How Not to Create a Winning Strategy

How (NOT) To Create A Winning Strategy is the third in a series of how-not-to guides for leaders and managers. It is a quick-read collection of twenty-four hilarious cautionary "strategies" that will help you learn from the mistakes of others. These are ways NOT to create a great strategy. Unfortunately, all of them can be found in business more often than anyone would like to admit.

Mary Marshall's passion is helping entrepreneurs and executives achieve their dreams. Mary has been a CEO, an owner, and chief cook and bottle washer. She's been a Vistage Chair (member and executive) and has coached leaders to find their own success. In 2014, she published her first book, Putting Together the Entrepreneurial Puzzle: The Ten Pieces Every Business Needs to Succeed as a collection of answers to the most common problems that hamper small business success. Marshall Advisors, LLC is Mary's consulting practice in Seattle, which focuses on strategic planning, CEO and executive coaching, and leadership development. Mary speaks on Intentional Culture for organizations nationally. Since 2012, she has been active teaching a course for the Small Business Administration called "Emerging Leaders" that takes entrepreneurs through a seven-month course to create a strategic growth plan for their businesses. The course is considered a mini MBA.

Kim Obbink is an Art Center College of Design graduate who began her career as a graphic designer and over the years became an accomplished brand strategist and leader. She worked as both employee and vendor for many world class technology and entertainment companies, and ultimately served as CEO of a Seattle based digital marketing and talent acquisition company. Her experience brings high-altitude vision and strong brand strategy to everything she does. Kim believes that an authentic brand requires authentic leadership. Her vision that values and a well-stated, well-actioned belief system are the religion of every healthy organization is what she brings to her consulting work with growth-oriented companies today. An entrepreneur, strategist, writer, and artist, Kim has a colorful view of the world. That combined with a bold sense of humor allow her to share her unique perspective on how others can find success and satisfaction in being great leaders from the heart.