these traits. The program concludes with actionable strategies to enhance strategic thinking at individual and team levels, equipping leaders with the tools to navigate uncertainty and drive long-term success.

DR. JULIA SLOAN

 

Dr. Julia Sloan, author of the definitive book Learning to Think Strategically, 4th ed., 2020 (Best Business Book of the Year, Financial Times), is widely recognized for her pioneering work on applying complex cognitive theory to everyday global strategic thinking practice.

Her work draws upon more than two decades of expatriate corporate experience in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Julia teaches at Columbia University and has lectured at some of the premier academic institutions, including MIT, Harvard University, Princeton University (US), Bejing University (China), Tokyo University, Keio University (Japan), and India Institute of Management (India).

She holds a distinguished faculty appointment at the Central University of Finance and Economics (China). Awarded a Fulbright Fellow, Julia has also received a Researcher-in-Residence fellowship, Faculty Excellence Award, Outstanding Teaching Award, Ahead-of-the-Curve Teaching Award, and Innovative Influencer Award.

She has served on the faculty of the Brookings Institute and was named to the Distinguished Lecture Series at the Mohammad bin Rashid School of Government (Dubai). Dr. Sloan holds a doctorate from Columbia University, master's studies from Yale University and the University of Alaska, and undergraduate studies from Kent State University. 


WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

 
  • Understand the key differences between strategic thinking and strategic planning and when to apply each.
  • Discover the five essential traits of successful strategic thinkers and how to develop them.
  • Learn practical, structured techniques to enhance strategic thinking at both the individual and team levels.


TOPICS COVERED

 

The Role of Strategic Thinking in Today’s Business Landscape

  • Why organizations need strategic thinkers to stay competitive
  • The impact of strategic thinking on decision-making and long-term success

Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning: Understanding the Difference

  • How strategic thinking shapes vision, while planning drives execution
  • When and how to apply both approaches effectively

The Five Essential Characteristics of Strategic Thinkers

  • The key traits that define effective strategic leaders
  • How to cultivate these attributes in yourself and your team

Cognitive Clusters of Strategic Thinking: A New Approach

  • An unconventional model for understanding how strategic thinking develops
  • Recognizing and leveraging different cognitive patterns in decision-making

Enhancing Strategic Thinking at the Individual & Team Level

  • Practical techniques to strengthen strategic thinking skills
  • Creating a team culture that fosters strategic innovation and adaptability

Program Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based (Zoom platform)
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
Participants will earn 3 CPE credits or 3 PDC credits
Field of Study: Personal Development
 
PLEASE NOTE: All virtual programs are held using the Zoom web application. If you do not have Zoom, or if it is not approved for use in your organization, you can log in using your personal device (tablet or phone). If you would like to test Zoom to be sure it is working on your computer or portable device, you can do so by going to: https://zoom.us/test.
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