Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
Yes. Most of our clients are first-timers. We guide the process from end to end—defining a timeline, clarifying your role and your team’s role, and managing the project. We provide you with quick, informed recommendations while managing the heavy lift behind the scenes. It’s designed to be efficient, not overwhelming.
Growth often strains internal focus. Strategy consulting brings an external lens to sharpen your vision, prevent drift, improve internal alignment, and capitalize on moments of opportunity. We offer actionable clarity and guard against missteps—even when internal teams are execution‑focused.
It begins with a 30-minute conversation. We’ll listen to where you are, what decisions are ahead, and what constraints you’re managing. If there's a fit, we’ll recommend the right module or phased approach to move forward.
Yes. Our work is modular—while we prepare a comprehensive solution, so you get to see the full picture, some clients may choose to start with a positioning sprint, a strategic audit, or a board governance refresh. From there, we scale the engagement if and when needed.
What to expect
Typically, 1–2 hours per week from leadership. We typically spend more time onboarding and then reduce this to check-ins for guidance. In general, we flex around your schedule, bring issues to you ready for decision, and engage thoughtfully so we don’t disrupt the day-to-day. We’ve worked with clients in high-growth environments—we know time is your most valuable asset.
We don’t hand you off to junior staff; a practice that is common at larger consulting firms on smaller client accounts. At Stratwell, our senior strategists lead and execute the work, so your time is spent with experienced, high-level thinking partners.
Our consultants bring real-world experience, not just theory. We’ve led transformation and growth at top-tier global enterprises and advised middle-market CEOs across industries. Our team combines:
- C-suite and executive experience on the client side at large, global corporations
- Cross-industry strategy consulting with mid-sized private companies
- Advanced degrees from leading institutions
- Deep expertise in strategy, positioning, and governance
We bring the perspective of both insiders and advisors—and we tailor that insight to your business.
Most projects take 8–12 weeks depending on scope. A full growth strategy might span 3 months. A positioning refresh can take 4–6 weeks. Board alignment often happens alongside.
We work across sectors, but focus on private mid-market companies in:
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Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC)
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SaaS & Tech-enabled Services
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Healthcare & Professional Services
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Consumer Brands
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Manufacturing & Distribution
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Private Equity Portfolio Companies
Our sweet spot is ambitious companies navigating inflection points: growth, change, or leadership transitions.
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Yes. We frequently collaborate with CFOs, CMOs, operations leaders, creative agencies, and investors. We believe in building internal alignment, not working in a vacuum.
Absolutely. We often present findings to boards, executive teams, or investor groups to build buy-in and alignment around key decisions.
While we don’t manage implementation directly, we support execution by defining clear next steps, assigning internal owners, and helping you choose partners if needed. We’re often retained to advise through implementation or as a quarterly thought partner.
Pricing and engagement
Our framework is comprehensive, but pricing is modular and set upfront so that you have control over the budget. Most engagements fall between a standard fee range, depending on scope. You can choose individual modules—like Strategic Planning, Positioning, or Board Governance—or combine them. We’re transparent and flexible to fit your budget and timeline.
Yes. Some CEOs prefer shorter bursts of high-impact work. Others want a deeper strategic roadmap or governance refresh. Our modular format gives you control over the level of engagement.
Choosing a strategy partner
Great question. Look for:
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Fit – Cultural alignment and communication style matter
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Experience – Advisors who’ve worked with companies like yours
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Clarity – A clear process, deliverables, and outcomes
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Access – You want senior talent, not junior handoffs
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Flexibility – Especially around your schedule, goals, and internal capacity
Big firms can bring breadth, but also layers, cost, and generalization. Stratwell offers partner-led strategy, fast cycles, and focused engagement.
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You’ll work directly with experienced strategists. We don’t bring overhead, bureaucracy, or one-size-fits-all frameworks. Instead, we bring:
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Customized strategy
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Senior-level insight
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Faster decision-making
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Flexible, modular pricing
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Results built for execution—not just theory
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Ongoing Support
Many clients continue with us in an advisory capacity—monthly check-ins, quarterly planning sessions, or board support. Others bring us back for the next phase. We stay engaged and invested.
Yes. We offer retainers for strategic counsel, leadership support, and governance needs. This can be quarterly planning, board prep, strategic checkpoints, or on-call advisory.