Support
Discovery is the drive that animates this work.
It arrives in the electric moment when a partner identifies what's essential and articulates it in a way that lights a path toward success.
Like when the longtime museum curator reviewed the description of her professional identity that we created together:
"Wow, we nailed it! My family, my culture, my values and education -- that's why I do this work. This'll show others exactly who I am and what I bring to the table."
And when the artist called to tell me that his brand was helping him describe his life's work with new clarity and confidence:
"I've been doing this work for thirty years, but I've never been good at talking about it. Finally I have words that feel right for my work. This is a new chapter for me as an artist!"
Or when the non-profit board chair urged her colleagues to adopt our overhaul of her organization's mission, vision, and values:
"Our work isn't easy to explain. This new version of our mission will help people understand why our work matters. It'll make me a better board member!"
The most memorable moments of my career have always been when my partners and I clarify a complicated truth to achieve goals that make a difference.
This work is an honor and a thrill!
A few common threads unite all my work:
Justice
For more than thirty years, I've helped teams protect human rights. Sometimes that's a far-reaching legal victory or a game-changing public policy. And sometimes it's the individual triumphs that equip a partner to make -- or be -- a difference.
Listening
Each project is a focused search for the unique conditions and elements -- clarity, information, tools, strategy -- that will help a partner succeed. My partners have my complete attention.
Support
I'm always on the lookout for the chance to support new and longtime partners doing work that matters. I’m a helper by nature.
Inquiry
I come to each project with questions. I support partners as they develop, refine, and act on their own answers. When we clearly articulate a thoughtful vision for success, the path toward it starts to emerge.
Clarity
I help partners distill The Complicated into The Clear, Compelling, and Useful. We identify what's essential to their success, and they harness it with their teams, their clients and supporters, and sometimes their most important audience: themselves.
Partnership
I support my partners as they pursue their versions of success. It's a commitment I take seriously. Other essential ingredients of our collaborations include respect, honesty, professionalism, and the occasional, totally professional explosion of laughter.
