BELLWOODS STRATEGY PERSPECTIVES

Ideas, observations, and stories that shape how we think about strategy and clarity.

Leadership, Strategy, Community Douglas Anweiler Leadership, Strategy, Community Douglas Anweiler

The Age of Strategy: When Life Throws Nothing But Fastballs

We're facing nothing but 100-mph fastballs now: AI transforming industries overnight, competitors moving at digital speed, advantages disappearing before ink dries on the plan. Many organizations react defensively, hoping to survive the encounter. But here's what every baseball player knows: the harder the pitch comes in, the harder it can go out.

What if the hardest-thrown pitches create the biggest opportunities?

"In both baseball and business, hard-hit balls produce disproportionate results. While competitors scramble to react to every development, strategic organizations move faster on the right opportunities, generate bigger returns, and build sustainable advantage by choosing battles they're positioned to win."

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Leadership, Strategy, Community Douglas Anweiler Leadership, Strategy, Community Douglas Anweiler

Let's Stop Debating and Start Talking

In divided times, the loudest voices often drown out the most valuable insights. Real progress happens when people move beyond defending positions to examining them together. Strategy works best as a team sport that brings out quiet voices and curious questions.

What shifts when people choose curiosity over certainty?

"Here’s what we know after decades of helping brands find their voice in noisy markets: the best don't shout the loudest. They listen the closest. They ask better questions.."

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Strategy, Leadership Douglas Anweiler Strategy, Leadership Douglas Anweiler

Beyond Beige

Generic content used to be just bland. Now we've entered territory where algorithmic efficiency has crossed the line into fundamental disrespect for your audience. When organizations go Beyond Beige, they skip the strategic work of understanding their story and choose convenience over clarity. The GPT-5 backlash revealed what happens when audiences reject content that's worse than generic.

What does it mean to stay grounded and tell your actual story?

"Staying grounded means respecting your audience enough to show up with something real. Not controversial. Not templated. Just clear, strategic communication that demonstrates you actually thought about the people you're trying to reach."

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  • I have worked with Doug for over 40 years. His sharp strategic thinking and deep understanding of what makes people and organizations tick is legendary.

    He’s a trusted partner who knows how to find clarity and a path forward despite complex and seemingly insurmountable hurdles. He cuts to the chase and focuses the leadership on what truly matters and that has made all the difference.

    — Chris Macleod, Founding Partner, Cambridge LLP

  • Douglas Anweiler is one of the clearest thinkers in and for an increasingly complex business environment.

    We’re going to see good things come from Bellwoods Strategy.”

    — Marc Kealey, Chief Advocate, Kealey & Associates Inc.

  • Working with Bellwoods Strategy has been transformative for our organization.

    Doug brought a rare combination of strategic clarity, deep listening, and genuine care for our mission. He helped us see the bigger picture, make tough decisions with confidence, and tell our story in a way that truly connects.

    — Devi Arasanayagam, Co-founder and Chair, Fort York Food Bank

  • Doug is the strategist you want in the room when the path forward isn’t clear.

    He distills complex ideas into direction, aligns strong personalities around a shared vision, and helps brands find the through line that makes everything click. We’ve worked together on fast-moving fintech brands, and I’ve seen firsthand how Doug brings momentum, clarity, and purpose to every stage of growth.

    — Brianna Petz, Partner & Creative Director, Sherpa Creative