Episode 520 Innovative Exercises for Strategic Planning with Drew McLellan

13 snips

Sep 21, 2025

Drew McLellan shares innovative strategies for agency leaders to rethink their planning for the upcoming challenges of 2026. He advocates for moving beyond traditional SWOT analysis to include hands-on exercises like scenario stress testing and client empathy mapping. Teams are encouraged to engage in reverse mentoring and role-playing as competitors to uncover hidden needs and strengths. Drew emphasizes the importance of testing new plans with external advisors and setting measurable objectives to navigate future uncertainties effectively.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Challenges Are Also Opportunities

2026 requires deeper, not surface-level planning because AI, margins, culture, and new competitors change rules.
Treat these disruptions as paired opportunities and threats to be leveraged through reinvention.

ADVICE

Do Scenario Stress Tests

Run scenario stress tests on 2–3 big 'what if' situations to reveal brittle spots.
For each scenario, decide what to stop, start, or change and which skills or signals to watch.

ADVICE

Do Client Empathy Mapping

Map client types and step into their shoes to surface unmet needs and hidden success metrics.
Use those insights to start conversations that make clients feel seen and deepen relationships.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Welcome to another insightful solo episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan is at the mic, bringing over 25 years of agency expertise to address one of the most critical topics for agency leaders: rethinking your strategic planning process for the historic challenges and opportunities ahead in 2026. With economic uncertainty, industry disruption, and the rapid acceleration of AI at the forefront, Drew makes a compelling case that the old ways of dusting off last year's SWOT just won't cut it.

Drew unveils a hands-on set of fresh, rigorous strategic planning exercises designed to push agency owners and leadership teams far beyond surface-level tactics. He outlines step-by-step activities—including scenario stress testing, client empathy mapping, reverse mentoring from your youngest team members, and even having your team role-play as your most formidable competitor. Each exercise is accompanied by practical guidance on setup, group dynamics, and ensuring every voice is heard—setting the tone for deep candor and courage throughout your planning process.

You'll also discover innovative frameworks to identify your agency's blind spots, engage a broader range of team perspectives, and future-proof your business against a constantly shifting marketplace. Drew even walks through how to pressure test your new strategic plan with trusted outside advisors, ensuring your vision for 2026 is both bold and actionable.

Whether you're an agency owner looking to foster stronger client and employee relationships, or a leader determined to thrive amid industry change, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and downloadable resources to help you build a plan that's ready for anything. Tune in and get inspired to move past old planning habits and chart a course for a more resilient, innovative, and profitable future.

A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

- Why traditional SWOT analysis isn't enough for agency planning in 2026
- New, hands-on strategic exercises to challenge assumptions and spark innovation
- Involving a diverse mix of team members—including newer and younger staff—in planning
- Emphasizing radical candor, honest conversations, and psychological safety for deeper insights
- Scenario stress testing to prepare for rapid industry changes (AI, economics, client shifts)
- Client empathy mapping to deepen client relationships and identify real opportunities
- Methods to keep strategic plans alive, actionable, and integrated in agency culture