If you’ve ever felt like your strategy phase drags when what you need is results, this episode covers why strategy feels slow and why that’s a strength, not a setback. You’ll learn how to prevent short-term fixes from turning into long-term problems, uncover blind spots that limit growth, and set up a process that scales smoothly.
This is one of those episodes every growth leader should hear from start to finish. Sarah and Jay unpack the myths around “moving fast” and share how a strategic pause can actually speed up revenue performance.
Listen to the full episode for real stories, smarter takeaways, and a mindset shift that could change how you lead - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube.
Most leaders associate speed with success. When a new goal hits, the instinct is to act fast, not pause for planning. But as Jay and Sarah share in this episode, slowing down at the start can save months of backtracking later.
Strategy feels slow because it forces you to ask better questions. Instead of asking, “How do we fix this campaign?” you start asking, “Why is this problem showing up in the first place?” Those few weeks of clarity can reveal bigger issues, like poor lead qualification, CRM breakdowns, or disconnected KPIs across teams.
As Sarah says, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Strategy feels slow in the beginning, but it’s the grease that keeps everything moving later.”
The Consequences of Ignoring Strategy
Jay tells a story about a homeowner who needed a tree branch trimmed. Most companies quoted the job fast, but one arborist took extra time to diagnose the entire tree. He discovered hidden bacteria that would have caused the whole tree to collapse on the homeowner’s house if the dead branch was cut.
That’s strategy in action. Taking a moment to assess the full picture protects against bigger, costlier issues down the line. Businesses that skip that step often find themselves solving the same problem twice.
Why External Strategy Partners Add Real Value
When you’re in the business every day, it’s hard to see bias vs. fact. Outside partners help because they bring fresh eyes and no attachment to old ideas.
Jay notes that many clients come in saying, “We tried that before and it didn’t work.” Often the issue wasn’t the tactic, it was the strategy behind it. External strategists can separate noise from signal, helping you focus on what truly moves revenue.
At StringCan, our approach isn’t a 100-page presentation. It’s about clarity. We help you understand the root cause of your challenges so every dollar and hour you invest gets a better return.
What You Gain By Slowing Down
Sarah compares it to fitness. You can go for a quick fix or commit to building strength that lasts. In business, the slow start of strategy gives you the foundation to move faster later.
A thoughtful strategy helps you:
- Eliminate guesswork and wasted spend
- Make confident, data-backed decisions
- Reduce internal stress caused by reactivity
As Jay said, “You’ve had this problem for years. What’s a few more weeks to solve it right?”
Quick Answers for Busy Leaders
Q: Why does strategy feel like it takes forever?
A: Because it’s fixing the root cause, not the surface issue. The upfront time saves months of rework later.
Q: How do I know if I’m missing the strategy step?
A: If you’re constantly firefighting, switching tactics every quarter, or unclear on what’s working, you probably are.
Q: Can AI make strategy faster?
A: Yes, when it’s used for insight, not shortcuts. AI helps analyze patterns, but you still need human judgment to make smart calls.
Q: Why bring in an outside partner?
A: Fresh perspective. They’re not stuck in your company’s politics or habits and can see blind spots you might miss.
Q: How can I make strategy feel less heavy?
A: Break it into short, actionable phases. Focus on clarity first, then action. The goal is momentum with direction.
The Expertise Behind the Mic
This episode of Revenue Rewired features Jay Feitlinger, CEO of StringCan Interactive, and Sarah Shepard, StringCan’s COO. Together, they’ve helped hundreds of B2B organizations uncover growth blockers and design strategies that actually work.
“Strategy isn’t about slowing down your business. It’s about aiming it in the right direction before you hit the gas.”
For the full conversation, listen to the episode “Why Strategy Feels Slow” in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube
And if you’re ready to build a smarter, faster revenue engine, connect with the team at StringCan Interactive.
