One picture is worth a thousand words, and one case study can bring your understanding of what we do to a new level. The following case studies provide examples of why we were hired, how we helped, and what happened as a result of working with us.

Hiring for growth.

Challenge: The CEO of an IT consulting firm was suffering from the “entrepreneur’s curse” of spending too much time in the business, and not enough time on the business. The firm had grown steadily, but was not able to grow to the next level until key positions were created and filled, thereby freeing him to focus on strategic functions, including business development.

Reinforcing organizational culture and values.

Challenge: A global sports and entertainment firm underwent an ownership change. The new CEO wanted to make his mark on the organization by articulating mission and values to the hundreds of people who directly interface with the customers. He also wanted to instill pride in serving the customers in a way that had previously not been articulated. The marketing director who received this assignment had no experience to draw upon.

Executive development.

Challenge: A firm’s growth depends on its leadership to be strong and effective. Lisa has worked with many executives who have outstanding skills, and need the polish and additional confidence that comes from working with an executive coach. Many of these individuals have recently been promoted, and can benefit from “transition coaching” as they move into the higher level responsibilities.

Business Reengineering

Challenge: A small law firm was struggling with growth issues. The principal was growing the practice under a traditional law firm model. He was having difficulty finding the right attorneys for the practice, largely due to conflicts between his values and personal mission for the business, which had a strong social entrepreneurial element.

Business Profitability

Challenge: A private investor hired us to work with a company that lacked the operational and managerial expertise to successfully run and grow the business. The owner was an entrepreneurial MD, who had limited experience as a business owner. Importantly, the investor didn’t have a lot of confidence in any upside, but wanted to stop the bleeding so that his investment would not become worthless.

Non-profit Board Facilitation

Challenge: We’ve worked with a number of boards of directors of non-profit organizations to help clarify mission and strategy. In one memorable case, a management upheaval happened on the morning preceding our facilitated session. The executive director had resigned, and a number of the volunteer board members were ready to resign as well.