Faculty - Led Course | All Levels

ML120vc: Strategic Thinking and Planning

This course teaches you how to think and plan strategically to ensure your organization’s success. You’ll explore how to foster strategic thinking at all levels, use tools to analyze trends, and guide your team through a structured planning process. You’ll also learn how to create mission-driven goals, prioritize initiatives, and implement plans with measurable outcomes. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, you’ll gain the confidence to lead strategic efforts that are responsive and results-oriented.

What You'll Learn

  • Link daily actions to organizational strategy and planning.
  • Practice strategic thinking through interactive exercises.
  • Develop and implement effective strategic plans.

Live Session Schedule

Week 1:

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, | 1:30-3:00 PM EST

Week 2:

Tuesday, October 27, 2026, | 1:30-3:00 PM EST

Week 3:

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, | 1:30-3:00 PM EST

Week 4:

Tuesday, November 10, 2026, | 1:30-3:00 PM EST

Come Prepared for the Course

This faculty-led course takes place over four weeks and includes up to a 90-minute weekly live web conference session, self-paced online assignments and the use of peer discussion forums. Learners should expect to spend approximately four hours per week on course related reading and assignments. All required coursework is due by 11:59 p.m. PT on the designated day of class.

Pre-Work & Preparation

Pre-Work & Preparation

Complete all pre-work by provided deadlines

Active Participation

Active Participation

Attend live sessions and engage in collaborative activities

Software Requirements

Software Requirements

Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Zoom proficiency required

Hardware Setup

Hardware Setup

Dual monitors (recommended), webcam, and file management capabilities

Your Instructor

Michelle  Coussens

Michelle Coussens

Faculty Member | NeighborWorks

Michelle Coussens is a business strategist focused on talent management, business strategy, and operational effectiveness. She is a resourceful, resilient, and relentless business professional with demonstrated success in building new programs, driving short-term efficiencies, and improving long-term effectiveness all through innovation, rigor, and courageous leadership. She has direct experience with a variety of industries, as well as in consulting, education, and non-profit organizations. Since 2005, Ms. Coussens has owned and operated Plan B Consulting, now Plan B Consulting Services, LLC. Services span speaking, training, coaching, and organizational assistance in preparing plans, project management, leadership, operational excellence, ethics, human resources, diversity and inclusion, and other related topics. In addition, she facilitates business meetings and retreats and conducts market analysis and competitive intelligence for various types of entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide. Learn more about her at www.planbconsultingservices.com.

What Learners Are Saying

"This course gave me exactly what I needed to get started in housing counseling. The practical tools and real-world examples made it easy to apply what I learned immediately with my clients."

Maria Rodriguez

Housing Counselor, Urban CDC

"As someone transitioning from social work into housing counseling, this course provided the perfect foundation. The content was incredibly relevant to my daily work."

David Chen

Community Development Specialist

"The instructor's expertise really shines through in every module. I appreciated the balance of theory and practical application."

Sarah Johnson

Housing Program Manager

Ready to Get Started?

Join hundreds of housing professionals building the skills to create lasting community impact

$595
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