In the last of our three part series on the 7 superpowers of strategic thinking we are going to look at some worked examples and how you can use them to level-up your strategy game.

TL;DR (the last two articles)

Strategic thinking empowers you to:

1. Develop a long-term mindset
2. Anticipate second-order consequences
3. Solve complex problems
4. Communicate through storytelling
5. Make better decisions
6. Synthesize insights from data
7. Identify force multipliers

🔄 The Strategic Thinking Loop: 7 Steps, 1 System

1. Start with the Long Game → Define your vision and where you want to go.
2. Think in Second-Order Consequences → Map out potential ripple effects.
3. Define the Problem Clearly → Ensure you’re solving the right problem.
4. Tell a Story That Sticks → Frame your strategy in a way that inspires action.
5. Make Structured Decisions → Use a system to evaluate options objectively.
6. Synthesize Ideas for Big Wins → Connect insights to uncover hidden advantages.
7. Leverage Force Multipliers → Identify self-reinforcing loops for exponential growth.

🟢 Repeat → Strategy is never static: After executing, cycle back through the loop to refine, adapt, and improve.

Step 8: The Strategic Thinking System 🧩

Integrate the 7 superpowers into a single, repeatable strategy.

Now that you’ve developed the seven thinking superpowers and hopefully you have been off practicing to apply them, the real magic happens when you combine them into a system, one that allows you to move from idea to execution with clarity, confidence, and impact. The following three case studies are designed to help you step through a set of common challenges a full stack strategist might face as they begin their consulting career.

Case Study 1:

🏢 Growing a Business?

• Long Game: Where do you want the business to be in 3-5 years?
• Second-Order Thinking: How will today’s growth strategies affect the business long-term?
• Problem Definition: What’s the real challenge preventing scale?
• Storytelling: How do you position your brand to win hearts & minds?
• Structured Decisions: What data-driven insights guide your expansion?
• Synthesis: What emerging trends or market shifts can you leverage?
• Force Multipliers: What can you automate, delegate, or amplify for exponential results?

🔹 Example: Amazon used this exact approach to expand beyond books, ultimately creating an unstoppable ecosystem.

✅ Your Action: Map your growth strategy through the 7 steps and see what new insights emerge.

Case Study 2:

🎯 Strengthening a Value Proposition?

• Long Game: What do you want your brand to be known for?
• Second-Order Thinking: How will this positioning play out in the market over time?
• Problem Definition: Are you solving a pain point or just adding another option?
• Storytelling: Does your messaging connect with your audience on an emotional level?
• Structured Decisions: Which aspects of your offer are essential vs. nice-to-have?
• Synthesis: Can you combine insights from other industries to stand out?
• Force Multipliers: What aspects of your value proposition create network effects?

🔹 Example: Apple didn’t just make computers—it built a seamless experience that locks users into a high-value ecosystem.

✅ Your Action: Apply the 7-step system to refine and differentiate your value proposition.

Case Study 3:

🧩 Solving Complex Problems?

• Long Game: What’s the end state you’re trying to achieve?
• Second-Order Thinking: What unintended consequences should you anticipate?
• Problem Definition: Have you defined the real issue, or just a symptom?
• Storytelling: Can you make the problem/solution compelling & clear?
• Structured Decisions: What frameworks can you use to break down complexity?
• Synthesis: Can you combine multiple ideas into a better, unique solution?
• Force Multipliers: How can you solve the problem in a way that keeps working on its own?

🔹 Example: Netflix solved “frustration with movie rentals” (not just “better rental stores”), launching an entirely new category of entertainment.

✅ Your Action: Take a current challenge and run it through the Strategic Thinking Loop. What new solutions appear?

⚡ The Power of Repetition: Making This a Habit

Strategic thinking isn’t one and done, it’s a cycle of constant improvement.

• 1️⃣ Use the 7-step loop every time you face a major business decision.
• 2️⃣ Practice on small problems—train yourself to think this way daily.
• 3️⃣ Track your insights—see patterns emerge over time.

📌 Remember: The best strategists aren’t those with the most knowledge, they’re the ones who know how to think.