Removing the walls that work places around us.
Many of us long for a new relationship with work. We seek a bigger horizon — beyond self-interest, silos and politics, beyond the tragedies of outdated work cultures. Together, we are building healthy organizations where people can achieve their fullest potential through deep purpose, connection, and generative action.
“Beyond skills and technology gaps, there are the gaps of understanding and relationship. I always sense that more room for us to maneuver exists. That what halts us is simply a failure of imagination.”
— Barry Lopez
We serve leaders who are reimagining the world of work.
We are a coaching company that helps leaders build life-giving organizations. Our practice centers on integrating human systems and business operations to cultivate inspired teams and create positive change. At our core, we bring the connective power of stories and authentic relationships to organizations seeking to grow in partnership with their employees, customers, and communities.
Our approach weaves story, strategy, and systems together to foster deeply relational cultures where ideas and energy flow. MIT’s Otto Scharmer describes this as moving from “ego-systems to eco-systems.” When we view our organizations as ecosystems, we begin to see that we are operating within complex networks of relationships. From here, we can recognize that leadership succeeds or fails along relational lines. Our effectiveness is determined by our ability to identify and nourish the relational networks around us toward beneficial ends.
When we intentionally invest in strategies and systems that foster active communication, deeper relationships, and authentic character — that magical quality called trust emerges.
People light up. Energy and ideas flow. Teams take off. Potential, long dormant, is activated. This is our work.
This we believe ...
Every organization has hidden capacity, starting with the human systems on which the business operations stand.
Organizations that use their brand story to shape their culture, operations, and customer experience produce faster growth, greater margins, and deeper employee satisfaction and performance.
Organizations that create conditions where people are free to express their talents and find meaning in their work outperform the competition and create more value.
Organizations have an obligation to be life-giving to the benefit of all their stakeholders: employees, customers, communities, investors.
“Work should be non-violent to the self, non-violent to the community, and non-violent to the planet.” (with gratitude to Jerry Colonna)
Stuart Wood
Partner, Lead Coach
I work with Presidents, CEOs, CMOs, Executive Directors, Founders, and Heads of School to develop authentic, purpose-driven brand stories. My practice is founded on three beliefs: 1) that work and craft provide the canvas from which we can pursue our fullest potential; 2) that organizations can be platforms for human flourishing; and 3) that leadership is the serious business of “serving others into being” ever-truer versions of themselves. When we embrace these beliefs with honesty and intention, we open ourselves to storytelling that goes far beyond what we make or sell. Instead of promoting pretty veneers, we convey a deep brand character that resonates as a genuine expression of who we are as individuals and as organizations.
My journey began as a writer and creative director in niche branding agencies. I spent many hours working with CEOs and our conversations frequently led to deeper explorations of how personal values and beliefs shaped their organizations. I saw the correlation between healthy leaders, strong internal cultures, and vibrant brands. The lesson was obvious: great brands start inside by aligning purpose, strategy, operations, culture, and storytelling. It turns out that the best marketing strategy is to build a great organization and then tell your story. It’s not rocket science, but it is unusual. My career is dedicated to making great organizations a little less rare - for everyone’s sakes.
I am grateful to the many teachers and mentors who have led me into this work.
