FACILITATED STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
Backcast your Future: An innovative strategic planning workshop
Leaders need to approach strategic planning differently in today’s world of innovation, volatility and unexpected change. In this immersive strategic planning workshop, learn a new technique called “Strategic Backcasting” — envisioning an optimal future, then using your creativity and emotional intelligence to map the path to get there.
Most strategic planning stays on the surface—focused on spreadsheets and data that never quite capture the human experience of change. This workshop is different. Together, we create a creative space where your team can let go of present-day constraints and tap into the deeper stories that drive transformation—the hopes, fears, and possibilities that will shape how people respond to change.
WHY BACKCASTING MATTERS NOW
In an era of change, traditional strategic planning falls short. Leaders need a new approach: one that starts with vision and works backwards to create pathways for transformation.
An imagination deficit
“73% of business people say it is important to ensure that the human capabilities in the organization keep pace with technological innovation, but just 9% say they are making progress toward achieving that balance.”
Reimagine leadership
“Leaders must shift their mindsets and consciousness to see the world anew; rethink their interactions, roles, and ways of working; reimagining their organizations and the industries in which they operate.”
Need for optimism
“Only 36 percent of global respondents believe that things will be better for the next generation. In developed countries, just one in five see a better future. CEOs: take action where you can.
Introducing STRATEGIC Backcasting
Why predict a likely future when you can backcast a brighter one?
Strategic Backcasting is a planning framework that starts by defining a vision of success — and then uses creativity to generate the tactical steps that will lead from there to here.
Unlike traditional planning or forecasting, which attempts to predict what is “likely” based on past data, Backcasting starts with the foundational assumption that anything can be possible with creativity.
Instead of considering the same old options, turning to the “playbook”, or looking to others for “best practice”, Strategic Backcasting engages leaders with the challenge of developing an ambitious vision that is true to you. This mindset shift can have transformational impact on a strategic leadership team, creating alignment, possibility and belief well beyond what seems “according to plan”.
Jordan’s expertise spans industries.
Jordan Bower has worked with 200+ organizational clients, including Fortune 500 companies, governments, non-profits & innovative startups like:
BACKCASTING STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP Structure
An immersive transformational journey designed for strategic planning teams:
Part 1: Envision Your Future
Break free from present constraints
Map optimal future states
Explore emotional landscapes
Build bold, credible visions
Explore holistic definitions of success
Learn the Backcasting planning process
Part 2: Bridge to Now
Identify key obstacles
Design transformation pathways
Create alignment narratives
Build stakeholder engagement
Plan strategic implementation
Move through change emotionally
Every workshop is tailored to your team:
Pre-workshop team interviews
Customized content and examples
Expertly facilitated learning experience
Collaborative and interactive exercises
Post-workshop support and follow-ups
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP outcomes
Transform how your team conceptualizes and plans for change
Build Creative Problem Solving Skills
Foster innovation mindsets
Develop transformative vision
Build confidence with uncertainty
Surface unspoken hopes and fears
Develop collaborative mindsets
Clarify, Pinpoint and Navigate Complex Change
Understand the human element
Stronger stakeholder buy-in
More effective change initiatives
Enhanced leadership presence
Stronger adaptive capacity
Lasting Change Leadership Capability
Clearer transformation vision
Stronger strategic alignment
Enhanced innovation capability
Better change readiness
Improved stakeholder engagement
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Jordan’s workshop connected perfectly with where the team was at, challenged us perfectly, and left us with a revived energy and call to action.”
Karen Stanton
CMO, International Flavors & Fragrances
the FACILITATOR DIFFERENCE
Hey, I’m Jordan Bower—expert business creativity teacher, coach and guide.
Jordan Bower has been teaching creativity in business for more than 15 years. He has worked with 200 clients in business, government, and non-profits and taught storytelling to 1000s of professionals.
Deep emotional intelligence
Strategic insight
Creative facilitation
Corporate understanding
Innovation and change expertise
Recognized subject matter expert and thought leader in his field
“Jordan is unlike any consultant or coach I’ve ever met. He pushes me to go to entirely new dimensions creatively but always then returns me to Earth to take practical steps forward. Perhaps more unique, Jordan knows when to push me and when to let me find my own way. These gifts, over time, have created a very special kind of trust.
Matt Landau, CEO, Here Goes Nothin’
“I was nervous as we intended for it to be disruptive. Seems like we hit a nerve in a good way. I've heard everything from 'best speaker ever to this was long overdue. Regardless of outcome your prep and delivery was top notch and I will happily serve as a reference going forward.”
Chief Operating Officer, Consulting Firm
“Jordan knows his material inside and out, and he communicates it wonderfully.”
Workshop Attendee, Canadian Tire Triangle Leadership Academy
