Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Host: Scott Becker
Episode: Business & Strategic Planning: Wins & Losses 1-6-26
Date: January 6, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker delves into the nuances of strategic planning within a business, private equity, and personal development context. He reflects on his own experiences with planning—highlighting both victories and setbacks—and offers insight into different approaches people take when setting goals and executing plans. The discussion is candid and practical, providing actionable takeaways for listeners seeking to refine their own strategies for growth, investment, and career advancement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Spectrum of Strategic Planning

[00:28 – 01:40]

• Becker introduces three primary approaches to business and goal planning:

  • Action Without a Plan:
    Some individuals launch into action without clear plans. While this can lead to success through sheer momentum and adaptability, it often lacks direction.
  • Minimalist Planning:
    Others operate with a basic, minimum-sized plan. This enables progress while providing enough structure to guide decisions.
  • Comprehensive Planning:
    Some create detailed, extensive plans. However, over-planning often leads to analysis paralysis and inaction.

• Becker sees most people at either end of these extremes—either acting without a plan or planning so comprehensively that they never start.

Personal Reflection: Planning Strengths & Weaknesses

[01:40 – 03:10]

• Becker candidly evaluates his own tendencies:

  • "My failure is not in going too comprehensive on the plan; it would be going too light on the plan." [01:47]
  • He notes his experience with investment planning as an example where extra thought and clarity up front paid dividends. But at times, he finds himself being too opportunistic rather than systematic.

• Example:
  In allocating assets (equities, treasuries, private business interests), thoughtful planning has helped Becker stay systematic, but sometimes he is too quick to say "yes" to opportunistic investments.

Case Study: Business Plan for New Book

[03:10 – 03:55]

• Becker references a current project (his newest book, "Building Great Businesses: Create Momentum, Overcome Setbacks and Scale with Confidence") as an instance where a clear, 80-90% finished plan is leading to positive momentum.

  • "We've got a very clear plan for what we're trying to do there. So we like that. It's not perfect, but it's an 80, 90% plan." [03:23]

• In contrast, with personal goals (fitness, golf), he often jumps into action without enough upfront planning, resulting in less success.

Key Takeaways: Discipline and Simplicity

[03:55 – 05:05]

• Success has come when Becker utilizes simple, actionable plans and attacks them directly.

  • "In my best situations, I use simple plans and really attack from there. And I've had great success with that." [04:37]

• Failure occurs when even the "simple plan" lacks sufficient depth or forethought.

• Encourages listeners to:

  • Strike a balance—don't over-plan to the point of inaction, but don't under-plan and drift aimlessly.
  • Reflect on which end of the spectrum they fall into and adjust accordingly.

Personal Goal for the Coming Year

[05:05 – 05:29]

• Becker shares his resolution:
  • "My goal this year is to be a little bit more disciplined in my planning, my weeks, my year, my goals and how we're going to get there versus as opportunistic." [05:27]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Planning Approaches:
  • "I see a lot of people at either side of the spectrum—either just get going and act without a plan, or... go for the most comprehensive plan they can and then not really get started." [00:48]
• On Personal Experience with Planning:
  • "Where I fail is where my simple plan is even too simple and I've not made enough effort, but just figured I'll figure it out by going and engaging in it and so forth. Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't." [04:47]
• Advice to Listeners:
  • "I hope this is helpful to somebody." [04:59]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:28: Introduction to episode and overview of strategic planning discussion
• 01:43: Becker's self-assessment of planning failures and successes
• 03:23: Business plan example—planning the release of his new book
• 04:37: Reflection on the efficacy of simple plans
• 05:27: Resolution for more disciplined planning in the coming year

Episode Tone and Style

Scott Becker’s tone is conversational, honest, and reflective. He speaks directly from personal experience, sharing both wins and losses candidly, and maintains an encouraging and practical approach throughout the episode.

Actionable Takeaways

• Assess your own approach to planning—are you an over-planner, under-planner, or minimalist?
• Aim for a simple yet actionable plan that provides direction without causing paralysis by analysis.
• Learn from both successes and failures to refine your planning strategy.
• Be intentional and disciplined in your approach for the year ahead.

For more insights, follow Scott Becker on LinkedIn, subscribe on your preferred podcast platform, and consider pre-ordering his new book “Building Great Businesses: Create Momentum, Overcome Setbacks and Scale with Confidence” for more practical strategies.