Strategic turns six today – a reflection by our founder

Orla Clancy: 

On 21 April 2020, at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I launched a pilot magazine with a collection of my articles, and Strategic was born… with a vision “to position communication as a strategic management function.” Back then, I referred to Strategic as my “lockdown passion project” or “lockdown therapy”.

During the past six years, I have gradually grown Strategic and evolved its offering; some of those offerings worked, others didn’t, or it was too soon. There were times when I was driving or walking the beach and I’d think of a new idea, and couldn’t wait to work on it (which often still happens). There were times when I postponed lunches, dinners or weekends away as I was focused on developing a new idea. There were times when I’d receive calls from communication or business leaders to say they couldn’t support Strategic right away, but to keep going. There were other times when I applied for jobs and went for interviews, even though my instincts were telling me they weren’t for me. The last time I did this I had a lengthy conversation with a friend and business owner about why I was doing this, and I haven’t done it since. There were times when I considered selling or even closing the company. I remember having a conversation with a business advisor who said if I did this I’d end up starting something else as I’m “wired that way”. I often think of that conversation.

A key moment for me and Strategic was in December 2024 when my business partner Mike Klein joined the company taking on the role of editor-in-chief. Mike and #WeLeadComms had always supported me and Strategic from the start due to the synergies between our ambitions for the communication profession. It made perfect sense to join forces. Mike and I have different yet complementary business perspectives, communication expertise and networks. All of which have helped elevate Strategic.

Until seven months ago, I was building Strategic as a “side business”. It took five-and-a-half years to be in a position where I could give it the full time commitment that I do now. It was worth every minute.

Today, as I reflect on last week in Brussels where we hosted four events in three days for our community of global communication leaders and partners, and as I look ahead with excitement and anticipation, I have an even greater appreciation for relationships and resilience.

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Orla Clancy is founder and managing director at Strategic.