STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR ORGANIZATIONS IN WESTERN CANADA
Make your vision crystal clear. Set goals, align your team, & build a plan you can execute.
The MC2 Strategic Planning Process
Step 1: Determine Where You Are Today
We ground the process in reality.
This includes a clear assessment of your current performance, market position, competitive advantage, and the external forces shaping your industry. We connect data, insight, and leadership perspective to create an honest starting point, so decisions are made from clarity, not assumption.
Step 2: Identify Where Want to Go
We define a future that inspires action and aligns the team.
Together, we shape your long-term direction, brand promises, and measurable targets - building the foundation for your BHAG, 3-year picture, and 1-year goals. This becomes the north star that guides every priority and investment.
Step 3: Calibrate Key Components to Get There
We determine the strategic moves that matter most.
Instead of long lists, we identify the 3–5 priorities that will create the biggest impact — and assign clear ownership. This ensures the plan is focused, achievable, and tied to real outcomes, not wishful thinking.
Step 4: Solidify How You Will Measure Success & Progress
We establish a measurement system that creates accountability and learning.
With defined KPIs, dashboards, and a leadership cadence, your team knows precisely what success looks like and how to adjust when conditions change. Metrics drive conversations, not the other way around.
Step 5: Align on the Mechanisms to Stay on Track
Strategy comes to life through a disciplined rhythm.
Every 90 days, we review progress, recalibrate priorities, and reset focus to stay on track for the annual objectives. This cadence maintains momentum, reinforces accountability, and ensures the plan evolves as the business evolves.
30 minutes. No pressure.
Discuss what your needs are and see if the MC2 Strategic Planning Framework is a fit for you.
“This was the best strategic planning session I’ve ever done!”
— Kristi H., Board Chair
Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce
What it looks like to work with us
A facilitated process to bring CLARITY to the future, ALIGN the team, and SIMPLIFY decision-making.
Imagine what having a solid plan could open up for you & your team ...
More time
More confidence
No more second-guessing decisions
Know what to say 'no' to and how to allocate your resources
We build a concise plan that outlines direction and measurable impact.
Most clients choose a rolling 3-year plan with detailed year one targets and high-level goals for years two and three.
This aligns management and boards on priorities and success measures.
The MCsquared Difference
The successful application for Best Managed Canada reflects a commitment to excellence in operational practices. This includes the effective implementation of strategic planning that drives sustainable growth.
Additionally, achieving a world-class customer Net Promoter Score (NPS) demonstrates a deep dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, ultimately leading to strong customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Merin implemented a Business Operating System and coached the team on how to talk through issues, track data and find actionable solutions.
Looking to tackle Strategic Planning but don’t know where to start?
Of course, we are big promoters of using a facilitator, like Merin. But if you want to begin working through the steps, here is a workbook to help get you started.
Understanding Strategic Planning:
Identifying Current State: Understanding the industry, niche, and ideal customer profile.
Setting Goals: Establishing long-term visions and short-term objectives.
Addressing Challenges: Identifying obstacles and planning how to overcome them.
Measuring Success: Defining metrics to track progress and success.
What clients have to say
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“Thank you for facilitating such an engaging and informative session. Our team is energized and looking forward to all we can accomplish!”
Denean Robinson, Fort McMurray Airport
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"Merin is a strategic powerhouse! She is dedicated to results and propelled our organization toward success with incredible momentum. Her facilitation brought cohesion and alignment while respecting everyone's time and abilities. If you are a business owner looking to elevate your performance, we highly recommend Merin."
Chad Waldner & Chad Leverick, Alliance Energy
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"I do not hesitate to recommend Merin to any organization looking to get itself better organized to meet the challenges and identify the market opportunities."
Jaydan Tait, Attainable Homes Calgary
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![A smiling man wearing glasses, a gray polo shirt, blue jeans, and a brown belt, standing indoors near large windows.]()
"Merin did a good job of gathering the relevant information on the organization, challenges faced and membership feedback. She did a great job of facilitating the board through the session, and got to a very good end point and did it all with time to spare in the day!!! Her diverse background, including significant board experience was an asset."
Graham Ure, Ft McMurray Chamber of Commerce
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![Close-up of a woman with short, gray hair and fair skin, wearing a black top with a pink floral pattern, smiling in an indoor setting with a plant and a window in the background.]()
"The Board at EAC is large & diverse, and required a well-conceived approach to be successful. Merin’s facilitation skills and ability to distill the day’s results into a succinct plan was enormously helpful. We look forward to working with Merin again in the future."
Laura Dickson, Epilepsy Association of Calgary
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![A smiling man in a navy blazer, patterned dress shirt, and dark jeans, sitting on a yellow stool in a bright room with white walls.]()
"Merin is a pleasure to work with. She has incredible insight and is quick to build strong connections that allow for a lasting impact. She is sincere, full of purpose, and committed to building her community. It is very easy to recommend Merin enthusiastically!"
Jay Stark, Lakeview Church
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"Merin was very well prepared, kept the group on track and capitalized on the time allotted. I would highly recommend her for any Board Development, Strategic Planning or Governance work."
Trevor Koot, Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission
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"I would recommend MC2 in any strategic undertaking. Merin was able to set the stage to allow our directors the opportunity to meaningfully contribute their knowledge to set a path forward that will allow our company to thrive in the near and long term."
Keith Haraburda, BILD CR Association
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![A man with a beard and mustache smiling, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, standing in front of a backdrop with blue logos and the text 'BILD ALBERTA' and a blue maple leaf symbol.]()
"Merin and her team were incredibly responsive from the lead-up through execution of our latest Strategic Plan. They made the entire process easy while providing us with a clear, concise, and actionable plan that had the unified support of our Board and Staff."
Scott Fash, CEO BILD Alberta
Tips: “Mapping your Path to Success”
Set the Destination
Plot the Course
Assess Resources
Anticipate Challenges
Course Correct
Celebrate Victories