A client once said,
“We’re breathing our own exhaust around here. We need some fresh air.”
Allow me to translate: “So much has changed and we haven’t. Conventional thinking, our standard approach, established practices and the like, keep us stuck. We need new insights, innovative ideas, new concepts and, most importantly, thinking differently.”
The solutions I craft are born from deep understanding, are grounded in reality and are fashioned to improve your unique situation.
While I customize and tailor my approach for each and every client, my work tends to follow a natural pattern, from Diagnostic to Design to Delivery.
Diagnostic
Clients typically come to me looking for assistance or expertise on some issue or opportunity. The first step involves understanding—what brought us to this point, what’s going on, and what’s going on behind what’s going on. I believe prescription without diagnosis is malpractice. We need to know what we’re really dealing with; what, specifically, we’re solving for, and why.
Design
Understanding the right issues and clarifying the insights help drive a distinctly tailored solution for the client. This work is done in concert and collaboration with the client and my design work can have a wide range of recommendations from a point solution to a full scale effort.
Delivery
Delivery is the natural extension of discovery-driven assessment and strategy-informed design. My role is to support the implementation in a manner that best fits the needs and capabilities of the client. My ongoing relationship with clients takes on many forms. Whether working as a retained advisor, or working on other initiatives or projects, my purpose remains the same: to help them and their organizations improve and to kindle new perspectives and fresh thinking that lead to prospering businesses and fulfilling lives.
CLIENT RESULTS
Transforming Businesses, Driving Success,
Delivering Tangible Client Results
Amidst the turbulence of the Great Recession in 2008, a lead partner of a thriving local professional services firm faced the daunting task of expansion. The economy was in bad shape, but more importantly, the client’s thinking was stuck. Overwhelmed with options, ranging from opening new locations to considering merger, the partner grappled with how to proceed amidst economic uncertainty. Recognizing the need to break free from conventional thinking, John’s intervention prompted a shift towards challenging underlying assumptions and exploring innovative avenues. This shift in mindset led to the formulation of a strategic and implementable expansion plan, propelling the firm to establish nine locations, including three international ones, and garnering continual industry accolades.
Before the pandemic, a renowned regional museum faced internal turmoil following the appointment of a new CEO by the board, aimed at bolstering fundraising efforts. However, as the pandemic unfolded, the museum grappled with escalating conflicts and a loss of focus on its mission. Through thorough interviews, it became evident that past fundraising success had not translated into sustained passion for the museum’s mission among board members. Turf battles and internal strife overshadowed the museum’s objectives, leading to a reevaluation of leadership. Leveraging strategic insights, John facilitated the identification of underlying issues and advocated for a reorganization aligned with the museum’s original mission. Additionally, John spearheaded governance reforms to prevent future mission drift and restore unity. Through these interventions, the museum strengthened its leadership team, fostering renewed dedication and revitalizing its cultural impact.
In the midst of transitioning into a purposefully developmental organization, a rapidly expanding advisory firm faced a challenge: bridging internal development efforts with its consistent brand promise to clients. To address this, John worked with the firm to refocus on their core values, particularly their dedication to customer intimacy and meaningful relationships. By emphasizing these principles, John created a clear link between internal development initiatives and the firm’s brand promise, ensuring alignment and continuity in client interactions and organizational growth.
In navigating the transition of leadership at a prestigious 75-year-old private school, the board faced mounting tensions and strained relationships amidst the replacement of a long-standing head-of-school. With emotions running high and clarity diminishing, John introduced a “Right Thinking Process” to guide the board towards strategic decision-making. By pausing problem-solving efforts and fostering reasoned discussions, John enabled the board to identify key priorities, uncertainties, and a recalibration of the institution’s purpose. Through collaborative efforts, the board established a cohesive action plan and aligned on common goals, paving the way for a smoother transition. Despite challenges, John’s facilitation of fresh perspectives and critical thinking frameworks ultimately led to more effective decision-making, ensuring a highly successful transition period.
Amidst a significant leadership shift at a well-established private school, the board faced the challenge of ensuring a seamless transition for the incoming head-of-school, replacing a longstanding incumbent. Recognizing the potential for disruption and the high expectations from stakeholders, the board, led by John, embarked on a proactive approach. Through strategic collaboration with staff and leaders, John developed a comprehensive Success Plan, addressing key responsibilities and success factors crucial for the new executive’s integration. By prioritizing intentional listening and learning, John guided the transition process effectively, mitigating anticipated challenges and facilitating a smoother, faster transition than anticipated, ultimately setting the stage for the new head-of-school’s success.
I have had the pleasure of working with John in several organizations and have been consistently impressed by his ability to provide objective and accurate assessments of complex situations and make valuable recommendations to address those concerns. His ability to ‘parachute in’ and offer a fresh perspective has been invaluable to our team.
I have known John for several years and over that time he has truly become a trusted advisor. He is thoughtful, creative, and experienced, and he operates consistently from a place of integrity. I never feel forced into a “his” solution or dismissed with impractical consultant-speak. He provides the space for me to explore ideas, consider different perspectives, and ultimately find my solution. John is gracious, generous, and direct and has a way of communicating that translates easily into action. He is a rare find, and I recommend him to anyone striving to stay ahead of the curve.
John has the ability to grasp the situation around him quickly and develop a plan to drive successful results. He is enthusiastic, possesses a quick wit, and will push back if he does not think things are headed in the right direction. I knew John first at IBM and later in his current role and would certainly work with him again if the opportunity presents itself.
Beginning with our relationship through his exceptional program, The Leadership Forum, I have remained a fan and friend of John for almost 20 years. Not only is John an exceptional strategic thinker, adviser, and leader, he is a polished speaker, adeptly conveying the significant lessons and knowledge he has obtained by studying and knowing some of the most prominent and influential business thinkers and writers in our country.
John is the most intuitive business person I have ever met. He has the ability to understand your company history and allow you to understand the path you have taken and give sensible recommendations on what your future plan of action should be.
John has a unique gift for understanding the mechanics of business. Like an architect, John was able to provide us with a valuable blueprint to follow to build organizations that run efficiently and profitably. John’s work clearly showed his unique ability to dissect through an organization, grasp the intricacies of problems, and prescribe clear steps for improvement.