Purpose: To give a new CEO fast clarity on the most viable paths forward — across revenue, cost, asset, and structural levers — and align the top team or board around decisive action.
Target Scenario:
New CEO within their first 90 days
Business is financially or operationally under strain (but not yet in full-blown crisis)
Board or investors are asking: “What are our options?”
CEO is under pressure to act fast, but lacks clear internal consensus
🧩 What the Workshop Achieves
Outcome
Description
Clarifies Strategic Space
Rapidly maps viable options using a structured opportunity matrix
Prioritises CEO Moves
Identifies 2–3 levers that offer maximum impact with minimal disruption
Builds Board/Team Confidence
Arms the CEO with an options brief they can present credibly
Surfaces Risks & Trade-offs
Helps the CEO avoid false starts or political backlash
Accelerates Execution Planning
Creates momentum for follow-on work (cost review, org shift, refinancing, etc.)
🧱 Typical Workshop Structure (2–3 Sessions)
Phase
Format
Outcome
1. Strategic Reality Check
60-min virtual intake session with CEO
Understand financials, stakeholder pressures, constraints, known challenges
2. Options Mapping Workshop
90–120 min virtual session with CEO (+ optional CFO/COO)
Structured generation and filtering of options across growth, cost, cash, structure
3. Prioritisation & Action Plan
60–90 min review session
Finalise top 3 moves with rationale, risks, next steps
Optionally recorded, all sessions use templates/checklists to support decision-making and reduce cognitive load.
📊 Strategic Options Categories (Customised per Client)
Category
Example Options
Revenue Acceleration
Fast sales uplift tactics, pricing pivots, segment exits