What We Do Best

Areas of expertise

Elevating a Mid-Market Manufacturer to New Heights

A pivotal player in the industrial plumbing sector, specializing in equipment for healthcare facilities and commercial buildings, faced a critical juncture. Their quest for growth had stalled, hampered by outdated processes and an organizational structure that hindered rather than helped progress. Inefficiencies ran rampant, from paper-based systems to a lengthy sales cycle that made effective client servicing and market expansion seemingly unattainable.

The Challenge

Our client was in dire need of a strategic overhaul to ignite growth and build a foundation for scalable success. The primary obstacles included:
  • Outdated operational and sales processes reliant on paper.
  • Ineffective and costly client servicing methods.
  • Prolonged sales cycle, exacerbated by an underperforming marketing strategy, unable to fuel growth.

Our Approach

Embarking on a journey of transformative change, we closely collaborated with the company’s leadership, utilizing our blueprint as the driving force for innovation and efficiency. Our comprehensive strategy included:
  • Holistic Assessment: A thorough evaluation of sales, marketing, and operational processes, alongside talent and organizational health, revealed critical pain points such as reliance on outdated systems, a failing CRM, and a lack of cohesive teamwork.
  • Revitalizing Talent and Leadership: We initiated a complete refresh of the leadership and team structure, fostering a healthier culture of collaboration and efficiency that paved the way for improved processes.
  • Simplifying Technology: Implementing an intuitive lead generation and CRM solution enabled a streamlined, effective approach to managing the sales pipeline and customer interactions.
  • Customer-Centric Process Redesign: We reimagined customer engagement, from prospecting to post-sale support, ensuring every touchpoint was designed to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Operational Innovation: Evaluating the operational landscape led to the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) analytics, laying the groundwork for automated issue diagnosis and predictive maintenance capabilities.
  • Synergizing Systems and Processes: Integration efforts focused on aligning processes and technology to facilitate predictive maintenance, propelling the company towards cutting-edge operational efficiency.

The Transformation

This strategic partnership not only revitalized the company’s approach to sales and operations but also ushered in a new era of growth and scalability. By shedding outdated practices and embracing technology and teamwork, the firm is now poised to dominate the market, delivering unparalleled value to its clients, and setting a new standard in the industrial plumbing equipment sector.

Mastering Post-Merger Integration: A Tale of Transformation

In a decisive move aimed at enhancing its service offerings, an influential American entity opted to acquire a Canadian services firm renowned for its distinct and complementary capabilities. This merger was seen as a crucial element in the parent company’s ambitious strategy to diversify and solidify its services-centric approach. However, the initial change management initiative quickly evolved into a comprehensive mission, incorporating go-to-market strategies, organizational restructuring, and process optimization.

The Challenge

Integrating two distinct entities, particularly when expanding service capabilities rather than just scale alone, poses an intricate challenge—similar to unraveling a multidimensional puzzle. The objective wasn’t solely to merge, but to meld diverse talents, technologies, and traditions into a unified, more powerful whole. The hurdles were numerous:

  • Disparate, paper-based operational systems bogging down efficiency.
  • A clunky CRM system complicating client relationship management.
  • High staff turnover and a lack of collaboration undermining organizational health.
 

Our Magical Blueprint

Our intervention was twofold: creating a new vision and to executing a smooth transformation. We delved deep into the heart of the companies’ operations, assessing sales, marketing, solution design, and more, only to discover a landscape ready for significant change.

  • Revitalizing Talent and Leadership: We conjured a new era of collaboration and efficiency, replacing outdated hierarchies with a culture of unity and innovation.
  • Technological Reawakening: By abolishing the old, cumbersome CRM and implementing a nimble, intuitive system, we redefined lead generation and client engagement, setting the stage for a robust revenue stream.
  • Reimagining Customer Interactions: Our grand design re-engineered customer processes, focusing every interaction on delivering unparalleled satisfaction and value.
  • Operational Alchemy: Assessing operational processes through the lens of the Internet of Things, we unlocked the potential for automated diagnostics, paving the way for predictive maintenance and unprecedented efficiency.
 

The Transformation

This journey of integration and innovation marked a new chapter for both the American and Canadian firms, transforming them from separate entities into a unified force, poised for market dominance. By weaving together their diverse capabilities, we not only accelerated their integration timeline but also crafted a strategy that was truly greater than the sum of its parts.

Transforming IT for a Fortune 500 Leader 

In an era where IT is the backbone of innovation, our client—a celebrated Fortune 500 entity—recognized the urgent need to revolutionize its IT function. Traditionally viewed as a support role rather than a strategic powerhouse, the company’s IT department was pivotal yet underleveraged, often acting on direct orders instead of driving the business forward with visionary tech initiatives.

The Challenge

The core challenge lay in transitioning the IT department from an operational support role to a strategic entity aligned with overarching business goals. This shift was crucial as the complexity within their industry escalated, demanding a more sophisticated, future-ready approach to technology investment and utilization.

Our Solution

We devised a comprehensive plan to transform the IT landscape of the company, embedding our team as an integral part of their journey. Our strategy focused on:
  • Strategic Planning and Execution: Crafting a change roadmap that included redefining the organizational structure, prioritizing strategic investments, and establishing agile operational practices.
  • Innovative Assessments: Employing AI/ML tools for a non-intrusive assessment of team mindsets, facilitating the alignment of skills and attitudes with the transformation’s goals.
  • Leadership and Organization Design: Assisting in the selection and integration of a transformational leadership team, coupled with a thorough assessment of the organization to ensure alignment with the new strategic direction.
  • Change Management: Implementing change management and communication strategies to transition teams into more agile and strategic functions, supporting the smooth onboarding of new leadership.
  • Agile Transformation: Partnering with a specialist in Agile methodologies to standardize practices across teams, enhancing flexibility, efficiency, and focus on strategic initiatives over reactive tasks.
  • Digital and Cultural Realignment: Revamping the internal intranet to reflect the department’s strategic vision and foster a more collaborative relationship with the rest of the company.
  • Career Development: Introducing new titles and career pathways that align with the company’s strategic objectives, ensuring that evaluations and goals are closely linked to these new standards.
  • Experience Enhancement: Augmenting the client’s capabilities with specialized project management, UX design, process redesign, and robotic process automation (RPA) expertise to elevate the employee experience.

The Outcome

In embracing our holistic approach, the IT function has been transformed into a vital strategic partner within the company, showcasing its pivotal role in steering business success. By strategically investing in innovation and nurturing a culture of agility, we have empowered our client to not only stay ahead of industry trends but to also pioneer new developments in their ever-changing field.

Revolutionizing Change Management in a Large Sales Organization 

 

The Challenge

A large sales organization approached us with a critical challenge, to implement new software across their entire workforce. Their history of troubled implementations had led to: 

  • Significant productivity dips 
  • Slow adoption rates 
  • Negative impacts on employee morale and business revenue 

Our Innovative Approach 

We recognized that traditional change management methods weren’t sufficient. Our team developed a unique strategy that blended psychology and data analytics to drive successful transformation. 

Our Strategy 

  • Employee Segmentation 
    We identified and leveraged two key groups, results-drivers and resilient employees. Results-Drivers are employees comfortable with ambiguity and motivated by complex challenges. Resilient Employees are adaptable individuals eager for new experiences and learning 
  • Flipping the Script on Resistance
    Instead of focusing on overcoming resistance, we ignored it and concentrated on building momentum with our change-ready segments 
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
    We used advanced analytics to identify the right employees for each stage of the implementation process. 

 

 The Implementation Process 

  1. Role Model Identification
    We recruited Results-Drivers and Resilient employees as early adopters and change champions. 
  1. Pilot and Prove
    Our change champions tested the implementation, identified and resolved issues, and created initial frameworks for wider adoption. 
  1. Framework Development
    Results-Drivers provided high-level process outlines and resilient employees refined these into more detailed guides. 
  1. Momentum Building
    We demonstrated early successes, leveraging the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) to engage more reluctant employees. 
  1. Comprehensive Playbook Creation
    Detailed checklists and playbooks were developed for employees who prefer structure and clear guidelines. 

 

Results and Impact 

Our approach led to: 

  • Faster adoption rates across the organization 
  • Minimal disruption to productivity 
  • Increased employee engagement in the change process 
  • Sustainable long-term change with reduced resistance 

 

 Key Takeaways 

  1. Focus on Resilience, Not Resistance: Empower those ready for change instead of trying to convince resistors.
  1. Leverage Data and Psychology: Use behavioral insights to identify and engage the right employees at each stage.
  1. Tailor Your Approach: Develop strategies that resonate with different employee segments.
  2. Build Momentum Through Success Stories: Let early adopters become your change ambassadors.
  3. Utilize Practical Motivators: For more resistant groups, tie change to tangible benefits like improved workflows or potential for increased commissions.

 

Conclusion 

By adopting this data-driven, psychology-based approach to change management, organizations can significantly increase the success rate of their transformation initiatives while minimizing drama and resistance. Our case study demonstrates that by focusing on those employees most adaptable to change, a positive ripple effect can be created throughout the organization, naturally drawing in even the most reluctant employees. 

A pivotal player in the industrial plumbing sector, specializing in equipment for healthcare facilities and commercial buildings, faced a critical juncture. Their quest for growth had stalled, hampered by outdated processes and an organizational structure that hindered rather than helped progress. Inefficiencies ran rampant, from paper-based systems to a lengthy sales cycle that made effective client servicing and market expansion seemingly unattainable.

The Challenge

Our client was in dire need of a strategic overhaul to ignite growth and build a foundation for scalable success. The primary obstacles included:
  • Outdated operational and sales processes reliant on paper.
  • Ineffective and costly client servicing methods.
  • Prolonged sales cycle, exacerbated by an underperforming marketing strategy, unable to fuel growth.

Our Approach

Embarking on a journey of transformative change, we closely collaborated with the company’s leadership, utilizing our blueprint as the driving force for innovation and efficiency. Our comprehensive strategy included:
  • Holistic Assessment: A thorough evaluation of sales, marketing, and operational processes, alongside talent and organizational health, revealed critical pain points such as reliance on outdated systems, a failing CRM, and a lack of cohesive teamwork.
  • Revitalizing Talent and Leadership: We initiated a complete refresh of the leadership and team structure, fostering a healthier culture of collaboration and efficiency that paved the way for improved processes.
  • Simplifying Technology: Implementing an intuitive lead generation and CRM solution enabled a streamlined, effective approach to managing the sales pipeline and customer interactions.
  • Customer-Centric Process Redesign: We reimagined customer engagement, from prospecting to post-sale support, ensuring every touchpoint was designed to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Operational Innovation: Evaluating the operational landscape led to the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) analytics, laying the groundwork for automated issue diagnosis and predictive maintenance capabilities.
  • Synergizing Systems and Processes: Integration efforts focused on aligning processes and technology to facilitate predictive maintenance, propelling the company towards cutting-edge operational efficiency.

The Transformation

This strategic partnership not only revitalized the company’s approach to sales and operations but also ushered in a new era of growth and scalability. By shedding outdated practices and embracing technology and teamwork, the firm is now poised to dominate the market, delivering unparalleled value to its clients, and setting a new standard in the industrial plumbing equipment sector.

In a decisive move aimed at enhancing its service offerings, an influential American entity opted to acquire a Canadian services firm renowned for its distinct and complementary capabilities. This merger was seen as a crucial element in the parent company’s ambitious strategy to diversify and solidify its services-centric approach. However, the initial change management initiative quickly evolved into a comprehensive mission, incorporating go-to-market strategies, organizational restructuring, and process optimization.

The Challenge

Integrating two distinct entities, particularly when expanding service capabilities rather than just scale alone, poses an intricate challenge—similar to unraveling a multidimensional puzzle. The objective wasn’t solely to merge, but to meld diverse talents, technologies, and traditions into a unified, more powerful whole. The hurdles were numerous:

  • Disparate, paper-based operational systems bogging down efficiency.
  • A clunky CRM system complicating client relationship management.
  • High staff turnover and a lack of collaboration undermining organizational health.
 

Our Magical Blueprint

Our intervention was twofold: creating a new vision and to executing a smooth transformation. We delved deep into the heart of the companies’ operations, assessing sales, marketing, solution design, and more, only to discover a landscape ready for significant change.

  • Revitalizing Talent and Leadership: We conjured a new era of collaboration and efficiency, replacing outdated hierarchies with a culture of unity and innovation.
  • Technological Reawakening: By abolishing the old, cumbersome CRM and implementing a nimble, intuitive system, we redefined lead generation and client engagement, setting the stage for a robust revenue stream.
  • Reimagining Customer Interactions: Our grand design re-engineered customer processes, focusing every interaction on delivering unparalleled satisfaction and value.
  • Operational Alchemy: Assessing operational processes through the lens of the Internet of Things, we unlocked the potential for automated diagnostics, paving the way for predictive maintenance and unprecedented efficiency.
 

The Transformation

This journey of integration and innovation marked a new chapter for both the American and Canadian firms, transforming them from separate entities into a unified force, poised for market dominance. By weaving together their diverse capabilities, we not only accelerated their integration timeline but also crafted a strategy that was truly greater than the sum of its parts.

In an era where IT is the backbone of innovation, our client—a celebrated Fortune 500 entity—recognized the urgent need to revolutionize its IT function. Traditionally viewed as a support role rather than a strategic powerhouse, the company’s IT department was pivotal yet underleveraged, often acting on direct orders instead of driving the business forward with visionary tech initiatives.

The Challenge

The core challenge lay in transitioning the IT department from an operational support role to a strategic entity aligned with overarching business goals. This shift was crucial as the complexity within their industry escalated, demanding a more sophisticated, future-ready approach to technology investment and utilization.

Our Solution

We devised a comprehensive plan to transform the IT landscape of the company, embedding our team as an integral part of their journey. Our strategy focused on:
  • Strategic Planning and Execution: Crafting a change roadmap that included redefining the organizational structure, prioritizing strategic investments, and establishing agile operational practices.
  • Innovative Assessments: Employing AI/ML tools for a non-intrusive assessment of team mindsets, facilitating the alignment of skills and attitudes with the transformation’s goals.
  • Leadership and Organization Design: Assisting in the selection and integration of a transformational leadership team, coupled with a thorough assessment of the organization to ensure alignment with the new strategic direction.
  • Change Management: Implementing change management and communication strategies to transition teams into more agile and strategic functions, supporting the smooth onboarding of new leadership.
  • Agile Transformation: Partnering with a specialist in Agile methodologies to standardize practices across teams, enhancing flexibility, efficiency, and focus on strategic initiatives over reactive tasks.
  • Digital and Cultural Realignment: Revamping the internal intranet to reflect the department’s strategic vision and foster a more collaborative relationship with the rest of the company.
  • Career Development: Introducing new titles and career pathways that align with the company’s strategic objectives, ensuring that evaluations and goals are closely linked to these new standards.
  • Experience Enhancement: Augmenting the client’s capabilities with specialized project management, UX design, process redesign, and robotic process automation (RPA) expertise to elevate the employee experience.

The Outcome

In embracing our holistic approach, the IT function has been transformed into a vital strategic partner within the company, showcasing its pivotal role in steering business success. By strategically investing in innovation and nurturing a culture of agility, we have empowered our client to not only stay ahead of industry trends but to also pioneer new developments in their ever-changing field.