Challenge

In its first four years, Cooper/Smith experienced rapid growth, driven by demand for its technical expertise and data-driven solutions in the health sector. As the organization expanded, the leadership sought a structured growth strategy to scale operations, diversify funding sources, and refine their market positioning. To support these efforts, we developed a scalable roadmap for Cooper/Smith to prioritize core competencies, explore new markets, and establish guiding principles for sustainable growth. 

Approach

We conducted a strategic growth assessment culminating in a multi-year strategy for scalable growth. The assessment focused on four primary dimensions:

1. Growth Strategy & Market Prioritization

• Developed a framework to help Cooper/Smith prioritize strategic scaling of core competencies through new market opportunities and donor diversification.

• Identified pathways to leverage data-driven insights to enhance international investments in the health sector.

• Identified secondary technical sectors for market expansion.

2. Business Development & Resource Planning

• Analyzed pipeline to forecast resource allocation and planning.

• Identified and prioritized key roles necessary for implementing future investments, enabling proactive talent sourcing and acquisition.

3. Competitive Landscape & Market Research

• Conducted a benchmark analysis of competitors operating in the core and peripheral markets.

• Assessed key differentiators and opportunities for market positioning to strengthen Cooper/Smith’s competitive edge.

• Evaluated geographic expansion opportunities based on market trends and donor growth, aligning with Cooper/Smith’s existing technical expertise.

4. Strategic Planning & Leadership Alignment

• Facilitated a leadership retreat, to align on resourcing priorities, technical strategy, and market prioritization. 

• Synthesized leadership and staff feedback into a 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year strategic growth plan.

• Developed an adaptive, scenario-based framework for growth planning.

Results:

✔ Adaptive staffing strategy aligned projected awards with recruitment needs, ensuring readiness for growth.
✔ Refined market positioning, differentiating Cooper/Smith from competitors in global health consulting.
✔ Multi-year strategic roadmap, providing a clear pathway for sustainable expansion.
✔ Strengthened business development infrastructure, improving how opportunities were sourced, qualified, and pursued.
✔ Developed clear principles for growth, providing a structured approach to scaling, decision-making, and resource planning.
✔ Expanded geographic focus strategy, aligning market trends and donor opportunities with Cooper/Smith’s technical expertise.

Key Takeaway:

Our approach and solutions enabled Cooper/Smith to sharpen its competitive edge, scale efficiently, and plan for long-term success. Our data-driven approach provided a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, market positioning, and revenue diversification. With structured strategies in place, Cooper/Smith was positioned to lead and innovate digital solutions in the global health sector and beyond.