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Meet Jay Hidalgo

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Meet Jay Hidalgo

For over a decade, Jay Hidalgo has focused his work on helping leaders and teams gain clarity, alignment, and forward momentum through the disciplined use of the StratOp process, LifePlan, and executive coaching. Rather than offering advice from a distance, Jay partners closely with leaders to facilitate conversations that help them see their business, their leadership, and their future with greater precision.

Through StratOp, Jay has guided leadership teams in defining where they are, clarifying where they’re going, and building practical, actionable plans that drive results. His work doesn’t end with planning; it extends into execution by helping teams stay aligned, accountable, and focused on what matters most. Alongside this, his LifePlan work brings the same level of intentionality to the personal side of leadership, helping individuals align their professional responsibilities with a deeper sense of purpose and direction.

As an executive coach, Jay works one-on-one and with leadership teams to strengthen decision-making, foster healthy team dynamics, and develop the kind of leadership presence that organizations depend on, especially in seasons of growth, uncertainty, or transition.

With over 35 years of business experience, Jay brings both practical insight and a steady, guiding presence to his clients. His experience spans a wide range of organizations, including Herman Miller, Michelin, Oracle, Ariba, NCR Corporation, Toshiba, Rubbermaid, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Haworth, and Pitney Bowes.

At the core of his work is a simple belief: leaders don’t need more information—they need clarity, structure, and a trusted partner to help them think well and move forward with confidence.

When he’s not serving clients, Jay enjoys time with his wife, Janice, and their family in West Michigan. You’ll often find him outdoors hiking, biking, and kayaking, or relaxing with a bourbon, a cigar, and good conversation.

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Articles Written by Jay

Inertia

One of the aspects I love about the StratOp strategic and operational planning is witnessing the transformative impact of the Paterson Process on individuals. Sometimes it’s a leader realizing their team’s untapped potential, or a manager finding a more efficient way to manage their time. Occasionally, it’s the surprising discovery of an unknown talent. These…

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Six Ideas for Strategic Planning Sessions & Tools to Implement Them

These ideas for strategic planning sessions can help multiple types of businesses define their goals and develop a roadmap for reaching them effectively.

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How Much Does a Strategic Planning Consultant Cost?

It’s difficult to do strategic planning on your own, but how much does a strategic planning consultant cost—and how much value will they bring to your business?

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