What are key things you do when preparing for a new strategy? How do you prepare for a strategy session with a new client?

All things preparation is where you should focus your answer. Share who you meet with, your agenda, research, decks, and the communication plan that you have in place before heading into a strategy session.

You would want to avoid stating that preparation isn't needed because you have done this so many times. Although it may be true that you are a natural leader of strategy, there are always a few things that you must do to prepare for it.

"I start by gathering as much information about the client as I can. I then make a timeline of who I need to meet with prior to the strategy session based on the client's goals. I even set up a few pre-meetings with different members of the team if needed. I create an agenda and email that over prior to the session so that everyone is on the same page and it allows the meeting to run in an organized and timely manner. I will then prepare all the materials for the session including any handouts that may be necessary."