Forward Thinking
Welcome to Forward Thinking, where we explore the ideas, insights, and strategies shaping the future of leadership, organizational change, and culture. This is where we share what we’re learning in the field—what’s working, what’s shifting, and what leaders need to be paying attention to. Grounded in practice and informed by research, our posts are designed to help you think more critically, act more intentionally, and lead more effectively in times of change.
Culture is not the Problem, it’s the Alibi
Leaders reach for "culture" the way a suspect reaches for an alibi, and for the same reason: it sounds reasonable enough that nobody pushes further. This post traces why culture language survives scrutiny that a real explanation couldn't, using a real client example and a one-sentence test for telling a structural problem from an actual cultural one.
What Leaders Actually Need From Research
Leaders don’t just need research that reports findings. They need research that helps them understand their people, their organization, and what’s realistically possible next. This post explores why translation, interpretation, and synthesis matter just as much as rigor — and how research becomes most powerful when it supports real decision-making.
You Don’t Need a Vendor. You Need a Co-Conspirator
The best projects don't start with a deliverable; they start with a question and a deep partnership. This post explores why true organizational change demands more than a vendor - it needs a "co-conspirator" who's invested in your outcome, your people, and telling you the truth.
What Is Consulting, Really?
Ever wondered what a consultant actually does? We're pulling back the curtain to explain why organizations hire us. From strategic planning and leadership development to neutral facilitation and building capacity, discover how consulting helps solve problems and drive meaningful progress.
Data Collection: Beginning with the End in Mind
In the world of consulting, data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. Are you collecting data with a clear end goal in mind? Discover why it is important to start with the end in mind, transforming your data from a potential burden into a powerful tool for growth.