What Does It Actually Mean to Be a Strategic Leader in STEM and Financial Services?

In leadership, we often hear the word strategic thrown around, but what does it really mean?

In the world of STEM and financial services, you’re often juggling technical expertise with high-level decision-making with millions of dollars at stake. You are in a male-dominated industry where as a female, you tend to people please, play small and firefight daily.

Do you think you spend more time being reactive or strategic?

For years, I’ve been thinking strategically without even realising it—until I saw my Clifton Strengths profile, which listed strategic thinking as one of my top 3 strengths. So, if you’re wondering whether you’re truly operating as a strategic leader, let me break it down for you.

You’re being strategic if:

• You have a clear goal in mind. You know what success looks like and you’re working toward it with intention. You’re not just managing the day-to-day grind—you’re driving toward a bigger vision.
• You’re not reacting to problems because you’ve already thought about potential obstacles and have solutions in place before they even happen. You’re proactive, not reactive, which keeps you ahead of the game.
• You’re using your time wisely, focusing on what moves the needle. You’re not caught up in tasks that feel urgent but don’t have long-term impact. You prioritize the strategic, not just the operational.
• You’ve mapped out a carefully thought-out plan to achieve your goals, with the most efficiency and least friction. You’ve anticipated the bumps in the road and have a plan to overcome them before they slow you down.
• You’ve identified key stakeholders, above and below, and have a relationship-building plan to keep them engaged and aligned with your vision.

The Difference Between Operational and Strategic Leadership

If you’re constantly putting out fires, reacting to last-minute issues, and barely making it through the day, you’re stuck in operational mode. It’s draining, stressful, and it keeps you from seeing the bigger picture. This is where many women in corporate leadership get stuck—managing the day-to-day, but not leading strategically.

I’ve seen this transformation happen firsthand inside 3SIXTY Leaders Club , where women like you have moved from reactive, operational leadership to powerful, strategic leadership.

Take Suzanne, for example. She was constantly juggling Mom life, deadlines, meetings, and the pressures of her team, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Through our work together, she learned how to step back, see the bigger picture, and plan ahead, using my CEO Power Hour Playbook and various other tools, becoming a leader who anticipates and manages challenges before they arise. Now, she’s operating two steps ahead, creating more impact at work while actually freeing up time for herself.

If this sounds like something you need, Click here to book your complimentary strategy session with me today to discover how joining 3SIXTY Leaders Club will be a gamechanger for you.

How Strategic Leadership Can Change Your Life

The truth is, if you’re not being strategic, you’re not leading—you’re surviving. And life is passing you by. The constant hustle, overworking, and the endless task list are stealing your ability to truly make an impact and live a full life outside of work.

I’ve worked with countless women in STEM and financial services in 3SIXTY Leaders Club who felt this way. They were stuck in a cycle of overthinking and overwhelm, always on the back foot, never able to switch off. Women like Linda, VP in Marketing, who went from struggling with imposter syndrome and feeling unheard, to confidently making decisions that shape the future of her team and reclaiming her personal time and prioritising health. The shift from operational to strategic leadership gave her the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose and still enjoy life outside of work.

Why Strategic Leadership Matters NOW

The reality is, if you keep operating on autopilot, waiting for things to change, you’re going to wake up months or years from now feeling like you missed out—not just on professional growth, but on living your life fully. Your family miss you - they notice work comes first and that's just not in alignment with who you really are, is it?

You don’t need to wait for a promotion, a new project, or more time to start being more strategic.

Your time is now.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to stop living reactively and start leading strategically, now is the time to act. Don’t let another day pass where you’re just getting by.

Life is way too short to struggle.

Ready to take back control of your career and personal well-being?

Click here to book a call with me to learn more about how 3SIXTY Leaders Club will change your life (I don't say that lightly, it's a fact). Discover the proven system that will help you shift from operational overwhelm to becoming a strategic leader who thrives at work and at home.

Let’s make sure you’re not just getting through the day, but leading with purpose and having time to focus on YOU.

Life’s too short to keep people pleasing and playing small—start leading with intention now in leadership and in life. Click here to book your complimentary strategy session with me today

About the Author:

When it comes to instilling confidence, being strategic, reclaiming time and accelerating success, Lucy Gernon is the go-to Executive Coach for ambitious, family-oriented women in leadership who feel overwhelmed, undervalued, and constantly juggling work and personal life. Lucy empowers women in senior corporate leadership who are doing everything to keep things afloat yet feel like they're always one step behind. Through her proven coaching methods, Lucy helps them unlock their potential, advance their careers, and create impact, all while finding the balance and calm they've been missing.

Lucy is the Founder of the 3SIXTY Leaders Club —the ONLY leadership development program which focuses not only on leadership but also mindset, self-leadership and work-life balance specifically for senior female leaders. It’s designed for women who want more than just career progression—they want to lead strategically, grow their influence, focus on their wellbeing and be more present at home with the people who matter most.

As an ex Pharma leader who now has over 750+ hours of coaching and training, hundreds of successful clients, and professional certifications—including a Master’s Degree in Science, Positive Psychology qualification, two Professional Coach Certifications accredited by the International Coach Federation, Lucy brings a wealth of experience to the table. She’s not just teaching theory; she’s walked the path herself as a multi-award-winning businesswoman and mother of three.

Lucy hosts The 360 LeadHERship Podcast, which regularly ranks as the #1 Careers Podcast on Apple and is in the top 2% podcasts globally. She’s also a corporate trainer, International Speaker, delivering impactful keynotes and training for corporate teams across the globe in the areas of female empowerment, career acceleration, productivity, mindset, confidence, and leadership.

With over two decades of corporate experience and having supported countless ambitious women leaders around the world, Lucy has proven that success and balance are not mutually exclusive. She knows what it takes to accelerate your leadership potential while reclaiming your time and energy—and she’s ready to help you do the same.

Ready to work with Lucy?

Click here to book a call today [spots limited to 5 per month. The booking system will automatically close off the calendar once spots are filled. Book now to avoid disappointment]