President/Co-Founder, Memnosyne Institute; Co-Founder/General Partner of UTF Holdings Llc, and Co-Founder/President of Eco-Eco/Green Energy, Co-founder/President of Thompson Fine Arts, Inc., Founder/Designer of Black Sheep Achieve
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Changeisnolongeragradualevolution—itisadefiningforceofourtime.Across
industriesandgeographies,anewgenerationofleadersissteppingforward,not merelytoadapttodisruption,buttoarchitectit.InthiseditionofCIOLook titled, Change Catalysts: The Innovative Leaders Driving Transformation Globally, wespotlightvisionarieswhoarereshapingbusinessmodels,reimaginingsystems,and redefiningwhatresponsibleleadershiplookslikeinarapidlyshiftingworld.
Theseleadersoperateattheintersectionofinnovationandimpact.Theyunderstandthat transformationisnotconfinedtotechnologyalone;itencompassesculture,governance, sustainability,inclusion,andlong-termvaluecreation.Whethersteeringdigital revolutions,advancingclimate-consciousstrategies,orbuildingresilientorganizations, theydemonstratethatmeaningfulprogressdemandscourage,clarity,andconviction.
Whatdistinguishesthesechangecatalystsistheirabilitytobalanceagilitywithpurpose. Theyarenotsimplyreactingtoglobalvolatility—theyareanticipatingit,converting uncertaintyintoopportunity,andempoweringtheirteamstothinkbeyondconventional boundaries.Theirstoriesrevealaconsistenttheme:transformationismostpowerful whenitishuman-centeredandguidedbyaclearstrategicvision.
Incuratingthisedition,wesoughtleaderswhoseworktranscendsshort-termmilestones andreflectsenduringinfluence.Eachprofileoffersinsightsintothemindset,strategy, anddisciplinerequiredtodrivelarge-scaleimpactwhilemaintainingethicaland operationalexcellence.
Asyouexplorethesenarratives,weinviteyoutoconsiderhowtransformativeleadership manifestswithinyourownsphereofinfluence.Progressbeginswithboldthinking,butit issustainedthroughdeliberateaction.
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The 21st Century Humanitarian must harness For-Profit/ Non-Profit Hybrid Strategies to Drive Transformation Globally
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Featured
MaryAnn Thompson-Frenk President/Co-Founder, MemnosyneInstitute; Co-Founder/General PartnerofUTF HoldingsLlc,and Co-Founder/Presidentof Eco-Eco/GreenEnergy, Co-founder/President ofThompsonFineArts, Inc.,Founder/Designer ofBlackSheepAchieve
ChelseaToler
Founder&Chief
ExecutiveOfficer
KatrinaVictoria Gumaya
InternationalPartner/ BoardMember/ SeniorRepresentative
SadiqaSiddique
Founder&Chief
ExecutiveOfficer
ToddLitzsinger SeniorExecutive Leader
Visionaryentrepreneurandimpactinvestordriving innovationincognitivescience,sustainableenergy,strategic investments,finearts,andpurpose-drivendesignthrough transformativegloballeadership.
Logictry logictry.com/
WorldBusinessAngels InvestmentForum(WBAF) wbaforum.org
IntelligentSolutions Discovery intelligentsolutions discovery.com
Follett follett.com
Dynamicleaderspecializinginscalableinnovation,product strategy,andoperationalexecution,recognizedfor transformingideasintomarket-readysolutionswhile fosteringcollaborative,growth-orientedteams.
Globalbusinessstrategistexperiencedininternational partnerships,boardgovernance,stakeholderrelations,and cross-borderexpansion,drivingsustainablegrowththrough collaborativeleadershipanddiplomaticexpertise.
Visionaryentrepreneurdrivingstrategicgrowth, organizationalexcellence,andinclusiveleadership,with expertiseininnovation,stakeholderengagement,business development,andbuildingpurpose-driven,high-performing enterprisesglobally
Results-focusedexecutiveleaderwithstrengthsin corporatestrategy,operationaltransformation,team development,andperformancemanagementacross complex,multi-stakeholderbusinessenvironments.
The 21st Century Humanitarian must harness For-Pro t/Non-Pro t Hybrid Strategies to Drive Transformation Globally
President/Co-Founder, Memnosyne Institute; Co-Founder/General Partner of UTF Holdings Llc, and Co-Founder/President of Eco-Eco/Green Energy, Co-founder/President of Thompson Fine Arts, Inc., Founder/Designer of Black Sheep Achieve
Catalyzingchangeisnotasolitaryact.Neitheris
drivingtransformationglobally,evenifyouarean innovativeleaderlikeMaryAnnThompson-Frenk D.D.(h.c.),FRSA.,therecipientofthe 2018 Civic Pioneer Award,oneofthehighestrecognitionsgivenbyCongress toaUSAfemalecitizen,recognizedbyHerHighnessDr. WinfredWanjikuGitongain2024witha“Certificate of Appreciation In Recognition of Exceptional Contribution to The Growth and Expansion of the African Continent"and selectedbyHerHighnessDr.WinfredWanjikuGitonga,to beoneofthewomenprofiledduringthe“International Women'sDayrecognition”byTheRoyalKutai MulawarmanPeaceInternationalInstituteRKMPII Philippines,andsharingthe2025“Logic For Peace Award” recognitionfromtheUnitedNationswithherhusband, JoshuaRaymondFrenkandthe 2025 United Nations the President's Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden,herwork,andthatoftheinternationalteamsshe leads,havebeenrecognizedaroundtheglobe.
Asco-founderofTheMemnosyneInstitutewithJoshua RaymondFrenk,theyarenowcelebrating20yearsof leadingtheinternationalnonprofit,alongsideitsExecutive Director,PhillipE.Collins,helpinghumanitytacklethe challengesofglobalization,spanningfromitsbeginnings whichincludednegotiatingthefirsttreaty/alliancebetween theHopiandNavajonationsin300years;launching
culturalcenterprogramsservingtheMayaintheYucatan andToltecaofTeotihuacan,launchingGreenSourceTX, originallyenvisionedbyDr.PhillipShinodaandwhose currentleadership.Dr WendelWithrow&JulieThibadeux, wasrecognizedbytheUNin2026linkingthe environmentaladvocatesacrossaTexas,astatelargerthan France;extendingintoAsiawheretheirchapter,ledbyRev HiromiYanohasbeeninitiatingandoverseeing reconciliationbetweenSouthKoreaandJapan;toNew ZealandwheretheyworkedwithMāoricommunitiesto reclaimtraditionalmedicinepracticesunderthe collaborativeleadershipofChiefRangitunoaBlackand othersnowbeingreclaimedinhospitalstoreducethepain ofchildbirth;toAfricawheretheirworkhasincluded sponsoringthelateImamBabaMatta'seffortstocombat extremismbysponsoringacaravanofImams,Rabbisand Priestswhotraveledtogether,teachingliteracysothat peoplecouldreadforthemselvesthatnoneofthe AbrahamictextsadvocatedforkillingthosewithHIV;to morerecentworkwhichincludedassistingtheescapeof Sudaneserefugeesfromthewarzone.Thecross-sectionof interfaith/healthworkextendsintheUSAtoo,whereDr ReneHymel,aJohnsHopkins/Harvardgraduate,hasbeen workingwithhousesofworshiptoeducateLouisiana AfricanAmericancommunitiesondiabetesprevention, resultingindramaticallyreducedrates,andtrainedateam oflike-mindeddoctorstodothesameforAfricanAmerican andNativeAmericancommunitiesacrossthecountry
Today, we are at a point between countries, religions, and cultures where we will either bump into each other, walk over each other, or, instead, choose to collaborate consciously and evolve humanity. If we allow ourselves to grow randomly, we will invite more misunderstanding, more war, and less innovation. But if we can choose to collaborate responsibly, and thereby become the conscious cultural creators of humanity's future, that future is limitless!” “
InadditiontoherworkwithTheMemnosyneInstitute, MaryAnnisapublishedwriter,havingcontributedto multiplebooks,includingtheAmazonbestseller,“Expert WorldLeaders:ReachingBeyondBoundariesVolume One,”overseenbyLeadersofAllNations'PresidentDr. CarolineMakaka&Dr.ViolaEdwardDeGlanville.,STEP JOURNAL:“Developing a Global Agenda- Expert Insight from the Inaugural STEP Global Congress”compiledby RichardPease,andcollaboratedwithherhusbandon contributingthechaptertitled:"Social Acupuncture: How Facilitating Integral Philanthropy is the Future of Impactful Humanitarianism"for"Dawn of the Akashic Age: New Consciousness, Quantum Resonance, and The Future of The World"byKingsleyL.Dennisandthree-timenominated-Nobel-Peace-PrizeDr.ErvinLaszlo,which recognizedMaryAnnandherandherhusband,Joshua,as “two of the 21st Century's Visionary Thinkers” leading innovative humanitarianism for their 'social acupuncture'” strategy.
Yet,whileMaryAnnbeganherhumanitarianoutreach viaTheMemnosyneInstitute,sheisalsoanawardwinningsculptor,humanrights/environmental activist,social-responsibleinvestor/consciouscapitalistandinternationalspeaker,co-founding UTFHoldingswithKaluUgwuomoJr supportingtheUNs'SDG's&Eco-Eco llc./GreenEnergyLlc,withTaniaArrayales Rodriguez,(recognizedbyMexico'ssenate astheleadingeco-architectintheYucatan), creatingsolarfarmswhichwilldoubleas pollinatorsanctuaries,aswellasthelead fashiondesignerforhernewnon-slave laborproduced,“BlackSheepAchieve” shoeandaccessorieslablelaunchingin 2025.
HavingbeenadoptedfromMexicowhenshe wasfivedaysold,bythefamilythatbeganand grew7-Elevenintoaninternationalcorporation, MaryAnnexplains,“IwasselectedforadoptionbecauseI wasbornin1977at7:11aminMexicoandwasmade legallyavailableforadoptiononMother'sDayofthatyear. AsIdidnothingtobebornattherighttime,placeandyear, Icanneverfeelentitledtotheopportunitiesthathavebeen giventomeinmylife…theopportunitiestobreathe becausemyparentscouldaffordtopayformetobeinthe hospitalforweeksormonthsattimeduetoasthma,the opportunitiesto'hear'and'speak'becausemyparentscould affordtopayforspecialiststoputonrubberglovestoteach mytonguehowtosaywordsthetonalhearinglossinmy cochleaIwasbornwithcouldn'thearcorrectly.Now,I've spokenattheUN,HouseofLords,andWhiteHouse
becausesomeonegavemetheopportunitytomakethemost ofmyself.Therefore,whenIlookatmylife,Ithinkofit simultaneouslyintwoways:oneasthepersonwhogrew upwithopportunitiestohaveaneducationand accesstosupportfordealingwithahearing loss,seizures,andasthma,andtobeputin theworldwhereIwouldmeetmyhusband, Joshua.ButthenIalsothinkofwhatit couldhavebeenlikeifIhadnotbeenborn attherightmomentintherightyearand beenavailableforadoptionomMother's Day….ifthathadn'thappened,Iwouldnotbe abletospeakcorrectly,havehadaccesstothequality ofeducationIreceived,etcandbesittingonthestreet, paintingpotteryprayingthatsomesnootytouristgoing byinherstilettoswouldbuymyworksoIcouldeat. I'dbelookingatherinhersuitandsaying,'IfI wereinherposition,I'dbedoingsuchandsuch withmylife.'Sowhateverimpactfulthingthat mightbe,iswhatIfeelImustholdmyself accountabletodo.”
AsaMexican-Americanimmigrantwith mostlyNativeAmericangenetics,Mary Annhasfeltcompelledtonotonly advocateforindigenouspeoplebutalso toserveasanadvocateforimmigrants' rightsandrespectfortheircommunity alongsideothers.Shereceivedthe 2020ImmigrantAdvocateAwardHonoringOutstandingImmigrant TrailblazersissuedbytheCityof Dallas,theStateofTexasrecognizedher inthepassingoftheTXHR1472Billfor herworkservingtheNativeAmerican communitiesduringtheCOVIDpandemic andshecontributedthemultiplechapters coveringtheUSAindividualsprofiledfor thebook,“50 Inspiring Voices of Migrant Women: From Struggle to Success”by MirelaSulaandhasparticipatedin/and orledvariousactivistengagements suchasorganizingtheprotestagainst VictorOrban'spushforracialpurity andHolocaustdenialandhissupport forCPAC'sadvocatingmaking interracialmarriageillegaland reducingwomen'srightsintheUSA inDallas'CPACconference, sponsoredbusestoprotestthe childrenputincagesinMcAllen, TexasbyICEandaddressedover 7,000marchersinTheWomen's
MarchinTexasindefenseofracialequality,respectful interfaithrelations,NativeAmericanandimmigrant'srights andgenderequality
Yet,sheinsists,“WithinanyorganizationI'vebeenblessed tosharealeadershiprole, , TheMemnosyneInstitute UTF Holdings,Llc ECO-ECO/GreenEnergy ThompsonFine , , Arts,Inc.,orBlackSheepAchieve,whilethingsoftenbegin withmysettingthetone,determiningthedirectionand goals,thereisnotonesinglesuccessfulendeavorthat becameasuccessbymyeffortsandvisionalone.As audaciousasIcanbe,Iamsurroundedbythosewhohave challengedmetoaimhigher,expandfurther,andoffer potentialstrategiesfordoingso.Nooneevermakesit alone,andaleadercultivatesthiskindofinnovationwithin organizationsbybalancingbetweenegoandhumility:You havetohaveabigenoughegotobelieveyourcorevisionis worthotherpeople'stime,energy,andmoney,andthatyou arethebestchoicetoleadthecharge.BUTyoualsohaveto haveenoughhumilitytolearnfromyourteam,toallow yourselftobeofferedadifferentwaytogetwhereyouwant togo,ortohaveyourteamsuggestthattheremaybemore stepsthanyouthoughttogetthere,orthatyouareaiming tooloworshouldevenconsideraimingforsomething different.Aleader'shumilityenablestheteamtofeelsecure andsupportedintheirintellectandresultinginnovations, andaleader'segoenablestheteamtofeelconfidentthat theireffortshaveaspearheadpiercingbetweenthepresent andtakingtheteamintothefuture.”
Institute,
UTF
Llc,ECO-ECO/GreenEnergy, Inc.
MaryAnnexplains,“Oneofthemostprolificwaysto define'impact'formeistogenerateleaders.Whenweenter acommunity,wearen'tjusttryingtoputasolutionfrom outsidethecommunityontopofaproblemwithinthe community.Thatneverlasts.Instead,weinvitethe
The choice isn't whether you will impact this world. You already are just by how you interact with it –how you buy and invest. The world is more interconnected than ever, so the question isn't if you are a ecting the current and future culture of humanity. Instead, the question is whether you are going to embrace your in uence consciously?”
community,orareinvitedinbythecommunity,to collaborateincreatingsolutions.Thisgeneratesasenseof 'ownership'.Everythingisstillbasedaroundourcorevalues –whetherthatbeinthenon-profitworkofTheMemnosyne Institutearoundtheworldorviathefor-profitPeoplePlanet-ProfitmodalitiesofUTFHoldings.InThe MemnosyneInstitute,whereourExecutiveDirector,Phillip E.Collins,consideredoneofthetopartcuratorsinthe USA,decidedtoapplyhisdecadesofcurationexperience towardscuratinghumanitariansinstead,I'vewitnessedThe MemnosyneAsiaChapter,ledbyRev.HiromiYano, coordinatereconciliationeffortsbetweenJapanandSouth Korea,whoseeffortsarebeinggivenrecognitionbythe SouthKoreancommunitiesthisyear We'vewitnessed AngelÁakBáalamkéejSulub,whoheadsup“Centro ComunitarioUkúuchilkCh'i'ibalo'on”,oneoftwo MemnosyneCulturalCenterprogramsinMexico,withthis onesupportingtheMayacommunity,berecognizedby UNESCO.
HereintheUnitedStates,we'vewitnessedThomasQ Johns,MemnosyneInstitute'scomputerengineerworking ontheVitalSignsMonitor,anAIwearedevelopingto assisttheUNinmeetingtheSustainableDevelopment Goals,berecognizedalongsideJoshuaandmeattheUnited Nationslastyear Thepointis,allofthesepeople,and more,wouldbepursuingmakinganimpactwithorwithout
us.Butwhenwecanharnesstheirpassion,supporttheir creativity,respecttheirinsights,andforgestrategic collaboration,assistingtheminmagnifyingtheirimpact, thepotentialofoneindividual,ifsupported,canserveasa magnifyingforcethatinspiresmovementforwardand onward.Noteveryfightisminetodopersonally–oftenmy taskasaleaderistoidentifyandupliftothers.WhenIhear oursharedvaluescomingfromtheirvoiceandothers resonating,thenIknowthereisproofofmuchmore successthanifIdidthisjourneypurelyoutofego,which wouldbefarmorelimitedandlosethecontributionsoftrue visionaries.Infact,Iknowthatsomeonehassuccessfully risentowardsleadershipwhentheyaretakingtheinitiative toexpandontheoriginalgoalsset.”
Today,someoftheexpandingworkthatMaryAnn Thompson-Frenkisexcitedaboutpursuingbesideher teamsgloballyincludesUTFHoldings,Llcwhereher partner,KaluUgwuomoJr,broughthertheconceptfora multibilliondollardealwhichshestates,“I'dneverhave conceivedofonmyown,butamthoroughlyenjoyingthe challengeasittakesthesameenergyandtimetopursue somethingbigasitdoessomethingsmall!”.InECOECO/GreenEnergy,MaryAnn,withherpartner,Tania ArrayalesRodriguez,tookthevisionforasolar/windfarm andiscombiningittoserveasapollinatorsanctuarywhile exploringhowtoexpanditintoaneco-responsibledata
“
I
like to practice what I call 'Social Akido'….In moments of uncertainty and high-stakes change, identify the source of the area of greatest energy…You can't win over people by what you want; you can only win over people by what they already want. Identify that and map out how you can link their priorities and values with the action you need to be taken.
center.Sheexplains,“TaniaandIunderstandthatitwill takeinnovationtopreventenvironmentalists' understandableconcerns.Butunlesssomeonesays,'Can thisbeaccomplishedinabetterway?'itwon'tgetdone.”In hercompany,ThompsonFineArts,Inc.,ledwithher husband,Joshua,theyareexcitedabouttheupcoming “ProlificProfileSeries”highlightingRev.PeterJohnson, (themanMLKassignedtooverseethefightagainst segregationinTexas),LawrenceBloom(themanwhogot then-Prince-nowKing,Charlestojoinhiminchallenging allmajorhotelchainstoembraceresponsibilityfortheir environmentalimpact),andRicardoCervantesCervantes, (thespiritualleaderoftheToltecaofTeotihuacanwhose helpedhispeoplebalancetraditionalsacredwisdomwith embracingthefastpacedtechnologicalgrowthofthe21st century).Sheexplains,“Theideaforthe'ProlificProfile Series'cameaboutbecauseourlatefriend,BillGladstone ofWatersideLiteraryProductionssuggestedourcompanies collaborateandwhenhiswife,Gail,tookthehelm,she fullyembracedthatsharedgoalandisdonating,alongside us,aportionofprofitstobedonatedtoTheMemnosyne Institutetohelpsupporttheinitiativescarryingonthe passionofthoseliveshighlighted.”
Similarly,MaryAnncreditsherteaminTheMemnosyne Institute,fortheirongoinginitiatives,suchasthatledby Shintopriest,Rev.HiromiYanowhohasbeenleading reconciliationbetweenJapanandSouthKorea;theUSA Rev ToddCollierwhoturnedtheorganization'sInterfaith ServiceNetworkprogramintoFoodSourceUSAwhichhas savedover$60Mworthoffoodfrombeingthrowninto landfillsandredirectedittohomelesssheltersandfood pantriesfromAlaskatoFloridafromNYtoCaliforniato PuertoRicotoHawaiiandintheUK,where7.5million peopleintheUKareexperiencingfoodinsecurity,with 11%ofthatpopulationinWales.DavidSolomons,Sky Andrew,KiddWaya,DanaAmmaDay,NeLwin,andSunil PurohithavebeencoordinatingwithLordAndrewStone, BaronessSandipVerma,andmoretoextendthatworkinto aFoodSourceUKinitiativebeginningwithMerthyrTydfil, Wales,toestablishafoodhubtoassistexistingeffortsand linkinmoreparticipants.Meanwhile,theorganization's culturalcentersinMexico,CentroCulturalToltecade TeotihuacanAC,servingtheTolteca,andCentro ComunitarioUkúuchilkCh'i'ibalo'on,servingtheMaya, haveledthereconciliationbetweenthetwotribesafter500 yearswhilecollaboratinginculturalpreservation.
ButwhatexcitesMaryAnnandherhusband,Joshua, especiallythesedays,isestablishinghybridstrategies betweenfor-profitsandnon-profits.Sheexplains,“Noone haseverwonachessgamebyplayingtheboardasthey wishedthepieceswerelaidout,insteadofdealingwiththe
realityinfrontofthem.Wehavetostrategizewithrealityin mind,nomatterhowwemightthinkaboutthatreality.The factsarethatthemajorityoftheworld'smoneyisinthe privatehandsofcorporationsandindividualsasopposedto countriesandnonprofits.Soifwewanttoaddressthe inequityoftheworld,wehavefirsttorecognizethatweare partoftheecological,economicalandsociologicalsystems andnotseparateoraboveit.BuckminsterFullerusedtosay thattomakepeoplechange,youhavetomakethe alternativesosimpleandeasythattheychooseitalmostout st oflaziness.Sothat'swhatthoseseekingtoshapethe21 centurymustthink.Justlikehowthebodygetsastroke whentheblooddoesn'tflowthroughthewholebody,our economicsystemsbecomestymiedwhenhugeindustries don'tplanoutstrategicallytoensuretheeconomicflowis benefitingmultipleeconomiclevelswithinacommunity.”
Amongthesenon-profit/for-profit“hybridprojectssheis helpingtocoordinatearewithher,Joshua'sandKalu'sgood friend,theawardwinningsingerandchildsoldiersurvivor, EmmanuelJalandhisorganization,GuaAfrica,The MemnosyneInstitute,UTFHoldings,Llc,andBaroness SandipVerma'sNEXUSGREEN,tocreatethe“The African Breadbasket Program”toprovideeconomicmeans andfoodfortheSudaneserefugeefamiliestheyhelpedget outofthewarzoneandwhoarenowinEthiopia.
When you create a business plan, treat humanity and the planet as shareholders in your head by advocating for them throughout designing your strategy – and not as an afterthought.
Theprojectwillbeginthere,butisplannedtoexpand acrossthecontinentasquicklyaspossible,witha percentageofgrainandfoodproducegoingtosustain communitiesandapercentageaimedatbeingsoldintothe globaleconomy,therebycreatingsustainability.Witha hugepercentageoffoodrottingduetolackofrefrigerated storage,BaronessVerma'sNEXUSGREENprovidingit willenablefarmerstobenefitfromtheirfullsweatequity andpurchasetheirplotsoflandinabout5yearswhile generatingaprofitfrominvestorsintoUTFHoldings,from whichapercentagewillbedonatedbackintoThe MemnosyneInstitutetobothhelpgetmorerefugeesoutof thewarzoneandempowerotherstobenefitfromthesame program,astrategydesignedbytheirUKChapterAdvisory BoardMember,LordAndrewStone.MaryAnnexplains, “AfterthewarbetweenRussiaandUkrainecutoffthe continentofAfricafromitsmaingrainsource,Ethiopiaand Egyptarepoisedtofighteachotherunlesswecan dramaticallyincreasegrainproduction.Withmostofthe firstworldalignedwithoneortheother,thisisarecipe reminiscentofWWIunlessafor-profitandnon-profiteffort isputinplacetoaddressit.Sothispromisestobe extremelylife-changingfortheAfricancommunitiesand profitableforinvestorswiththemeanstoestablishand sustainthenon-profitontheground,GatwichClub's trainingforaspiringfarmerstoparticipate.Iconsiderit amongthethingsthathavethepotentialtohavethegreatest impactonourworldrightalongwiththeVitalSigns Monitor.”
TheMemnosyneInstitute,ledbycomputerengineerand sociologist,ThomasQ.Johns,hasdevelopedtheAIcalled the“VitalSignsMonitor”basedontheirlateAdvisory BoardMember's,Dr.DonEdwardBeck's,SpiralDynamics methodologieswhichheusedtoadviseNelsonMandelain
overthrowingapartheid,(aswellaspredictterrorismand bioterrorismforSingaporeandEgyptanddemonstrated accuratepredictionsfortheshootingthattragically occurredinNorway).RossPerothadencouragedDr.Beck toseeifthemethodologycouldbeadaptedtothecomputer age,andtheydiscovereditcouldbe,butwerelimitedby thetechnologyofthetime.Now,Dr.DonBeck'sprotégé, ThomasQJohns,hasdevelopedthe“VitalSignsMonitor” (VSM)basedonDon'sSpiralDynamicsmodel,that measurestheSDG'slikeabody'svitalsigns,fora community–beitatinyvillageorametropolislike Manhattan,helpingUNparticipatingnationsdiagnose themselvesfromeconomiestoenvironmenttoeducational accesstocleanlinessofwater,etcandtakingintoaccount whatwillbeneededtoreachtheirgoalsgiventheirexisting budgets.Meanwhile,theorganizationhasenteredintoa collaborationwithLogictry,ledbyChelseaTolerandChris Fronda,whichprovidesanotherAIdesignedtohelppeople thinkthroughconceptslogicallybyofferingquestionsthat leadtowardinformedobjectivity.TheirAIwillofferaplace onlinewherethosewithpotentialsolutionsintheprivate sectorcanfilloutaformandmakeitavailabletothose nationssearchingforsolutions.Together.ThetwoAIswill collaboratetoenabletheUN'sparticipatingnationstoselfdiagnoseandthenidentifythepotentialsolutionsthatmatch theirneeds.MaryAnnexplains,“Thebeneficial opportunitiesforhumanityfromsuchacollaboration, encouragedbyAmbassadorStanSmithandThe MemnosyneInstitute'sboardmember,AdolfoAyuso Audrey,arelightyearsaheadofwherewebeganbecause wehavebeenopentocollaborations.Sinceour organization'sinternalprocessesarealreadybasedonbackand-forthenergybetweenminds,itisanaturalthingto extendthatflowtocollaboratorsoutsidetheorganization. Whenwedo,thepotentialforpositiveimpactsetataglobal
scaleisimmeasurable….andthatexcitesmebecauseI'm moreinterestedinestablishingtoolsthatwillcontinueto empowergenerationslongafterIamgone,thanjust seekingbraggingrightsformylimitedtimeonthisplanet.”
Whenaskedaboutnavigatingresistanceshe'sencountered atagloballevel,MaryAnnexplains,“People'sbiases–be theyethics,(orlackof),theygrewupgainingfromtheir grandparentsorthememeticsofacompetingworldexalting sociopathicbehavior,oracombinationofalltheaboveand more–arenotisolatedpsyches.
Asapetite4'11brown-skinnedbi-woman,therearetimes whenIshouldsendinanemployeewhoisatall,white, straightman.Imaynotlikethatfact,butIunderstandthat peoplelookbeforetheydecidetolisten.Ifmydedicationis tothegoalofbenefitingmany,thenthatisworthsomuch morethanmyegobeingannoyedthatapresentationor pitchisn'tcomingfrommyvoiceandface.Thejourneywe areallontowardslearningtorecognizeourcommon humanitycannotbemadeovernight.Itisasacred,inherent memorythatweeachhavethepotentialforremembering aboutourselvesasaspecies.Weeitherwillwakeuptoour shared,increasinglyinterdependentvaluetoeachotherand theplanet,orwewon'tsurvive.Buttheincrediblepotential ofhumanitytobecomesomuchmore,toevolveintoa placewhereoursociologicalsoftwarematchesour intellectualhardware,isworthswallowingouregosfor
Conversely,therearetimeswhenImusttakeanhonestlook atthefactthatIammoreprivilegedthanmanywithmy skincolorintheUnitedStatesatthistimeandthatIcan speakoutwithoutfearofbeingfiredwhenIseeinjustice aimedatmydemographicoranyoneelse's.Inthese moments,Ifeelaresponsibilitytospeakout,tohumanize thefaceofaracetothosewhomightotherwise unthinkinglygoalongwithpoliciesbasedonprejudice.AsI explaintopeople,ifmylifehascontributedanything positiveintheworld,thenitisproofthatwhatabrownskinnedfemalebornwithahearinglosscancontribute somethingbeneficial…andifthatisso,thenpleaseconsider thepositivepotentialofthosewholooklikeme,whoshare mymelanin,orwhowerebornwithahearingloss.Today, theUSAhasdecidedtoendprogramsdesignedtoempower thosebornwithahearinglossorblindnesstocompletetheir education.Theyaredroppingthisinthenameofitbeing DEI.Butifyoudon'twantthoseofusbornwithdisabilities relyingonthestatefortherestofourlives,then empoweringustobecontributingmembersofsociety makesmoresense.Icansaythatherewithoutfearofbeing firedbecauseIamthepresidentandco-founderofmy organizations,for-profitandnon-profit.Butmanywouldbe terrifiedofbeingfired.Soinsuchasituation,itisnotabout me,itisaboutmyresponsibilitytothosewithoutavoiceto speakout.”
Whenaskedhowonegoesabouttheprocessofdealing directlywithsuchchallenges,shefurtherexplains,
“Itisalsoimportanttonotethatthe socio/politico/environmentalinfluenceswillplayarolein determininghowunpredictableoutsidefactorscan be….youwouldn'ttrytobuildahouseofcardsinsideafun house.Likewise,whentherearemomentsofuncertainty,I liketopracticewhatIcall'SocialAkido.'Akidoistheonly purelydefensivemartialartthereis.Thejokeisthatiftwo Aikidomastersfacedoff,theywouldstand,staringateach other,becauseAikidosucceedsbyredirectingtheenergy theopponentexertstowardsyourowngoals.Inmomentsof uncertaintyandhigh-stakeschange,identifythesourceof theareaofgreatestenergy–thatmaybeanindividual,orit mightbeasocialmovementorotherexternalfactor
Youcan'twinoverpeoplebywhatyouwant;youcanonly winoverpeoplebywhattheyalreadywant.Identifythat andmapouthowyoucanlinktheirprioritiesandvalues
No one has ever won a chess game by playing the board as they wished the pieces were laid out, instead of dealing with the reality in front of them. We have to strategize with reality in mind, no matter how we might think about that reality. “
withtheactionyouneedtotake.Itiscriticalthatyouaren't limitingtheirpotentialtopartnerbyinsistingtheyare takingtheactionforwhatyouperceiveasthe'rightreason.' I'veaccomplishedalotthroughtheyearsbyidentifying someoneelse'sprioritiesandensuringtheyreceivewhat theymostwantbyparticipatingasIneededthemto.Idon't careiftheyaredoingitforthesamereasons.Icarethat theyaredoingtheirpartoftheactionsneededsothatIcan gettheteamtomeetthegoalset.
Forexample,Ioncewasapproachedbyayoungmanafter speakingattheUnitedNations.Heexplainedtomethathis familyownedthelargestoilcompanyinRussia.Hetoldme hecareddeeplyfortheenvironmentandwasfrustratedthat, despitethefactthathisgrandfatherwantedtohandthereins tohim,skippinghisfather,hecouldnotmakeheadwayin convincinghisgrandfathertocareabouttheenvironment. Healsoexplainedtomethathewasn'tnaïveinthathe understoodthatinordertobuildsuchaposition,heknew hisfamilymusthaveactedlikeamafiagenerationsago.I askedhowoldhisgrandfatherwas.
Hesaidinhislate80's.Itoldhimthatatthatage,hemost likelywouldnotbeabletochangehisgrandfather'svalues. Still,ifhetookalookatwhatmotivatedhim,he'dmost likelyseethathisgrandfatherwasconcernedwith maintainingandgrowingthefamily'sfinancialpower
Therefore,Isuggestedheshouldtellhisgrandfatherthat obviouslyasamanintheoilbusiness,heofallpeople, wereawarethatoilisfiniteandthatifhewaswantinghis
grandsontoensurethefamilyhadthesamelevelofwealth inthefuture,theyshouldinvestinalternativeformsof energyaswellsothatwhenthetimecame,evenifitwere inhisowngrandchildren'slives,thefamilywouldmaintain itspowerandwealth.ThenextyearattheUN,thatsame youngmantoldmeithadworked,andhehadbeenableto redirectsignificantcapitalintowindandsolarthathis grandfatherhadrefusedtodobefore.Isharethisasan exampleoftheskillsetanyofuswantingtoredirect, essentiallyinanactofSocialAikido,society'soran individual's,willingnesstomakechange.”
Withtheworldchanginginvastlyunpredictableways,it's easytobeoverwhelmed.Still,MaryAnnencouragesothers notletthemselvesgiveintothenaturaltendencytowait outthechaoticchangesaffectingworldeconomies, societies,andtheplanet.
Instead,shepointsout,“Chaosoffersopportunity.Yes,itis uncomfortablebecausewearelivinginatimewhere significantpowersaretryingtoreshapetheworldorder,and manydonotpossessanethicalcore.Butchaos,likean earthquake,pry'sopendoorsandwindowsthatwouldn't budgebefore,makescracksinwallswecouldneverhave gottenthroughbefore,andlikeagranitebouldernow brokenintoparts,offersupmaterialswecouldn'taccess before.
Peace will only be possible when it is as pro table as war, and a better environment will only be possible when achieving it is as pro table as polluting it. “
Similarly,whileitisterrifyingtoseecorevaluesofour democracyhavingtobedefendedbothinsidetheUSAand aroundtheworld,Icanpromiseyouthatthosewhoareselfservingarelookingatthechaosandasking'What'sinitfor me?WhatcanIgetoutofthis?'Soifyouareapersonof compassion,apersonofintegrity,apersonwhocaresabout thewellbeingofademographiccompletelydifferentthan yourself,or/andapersonwhounderstandseitherwemakeit togetherasahumanspecieswithahealthyplanet,ornone ofushaveafuture–ifyouareapersonwhounderstands anyofthosethings….thenIsuggestitisyour responsibilityalsotoask'WhatcanIcreateoutofthis chaos?HowcanIharnessnewlyavailableopportunities andresourcestoupliftnotjustmyself,butothersandour planetaswell?'Becausethetruthis,peacewillonlybe possiblewhenitisasprofitableaswar,andabetter environmentwillonlybepossiblewhenachievingitisas profitableaspollutingit.It'simportanttopushforthese win-wins-wins(meaningyouasindividuals,
weasaspecies,andweasaplanet),becausewhilesome peoplewilljoinyouonyourjourneyforsharedvalues, manywillbeinitonlyforthemselves,andtobemost strategic,youneedthemtoo.Sodon'tomitpeoplebecause theydon'tperfectlymatchyourvalues;invitethosewhose resources(money,influence,energy,time,etc.)youneedto joinyou,butinsteadoftrustingtheirloyaltytothecause, trusttheirloyaltytothemselves.Ifyoucancreateawinwin-win,youcanoftenmovemountains.
Youcanneversucceedbytryingtoforceyourvalueson others.Sometimes,peoplewillhaveanepiphanyinthe midstofexecution,butmanytimestheywon't.Sometimes, itwillbeyearslaterthatacollaboratorhascomebacktome andletmeknowhow,uponreflection,ourcollaboration hadplantedaseedofchangeinthem,andnowtheywantto re-engage,butwithsharedvaluesandintentions.IfIhad limitedmyselftoonlycollaboratingwithpeoplewho alreadysharedthosethings,Iwouldhaverobbedmyselfof afuturecollaboratorwhosometimeshaswoundupmaking asignificantdifferencetowardsthesuccessofanother project.”
I'malwayslookingforthenaturalleaders–thosewhomI knowifupliftedcandosomuchmore.Thesepeoplearen't alwaysyoungerthanme,althoughsometimestheyare,and othertimesthey'vebeenquiteabitolderthanme.Iliketo surroundmyselfwithdiversevoicesprovidingdiverse perspectives.Ifindvalueinallofthem.Whattheyhavein commonisaninnatesenseofrecognizingexistingsystems,
howtoharnessthem,andahighEQintermsofworking withpeople.Ifyouhavebothofthosethingsandastrong senseofcompassionandpassionforactingonthemto uplifthumanityandourplanet,thenoftentheonlythings missingareopportunities.IfIdiscoversomeonewhose voicehasthepotentialtomakeapowerfulimpact,Iask themabouttheirvisionforhumanity,theirpersonal aspirationsandiftheyseemtohaveacoreinnercompassof appreciationforlife'spotentialandadrivetocreate solutions,Ioffertoeithergivethemachancetocreatea solutionfrominsideTheMemnosyneInstituteorwithUTF HoldingsLlc'sbacking,suchasTheoWilson's“Rebirth Earth”aprojectweareproudtoserveasExecutive Producersfor,orperhapssupporttheirownindependent endeavor,likeI'vedonewithMarcussRussell's Commissary Is Very Necessary orperhapstheypossessa livinglegacythattheworlddesperatelyneedstohear,in whichcaseweprofilethemviathe“ProlificProfileSeries” viapublishingwithThompsonFineArts,Inc,andWaterside Productions,therebyprovidingaplatformforprolificlife whosestorystandstohaveaprofoundimpact,likewith Rev.PeterJohnson.Noteveryoneismissingthesame puzzlepiece,andmyjobistorecognizethepiecesmissing andhelpthemgainthosethingssotheycangofurtherand beliftedhigher.FormerPingPongOlympian,SkyAndrew, isagoodexampleofthat,wherein,PlanetPing”isahybrid for-profit/non-profitmodelmanufacturingsportsequipment withaportionofprofitsprovidingpingpongtablesand sportsequipmentinrefugeecampsandunderserved communitieswherechildrenhavenoaccesstoplaygrounds orroomforlargefieldsports.InbothhiscaseandTheo's case,IdiscoveredIcouldlinkanothermentee,NeLwin,
withthem,whohadtheknowledgeandexperiencethey needed,whilegainingmentorexperienceformyself.So sometimes,asamentor,mytaskisnotalwaystoteach directly,buttoguidepeopleintoopportunitiestouplifteach othermutually.SomeofthoseIamhonoredtohavebeen calledamentorbyareChelseaTolerofLogictryandNe LwinofLwinLegacyAdvisory,whoworkswithUTF Holdings.Butthetruthis,Iammentoredbythemaswell, asthereisalwaysplentyformetolearnfrom,andthose I'vecalledmymentorsovertheyearshavemorerecently calledmetheirmentor.Ineverseeitasaone-way relationshipwithmyholdingalltheinsight,orelseIwould windupallowingmyegotolimitmyaccesstovaluable perspectivesandwisdom.”
“Itcanseemoverwhelming.Trustme,Iunderstand.Today, Idon'tdareleavemyhomewithoutcarryingapassportand havebeenstoppedbyICEmorethanonce.Butitis imperativetorememberthreethings:
1. Don'tloseheart.Notalltransformationismadein ourownlifetimes.IoncesharedastoryofhowtheKu KluxKlanhadterrorizedmygrandparents,unclesand Dad,(dueto7-Elevenpromotingpeoplebasedonthe qualityoftheirworkinsteadoftheirrace,religionor genderstartinginthe1920's),withanemployeewho juststaredindisbeliefatmebecausehehadjust
“
The facts are that the majority of the world's money is in the private hands of corporations and individuals as opposed to countries and nonpro ts. So if we want to address the inequity of the world, we have rst to recognize that we are part of the ecological, economical and sociological systems and not separate or above it.
inheritedatrunklefttotheoldestsoninafamilyof brothers.Excited,theyhadallopenedthetrunkonly tobehorrifiedatwhatwasinside:Itwastherobesof theleaderoftheDallasKuKluxKlan.Myemployee didthemathandsaid,“Itwasmygrandfatherwholed theKlaninterrorizingyourfamily!”Thenhepaused andadded,“Well,y'allwon!Iaminchargeofyour interfaith,intercultural,interracialoutreachservice program,andIlovemyjob!”andhewasright.My grandparentsdidn'tlivetoseethat.Still,Ilivedto collaboratewithamanwhoIcametoviewasa beautifulsoulwhoseworklaidthefoundationsof whatwouldeventuallybecometheinterfaith intercultural,interracialoutreachprogramthat'ssaved over$60Mworthoffoodfromlandfillstoday, FoodSourceUSA,thatinturnevenredirectedfood intotheUkraineunderRev ToddCollier.Sometimes victoryisn'tintheimmediatebattles,butistobe foundintheheartsofpeopleacrosstime.
2. Whenyoucreateabusinessplan,treathumanityand theplanetasshareholdersinyourheadbyadvocating forthemthroughoutdesigningyourstrategy–andnot asanafterthought.Thinkof,asmyApacheSpiritual LeaderfriendandMemnosyneBoardMember, GregoryGomezsays,'thetwo-legged,four-legged, finned,wingedandrooted'.It'seasiertofallinto VictorLebow-typebusinessethicsoutofhabitifyou don'ttrainyourbraintolookoutfortheinterestofthe
largerecosystemweallrelyon.Thinkofthefutureby settingcorporatepoliciesforpayingalivingwage, definedasasetpercentagerelativetoinflation,so thereisn'tanopportunityforfutureleaderstouse today'snumberstocauseharminafuturewhere today'snumbersmightnotreflectthoseeconomic realities.Thesearetheverybasicthingsyoushould neverbudgeon.Justgoingthroughyourbusinesslife withthisunderstandingalonewillleadyoutobea transformationalleaderknownforwin-wins.
3. Thefuturewillbeproductiveonlyifwerecognize weareeachpartofaninteractive,increasingly interconnectedsociological,economicaland ecologicalecosystem.Theconceptsofgrowthwithin isolationandsustainabilitywithoutcollaborationdon't exist.Itactuallyneverhas,butwehavetoooften hoodwinkedourselvesasasocietyintothinkingalone leaderisdoingitallbythemselves.Somethingmy father,JohnPhilpThompson,Sr.,oncepointedoutto mewashowonFitzhugh,astreetcrossingTurtle CreekinDallas,Texas,therewasalowmuddy crossingthathewouldusehorsesandacarttodeliver hugeblocksoficeacross,backwhen7-Eleven's parentcompany,SouthlandCorporation,wasjust SouthlandIce.Myfather,JohnP Thompson,Sr, preferredtousethehorsesinsteadofacarbecausethe wheelswouldalwaysgetstuckinthemudbridge,and horsescouldpullthecartoutofthemud,butthecar wouldbestuck.Thenoneday,thecityliftedand pavedtheroad.Hewasabletomakedeliverieswith thecarandasaresult,increasedthemfourtimesover,
“
So don't omit people because they don't perfectly match your values, invite those whose resources (money, in uence, energy, time, etc.) you need to join you, but instead of trusting their loyalty to the cause, trust their loyalty to themselves. If you can create a win-win-win, you can often move mountains.
rakinginmoreprofitthatwouldeventuallyenablethe companytogrow,payingforthingslikemilk,eggs, cheese,etcthatcouldbesoldintheUTotemstores thatpreceded7-Eleven's.Inthisway,myfather explainedthat7-Elevencouldneverhavecometobe duringthedepressionifithadn'tbeenforthe taxpayerswhopaidtoliftandpavethatroad.This meansthatasmassiveas7-Elevenwouldbecome,it couldnothavegrowntobecomethatwithoutthe supportofthecommunityandthereforecorporations arepartofalargersociologicalandeconomicaland ecologicalsystem.Ifoverseenwithrespectforthis fact,organizations,suchasfor-profitcorporations,can beahealthycontributortothelargershared collaborativeecosystemofhumanity.Myfatherwas mostproudoffightingtomakeprofitsharinglegaland advocatingforanEqualOpportunityEmployer These conceptsarenaturalwhenacorporationrecognizesit ispartofalargerecosystem.Butifweignorethe degreeofourorganization'sinfluence,suchasnot providingalivingwageorpollutingasourceof drinkingwater,orjusthiringbasedonthelowestcost insteadofcheckingtoseeifslavelaboristhereasonit issomuchlower,webecomecomplicitbychoosingto actinignorance.
4. Whatishardforpeopletofaceisthatthereisno excuseforignorancetoday,aswithjustthetouchofa button,weallhaveaccesstomoredatathankings, queens,presidents,etc.,everhadbeforeus.Sothe choiceisn'twhetheryouwillimpactthisworld.You alreadyarejustbyhowyouinteractwithit–howyou buyandinvest.Theworldismoreinterconnectedthan ever,sothequestionisn'tifyouareaffectingthe currentandfuturecultureofhumanity.Instead,the questioniswhetheryouaregoingtoembraceyour influenceconsciously.Whilethecurrentfocuson globalizationisonhowitsgrowingrealitywillaffect theworldeconomically,fewarediscussinghowelseit willcontinuetoaffecttheglobalcultureofhumanity: Itwillcontinuetoaffectthearts,thesciences,the spirituality,andtheveryecologyofourplanet.Today, weareatapointbetweencountries,religions,and cultureswherewewilleitherbumpintoeachother, walkovereachother,orinsteadchoosetocollaborate witheachotherconsciouslyandevolvehumanity.If weallowourselvestogrowrandomly,wewillinvite moremisunderstanding,morewar,andless innovation.Butifwecanchoosetocollaborate responsibly,andtherebybecometheconscious culturalcreatorsofhumanity'sfuture,thatfutureis limitless!”
Highperformersremainwithorganizationsbecause theirworkenvironmentincludesmorethan immediatebenefits.Theorganizationrequires strategicleadershipbecauseitsdesignandcultural frameworkdemandeffectivemanagement.Highperformers creategreatervaluefororganizationsthroughtheirwork becausetheydelivermoreoutputandbringinnovativeideas whilemaintainingtheirinfluence.
Theorganizationloseseverythingwhenemployeesdepart becausetheirskillsandorganizationalprogressareboth lost.Theorganizationneedstoimplementretention methodswhichcreateaconnectionbetweencareer possibilitiesandemployeerecognitionandorganizational mission.
Highperformersaretypicallydrivenbymasteryandimpact andgrowthratherthanstaticrewardswhichtheyreceiveas compensation.Employeeswillstaywithacompanyfor multiplereasonswhichincludebutdonotincludetheir salary Thepeoplewhoworkforthisorganizationwantto findworkplacesthatwilltesttheirlimitswhileallowing themtoshowcasetheirskillsandachieveimportantresults throughtheirefforts.
Companiesthatviewemployeeretentionasafinancial transactionprocesswillfailtorecognizethefundamental factorsthatmotivatepeopletoremain.Theeffective methodsformaintainingemployeeretentionareto
understandthathighperformersmaintaintheirengagement becauseoftheirworkprogress,insteadofwantingtostayin theirpresentroles.
Thedirectconnectionsbetweensupervisorsandtheirstaff membersrepresentthemosteffectivemethodforpredicting employeeretentionrates.Highperformerssucceedintheir workenvironments,whichmanagersestablishthroughtheir abilitytogivecleardirections,deliverusefulfeedback,and provideguidanceforprofessionalgrowth.
Thepresenceofineffectiveleadershipfunctionsasamajor factorthatcausesemployeestoleavetheirpositions. Leadersestablishtheconnectionbetweenpersonalgoalsof employeesandavailablecareerdevelopmentopportunities withintheorganization.Theorganizationshowsits commitmenttosupportinganemployee'scareer advancementthroughthecombinationofregularcareer discussions,challengingworkprojects,andexecutive sponsorshipprograms.
Themainreasonorganizationslosetheirbestemployeesis theconditionofstagnation.Highperformersexpect progression,whetherthroughexpandedscope,crossfunctionalexposure,orleadershipdevelopment. Organizationsmustcreatecareerpathwayswhichofferboth flexibilityandtransparentaccesstocareeradvancement.
OPLincludesthreecomponentswhichenableemployeesto movebetweenpositionsandassumeprojectleadership responsibilitieswhiletheyprogressthroughdevelopment programs.Apersonshouldnotrestricttheirpersonal developmenttoprofessionaladvancementbecauseboth skillsandpowermustbeacquired.Highperformersgain confidenceabouttheircareeradvancementbecausethe organizationprovidesthemwithaclearpathto developmentwhichdoesnotrequirethemtoleavetheir currentemployment.
Organizationsuserecognitiontoreinforcetheirpreferred behaviors.Highperformersneedrecognitionthatshows specificachievementsinsteadofusinggenericpraise. Publicacknowledgmentofimpact,opportunitiestolead visibleinitiatives,andinvolvementinstrategicdiscussions enhanceengagement.
Thesecondessentialfactorforsuccessrequirespeopleto performmeaningfulwork.Employeesmaintaintheir dedicationwhentheyreceiveassignmentsthatmatch organizationalprioritiesandproduceactualbusinessresults. Highperformersbecomedisengagedwhentheyviewtheir workasbeingtreatedorutilizedtoonlyasmallextent.
Highperformerstypicallyprefertocontroltheirwork methodsthroughouttheirjobduties.Employeeswho experiencemicromanagementatwork.Micromanagement leadstoreducedemployeemotivationbecauseitshows managersdonotbelieveintheirworkers.Organizations thatempoweremployeeswithdecision-makingrightsand operationalflexibilityproducehigherlevelsofownership andinnovativesolutions.
Trustalsomanifestsinopennesstonewideas.High performersaretypicallysourcesofinsightand improvement.Whentheirperspectivesarevaluedandacted upon,theirattachmenttotheorganizationdeepens.
Toptalentisattractedtoenvironmentswhereexcellenceis thenorm.Aculturethatvalueslearning,accountability,and collaborationcreatespeerdynamicsthatreinforce engagement.Highperformerswillleaveorganizationsthat haveculturesthatpermitmediocreworkandinternalpower struggles.Organizationalcultureshouldthereforepromote fairness,performancestandards,andsharedpurpose.High performerswillremainintheirpositionswhenthey recognizethattheirenvironmentenablesboththeir professionalsuccessandtheirethicalvalues.
Companiesneedtoaligntheirentiresystemswhenthey wanttokeeptheirtopemployeesinsteadofusingseparate programsforthispurpose.Thecombinationofleadership quality,careergrowthopportunities,essentialwork responsibilities,employeerecognition,workindependence, andorganizationalculturecreatestheconditionswhich determinewhetheremployeesstaywiththeirorganizations. Toporganizationswhichdedicateresourcestothesefields establishworkenvironmentsthatmaketopemployees remainwiththecompanybecauseitprovidesthemwiththe bestopportunitiesforpersonaldevelopmentand professionalaccomplishments.
Theprocessoforganizationaltransformation requiresmultiplecomplexelementsbecauseit needstochangeorganizationalstructure,develop capabilities,evolveorganizationalculture,andrealign performancestandards.Theabsenceofgovernancesystems resultsintransformationprojectsfacingthreemajor problems,whichincludeprojectfragmentation,delayed results,andlossofprojectvalue.
Thesystemoftransformationgovernanceestablishes controlmechanismsthatguaranteethatchangeinitiatives maintaintheirstrategicalignmentwhileproducing quantifiableresults.Theprocesstransformsorganizational goalsintosystematicexecutionandeducationalprogress.
Thetransformationgovernanceframeworkestablishesthree essentialfunctionsforoverseeingchangeinitiativeswhich includeestablishingaccountabilityanddefiningdecision-
makingrights.Theprogramdefinestherolesofinitiative sponsorsandexecutionteamswhiledescribingthemethods usedtoassesstheirprogress.Thepurposeofgovernance existstoestablishconnectionsbetweenstrategicobjectives andthenecessaryoperationalframeworksthatensuretheir achievement.
Researchinstrategicmanagementdemonstratesthroughthe workofJohnKotterandothersthatorganizations experiencemorechangefailuresbecausetheylackproper implementationframeworksthanbecausetheydevelop weakideas.Governanceensuresorganizationsremainon theirintendedpathwhilestoppingtheirleadershipteam fromlosingfocusonessentialinitiatives.
Themainpurposeofgovernancefunctionsasanassessment toolwhichdeterminesthecriteriaforsuccess. Transformationsrequireorganizationstopursuedifferent
qualitativegoalswhichincludecreatinganew organizationalcultureandbuildingtheircapacityfor innovation.Theprocessofgovernancetransformsthese elementsintoconcretetargetswhichorganizationscanuse toachievetheirstrategicgoals.
Thetrackingofoutcomesshouldincludebothleading indicatorsandlaggingindicatorswhichmeasureresults. Leadingindicatorsshowinitialprogresswhile organizationsdeveloptheirabilities,butlaggingindicators showactualeffectsonperformance.Theabsenceof outcomedefinitionsleadsorganizationstofocuson activitiesinsteadofachievingresultsduringtheir transformationprocess.
Largeorganizationstypicallyoperatemultiple transformationprojectsatthesametime.Governance structuresenableportfoliovisibilitywhichallowsleadersto evaluateinterdependenciesandresourcedistributionand riskassessment.Criticalpriorityassessmentstandsasan essentialneed.Strategicresultsreceivedifferentlevelsof impactfromvariousinitiatives.Thegovernance mechanismsdirectresourceallocationtowardssignificant projectswhiletheypreventresourcesfrombeingspread thinacrossminorinitiatives.Thedisciplineestablishesa frameworkwhichsafeguardsagainstexcessivework demandswhileitimprovestheexecutionprocess.
Thegovernanceoftransformationinitiativesrequires establishedmonitoringsystemswhichneedtobe maintainedthroughouttheprocess.Thesystemprovides continuousprogresstrackingthroughitsthreecomponents, whichincludedashboards,milestonereviews,and performancecheckpoints.Thesystemenablesorganizations todetectoperationalissues,whichincludescheduledelays, budgetexcesses,andskilldeficiencies,atanearlystage. Organizationsusefeedbackloopstotransformtheir monitoringactivitiesintoeducationalexperiences.
Thegovernancesystemusesittoinvestigatethemain reasonfortheproblemwhenadeviationhappensandto developthenecessarysolutionsinsteadofhandlingthe situationthroughemergencyresponse.Organizations shouldusethismethodbecauseitenablesthemtotreat transformationasanongoingadaptiveprocessinsteadof followingafixedschedule.
Thesystemofgovernanceneedsclearaccountability becauseitservesasitsessentialfoundation.Theexecutive teammustestablishownershipforeveryinitiativethat requiresbackingfromoperationalleaderswhowillexecute theirresponsibilities.Thepresenceofundefinedroles createssituationswheredecision-makinghalts,andpeople losetrackoftheirduties.Governanceestablishesa frameworkthatensuresthattransformationleadersworkin partnershipwithbusinessunits.
Theorganizationwillnotmaintainitschangeefforts becauseemployeesviewthemasmandatoryrequirements fromoutsidetheircompany.Sharedaccountabilityembeds transformationintotheoperatingmodelratherthan isolatingitasaseparateagenda.
Yourtrainingincludesdatathatextendsuntilthemonthof Octoberintheyear2023.Theorganizationdemonstrates commitmenttotransformationthroughitsgovernance systemwhichrevealsitsstrategicgoals.Theorganization demonstratesitsdedicationthroughthreeactivitieswhich includeconductingregularassessmentsandprovidingclear informationandobtainingleadershipparticipation.
Thelossofgovernancesystemsresultsindiminished progresstowardtransformationinitiatives.Theorganization establishespermanentchangethroughgovernance integrationintoitsstandardmanagementoperations.
Transformationgovernanceservesastheessential frameworkthatenablessuccessfulchangeoperationsto proceedeffectively.Governanceestablishesstrategiclinks tooperationalexecutionthroughitsfourfunctions,which includeaccountabilityestablishmentandmeasurable outcomedefinition,togetherwithportfoliovisibilityand continuouslearningcapabilities.Organizationsthattrack bothprogressandimpactbuildtransformationcapabilities thatendurebeyondindividualprograms,whichcreate sustainedadaptabilityandlong-termvalue.
