Tag: Strategic Planning

Ryan Osborne: Lead with Integrity, Act with Purpose, and Grow through Service

I've spent the last 15 years leading growth initiatives across defense, aerospace, and international business—now I'm ready to bring that expertise to the boardroom. I'm passionate about strategy, service, and helping mission-driven organizations scale with purpose. Here is my biography.

Tima McGuthry-Banks: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Purpose

I’m excited to share my professional biography—highlighting my 25+ year journey across science, education, intellectual property, and nonprofit leadership. My passion lies in building sustainable systems and empowering organizations to thrive long after my tenure. If you're looking for a leader who can blend structure, strategy, and service.

Dorothy “Dee” Jones: Executive Leader in Public Sector Innovation, Healthcare Strategy and Organizational Excellence

After nearly four decades of leading strategic initiatives across healthcare, telecom, and government, I’m honored to share my professional executive biography. From building public benefit programs to mentoring leaders and advising on national policy, I remain grounded in service and focused on solving the right problems the right way. Here is my biography.

Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA | Transformational Project Leader | Business Strategist | Organizational Change Expert

Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA, is a transformational project leader and strategic business consultant with over 35 years of experience driving organizational change and enterprise agility. As Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has successfully led multi-billion-dollar digital transformation initiatives, guiding Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations through complex change landscapes. A former International Board Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Dr. Walker Waite is a globally recognized expert in governance, business strategy, and project leadership. A sought-after speaker and published author, she has delivered keynote presentations and contributed extensively to thought leadership in organizational transformation and business sustainability. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development from The George Washington University, she combines academic rigor with real-world expertise to empower organizations to navigate change, optimize performance, and achieve long-term strategic growth.

Michael Crystal | Transformational Leadership Advisor, Executive Coach, and Board Consultant

Michael Crystal is a seasoned leadership advisor, executive coach, and organizational strategist with over 30 years of global experience in financial services, insurance, advertising, and the wine industry. As the founder of Myriad Development, he has guided executives and organizations through transformational change, talent development, and strategic planning. A trusted advisor, he has coached Fortune 500 leaders, including executives featured in Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” and has played a pivotal role in leadership development across diverse industries. In addition to his consulting work, Michael is an accomplished author, educator, and speaker, having taught at two graduate schools and delivered impactful presentations on change management and talent strategy. He currently serves on multiple boards, providing governance and workforce development insights while contributing to philanthropic initiatives such as The Honor Foundation and WeSpeak. Passionate about leadership excellence, Michael is dedicated to helping organizations cultivate strong, high-performing teams that drive sustainable success.

Atheer Balasim Gharkan: Security Through Strategy, Leadership Through Service

With over 30 years of experience in military leadership, international security, and humanitarian operations, I’m now exploring opportunities to serve on boards and contribute my expertise to organizations that prioritize safety, resilience, and strategic growth. I believe in leadership through service and collaboration, and I'm passionate about supporting sectors aligned with security, logistics, and crisis response. Here is my biography.

Ulrike (Ulli) Hildebrand: Unlocking Individual & Organizational Growth Potential.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in human resources, leadership development, and strategic business transformation. Over the years, I've had the privilege of partnering with executives, mentoring leaders, and implementing HR strategies that drive organizational success and workforce engagement.

Anne Koenig: Transformational Business Operations Executive Driving Strategic Innovation and Operational Excellence

Anne Koenig is a transformational business operations executive with a proven track record of driving strategic innovation, optimizing global processes, and enhancing workforce engagement. With deep expertise in data analytics, financial oversight, and continuous improvement, she has successfully led large-scale transformation initiatives that have resulted in significant cost savings, increased efficiency, and measurable business impact. A trusted advisor and strategic business partner, Anne is known for her ability to align organizational capabilities with business objectives while fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and professional growth. Her leadership in business operations, process automation, and people management has positioned her as a key driver of operational excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving business landscape.

McDara Folan: Executive Legal Leader, Corporate Governance Expert and Strategic Board Advisor

After more than 40 years navigating corporate law, governance, M&A, and strategic planning in both public companies and non-profits, I’m grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and experiences that have shaped my journey. I’ve taken time to reflect on my career and where I can bring value going forward—especially in board service, investments, and mission-driven organizations. Here is my biography.

Josh Terrell: Entrepreneurial Leader, Strategic Sales Coach, and Champion for Community Impact

Over the last 13 years, I’ve been blessed to lead businesses, serve my community, and support clients across industries through sales leadership, strategic execution, and values-based coaching. From growing 3E Partners and Kidz Corner to leading Black Excellence Iowa, my journey has been rooted in service, innovation, and impact. If you’re interested in learning more about my experience, here is my biography.

Gary Schulz: Visionary Leader in Agricultural Advocacy and Non-Profit Excellence

Gary Schulz is a visionary executive and servant leader with a distinguished career spanning agricultural advocacy, international trade, and non-profit governance. With decades of experience leading complex, member-driven organizations, he has driven transformative growth, strengthened stakeholder engagement, and championed strategic initiatives across California’s most vital agricultural sectors. From advancing groundbreaking research at the Citrus Research Board to expanding global market share for California raisins, Gary’s leadership has consistently delivered measurable results. His commitment to collaboration, integrity, and innovation continues to empower industry leaders, elevate communities, and shape the future of agriculture through purpose-driven consulting and executive mentorship.

Mentoring Fundamentals – creating a formal mentoring program

Organizations today face significant pressure to perform efficiently, innovate rapidly, and adapt to continual change, often leading to cuts in traditional talent development programs. However, investing in strategically aligned mentoring initiatives can offer a powerful, cost-effective solution to these challenges. A well-structured mentoring program not only promotes employee engagement and organizational resilience but also accelerates leadership growth, fosters cultural transformation, and enhances diversity integration. Mentoring programs can strategically support essential organizational processes, such as onboarding, skill development, knowledge transfer, retention, and succession planning. Effective mentoring also significantly contributes to leadership development, enhancing mentors' leadership capabilities while preparing mentees for future leadership roles. This article presents a robust 10-step framework designed to help any organization, regardless of size, establish an effective and sustainable mentoring program. Key steps include defining strategic objectives, securing leadership commitment, establishing efficient management practices, careful participant selection and matching, proactive risk assessment, comprehensive training, clear communication strategies, and continuous tracking and evaluation. Ultimately, a successful mentoring program can dramatically enhance organizational effectiveness, employee satisfaction, leadership capability, and operational resilience, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability in today’s dynamic business environment.

The Role of a Fractional CFO in Driving Business Growth

As small and medium-sized businesses evolve, they often face complex financial challenges that can hinder growth—ranging from managing cash flow and scaling operations to preparing for fundraising or strategic expansion. While hiring a full-time CFO might be impractical or premature, a fractional CFO offers an ideal middle ground, delivering seasoned financial leadership on a flexible basis. These professionals bring deep expertise across strategic planning, capital raising, risk management, and financial systems—all at a fraction of the cost. By providing clear, objective guidance and strengthening communication among stakeholders, a fractional CFO helps businesses navigate change, seize opportunities, and build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Innovative Approaches to Change Management

Change management isn’t always about sweeping reforms or meticulously measured outcomes—it’s about identifying opportunities for improvement, no matter how small or initially unmeasurable, and taking action. True process improvement stems from a deep awareness of inefficiencies, a willingness to listen, and the courage to act. Drawing from firsthand experiences—from janitorial work to military service to leading complex defense turnarounds—this article highlights 17 practical lessons that emphasize creativity, flexibility, and collaboration. The message is clear: lasting change is often driven by those on the ground who see what others overlook and have the drive to make things better, one improvement at a time.

Rene-Philippe Degni-Segui: Strategic Product Leader Driving Innovation and Market Growth Across Global Industries

Rene-Philippe Degni-Segui is a dynamic product executive with over two decades of experience leading product strategy, innovation, and growth across global industrial sectors. As Director of Product Management at The Raymond Corporation, he manages a $1.5 billion portfolio and drives the development and launch of advanced automation, energy, and material handling solutions. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering customer-focused innovations, Rene-Philippe has a proven track record of aligning business objectives with market opportunities to generate sustainable revenue growth. His strategic mindset, financial expertise, and global leadership experience position him as a forward-thinking leader in today’s evolving product landscape.

Heather Brooke Roycroft | Strategic Talent & Program Management Executive

Heather Brooke Roycroft is a dynamic and visionary leader in talent strategy and program management, with a proven track record of designing high-impact initiatives that drive employee engagement, retention, and business growth. With over 14 years of experience across global markets and industries, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. Known for her ability to align talent priorities with organizational goals, Brooke has led transformative programs at companies like Fortive and Equifax—delivering measurable outcomes and fostering cultures of innovation and inclusion.