Business success depends on aligning strategy with project outcomes in today’s fast-paced environment. Ben Stroup, President and Chief Growth Architect at Velocity Strategy Solutions, understands this challenge well. His firm specializes in aligning teams, simplifying technology, eliminating complexity, and driving revenue to empower visionary leaders.

Stroup’s career spans over two decades across multiple sectors, including technology, financial services, manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, consulting, and nonprofits. His expertise in change management, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making has positioned him as a thought leader. “When you lead change with clarity and alignment, you cultivate a resilient and adaptable organization that embraces change, maximizes its potential, and achieves sustainable growth,” he says.

The Challenge of Organizational Alignment 

Misalignment can lead to projects that fail to meet strategic goals, wasting resources and missing opportunities. According to recent data, 44% of projects fail due to a lack of alignment between business and project objectives. Stroup emphasizes, “Aligning project deliverables with strategic goals is essential. It ensures that every milestone contributes to the bigger picture and positively impacts the overall strategy.”

Velocity Strategy Solutions integrates operations with strategy to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes decision support, stakeholder alignment, capacity planning, and implementing change management and digital transformation initiatives. This holistic approach has driven remarkable outcomes for the firm and its clients.

Achievements and Innovations

In the realm of strategic consulting, under the astute leadership of Stroup, Velocity Strategy Solutions has etched a trail of remarkable success stories, resolving a variety of systematic challenges that were unable to be addressed by internal leadership. The tangible impact of Velocity’s interventions is vividly illustrated through concrete instances of client growth, where results speak louder than words:

• By harnessing the power of analytical models, Velocity orchestrated a remarkable surge in one department’s revenue, propelling it to an impressive $28 million, constituting a significant 15% of the total company revenue. This strategic maneuver not only showcased the efficacy of data-driven decision-making but also underscored Velocity’s ability to unlock untapped potential within organizational frameworks.
• A strategic realignment of resources orchestrated by Velocity resulted in the acquisition of 368 new high-value accounts within a mere 12-month span. This tactical shift not only redefined the client’s market penetration strategy but also spotlighted Velocity’s knack for identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities.
• In a display of operational finesse, Velocity successfully navigated the quagmire of lifecycle stagnation for pivotal portfolio segments, representing a substantial 54% of the total operating revenue. Through a meticulous approach emphasizing sustained enhancements in lead generation, prospect conversion rates, and customer retention strategies, Velocity breathed new life into previously stagnant segments, exemplifying their prowess in revitalizing business trajectories.
• A digitally driven prospect campaign masterminded by Velocity yielded phenomenal results, boasting a stellar 10x ROI within a mere seven months – outstripping projections by two months and remaining well under budget by a commendable 40%. This triumph not only showcased Velocity’s proficiency in crafting impactful digital strategies but also highlighted its commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations.
• Guiding the strategic acquisition of a marketing automation software company, Velocity steered the client towards a multi-million dollar upsurge in corporate valuation. This strategic move not only underscored Velocity’s acumen in identifying synergistic business opportunities but also solidified its reputation as a catalyst for exponential corporate growth. 

These resounding client achievements serve as irrefutable testaments to the transformative capabilities of strategic foresight and meticulous execution embodied by Velocity Strategy Solutions, underscoring how targeted initiatives, when executed with precision, can propel organizations toward unparalleled growth and success.

Personal Philosophy and Influences

Stroup’s professional journey is influenced by strategic thinkers like Tom Peters, Clayton Christianson, David Rogers, John Kotter, and Donella Meadsows. These influences have shaped his leadership and growth approach, especially regarding systems thinking, organizational development, continuous improvement, and innovation. “I’m focused on driving strategic growth by aligning teams, streamlining technology, reducing complexity, and enhancing revenue generation. My goal is to build the capacity and capabilities needed for sustained success. This is what I call growth architecture,” he explains.

His philosophy is grounded in two fundamental realities: clarity and alignment. “You need the right people working on the right strategic goals, with systems that promote collaboration and interdependence, supported by technology and data that enable efficiency and effectiveness,” he notes. This approach fosters a culture of learning, experimentation, and adaptability, which is essential for success.

Overcoming Challenges

Throughout his career, Stroup has consistently assumed the mantle of leadership in tackling formidable challenges that others shied away from. With a remarkable ability to rally cross-functional teams, assess potential opportunities, and methodically drive toward transformative outcomes, he has earned a reputation as the premier problem-solver and a close ally of ambitious, visionary leaders. “I like to say Velocity brings executive-level talent to executive-level challenges. We consistently get results for our clients because we have the experience to navigate the challenges of change and transformation within organizations,” he articulates.

One of his standout achievements involved orchestrating the integration of diverse teams spanning multiple sectors to align toward a common objective. Stroup fostered a culture of open communication, ensuring each team member grasped the overarching strategy and their pivotal role in its realization.

In another defining moment, Stroup adeptly navigated the intricate landscape of digital transformation within a traditionally change-resistant organization. Employing a meticulous approach underpinned by data-driven insights, he effectively showcased the benefits of change and garnered stakeholder buy-in through strategic alignment and capacity planning. This approach proved instrumental in surmounting resistance and orchestrating seamless transitions.

Through a fusion of experience, strategic foresight, and precise execution, Velocity Strategy Solutions has consistently delivered exceptional results under Stroup’s leadership. His exemplary track record underscores the notion that even the most daunting challenges can be conquered with a blend of astute strategy and disciplined implementation.

Future Vision

Looking ahead, Velocity plans to expand their work with CEOs seeking increased profitability, optimized teams, accurate reporting, and reduced complexity. Stroup believes CEOs must participate in problem discovery and solution design phases. “Every CEO needs to get their organizations ready to harness the competitive advantage AI offers. To do that will require a fundamental change in four categories: people, process, technology, and data,” he explains. Clarity and alignment are key to successful change and transformation projects.

Stroup envisions breaking down silos within organizations. “A technology problem can’t be solved with just technology leadership. It requires multiple perspectives. That means all stakeholders need to participate in the change process,” he asserts. By fostering interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration, Stroup believes CEOs can effectively drive innovation and success.

A Roadmap to Success

Velocity Strategy Solutions underscores the importance of strategic alignment and innovative thinking. Stroup’s insights offer valuable lessons for leaders at all levels. “Consider carefully, yet execute swiftly,” he advises. “Embrace change, plan effectively, and collaborate across disciplines. These principles will pave the path to success and create a resilient, forward-thinking organization.”

As Stroup continues to guide organizations through complex challenges, his commitment to alignment and clarity serves as an inspiration to CEOs looking to couple strategy with an operations strategy that will turn vision into reality in a measurable and methodical way to reduce risk and increase institutional learning and impact. In a world where the only constant is change, Stroup’s approach provides a roadmap for sustainable growth and enduring success.

Published by: Martin De Juan