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USA: Stuck in a DivideLet’s imagine for a moment that you are a citizen or resident of the USA. You love the country and especially the vision of the founding fathers. However, you are distressed by the degree of the political divide. It has hijacked popular attention. People seem to hate each other. Is there a way to find inspiration beyond the current uncertainty? Can leaders possibly come together if only they took a long-term view of the country, and the world? Tune into this episode to join me in tackling this wicked problem. Summary In this episode of the Jump Leap Long-Term Strategy Podcast, Francis Wade explores the deep political divide in the United States and its implications for the future. He introduces a fictional character, Amanda, who seeks to bridge this divide through a bipartisan approach. Wade discusses the importance of long-term thinking in politics, drawing parallels with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 initiative as a model for creating a unified national vision. He emphasizes the need for consensus and a future-back planning approach to address the challenges facing the U.S. and the world. takeaways The political divide in the U.S. is a significant issue. Long-term thinking is essential for political stability. Bipartisanship can lead to shared goals and outcomes. Vision 2030 Jamaica serves as a model for national planning. Consensus building is crucial for effective governance. Political instability affects global perceptions of the U.S. Future-back planning can help overcome present challenges. A unified vision is necessary for the U.S. to thrive. The process of creating a national vision requires broad consultation. This is a pivotal moment for the future of democracy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Political Divide 08:42 The Impact of Political Instability 14:29 Exploring Solutions: Vision 2030 Jamaica 20:35 The Process of National Development Planning 26:41 Lessons from Jamaica’s Vision 2030 32:27 The Importance of a Unified Vision 38:38 Future-Back Planning for the U.S. 44:39 Conclusion: A Call to Action The Long-Term Strategy Conference 2025 – https://strategyconf.fwconsulting.com This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit longtermstrategy.substack.com/subscribe
   
Growing the Economy with a Grand Strategy: Four Unavoidable TruthsAs a business leader, you’re tired of hearing about countries with stagnant economies. Perhaps your own nation is among them — stuck in low-growth mode, with seemingly no way out. Yet, you’re committed to finding answers. You’re ready for bold ideas, not short-term gimmicks. Here’s one worth your time. A few weeks ago, I watched a YouTube video from a university research day featuring Michael Lopez, a BioPharma innovator with ties to Canada and South Korea. He’s also my cousin, so I thought I knew his backstory. But this presentation hit differently. Lopez has a bold vision: establish a BioPharma manufacturing industry in the Caribbean. He’s not talking about theory — he’s proposing a proven model, grounded in global best practices. And while the facility could go anywhere in the region, he believes Jamaica is the natural leader. It has the infrastructure, location, and skilled talent pool to outcompete neighbours like Barbados or Guyana. But this isn’t a weekend project. The investment? Around US$80 million over five years. The potential return? A sustainable 5–10% annual GDP boost. Not bad for a “wicked” problem — one that looks impossible until it’s solved. Facing the FactsOther Caribbean nations have had growth spurts, thanks to fossil fuels. Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana both tapped into oil and gas to ignite rapid development. Jamaica, on the other hand, leans heavily on tourism — and not especially well. For example, the average tourist visiting the Bahamas spends about 120% more than one visiting Jamaica. And the Bahamian economy is far better structured to support the tourism sector end-to-end. This hard truth makes one thing clear: there’s no quick win for Jamaica or countries like it. There’s no magic bullet. No five-year plan will cut it. What’s needed is a Grand Industrial Strategy — a long-term, focused commitment to economic transformation. A Vision Beyond 2030You might recall Jamaica’s Vision 2030 — a national roadmap launched to transition the country to developed status. While it didn’t dive deep into industrial policy, it offered a framework for change. But now, it’s become fashionable to be cynical about such visions. That’s a mistake. If we take a longer view — what Apple CEO Tim Cook calls “the long arc of time” — we may be closer to breakthrough than it appears. This is not the moment to give up. It’s the moment to double down. Let’s look at four unavoidable truths, informed by history and grounded in realism. Truth #1: Transformations Take DecadesMajor economic wins don’t happen overnight. Consider the Jamaican company GraceKennedy and its “GK 2020” plan. It took 25 years of disciplined execution to turn vision into results. Real change takes long-term thinking — and staying the course. Truth #2: Politics Can Get in the WayAs another election cycle looms, many countries face the same problem: political battles overshadow growth strategies. Even when elections are peaceful, short-term thinking often trumps long-term policy. That’s a structural challenge. Truth #3: We Can Achieve Great Things TogetherHistory shows we can come together to achieve national milestones — from winning independence to dramatically reducing debt-to-GDP ratios. When we align across sectors and silos, we move mountains. Truth #4: Some Goals Must Transcend PoliticsBig ideas — like a regional BioPharma industry — can’t be reduced to partisan talking points. Political leaders may be tempted to take credit, but nation-building requires collective ownership. No single party or figure should be at the centre. If these truths resonate, then support those who aim to build cross-sector alliances — across political parties, businesses, civil society, churches, and everyday citizens. This collaborative approach is how Vision 2030 was born: through six years of engagement with thousands of Jamaicans from all walks of life. It wasn’t perfect, but it created lasting alignment. Now we must take what we learned, let go of our cynicism, and aim higher. Time to Build AgainAs elections approach, we have a unique opportunity. Why not use this moment to begin drafting the next grand vision — one that spans 2030 to 2040 and beyond? A plan bigger than any single government, industry, or company. BioPharma is just one example. But it shows what’s possible when we focus on innovation and long-term investment instead of short-term survival. You may never see your name etched in history books. But like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “You may not get there with them.” Still, the sacrifice of planting the seeds — of thinking long-term, of putting country above self — could be the difference between stagnation and transformation. You may not be called a hero. But your effort as a business leader may just help rewrite the future. Interested in more ideas like this explored in more detail? Visit https://longtermstrategy.info for more content.   From Vision to Victory: 8 Steps to Deliver Game-Changing Corporate ResultsImagine this: You’re the CEO of a growing company. You’ve gathered your executive team, ready to rally them around a bold, breakthrough ambition. But there’s a moment of hesitation—you know someone will ask, “What’s the next move?” and you’re not quite sure how to respond. You’re not alone. Many leaders find themselves in this exact spot—excited about what could be, yet uncertain about how to turn ambition into action. The good news? You’re right to believe something extraordinary is within reach. The bad news? Big ideas often fail—not because they’re unworthy, but because there’s no clear pathway to success. Grand visions don’t collapse from lack of enthusiasm. They collapse from lack of structure. So, what’s the fix? Is there a proven approach that balances vision and execution? Let’s start with three critical foundations you need in place, followed by an eight-step formula used by transformative leaders across sectors and continents. Three Conditions for Large-Scale SuccessIf your organization includes dozens—or even hundreds—of team members, these conditions are non-negotiable:
Take public health as an example. Japan, for instance, has one of the lowest obesity rates among developed nations—just 4.3%, compared to 38.2% in the United States and 27.8% in the United Kingdom. This achievement translates into longer life expectancy, reduced healthcare costs, and a more productive workforce. Was this a cultural accident? A genetic advantage? Not at all. Beginning in the 1960s, Japan implemented a national strategy focused on nutrition education. By 2005, they had passed legislation making food literacy a formal part of the curriculum, with licensed educators delivering it across schools. This didn’t happen by chance. It was a deliberate, long-term plan backed by consistent investment and engagement. Contrast that with wishful thinking: “All we need is the right cabinet member,” or “A good grant will solve this.” That’s magical thinking—not strategy. So, what does work? Here’s an eight-step framework used by CEOs, policymakers, and change agents to turn bold goals into tangible success. 8 Steps to Making Your Vision Real1. Set a bold, measurable aspiration.
2. Make it a shared journey.
3. Commit to a long-term horizon.
4. Plan with precision.
5. Have the hard conversations.
6. Translate ideas into structured projects.
7. Inspire through clarity.
8. Embrace risk.
As Machiavelli warned, “There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.” Leaders who use this eight-step playbook don’t depend on luck. They take calculated risks, stay grounded in measurable outcomes, and engage others deeply. The payoff? Not just short-term wins, but long-lasting impact. Their names may fade, but their legacy endures. The secret isn’t genius—it’s structured, disciplined action guided by principle and purpose. P.S. These results are not uncommon. Just check out the Made in China 2025 vision crafted in 2015. In part, this article was inspired by the approach used and its reported 86% success rate. For more, see articles and discussions on my site – www.longtermstrategy.info
Ep 28 Strategizing Around a Toxic CultureThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit longtermstrategy.substack.com You are leading the development of a strategic plan in an organization. The company has a very transactional culture in which staff members are doing the minimum required to get by. However, the company needs to develop a game-changing strategic plan to stay relevant in its industry. You are concerned that staff members don’t care about the future of the organization, but their buy-in is essential. How can you get them interested in a shared future vision for the organization, beyond a mere paycheck or bonus? Tune into this episode to hear from me and my special guest, Debilyn Molineaux, as we tackle this wicked problem together. I’m Francis Wade and welcome to the JumpLeap Long-Term Strategy Podcast Debilyn Molineaux serves as the catalyst for the American Future project to help everyday Americans discover and believe in a future that will be “worth it” to work together for the sake of our nation. Debilyn is a serial entrepreneur, co-founding many organizations and transpartisan projects over her 20+ year career in establishing the democracy ecosystem. Here’s a 20-minute video excerpt. To watch the full video, see below, under the paywall for subscribers.
  Ep 27 – Missing Insights | How to Find Breakthrough Strategies in the C-SuiteThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit longtermstrategy.substack.com You are convinced that your company or client needs a game-changing strategy. But you have also worked with them to see that their thinking is pedestrian. Ordinary. Run of the mill. Business as usual. You realise that one element which is lacking is a set of powerful insights. Without them, you’ll always be stuck no matter how well they do at implementation. And if a competitor comes along, like Deep Seek, you’ll be disrupted. Tune into this episode to join me in tackling this wicked problem. And here’s a resource I mentioned for scanning future trends: https://www.futuresplatform.com/ Here is the complimentary video excerpt for free subscribers. The full video is behind the paywall below.
 
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