I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey from military leadership to consulting and coaching. My focus is on helping leaders and teams grow through resilience, emotional intelligence, and trust-based strategies, all of which guide my work today. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share a bit about my journey in finance and leadership! Over the past 25+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams at global companies like FMC, Kimberly-Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Henkel, and Unilever. My passion is in aligning financial strategies with business goals to drive sustainable growth and build high-performing teams that embrace challenges and push boundaries. From navigating complex transformations to driving cost efficiencies and fostering a culture of innovation, each role has reinforced my commitment to teamwork, resilience, and continuous improvement. With a focus on long-term impact, I’m dedicated to empowering teams to reach new heights while delivering results that make a difference. Here’s to continued growth, innovation, and the journey ahead! Let’s connect if you’d like to discuss finance strategy, business transformation, or team leadership.

In today's fast-paced business environment, cultivating a growth mindset is essential for resilience and adaptability. Resilient companies, especially startups, view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Implementing regular "failure reviews" can help startups pivot successfully by analyzing setbacks, while larger enterprises can benefit from innovation labs and intrapreneurship programs to maintain a startup spirit. Diversifying revenue streams is crucial; over-reliance on a single product can lead to struggles, so brainstorming new revenue sources and strategically allocating resources for R&D in emerging markets can enhance stability. Building financial fortitude through lean operations and diverse funding sources is key for startups, while established companies should maintain healthy cash reserves and employ sophisticated financial forecasting. Prioritizing customer relationships is vital, with startups encouraged to engage early adopters for feedback and larger companies leveraging data analytics for personalized experiences. A flexible supply chain, supported by multiple suppliers and advanced management systems, can help navigate global disruptions. Embracing digital transformation is crucial for both startups and established firms, as technology drives agility and efficiency. Ultimately, fostering a resilient culture, aligned with the company's mission and adaptable to change, is the foundation of long-term success. By embracing these strategies, businesses can not only survive but thrive in uncertain times, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

I'm excited to share a bit about my professional journey and the expertise I’ve developed over more than 30 years in structural engineering. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on challenging projects focused on seismic evaluations, retrofits, and innovative building designs both in the U.S. and internationally. My work spans across sectors, with a particular focus on California healthcare facilities, forensic engineering, and resilience in building infrastructure. As a Senior Principal and Region Head at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, I lead teams in delivering safe, functional structures while driving market-driven decisions and strategic capital planning. I’m passionate about mentoring others, fostering innovation, and helping organizations enhance their seismic risk management. Let’s connect to explore opportunities to build stronger, more resilient structures together!

In the world of business, few leaders demonstrate the resilience and strategic vision that Catherine McCann embodies. With over three decades of experience, Catherine has built and grown successful enterprises across diverse industries, from dry cleaning to logistics. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Best Companies, she transformed a single dry cleaning store into a $10 million enterprise, showcasing her exceptional strategic acumen. Her journey is marked by adept navigation through significant challenges, including an 89% revenue drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she overcame through innovation and adaptability. Catherine’s extensive knowledge in strategic planning and entrepreneurship, coupled with her ability to inspire high-performing teams, has established her as a respected leader. Her commitment to effective communication and relationship-building has not only driven her businesses to success but also made her a sought-after speaker and mentor in the professional community.

Organizational change management is a functional art that combines creativity with practicality, designing strategies that consider public regulations, individual impacts, and enterprise needs. By integrating value-based recruitment, storytelling, and improvisation, organizations can foster a culture of alignment and shared values. Celebrating small achievements and utilizing peer pressure empower employees as change agents, while embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging drive successful transformations. By nurturing innovation and creating a collaborative environment, organizations can thrive on mutual understanding and respect, leading to meaningful progress and growth.

Christopher Walters is an executive specializing in government relations, public affairs, and strategic planning, currently serving as Head of North America Public Affairs at Iveco Group. With extensive industry experience and expertise in energy and environmental policy, he advises on regulatory activities and strategic initiatives and plays a key role in industry trade groups.

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