Areas of Practice
Planning
When was the last time that you saw tangible results from a planning process? How long has that stalled project been on your wish list or strategic plan been sitting on the shelf? How many of your team’s ideas have been activated in the past year?
My goal is to work with you to address your most pressing questions in a timely fashion and with everyone at the table. You define what success means, explore what is standing in the way of achieving it, identify and document the actions that need to happen to get things moving, and engage directly with the gulf that frequently exists between the vision of what could be and the reality of where things are in the present day. I strive to make planning fun and facile, providing practical outcomes in short order.
Facilitation
What does being a facilitative leader mean to you? How do you ensure that all perspectives are heard? What happens when one voice dominates the conversation or decision-making is exclusively a top-down activity?
Meaningful participation requires thoughtful preparation, human-centered and asset-based design, and soulful facilitation.
My approach to facilitation is grounded in process. It begins with gathering and analyzing the data, scanning the landscape, and reflecting on past accomplishments to inform a design that meets you precisely where you are. I bring a wealth of experience working with proven methods and across many disciplines to support you in creatively building your group’s shared understanding; addressing a variety of learning styles; inviting active participation to develop strategies and plans for action.
Mentoring and Coaching
My first and only mentor was my first boss. A woman who led cross-departmental member, donor, and volunteer efforts at a major fine arts museum in the Midwest. As part of that team, and because of my mentor/boss, I was given the opportunity to participate in shaping, developing, and implementing a set of groundbreaking programs (young professionals groups, behind the scenes and preview events at the museum) and record-setting membership initiatives (100,000 members, a first for the museum and the country) that were emulated far and wide.
Women mentoring women. It is essential to our livelihoods and our society. I take this responsibility to heart and am proud to mentor and coach a multicultural and multidisciplinary cadre of next generation leaders. Transferring my knowledge, sharing my experiences, and contributing in some small way to their present and future success brings joy. Learning goes both ways.
If you are curious about what it’s like to run a small business, what it means to be a facilitative leader, or are looking for a thought partner, please do reach out to explore the possibilities.
Consulting
Could your project could use some clarity? Are you in need of someone outside of the organization to ask the challenging questions? Are you looking for an honest assessment about an idea or stalled initiative?
Sometimes, bringing in someone with an impartial perspective is necessary to being able to see the forest for the trees. Working with clients around the globe and with deep observational and tactical experience, I bring a holistic approach to my consultative work. Contact me today!