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Original Gangsters of Strategy Execution with Marc Soester (Episode 9)

  • Writer: Ben Chamberlain
    Ben Chamberlain
  • Feb 24
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 3

The latest episode in the Original Gangsters of Strategy Execution series just dropped!


In this series on the Strategy eXecution Unlocked podcast, Ben Chamberlain sits down with the true pioneers who've shaped the strategy execution space—industry analysts, authors, founders of management consultancies and software companies, and of course seasoned practitioners.


In this episode, host Ben Chamberlain speaks with Marc Soester, PPM and work management expert, co-founder of Altus, and Product Vision Lead building next-generation project portfolio management solutions on the Microsoft Power Platform. Marc has spent decades helping organizations across industries evolve their PMOs from delivery-focused functions into strategic value creators.


The conversation explores why closing the gap between strategic planning and effective execution remains one of the toughest — and most value-defining — challenges executives face.


Watch a short clip below and become a StrategyXF member to access the full episode.



Key Takeaways

  • Strategy Execution is an organizational GPS: it translates high-level goals into clear, measurable work while navigating universal constraints (finance, resources, time, risk).

  • The biggest barrier is poor communication — executives often fail to operationalize strategy into language and measures that frontline teams understand and can act on.

  • Traditional PMOs are frequently “toothless tigers” — heavy on governance and process, light on real strategic influence or predictive power.

  • The future lies in reimagining this function (call it what you will: Strategic PMO, Value Management Office, Strategy Execution Office) as a constraint manager and outcome predictor that oversees all work — projects and operations — not just discretionary spend.

  • Suboptimal Strategy Execution capabilities put massive business value at risk through misalignment, redundancy, poor prioritization, and execution failures.

  • Solving the problem requires C-suite acknowledgment, cross-functional collaboration (finance, operations, architecture, delivery), and a tailored operating model — not rigid one-size-fits-all frameworks.

  • AI and modern digital tools can remove administrative burden and enable better prediction, but only after clean processes, sound data, and clear strategic direction are in place.

  • The industry is maturing: common terminology, outcome focus, and predictive insight (similar to finance’s universal language) are slowly becoming table stakes.




Conclusion Marc and Ben agree that Strategy Execution is no longer a niche discipline — it is a core executive and organizational capability whose improvement directly drives competitive advantage. The conversation is optimistic: with stronger leadership alignment, cross-functional teamwork, and the right enabling technology, organizations can finally bridge the persistent planning-to-execution chasm and realize far more of the value they intend.

The Strategy eXecution Forum

The Strategy eXecution Forum (StrategyXF) is an invite-only, no-fee professional community built by and for the practitioners who know firsthand how hard it is to close the persistent gap between strategy and results. We believe it takes a village to master strategy execution — which is why StrategyXF brings together senior leaders from across the enterprise: C-suite executives, Strategy & Operations leaders, Transformation Offices, Finance, HR, IT, PMO, Enterprise Risk, Change Management, Portfolio Management, Business Architecture, and more.


Together, members collaborate on real-world challenges, share battle-tested approaches, and shape the future of how organizations execute with discipline and impact. This isn't a passive network — it's a practitioner-led community where your experience adds real value, and where every discussion is designed to deliver practical ideas you can apply right away. If you're serious about elevating strategy execution as a mission-critical discipline, we invite you to apply to become a member and help us build something the profession has long needed.

 
 
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