SUPPORTING LEADERS
Even accomplished leaders, surrounded by many people, may have no one to confidentially share their challenges, doubts and aspirations. I have found that the simultaneous distance and closeness of a trusted advisor can fill such a need. Regular (and often no-agenda) meetings/calls with CEO (or others) provides a unique outlet to leaders.
THE BASICS
In our fast-changing world, it's good to consider and be grounded in some fundamentals: team mentality, internal collaboration vs. competition; trust; purpose-driven organization; simplify & avoid complexity; etc.
MEETINGS
Help leaders create an environment where honest, open and creative discussion can consistently take place without fear of recrimination, belittlement, humiliation or dominance.
RETREATS
Help consider a company retreat as a golden opportunity to slow down, think and connect.
ALIGNMENT
Help leaders align business and personal goals and growth. Is there satisfaction?
"The best way to help people at their crossroads is to listen well so they can hear themselves."
Courtney Brown Snyder, MD/Holistic Psychiatrist
"I am an entrepreneur having started several businesses in my career. My latest venture is a web-based business serving retirement advisors around the country. Marty and I get together once a month to talk about the strategic issues I face in areas such as personnel, sales, and succession. What I like best about his style is that it is non-judgmental. He is an excellent listener and basically leads you to the answers you are seeking without any pre-conceived notion of where things should be headed. I value his insights into my business and his ability to focus on the really important strategic issues."
Martin H. Ruby, FSA CEO, Stonewood Financial, client
I have worked with many individuals who, unknowingly, have deeper leadership potential that can be awakened.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
John Quincy Adams
BROAD EXPERIENCE
“An advisor is a person with... cross functional and multidisciplinary expertise. An adviser's role
is that of a mentor or guide and differs categorically from that of a task specific consultant.”
During my career in business, international trade and law, I've have had the privilege of working with clients, entrepreneurs, investors, startups, established businesses, major corporations, suppliers/vendors, bankers, SBA, economic development authorities, governments at all levels, insurance adjustors, forensic accountants, regulators, taxing authorities, court systems, plaintiff and defense counsel, mediators/arbitrators, foreign business partners, international companies, U.S. Export-Import Bank, domestic and foreign trade associations and exhibitions, building projects, architects and contractors, and many nonprofits.
I share my experience and insights, good and bad (often the most valuable...), in dealing with a client's critical strategic issues (funding, revamping services and fees, strategic alliances) as well as to the daily challenges of business (operations, key hires, vendor relations, administration, morale).
"Over the past several years we have had the opportunity to work with Marty on various transitional matters of organizations and people within organizations. Marty’s past experience in starting and leading various businesses has proven to very beneficial in getting to the heart of matters that might be impeding achievement of the overall goals of the organizations or individuals moving forward. His professional, straight forward approach has been very beneficial as he is a quick study and able to communicate directly and precisely the issues that need to be addressed. We hope to work with him again on future matters."
Steve Kerrick/Advisory Services Team Leader MCM - CPAs & Advisors, client
PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
If we desire to act with integrity and live in congruence, our business goals must align with our deeper personal goals and universal challenges. How we find purpose in our lives, the way we interact, and even our attempts to manage stress impact our functioning in all areas of life - including our businesses.
A purpose-driven life enhances the impact of leaders in and outside their organizations. It leapfrogs them and their companies beyond expected business goals (which require our utmost attention). No amount of mission/vision statements, slogans or hype can better seal the bond with one’s own organization, clients and vendors than a leader working toward a higher good for all involved.
"We engaged Marty to help us with some team cohesiveness issues involving our executive leaders. Marty's services really helped us define the underlying issues and develop approaches to resolve them. He also provided strategies to help us continue to build cohesiveness. Through our time with Marty, we made tremendous strides which has greatly benefited the organization. Marty has tremendous insight as far as what impacts people's behaviors, and a wealth of strategies to help address any difficulties. We would use Marty again for these type of sensitive issues, and I highly recommend Marty to help your organization."
Mike Norman, Chief Business Officer, Kentucky Science Center, client
"It is not generally appreciated that an effective adviser does not just give you the answers, but helps you discover the way. Over the past months I have had the good fortune to receive Marty's guidance. He has helped me deliberate through some complex and varied business strategies and astutely led me to examine the options and reach decisions. Marty draws from the wealth of knowledge and experience that he has harvested during his multifarious and fascinating life to deliver pearls of wisdom in a calm and engaging manner that is naturally Marty. For me the outcome was transformative both professionally and personally."
Peyman Kiaras-Attari, President and CEO AISA Holding LLC, client
DIGGING DEEPER
An element often missing from business education, training and actual leadership: Awareness of the psychological underpinnings of our personal and business lives and decision-making.
Dynamics at play with individuals are mirrored in organizations: leadership or politics, cooperation or toxicity, clarity or nonsense, ego or service, function or dysfunction, etc. This is no surprise to anyone working in groups... Yet, such critical factors often are pushed aside as "soft" not "real business" issues. Some leaders, businesses and institutions have squandered their success or failed their mission by ignoring such consequential matters.
We need to be alert to the short and long term implications of such dynamics. In taking a holistic approach (evaluating the whole situation; identifying the root cause), we can tackle difficult challenges that may not be raised by compartmentalized or formulaic approaches.
"It is not so important with whom you do business, but it is
exceedingly important with whom you don't do business."
Jean-Pierre Levy, one of my mentors