Introducing Momentum Matters: Finding your Path to Progress
By Chris Maxwell, CEO of MaxStrat
Welcome to the first edition of Momentum Matters, a newsletter from MaxStrat designed to help you create and sustain momentum in your organization, your career, and your life. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for a way forward—toward impact, clarity, and meaningful progress. That’s exactly why we’re here.
This inaugural issue of Momentum Matters also marks an exciting new chapter for our firm: the official launch of MaxStrat 4.0.
We’ve rolled out a new look, a new website, and an evolved identity that reflects who we are today—a mission-driven team of exceptional leaders who deploy our Momentum Model through dynamic, team-based leadership and strategy services. Whether you need interim or long-term leadership, staffing support to launch special projects or fundraising efforts, board and executive guidance, or a clear strategic roadmap, our team is built to help yours move forward with purpose and precision.
Finding Momentum in the Middle
I’ve always been drawn to the middle—not as a place of indecision, but as a place of balance, collaboration, and possibility. I grew up in the middle of America, in the small town of Parkston, South Dakota, as one of six kids. My parents, two of the most incredible people I’ve ever known, instilled in me the values that shape my life and work today: belief in something greater than myself, kindness, gratitude, hard work, and the importance of dreaming big and going after those dreams to make a difference.
That upbringing shaped everything about how I approach leadership, problem-solving, and planning. I’ve learned that lasting success doesn’t come from swinging to the extremes—it comes from building bridges, finding common ground, and harnessing momentum from the middle path. That philosophy is at the core of the Momentum Model.
The success triangle: Your guide to momentum
Over my career, I’ve found that successful planning and decision-making boil down to three foundational elements—the Success Triangle:
Think Big. The best ideas and biggest opportunities come when we allow ourselves to dream without limits.
Take Action. A great idea without execution is just a thought. Momentum comes from moving forward.
What Matters Most. Focus is everything. Clarity on priorities ensures that energy is directed toward what truly moves the needle.
Every effective strategy—whether for an organization, a movement, or an individual—needs all three. You have to dream big, act with intention, and stay focused on what truly matters.
The “everything is for you” mindset
One of the most transformative lessons in my life has been the idea that everything is for you—not in the sense that the world revolves around us, but in the belief that every experience, challenge, and setback carries an opportunity to learn, grow, and build momentum.
Obstacles are opportunities.
Setbacks are setups for something greater.
Momentum isn’t found—it’s created.
When we embrace this mindset, we stop seeing roadblocks as reasons to quit and start viewing them as stepping stones to something even bigger. This mindset, along with the strategic principles of the Momentum Model, has shaped how I lead, how I plan, and how I help organizations create meaningful impact.
Moving forward together
Our newsletter is about sharing the tools, insights, and mindset that help leaders like you find and sustain momentum in a fast-moving, ever-changing world. In the coming months, Momentum Matters will dive deep into the practices, frameworks, and philosophies that power our work—including the Momentum Model, the Success Triangle, the Everything Is For You Mindset, and the 10P Momentum Accelerators.
As we launch MaxStrat 4.0, we’re not just unveiling a new look—we’re doubling down on what we do best: helping leaders and organizations navigate complexity, make bold decisions, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
I’m excited to take this journey with you. Let’s think big, take action, and focus on what matters most—together.
Chris Maxwell
CEO, Maxwell Strategies