In the realm of strategy, the success of a vision is only as enduring as its ­execution. There is perhaps nothing more frustrating than to observe a beautiful strategy conceived in response to a promising big opportunity or cutting-edge innovation, which succumbs to the vagaries and twists of life during an attempt at executing it. Indeed, strategy execution appears to be difficult to carry out successfully. Moreover, factors such as ‘poor vertical communication’ not only hinder strategy implementation, but also prohibit and dampen any attempts to discuss and explore the barriers themselves; leaving the factors buried deeply into the shadow side of the organisation. Strategy implementation or execution thus relies on translating words, promises and appealing narrative into an explicit reality. Execution is a notorious and perennial challenge. Strategy implementation or execution thus relies on translating words, promises and appealing narrative into an explicit reality.