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Strategy Latitudes represents a belief that the best strategic thinking comes from truly understanding what matters - exploring every angle, uncovering deeper insights, and charting ambitious paths forward.

Thinking in Latitudes™

Think Broader.
Go Further.

Strategy isn't linear.

As a brand strategy consultant specializing in cross-industry strategy, I believe the best solutions emerge when we navigate across boundaries, connect unexpected patterns, and explore the full breadth of possibilities.

Welcome to Strategy Latitudes™‚ strategic consulting that creates clarity by seeing the whole map, not just the obvious path.

Lara O'Shea

Founder & Chief Strategist

In geography, latitude lines circle the globe horizontally, connecting diverse terrains at the same elevation. In strategy, Thinking in Latitudes™ means exploring connections across boundaries to discover insights at the intersections.

After 20+ years spanning photojournalism, education, brand management at Diageo, and C-suite roles at WPP agencies, I've mastered this horizontal navigation. Through Latitudinal Thinking™, I connect patterns from CPG to tech, luxury to social impact, Fortune 500 to startups — bringing tested solutions from unexpected places.

Having guided 100+ brands across 15+ sectors through transformation and growth, I combine the strategic rigor of global agencies with the agility and personal attention of an independent consultant. It's why clients call me their "Swiss army knife" of strategy.

How I Can Help

I bring Latitudinal Thinking™ to every engagement — connecting patterns across industries to find breakthrough solutions at unexpected intersections.

My toolkit combines Fortune 500 strategic rigor with entrepreneurial agility, built from leading strategy at global WPP agencies, managing iconic brands at Diageo, and guiding 100+ brands through transformation.

This unique perspective is grounded in my Cambridge geography degree, London Business School MBA, and Berkeley Haas exchange — giving me both analytical depth and global business acumen.

Whether you need a strategic advisor, fractional CSO/CMO, agency partner, or project catalyst, I deliver strategies that bridge big thinking and practical action.

My perspective

Just as latitude lines connect diverse terrains at the same elevation, I navigate horizontally across industries to discover insights at the intersections. This Latitudinal Thinking™ approach emerged from 20+ years of intentionally diverse experiences.

Three beliefs drive my work:

Context Creates Clarity — Your solution often lives outside your industry. I bring tested strategies from unexpected places.
Simplicity Scales — Complex problems don't need complicated solutions. I distill complexity into strategies teams can actually execute.
Strategy Without Execution is Philosophy — I deliver strategies that work in boardrooms AND tren ches.

From uncovering stories through photojournalism to advocating for conscious capitalism, from teaching over 600 students to achieving award-winning effectiveness, every experience adds another dimension to explore.

Ways We Can Partner

Every organization faces unique strategic challenges.

I bring Latitudinal Thinking™ to your specific situation — connecting patterns from unexpected places to create breakthrough strategies that actually work.

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Brand Leaders

Transform your market position

With strategies that connect brand truth to business growth, I bring agency-caliber thinking with the agility of an independent partner — whether you need a strategic advisor, fractional CSO/CMO, or project catalyst for critical initiatives like repositioning or innovation sprints.

Agency Leaders

Win more pitches.

Deliver deeper value. Build strategic muscle. I help you tackle complex client challenges while strengthening your strategic capabilities. From pitch strategy to client workshops, I amplify your team's impact with cross-industry insights that differentiate your offering.

Consultancies

Add specialized expertise

I bring the creative-commercial bridge in brand strategy, customer experience, and marketing transformation that many consultancies lack — translating business strategy into brand experiences that resonate. Partner with me to enhance your strategic depth in marketing, brand, and customer engagement.

Why Partner With Me

Deep Business Understanding

I believe in taking the time to truly understand what makes your business tick - diving deep into your unique challenges, opportunities, and ambitions. Combining this thorough understanding with my experience from both client and agency sides, I craft strategies that push boundaries while remaining grounded in reality.

Strategic Perspective

Your needs are unique, and they'll likely evolve over time. That's why I offer flexible ways to work together - whether you need a fractional CSO, strategic advisor, or focused project support. Work with me directly or alongside your team, in whatever way best serves your organization's goals.

Flexible Partnership

Having sat on both sides of the table - as brand manager and consultant, agency leader and strategic advisor - I bring a unique lens to strategic challenges. This multifaceted experience helps uncover opportunities others might miss, while ensuring strategies resonate with the teams who'll bring them to life.