Reviews from our Aegis Chief Operating Officer, Aleema Ogeer-Ali
We are always grateful to receive feedback from the events our leadership team attends. Last week, several of our leaders attended the ICATT conference that is held annually in Trinidad and Tobago. Here’s our Chief Operating Officer, Aleema Ogeer-Ali’s feedback on her favorite session.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the ICATT AIFAC 2024 conference featuring Maria Daniel – Lead Partner, ESG& Sustainability(Caribbean) and Lead Partner, SaT (Trinidad) EY. Maria Led the panel discussion on Elevating Strategy- Cultivating Catalyst for Excellence
The discussion was nothing short of insightful and inspiring, offering a practical lens on what it takes to craft and execute a successful strategy. Here are some key takeaways I couldn’t wait to share:
Strategy: It’s Not About Length; It’s About Clarity
Maria Daniel reminded us that strategy doesn’t need to be a 100-page document. In fact, the most impactful strategies can often fit on a single page, answering key questions like:
- Where will you play? Understanding your context, target segments, and opportunities.
- How will you win? Aligning your operating model—technology, people, and processes.
- What is your North Star? Setting clear, measurable objectives to drive focus.
The Importance of Context
Quoting Jeff Bezos, Maria emphasized focusing on what won’t change. For instance, customer desires and consumption habits evolve, but certain fundamental needs remain constant. Knowing these constants helps build adaptable strategies that stay relevant.
Culture: The Core of Strategy Execution
A powerful point was made about culture. You can’t simply “write” culture into existence—it needs to be actioned. Leaders play a crucial role here, as culture begins with purpose and is reinforced through everyday behaviours. Strategic plans only succeed when they’re supported by a culture that drives execution.
Change Management: The Missing Link
How often do we overlook the importance of change management in strategy execution? This panel reminded us that real change happens when leaders invest in it—building resilience, adaptability, and alignment within their teams.
The session drove home one essential question: Your purpose fuels your strategy. It’s what aligns your vision, motivates your team, and drives your goals.
As Maria Daniel so aptly put it, every organization needs a vision, but mapping out the behaviors and culture to achieve that vision is where the magic happens. This session was a masterclass in bridging the gap between strategic intent and actionable outcomes.
