Strategy
We co-design strategy with leaders and teams
grounded in listening, shared values, and the realities of implementation.
How we work
At s3dx, strategy is a collaborative process—not something done to an organization, but something built with it.
We design strategic planning processes that center listening, clarify values, build shared understanding, and strengthen the connection and effectiveness of leadership teams.
Throughout the work, we focus on building alignment and consensus so that strategy is owned, understood, and ready to be acted on.
Our approach reflects deep experience leading strategy from the inside. Having led several organizations, we understand the difference between a well-written plan and one that can actually be implemented—amid competing priorities, limited capacity, and real-world constraints.
Multiple entry points for strategic planning
Strategic planning is never a one size fits all process. Organizations enter the work from different places depending on context, readiness, leadership transitions, and external conditions. We design engagements that meet organizations where they are—whether the work begins with inquiry and context review, refreshing purpose and theory of change, identifying priorities, or strengthening implementation and learning.
sample Engagement
San Lorenzo Unified School district
s3dx began partnering with San Lorenzo Unified School District in 2023, following the completion of the first phase of a strategic planning process. The plan articulated a strong vision but lacked clear priorities and pathways for implementation.
Working alongside the superintendent, cabinet, and extended leadership team over a multi-year period, we have supported the district to shift from aspirational goals to focused, actionable strategy. This included:
-
Identifying a small set of strategic initiatives clearly linked to the district’s vision
-
Clarifying decision-making roles
-
Strengthening leaders’ capacity to collaborate across silos and lead at a strategic level.
Together, we've developed a district-specific strategic framework that aligns priorities, initiatives, and supportive projects with the district’s mission, values, and long-term goals. The framework also creates intentional space for learning and iteration over time—supporting the district to adapt strategy as conditions evolve, rather than treating the plan as static.
Result: Strategy is now a living practice—used to guide decisions, support collaboration, and strengthen coherence across the district. District initiatives are deepening, scaling, and the district is moving towards greater alignment and coherence in ways that are beginning to show tangible outcomes related to student growth and interest-holder experience.
“Carolyn has been a valuable thought partner in crafting and driving our district-wide strategic initiatives. She has been instrumental in influencing how our leaders think about system coherence and implementing initiatives that make a real difference for our scholars.”
Dr. Daryl Camp, Ed.D
Superintendent, San Lorenzo Unified School District
