Intellectual Rigor

Whether delivering remarks to help unpack issues of the day in the international arena, advising clients on how best to position themselves in light of geostrategic developments, or helping them engage with partners at the United Nations, Dorothy applies the art and science of national security strategic planning, which she learned from the best in the business at the National War College. In the course of her career and through Shea Global Strategies, she has honed those skills in tackling complex problems.

Drawing from best practices in the discipline, Dorothy generally begins by immersing herself in the issues. Her understanding is grounded in listening, reading, and processing information. She works with the client to identify the desired end state, questioning premises and underlying assumptions, and factoring in strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. She weighs the views of potential allies and adversaries, probing opportunities for partnerships while remaining alert to potential spoilers and black swans. She charts out various scenarios, ranging from best- to worst-case outcomes, also including their likelihood, where possible. She lays out the recommended course(s) of action, systematically considering available ways and means of implementation.

Communications and public engagement are a vital component of these plans. Finally, the strategic planning process includes a collaborative feedback mechanism to check in periodically on implementation, based on measurable outcomes and with prescribed adjustment and course-correction, as necessary.