In this episode of "The Lazy CEO Podcast," host Jim Schleckser explores the complex and often misunderstood world of strategic thinking and execution. He begins by highlighting the sobering statistic that over 50% of strategies fail due to poor execution or deployment. Schleckser emphasizes that strategic planning and execution should not be viewed as separate processes but as a unified one, drawing on insights from thinker Henry Mintzberg. Schleckser argues for the effectiveness of small, strategic teams in organizational planning, suggesting that the ideal group size is around 5 to 9 people. He stresses the importance of including team members who are deeply connected to market conditions and internal capabilities rather than just those with high-ranking titles. He advocates for system thinkers who can understand complex interdependencies within the organization and the broader market.