Strategy
Master Strategy with Agility: The STRIVE Handbook
How to Activate Your Vision & Thrive Amid Uncertainty
An end-to-end methodology to formulate, execute, and adapt strategy with agility.
About the book
Master Strategy with Agility: The STRIVE Handbook presents Jon Mayo's STRIVE methodology — an end-to-end methodology to formulate, execute, and adapt strategy with agility, captured in the subtitle: how to activate your vision and thrive amid uncertainty.
STRIVE is built around six elements. Situation assesses the current state (for example, via SWOT). Trends anticipates how the environment is changing (for example, via PESTLE). Risks treats uncertainties as opportunities to mitigate, accept, or transform. Intent defines a clear vision and the mission nested within it. Venture prioritizes high-impact initiatives (for example, via an Impact-Feasibility Matrix) to move from strategy to execution. And Engage sustains momentum through continuous feedback loops, accountability, and course correction.
The methodology's stated differentiator is fusing analytical rigor — SWOT, PESTLE, scenario planning — with agile execution and human-centric design: iterative loops over linear sequences, cross-functional collaboration over silos, and rapid feedback over static annual planning. Risks are reframed as opportunities for growth and innovation; intent and vision act as the North Star that energizes teams through ownership.
Jon frames STRIVE as the product of hard-earned experience leading organizations in both military (as a U.S. Army Artillery officer) and civilian and executive settings — a practical toolkit for moving from static planning to continuous strategic agility, and the methodology basis of the StriveOS product line.
The framework
STRIVE — a six-element methodology for strategic planning and execution: Situation, Trends, Risks, Intent, Venture, and Engage.
What you'll take away
- The STRIVE six-element framework: Situation, Trends, Risks, Intent, Venture, Engage
- Strategic agility — adapting strategy with speed and substance under uncertainty
- Fusing analytical rigor (SWOT, PESTLE, scenario planning) with agile execution
- Human-centric design applied to strategy: iterative loops, cross-functional collaboration, rapid feedback
- From static planning to continuous adaptation and learning velocity
- Risks reframed as opportunities for growth and innovation
- Intent and vision as the North Star that energizes teams through ownership
- Strategy that creates value and ROI, not just cost savings
- Origins forged from military and executive leadership experience
- The methodology basis of the StriveOS product line
Who it's for
Leaders, executives, founders, and entrepreneurs who need to formulate and execute strategy under uncertainty — and who want a structured-yet-adaptive method rather than rigid annual planning or pure reactionism. The source material explicitly addresses seasoned leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, and teams navigating volatility who feel the limits of traditional strategic planning. The military framing also speaks to veterans and operators translating tactical-to-strategic discipline into business leadership.
Related reading
Go deeper on the ideas in this book.
Questions
Frequently asked.
What is the STRIVE methodology?
STRIVE is Jon Mayo's six-element methodology for strategic planning and execution: Situation, Trends, Risks, Intent, Venture, and Engage. It is an end-to-end methodology to formulate, execute, and adapt strategy with agility.
What do the six STRIVE elements stand for?
Situation assesses the current state (e.g., SWOT); Trends anticipates environmental change (e.g., PESTLE); Risks treats uncertainties as opportunities to mitigate, accept, or transform; Intent defines vision and mission; Venture prioritizes high-impact initiatives (e.g., an Impact-Feasibility Matrix); and Engage sustains momentum through feedback loops, accountability, and course correction.
What makes STRIVE different from traditional strategic planning?
STRIVE fuses analytical rigor — SWOT, PESTLE, scenario planning — with agile execution and human-centric design: iterative loops over linear sequences, cross-functional collaboration over silos, and rapid feedback over static annual planning.
Is STRIVE connected to StriveOS?
Yes. STRIVE is the methodology basis of the StriveOS product line.
Is there an audiobook of the STRIVE Handbook?
No. Master Strategy with Agility: The STRIVE Handbook is currently available on Amazon; there is no Audible edition.
Get the book
Master Strategy with Agility: The STRIVE Handbook
How to Activate Your Vision & Thrive Amid Uncertainty
