LBL Strategies

What LBL Strategies does

LBL Strategies is a Chicago-headquartered, privately held consulting and professional training firm founded in 1985 by Randall Rollinson that develops and commercializes the proprietary Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS), a six-phase methodology covering System Initiation, Environmental Assessment, Strategy Formulation, Strategic Planning, Strategy Execution, and Performance Management, aligned with the IASP Body of Knowledge 3.0. The firm packages this methodology into a portfolio of certification and continuing-education programs — Mastering Strategy (offered in self-paced, live online 10-week, and 5-day bootcamp formats at $1,960–$4,995), Mastering Foresight for scenario-based planning ($2,950), Mastering Agile Organizational Design ($2,975), IASP exam preparation, the new AI Strategy Lab ($199), and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Champion program — together with customized strategic planning facilitation, scenario planning workshops, and hourly or retainer advisory services ($150–$275/hour, $500–$1,000/month).

The company's commercial model combines open-enrollment training (sold direct via website), customized enterprise training (delivered on-site, virtually via Zoom, or self-paced), and high-touch advisory engagements using a 'Critical Friend' model. Programs are co-endorsed for university certification by George Washington University's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GWU-CEPL) and the Baldrige Foundation Institute for Performance Excellence. Distribution uses the IASP Registered Education Provider network, multiple U.S. military credentialing assistance portals (ArmyIgnitED, AFCOOL, Navy COOL, Coast Guard COOL, Marine Corps COOL), and a global trainer/consultant footprint spanning offices in Chicago, Washington D.C., London, and Dubai.

Customers and named testimonials span federal and defense agencies (NASA, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, U.S. Department of State), regulated utilities (Southern California Edison, Exelon, ComEd), healthcare and education (Adventist Health White Memorial, American College of Radiology, University of Maryland University College, Southern New Hampshire University, Wounded Warrior Project), and international groups (Almajdouie Group Holding, Halcyon Agri). LBL cites 2,600+ organizations served since 1985, a 95% IASP certification pass rate, and alumni comprising 31% of IASP SPP-certified and 12% of IASP SMP-certified professionals. The company is a veteran-owned small business operating with no outside institutional investment.

Name

LBL Strategies

Legal name

LBL Strategies

Website

https://lblstrategies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

LBL Strategies is a Chicago-based, veteran-owned consulting and training firm founded in 1985 that delivers the proprietary Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS) through certification programs, scenario-planning courses, and advisory services to government agencies, defense organizations, regulated enterprises, and strategy professionals globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Management Consulting & Strategic Planning Training

NAICS

Management Consulting Services (54161), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Other Management Consulting Services (541618)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Learning & Development (L&D) & Training Management (EDABAIAC)

Keywords

• Strategic management consulting
• Strategic planning training
• Scenario-based planning
• Professional certification prep
• Organizational design consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Professional Certification Training Programs: Revenue from intensive training programs including Mastering Strategy (Self-Paced $1,960, Live Online $2,960, Bootcamp $4,995), Mastering Foresight ($2,950), and Mastering Agile Organizational Design ($2,975). Programs include optional GWU certification for additional 20% fee.
2. Advisory and Consulting Services: Hourly advisory sessions ($275/hour), half-hour sessions ($150), and monthly retainer plans ($500-$1,000/month) providing strategic management and foresight guidance using a 'Critical Friend' approach.
3. AI Strategy Lab Subscription: Self-paced online program with 15 videos and AI prompts for $199, with $50 alumni discount. Recognized for IASP re-certification requirements.
4. Customized Corporate Training: Organization-specific training solutions delivered as hybrid programs combining face-to-face, online live, and self-paced modules tailored to specific organizational needs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

LBL Strategies sells structured strategic management training programs and related consulting/advisory services built around the proprietary Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS) framework. Its signature offerings are the Mastering Strategy certification (offered as a self-paced online program, a 10-week live online program, and a 5-day in-person bootcamp), IASP SPP/SMP exam preparation, and scenario-based planning/foresight workshops, with adjacent programs covering agile organizational design and Baldrige performance excellence. It also delivers customized corporate training, facilitation, and Critical Friend advisory engagements to governments, Fortune 500 firms, defense agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and individual professionals pursuing IASP credentials.

Product overview

LBL Strategies is a training and consulting company offering a portfolio of strategic management education and certification programs built around the Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS) framework. The core offerings include Mastering Strategy Certification (in Self-Paced Online, Live Online 10-Week, and Bootcamp formats), IASP Certification Exam Preparation, and Mastering Foresight for scenario-based planning. Additional professional development programs include Mastering Agile Organization Design Certification, Strategic Thinking in the 21st Century, Strategic Agility & OKR Workshop, and the Baldrige Performance Excellence Champion Certification. Specialized tracks exist for military service members and public sector organizations. Consulting services encompass strategic planning, scenario-based planning, and advisory services. The AI Strategy Lab is a newer add-on module teaching integration of AI tools (LLMs, ChatGPT) into strategic management processes. All programs are offered in partnership with George Washington University CEPL and/or the Baldrige Foundation Institute for Performance Excellence.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mastering Strategy: Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS) certification program - intensive hands-on training for strategic management competencies
• Mastering Foresight
• AI Strategy Lab
• Baldrige Performance Excellence Champion Program
• Mastering Agile Organization Design

Products and services

• Mastering Strategy: Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS) Certification Intensive hands-on certification program teaching the full strategic management process — formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Offered in self-paced online, live online 10-week, and 5-day bootcamp formats. Aligned with IASP Body of Knowledge and optional GWU certification. Designed for strategy professionals and teams in government, Fortune 500, defense, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations.
• IASP Certification Exam Preparation Exam prep course preparing learners for the International Association for Strategy Professionals SPP and SMP certification exams. LBL is designated as both a Certification Preparation Provider and Approved Learning Provider.
• Mastering Foresight: Scenario-Based Planning Certification Program Five-day intensive program teaching a five-phase strategic foresight and scenario-based planning methodology (Focus on Future, Develop Alternative Worlds, Facilitate Workshop, Analyze Investments, Apply to Strategy). Offered in-person and live online. For organizations preparing for uncertain futures and professionals seeking foresight credentials.
• AI Strategy Lab Self-paced online program teaching strategy professionals to integrate AI tools (LLMs, ChatGPT) into strategic management processes. Includes 15 recorded videos with companion AI prompts for environmental assessment, decision-making, scenario planning, SWOT analysis, and competitive intelligence. Targets strategy professionals and Mastering Strategy alumni.
• Mastering Agile Organization Design Certification Professional certification training program teaching the practice of constructing agile, adaptive, and responsive organizations across five stages (Sense, Mobilize, Frame, Customize, Resolve). Available in online live format with group discounts. For leaders and consultants leading organizational transformation.
• Baldrige Performance Excellence Champion (BPEC) Certification Program Ten-week online or five-day in-person bootcamp integrating strategic management systems with the Baldrige Excellence Framework. Co-sponsored by the Baldrige Foundation Institute for Performance Excellence. Available in open-enrollment and company-specific formats.
• Strategic Thinking in the 21st Century Two-day professional development training customized for organizations to build strategic thinking capabilities for leaders. Includes Harvard Business Press self-assessment. For leaders who need to think, plan, and act strategically.
• Strategic Agility & OKR Workshop One-day interactive workshop cultivating agile decision-making using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), scenario planning, quarterly OKRs, and double-loop learning for strategic execution.
• Mastering Strategy Credentialing for Service Members Specialized program for active-duty and veteran military members pursuing IASP Strategic Planning and Strategic Management certifications, packaged with credentialing assistance through ArmyIgnitED and the COOL family of funding programs.
• Strategic Foresight for Army Transformation Two-week specialized program featuring strategic foresight for Multi-Domain Operations. Includes workshops by industry experts and former military leaders. For Army strategists and defense planners.
• Mastering Execution for the Public Sector Online live program focused on increasing communication and leadership skills during public sector organizational strategic transitions. For public sector leaders responsible for executing strategic initiatives.
• Strategic Planning & Management Consulting Services Customized consulting engagements applying LBL's six-phase Strategic Management Performance System (SMPS): System Initiation, Environmental Assessment, Strategy Formulation, Strategic Planning, Strategy Execution, and Performance Management. For organizations needing facilitated strategic planning, board development, and performance management.
• Foresight & Scenario Planning Consulting Custom scenario-based planning workshops and strategic foresight consulting services to help organizations prepare for uncertain futures and inform strategic planning. Built on the five-phase scenario-based planning methodology.
• Strategy Management & Foresight Advisory Services Personalized advisory services providing expert guidance and 'Critical Friend' support for career advancement, IASP certification preparation, and strategic planning. Available as hourly, half-hour, or monthly retainer plans delivered online.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% pass rate for IASP certification exams among program graduates
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• George Washington University - Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GWU-CEPL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGWU-CEPL is a key academic partner offering university certification for LBL's Mastering Strategy and Mastering Foresight programs. Learners can earn university certification from GWU-CEPL, co-endorsed by The Baldrige Foundation Institute for Performance Excellence, upon successful program completion. This partnership provides alumni status for executive education programs and access to Continuing Education Units.
• Baldrige Foundation Institute for Performance ExcellencecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Baldrige Foundation co-endorses LBL's certification programs and provides the Baldrige Performance Excellence Champion Certification Program. The foundation offers $150 enrollment credit for members and military personnel. Programs integrate Baldrige principles with strategic management frameworks.
• International Association for Strategy Professionals (IASP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLBL Strategies is a founding member and Registered Education Provider (REP) and Approved Learning Provider (ALP) for IASP. The Mastering Strategy program serves as exam prep for IASP's SPP and SMP certifications. LBL alumni receive 50% discount on new IASP annual membership ($150 savings). LBL training counts as 'double credit' toward IASP re-certification.
• Army Strategist AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLBL Strategies is a Senior Corporate Partner of the Army Strategist Association, providing exclusive training access for military strategists. The partnership supports service members in obtaining IASP credentials through credentialing assistance programs.
• Project Management Institute (PMI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPMI recognizes LBL Strategies as a registered education provider. PMP-certified graduates of the Mastering Strategy program can claim Professional Development Units (PDUs) - self-paced format provides 15 PDUs (11 Strategic, 4 Leadership).
• The Futures SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMastering Foresight: Scenario-Based Planning is officially eligible for pursuit of The Futures School Professional Foresight Certification in Natural Foresight. The program is also considered for recertification credits.
• U.S. Army (ArmyIgnitED)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArmyIgnitED platform enables Army service members to apply for funding for LBL's Mastering Strategy programs. LBL provides step-by-step guidance for the ArmyIgnitED application process.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning: Enterprise-facing corporate learning business of Harvard Business Publishing; provides strategy and leadership training content to large organizations, overlapping with LBL's professional development catalog.
• Duke Corporate Education: Premier custom executive education provider serving Fortune 500 and government clients; comparable in audience and executive-level strategy training, though with a much broader curriculum.
• Bain & Company: Top-tier global management consulting firm with significant overlap in strategy formulation and execution advisory work for large enterprises and government-adjacent organizations.
• McKinsey & Company: Largest global management consultancy; competes broadly with LBL in strategic planning, organizational design, and transformation engagements, especially in the public sector.
• Strategy& (PwC): Major global strategy consulting practice serving Fortune 500 and government clients; competes with LBL's consulting services at the high end of the market and dwarfs it in scale and brand.

Direct peers

• Institute for the Future: Nonprofit foresight and scenario-planning research and training organization; highly comparable to LBL's Mastering Foresight / scenario-based planning program in both content and professional audience.
• Balanced Scorecard Institute: Provides strategy execution training, certification, and consulting built around the Balanced Scorecard methodology, directly overlapping LBL's strategic management training and certification offerings.
• Palladium Group: Strategy execution and Balanced Scorecard consultancy offering training, certification, and advisory services to government and enterprise clients - directly comparable in methodology, customer base, and delivery model.
• International Institute for Learning (IIL): Global training and certification provider for project management, Agile, and business analysis with a similar professional-education catalog and corporate-training delivery model.

Emerging players

• Center for Creative Leadership (CCL): Nonprofit leadership education and research organization offering executive programs; adjacent to LBL with overlap in leadership/strategy training for senior professionals and government clients.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lblstrategies

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LBL Strategies