Stress-test your strategy before the client does.
Independent senior challenge for critical pitches, recommendations and strategy sign-off.
Before an important pitch, recommendation or strategy sign-off, get an independent view of what stands up — and what doesn't.
Send me the strategy and the evidence behind it. Within 2-3 working days, I'll identify where the argument is strong, where the logic or evidence is exposed, and what needs another look before it reaches the client.
£400 + VAT fixed price
Written Stress map + assessment + 30-minute debrief
How it works
1. You send…
Your strategy, recommendation or plan, along with the key evidence behind it and enough context for me to understand the situation.
2. I stress-test…
I interrogate the logic, evidence and assumptions, using the Four Strategic Bets to expose weak points and anticipate where the recommendation could be challenged.
3. You get…
A clear view of what stands up, what needs attention and what to do next — captured in a one-page Stress Map and concise assessment, followed by a 30-minute debrief.
Four Strategic Bets
Every strategy rests on assumptions about customers, competitors, your ability to deliver and the world around you. The Stress Test makes those bets explicit, then asks whether the evidence is strong enough to support them.
Customer
What are you betting people will want, value or do?
Competition
What are you betting competitors will ignore, copy or fail to match?
Capability
What are you betting your organisation can actually deliver?
Context
What are you betting will remain true about the market, category or environment?
Twenty years testing decisions against evidence
I’ve spent two decades helping leadership teams and agencies turn complex business challenges into clear strategic direction.
My background spans data-led strategy, direct and digital marketing, CRM, customer insight, GTM and brand strategy. That means I’m used to combining hard evidence with human insight, rather than building direction on assumptions.
Across previous roles, that has included:
+100% YoY subscription growth by reaching a new audience
Audience growth strategy for a global digital product.
£3m+ entry into a new market, tripling average order value
Data-led positioning and acquisition strategy for a major retail brand.
Increased visits beyond established destinations
Audience and positioning strategy for a national tourism brand.
A global growth platform across new cycling segments
Market & audience strategy for a PE-backed global consumer brand.
Selected previous experience:
“Nick will always bring a new and different perspective to your thinking.”
“If you’re serious about the quality of your work then having really smart people around you, pushing, prodding and inspiring is crucial. Nick’s one of them.”
“Whatever the challenge, Nick identifies and understands it at lightning speed.”
You don’t need another strategy. You need confidence in this one.
Tell me what you're working on and what you're about to put in front of the client and I'll tell you whether a Stress Test could be the right assurance you need now.