As we move into February, one thing is clear: having a great strategy isn’t enough—execution is what drives results. Yet, research shows that most strategies don’t fail because they’re flawed; they fail because execution isn’t intentionally designed for success.
This month, we’re diving deep into the Strategy-to-Execution Gap, why it exists, and—more importantly—how to close it. We also highlight a powerful session from I.Liv CEO Sandra Veledar, where she shared how leaders can create “Ready-Mode” workflows to stop being “crazy-busy” and start executing on what truly moves the needle.
And don’t miss this month’s Performance Boost Tip, where we explore why progress beats perfection when it comes to execution.
This Month’s Highlights
The Strategy-to-Execution Gap: Why Great Strategies Falter and How to Fix It
Many organizations assume execution is just about communicating strategy better. It’s not. The real challenge? Execution breaks down when leadership gaps, misaligned priorities, and inefficient workflows get in the way.
- Only 3% of organizations report success in executing strategy effectively (AMA Study).
- 95% of employees don’t understand their company’s strategy (Harvard Business Review).
Leaders need a structured, scalable system to ensure strategic priorities are turned into action at every level. This article explores five key breakdowns in execution and how organizations can overcome them with a practical, performance-driven leadership approach.
Masterclass Recap: “Ready-Mode as an Asset for Organizational and Personal Performance”
Earlier this month, I.Liv CEO Sandra Veledar delivered her Ready-Mode masterclass to the Telfer Executive MBA alumni at the University of Ottawa.
The session focused on how to break free from the “crazy-busy” cycle and build workflows designed for execution. Sandra shared insights from enterprise architecture, business transformation, and agile delivery, making them practical for today’s fast-moving workplaces.
Key takeaways from the session:
From Crazy-Busy to Ready-Mode – Creating rhythm in the chaos so work flows smoothly toward high-impact outcomes.
Workflows Built for the Actual Work – Aligning strategic intent with daily execution to minimize overhead and maximize results.
Sustainable Performance for Individuals & Organizations – Applying these principles at both the individual and organizational levels, because organizations don’t perform—people do.
Thank you to the Telfer Executive MBA community and special thanks to Jennifer Hyland for organizing an incredible event!
Performance Boost Tip: The Power of Purposeful Execution
Chasing perfection can be the biggest barrier to getting things done. Too often, teams delay execution, continuously refining and revising instead of delivering meaningful outcomes. But the most successful leaders know that progress beats perfection every time.
The mindset shift:
Aim for effective, not flawless. Define the level of quality that ensures impact—then move forward. Perfect is an illusion; progress is real.
Deliver, then refine. Execution creates momentum. Instead of over-polishing before launch, put solutions into action and improve as you go.
Ask: Will this make a difference now? If a task or decision is already valuable and functional, avoid unnecessary cycles of rework that delay results.
High-performance teams don’t obsess over perfection—they focus on delivering what moves the needle. Execute, learn, and refine—but don’t let the pursuit of “flawless” keep you from delivering real results.
At I.Liv, we’re committed to helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution by developing leaders who deliver measurable outcomes.
If your organization is looking to scale leadership development, improve execution, and drive results at every level, let’s talk.
Lead Boldly, Live Intentionally,
Sandra & Idana
Co-Founders, I.Liv