You're facing something extraordinary. An ordinary conversation won't cut it.
For twenty years, clients across all sectors have called me when the old playbook stopped working: the strategy no longer fit the world, partners couldn't work together, nobody knew what to do.
I help you have the conversation you haven't been able to have, whether that's with your board, your leadership team, your external partners, or just with yourself.
If someone has a "best practice" for the challenge you face, call them. If there is no "best practice," call me.
Why Clients Bring Me In
I reframe challenges so everyone can be part of the solution.
I offer unique perspectives.
I connect ideas from fields that have never met, see around corners, and stay present in uncertainty long enough to find what's hiding in it.
"His ability to take unusual perspectives, to confront ideas from seemingly unrelated fields to bring out new insights... to dare think new thoughts."
— Frederic Laloux, author of Reinventing Organizations: A Guide to Creating Organizations Inspired by the Next Stage of Human Consciousness
I surface the deeper issues.
I'm comfortable in the discomfort. Time slows down for me in that moment, and I find a way to name the problem without making anyone "wrong."
"He is not afraid to say the unsaid and ask probing questions."
— Mark E. Baker, DamCrest Consulting
I ask questions that clarify.
People leave conversations with me, including a single cup of coffee, knowing what they're going to do next, and why.
"Eric listens deeply, asks insightful questions, and helped our group uncover the insights we needed to chart a clear path forward."
— Jessica Trenary, MARINet
I read the energy in the room, and move with it.
I like to say that the workshop hasn't started until we have to move the furniture. An agenda is just a best guess. If an issue comes up unexpectedly, I address it.
"He innately knows when and how far to push individuals and organizations."
— Emily Oehler, Strategist & Leadership Coach
I make it fun.
People do their best thinking when they can be honest and at ease at the same time. Laughter gets a group there faster than anything else I know.
"What surprised me even more is Eric's sense of humor, flexibility, and warmth."
— Bob Tipton, Team Tipton, PBC
The Work
High-Stakes Facilitation
For the moments when the old playbook is broken.
I step into my clients' greatest uncertainties and lead through the difficult conversations they need to have, whether or not they're listed on the agenda.
Strategic Planning
For organizations ready to think boldly.
There is no template or trademarked solution for strategy. I take each client through a process that is tailor-made for them and gives them the answers and artifacts they need.
Organizational Assessment
For organizations that need to take stock.
I've seen enough that I can surface the key organizational issues with a small number of interviews and conversations, then I give you a candid perspective and next steps.
Executive Coaching
For leaders who need a thinking partner.
I guide you or just listen, depending on what you need. Together we craft a strategy to help you face your greatest challenges and learn in the process.
Peer Group Facilitation
For leaders bearing the greatest responsibilities.
I facilitate peer groups of CEOs so that they can learn from one another, support one another, and overcome the loneliness of being at the top.
AI Futures Exploration
For organizations entering a new era.
I help clients incorporate AI into their workflows and adapt their management model for teams that include people and AI agents working together.
Case Study
"They realized they were the system."
How a coalition of Colorado hospitals, insurers, clinicians, and patient advocates, with years of opposing positions between them, became the Colorado Health Policy Forum in two days.
Read the Case StudyWhat People Say
“What you've been able to do here in Memphis is to help people think not just 'outside the box' but 'outside the building.' With the way you first of all listen and second of all encourage openness, you have the capacity for people to trust you almost instantly. I'm not sure that's something you've acquired or something you were born with. I just think you have an innate ability to listen and to have people feel comfortable in your presence and to know they can say whatever they want to say and you won't use it inappropriately.”
Robert R. Waller, MD
Former CEO, The Mayo Clinic
Organizations I've Worked With
