Hire the Best Strategy & Planning Professionals

If your strategy is clear but execution keeps falling short — or your organisation is growing faster than your operating model can support — that gap is what I close. ✅ Upwork Top 1% Talent ✅ Expert Vetted With more than 20 years of senior consulting experience, I design and build operating models that turn strategic intent into operational reality. My work spans operating model design, target operating model (TOM) development, business architecture, capability-based planning, and the organisational restructuring required to make it all stick. My primary specialisations are: ⭐ Target Operating Model Design — from current-state diagnosis through to future-state blueprint, transition roadmap, and capability build ⭐ Business Architecture — linking strategy, capabilities, value streams, and processes into a coherent, executable structure ⭐ Capability-Based Planning — identifying the capabilities your operating model needs, prioritising investment, and sequencing delivery ⭐ Organisational Design — structures, roles, governance, and operating rhythms aligned to strategic intent ⭐ Strategy Execution — translating high-level plans into programmes, milestones, and measurable outcomes The results I have delivered have moved the needle in ways that matter. One engagement compressed a 4.5-year insurance claims backlog to 9 months. Another supported a 13,000+ interview programme that redesigned enterprise operating models across 52 countries. I hold a Master Certified Architect (Open CA®) designation — the highest independent certification in business architecture — and I am the author of published whitepapers and implementation guides covering the strategic alignment of business, operations, and IT. Take a look at what recent clients have said: "Stephen once again went above and beyond in terms of delivering a top quality report to exacting standards, remaining calm and professional in the face of constantly shifting client requirements." - Nov 2024 "Stephen was a lifesaver! He helped me rescue a project that was at risk of failure by being able to see the bigger picture before identifying the structural changes that quickly needed implementing. He showed great attention to detail and I could always depend on him to complete the jobs to a very high standard and with a fast turnaround time." - Jan 2024 "Stephen was a pleasure to work with. He took the time to make sure he understood our vision so he could create the right deliverable. He was great at communicating and was always available if we had questions. Working with him was a good experience all around." - Aug 2023 "Stephen has an uncanny ability to dissect issues and uncover insights that elude other freelancers. His suggestions and recommendations worked like magic. I highly recommend." - Feb 2023

Hi, I’m Khushi, a results-driven professional with 5+ years of experience in project management, business operations, and strategic development. I help startups, tech companies, and service-based businesses streamline processes, boost productivity, and build scalable systems for sustainable growth. ✅ My Core Strengths: 📌 Project & Task Management – Trello, ClickUp, Notion, Asana 🔧 CRM Setup & Optimization – HubSpot, Zoho, custom workflows 🧩 Process Design & Automation – SOPs, documentation, efficiency hacks 📈 Lead Generation & Market Research – competitive insights, outreach mapping 🤝 Client Onboarding & Cross-Functional Coordination 📊 Business Performance Monitoring – KPIs, reporting, optimization 🏆 Results I Deliver: Increased qualified leads by 25% through refined BD strategies Improved team productivity by 18% via streamlined internal workflows Built and nurtured 3+ strategic partnerships through stakeholder alignment Designed onboarding systems with 95%+ compliance & accuracy 💬 Why Clients Love Working With Me: I'm proactive, collaborative, and laser-focused on outcomes. I don’t just tick tasks, I identify gaps, fix inefficiencies, and build lasting value. Whether you're looking for project coordination, operations support, or a partner to help optimize your business backend, I’m here to deliver clarity and momentum. Let’s turn your goals into smart, scalable systems 🚀

Market research specialist, experienced Big 4 consultant, strong in many related research areas such as industry analysis, business analysis, competitive analysis, pricing, strategy, market sizing, presentations, business plans, white paper, etc. Worked full time with Deloitte and Accenture in the past as market researcher/ market research specialist and consultant. Ranked Top 1 % on Upwork, Notable Stats: 20+years experience creating consulting and market research reports "Expert vetted" by Upwork i.e. top 1% freelancers on platform ( across market research, competitive analysis, business analysis, industry analysis, strategy, pricing strategy, etc.) Ten years on Upwork -100% job success rate, 300+projects (across strategy, market research, competitive analysis, pricing strategy, industry analysis, business analysis, presentations, marketing strategy, writing, business plans, etc.) Worked on more than 1000 market research and industry analysis projects Worked with 100+ start-ups (for strategy, market research, market sizing, pricing, competitive analysis, etc.) Worked with founders who raised $100mn Helped raise $10mn for multiple clients (using skills such as market research, industry analysis, competitive analysis, market sizing, strategy, pricing strategy, etc.) Delivered more than 100 investment presentations and pitch decks Wrote more than 100 white papers Conducted than 100 competitive analysis Cross industry and function experience Industries/Technologies Covered: Covered industries such as telecom, software & IT services, media, oil and gas, energy, real estate, retail (including e-commerce/D2C), finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, medical devices, education (including EdTech), travel, automotive, nonprofit, aerospace, senior housing, connected cars, structured financial products, and cryptocurrency. Emerging technologies covered include Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML), Big Data analytics, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), mobility / connected vehicles, Quantum Computing, and FinTech applications. Have also helped clients with preparation of cryptocurrency and blockchain white papers for ICOs, STOs, IDOs, and related token offerings. Comprehensive Skills List: Market Research/ Market Research Specialist Competitive Analysis/Competitor Benchmarking/Competitor Research Business Analysis/ Business Consulting/ Business Analyst Industry analysis/Industry Landscape/ Industry Deep-Dive Sector Deep-Dive/ Market Deep-Dive/ Sector Analysis Data Analysis Market Analysis Strategy Qualitative Research / Customer Insights / Survey Design Microsoft Excel Marketing Strategy Company Research/ Online Research Market Sizing / TAM SAM SOM Presentations / Investor Pitch Deck/Presentation Design Business Plan / Business Planning White Paper Case Study Research Technical Writing / Academic Writing / Research SWOT Analysis Go-to-Market Strategy (GTM) Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Analysis/ M&A Research Financial Analysis Brand Research Content Strategy / Content Writing Product / UX Research Lead Generation Pricing Strategy/Pricing Analysis Literature Review/ Academic Research/ Technical Research Market Segmentation Digital Marketing Feasibility Study Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Analysis

I help founders, investors, and corporate teams make faster, better capital and strategy decisions through institutional-grade financial modeling, valuation, and strategic analysis. As a former Big 4 consultant at Deloitte and PwC, with an MBA and an Engineering degree, I bring a rare combination of finance, strategy, and technical rigor. I have supported engagements that helped clients raise over $500M in capital, delivering models and analyses used in real investment and board-level decisions. 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 Financial Modeling & Forecasting Integrated 3-statement models, budgeting, long-term planning, scenario and sensitivity analysis. Valuation & Transaction Analysis DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions, LBO modeling, M&A support, and due diligence. Financial Planning & Performance FP&A, cash flow planning, performance tracking, and investor reporting. Fundraising & Investor Materials Pitch decks, investment memorandums, and financial narratives for capital raising. Strategy & Business Analysis Market research, business planning, competitive benchmarking, and growth strategy. Sector-Specific Modeling SaaS metrics (CAC, LTV, churn), energy and infrastructure, real estate models, and project finance. 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Fundraising preparation, investor reporting, acquisition analysis, budgeting and long-term planning, business case development, and turnaround or restructuring situations. I design every deliverable for decision-making clarity, with clean, audit-ready models, transparent assumptions, and built-in flexibility for scenario and sensitivity analysis. My work is structured to be used directly by founders, investors, and senior management. Experience spans AI and SaaS, energy and infrastructure, real estate, fintech, manufacturing, retail, public markets, and Web3. Tools and technical stack include advanced Microsoft Excel, VBA automation, financial forecasting systems, and cap table modeling. Top Rated and Expert-Vetted on Upwork, with consistent client feedback highlighting analytical depth, speed, and reliability. 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 🗨️ “Exceptional as always, this is my 5th or 6th project with Gabriel and each one has been a smooth and efficient process with no delays. Have already engaged with him for another contract.” 𝗟𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 🗨️ “Gabriel is extremely professional and completed the financial model on time. In addition to producing an excellent finished product he gives great advice, implementing things that we didn't think of.” 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗔𝗷𝗮𝘆𝗶 🗨️ “I can't wait to work with him again! He's a highly skilled and multi-faceted collaborator who's determined to help you cross the finish line.” 𝗗𝗶𝘅𝗶𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗺𝗮𝗻

Hi, I'm Carly! I'm a brand expert with niche expertise in B2B, tech, and professional services. If you're looking for a lean & efficient brand team with deep expertise on all topics brand, I'd love to help. ❇️ 𝐇𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞" 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝟑𝟎-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. ❇️ As a Top 1% Expert Vetted Upworker with a 100% Job Success Score, I've helped 170+ brands create high-performance platforms for growth. I've worked with clients like HP, Atlassian, the European Union, Johnson & Johnson, Conservation International, and Dartmouth College to help them develop distinct and compelling go-to-market strategies. My services include: ➕LOGOS + VISUAL IDENTITY DESIGN // Logos, color palettes, and typography systems that command attention. Graphic design for packaging and marketing assets ensure cohesion and impact at every touchpoint. ➕BRAND MESSAGING & POSITIONING STRATEGY // Define your target audience with precision, chart your own unique market territory, and solidify your messaging architecture. This work leads to resonant, distinct, and human website copy, brand taglines, and campaign concepts. ➕BRANDED WEBSITES & UI/UX DESIGN // Deliver striking & conversion optimized digital experiences. Specialized in Framer and Webflow. ➕MARKET RESEARCH & COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE // Gain a 20/20 vision of your market opportunity through surveys, focus groups, and research interviews. Put a finger on the pulse of emerging market trends. Zero in on new segments or flag competitive gaps. ➕BRAND NAMING // Receive distinct and memorable brand names that inspire prospects of what’s possible with you. ⭐️ WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ⭐️ Here’s what others are saying about working with me as a Top 1% Upworker.👇🏻 → “This was hands down the best experience I have had with any contractor. Carly spent the time to map out deliverables, thoroughly understand my needs, and then she executed flawlessly.” → "Carly is one of the very best contractors I have worked with. She worked as a true collaborator who took my business's needs on board and delivered outstanding work product. Throughout the project, she was highly insightful, flexible, and communicative." → “I have been an entrepreneur for over 20 years and can honestly say Carly is one of the most efficient freelancers I have worked with. She is a consummate professional who clearly has mastered her craft....she was responsive, delivered according to tight deadlines and the end result was superb.” → "Carly is a remarkably talented marketing consultant. It was an absolute pleasure working with her, from discussing her innovative approach to receiving the final product, which felt like a gift. Over the years, I have hired many consultants, but none have achieved the level of precision and excellence that Carly has. She's the real deal!" → “In my years of experience working with people, Carly ranks among the top 1%. She is highly communicative, professional, responsive, and detail-oriented.” → “Carly is incredible. Everyone involved in the project was blown away by the final product. She was able to capture the essence of the brand perfectly, and demonstrated an ability to articulate that messaging at a really high level. I could not recommend her work enough.” +Keywords for Upwork search: brand strategy, brand kit, branding, brand identity design, brand visuals, brand logo design, brand colors, brand typography, brand system, corporate branding, brand naming, brand messaging, brand positioning, taglines, slogans, website design, market research, competitive intelligence, competitor analysis, sales enablement, conversion optimization, website design, brand UX, brand UI, go-to-market strategy, product branding, product naming, creative director, art director, visual identity design, brand agency

Detail-oriented 𝐐𝐀 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫 with 2.6+ years of experience in 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥, 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐀𝐏𝐈, and 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 for 𝐖𝐞𝐛 and 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬. I specialize in ensuring software quality through well-structured test strategies, automation frameworks, and thorough validation processes that help clients deliver 𝐛𝐮𝐠-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Experienced in the full QA lifecycle — from requirement analysis and test case design to execution, defect reporting, and documentation. Proficient with tools like JIRA, BrowserStack and TestRail for efficient test management and collaboration. 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Developed a Hybrid Test Automation Framework using Java, Selenium WebDriver, Playwright, TestNG, Maven, and POM, integrated with Allure Reports, ExtentReports and Log4j2. Implemented CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and GitHub Actions to automate test execution on code commits and pull requests. Experienced in parallel and cross-browser testing using Selenium Grid and Playwright’s built-in capabilities to ensure faster and reliable automation runs. 𝐀𝐏𝐈 & 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Hands-on with Postman and Rest Assured for RESTful API validation. Skilled in schema validation, functional, and security testing, along with SQL-based database verification to ensure end-to-end data integrity and reliability. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: Executed load and stress testing using JMeter to analyze performance under real-world conditions. Familiar with BDD frameworks (Cucumber) and modern automation tools like Playwright and Cypress. Experienced in Git/GitHub for version control and Docker for test environment setup. 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: Active contributor in Agile/Scrum teams, participating in sprint planning, QA strategy design, and release validation. Known for clear communication, quick adaptation, and consistent delivery of high-quality results. I’m passionate about improving testing efficiency, adopting new technologies, and building reliable QA solutions that ensure top-quality software delivery for every client.