Approach
Strategic Backcasting
Every transformational story starts with a future vision of a world that doesn’t exist — yet.
Imagine standing in your optimal future. What do you see? How does it feel? What had to change to get there?
Strategic Backcasting helps leaders harness the power of narrative imagination. Instead of projecting current assumptions forward, we time-travel to your optimal future — then create the path to make it real.
This innovative approach combines strategic planning with narrative development to help leaders navigate complexity, inspire change, and build momentum toward transformative goals.
THE LIMITS OF TRADITIONAL PLANNING
In times of rapid change, conventional strategic planning often falls short. Why?
We get stuck in present-day constraints
We struggle to imagine genuine transformation
We face resistance to bold new directions
We lose momentum during implementation
Strategic Backcasting offers a different path. By starting with a vivid story of success, we create emotional connection to future possibilities — then build the narrative bridges to get there.
THREE HORIZONS OF STRATEGIC BACKCASTING
Horizon 1:
Future Story
Step into your optimal future and craft its vivid narrative
Envision transformative possibilities
Create emotional connection to the future
Define clear markers of success
Build stakeholder excitement
Horizon 2:
Narrative Mapping
Chart the journey from present reality to future vision
Identify cultural and emotional barriers
Map stakeholder perspectives
Pinpoint critical narrative shifts
Design strategic story arcs
Horizon 3:
Strategic Storytelling
Create the stepping-stone stories that build momentum
Craft compelling change narratives
Develop stakeholder engagement strategies
Build narrative capabilities
Measure and adapt for impact
From Vision to Reality
From Vision to Reality
Every organization's story is unique. Here's how different leaders have used Strategic Backcasting to drive transformation:
01
Cultural Transformation at a Global Tech Company
When a traditional tech company needed to become more innovative, Strategic Backcasting helped them:
Envision a new cultural narrative
Map the emotional journey for employees
Create stories that honored the past while embracing change
Build momentum through narrative shifts
02
Strategic Realignment at a National Healthcare Company
A healthcare provider used Strategic Backcasting to reimagine patient care:
Created a compelling vision of patient-centered care
Identified emotional barriers in current practices
Developed narratives that inspired staff buy-in
Built stepping-stone stories for implementation
03
Leadership Vision in Financial Services
A financial services team needed to align around a bold new direction:
Crafted a shared story of future success
Mapped stakeholder concerns and aspirations
Created narratives that built trust and momentum
Developed ongoing story evolution strategies
TRANSFORM YOUR FUTURE STORY
Strategic Backcasting is particularly powerful for:
Team Alignment
Create shared understanding
Develop common language
Build trust and connection
Drive collaborative action
Imagine breakthrough possibilities
Map paths to innovation
Align teams around new directions
Build creative confidence
Vision Development
Create compelling future narratives
Build emotional connection to possibilities
Align teams around shared vision
Design implementation pathways
Change Leadership
Navigate complex transformations
Build stakeholder buy-in
Address resistance through story
Maintain momentum for change
Innovation Planning
Working Together
Bring Strategic Backcasting To Your Business
Strategic Narrative Workshops
One-day intensive sessions for leadership teams
Learn the Strategic Backcasting methodology
Apply to your current challenges
Develop practical narrative tools
Create implementation plans
Strategic Backcasting can be accessed through three primary paths:
Executive Story Coaching
One-on-one guidance for leaders
Master Strategic Backcasting principles
Develop your leadership narrative
Build storytelling capabilities
Drive organizational change
Transformational Consulting
Long-term partnership for organizational change
Design comprehensive narrative strategy
Build organizational capabilities
Guide implementation
Measure and adapt for impact
Ready for Strategic Backcasting to drive meaningful change?
Schedule a consultation to explore how this innovative approach can help you:
Create compelling future visions
Build momentum for change
Align stakeholders around shared stories
Transform how you lead