After a frantically exciting week of Olympic euphoria in Tokyo from Team GB, with it being the most successful start to any Summer Olympics for us, it got me thinking about the individual journey that each athlete had been on to achieve their ultimate goal - and the comparison this has in everyday life with any goal, but typically in business.  The gruelling regimes that we put ourselves through, the pain (at times), the fun, the sacrifices and the investments.

We all have our own ambitions, of varying types, but on reflection, they all follow a similar vein in how they’re created, developed and ultimately executed.  For any business or individual embarking on a journey to success, they start with a solid foundation.  A clear strategy and an action plan.  This offers them the best opportunity to construct something in a methodical manner where the end goal is achievable.

There is no question that it is imperative to have a concise strategy outlined at the conception of a new project, business venture or personal achievement.  You need to understand where you want to go, what you want to do and how you’re going to do it - along with establishing what potential barriers you’ll come across and how to overcome them.  Strategic direction is key.

You need to understand your competition, assess them and unearth how you differentiate to allow you to stand out in the crowd.  This is evident both in business and currently in Tokyo.  Leaders want to, and will, make a difference - and it’s the smallest of margins that can do so.  You must think about what fits your brand and the values it retains to be who you are.  Keeping this consistent throughout is paramount as otherwise you divert from your defined DNA which can ultimately affect confidence and belief in that brand. Finally - and most critically - you must always ensure this strategy is fed throughout your business or team.  Everyone becomes ingrained, enthused and excited to be a part of it and feel valued - that brings commitment, energy, passion and a desire to do well with hopefully success.

Having worked with many brands, large and small, global and local, over the past years, there is nothing more critical to its success than its strategic foundation.  I’ve always used the analogy of building a property when it comes to our strategic process. A property will stand for 100+ years and can look amazing (which everyone will admire!) - but it’s the foundations that are the most vital part of that build.  The part that no one will see, nor consider - yet it is without this that the property will fall.

So if you want to succeed and secure that gold medal; take learnings from others, assess the opportunity and build a clear strategy that maps out your pathway to success - and stick to it!