Janine Sergay - Managing Director
Janine is a global strategy, leadership, and organizational development expert, and interim CEO who has helped thousands of individuals, teams, and organizations across a wide range of industries for more than 30 years. She has hands-on experience at every managerial level and is a dynamic catalyst for change with her real-world perspective. She has guided myriad companies, both large (Global and National) and small across industries in the private sector, in associations, in the public sector, and NGOs to implement new strategies and to achieve new growth; enabling them to face their challenges as they move into the future. Janine is a Professor in Strategy for the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and trains for the American Management Association. Whether she is consulting, speaking, training, coaching, or managing, her greatest passion is to make a difference in how systems function, processes are done, or how individuals apply their thinking and skills so that people and teams are empowered to make the work problem-free and exciting, place customer’s front and center, work towards growth, reduce cost, increase profits, and create an environment that benefits all. Janine is also Past President of the Board of Trustees for Childreach International USA
Kyle Pertuis - Consultant
Kyle is a seasoned Professional Executive Coach, Trainer and Management Consultant with a 25-year track record in planning and facilitating programs designed to optimize business growth, leadership development, stress management and employee engagement. His entrepreneurial drive and consulting experience has assisted both established companies as well as start-ups with successfully planning and launching programs for the benefit of leadership, organizational and cultural development, transition and succession planning, change management, role clarification, concept development, and overall strategic planning. Kyle provides training for organizations of various size and industry including: NASA/ Johnson Space Center, UBS Financial Services, Goodwill Industries, Draexlmaier Automotive, Trans Ocean and Pro Axis Therapy. Kyle brings a high energy approach to his workshops, coaching and training that allows for a highly interactive learning environment that is relatable, engaging, informative and fun.
Debbie Forcier-Lynn - Consultant
Debbie has 10+ years’ experience of working with leaders and all employee levels at world-class organizations. She is proficient at influencing teams to see and say things objectively through powerful conversations. The results inspire higher levels of productivity and retention of key people. er education includes traditional and leading edge leadership, coaching and certification programs. Debbie was awarded her Leadership Development Certification from University of Alabama. A Master Coach Practitioner and iPEC Graduate, she holds the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certification from the International Coach Federation (ICF). A Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst, and Certified Values Analyst. Debbie uses a suite of assessment tools including the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) and other assessments from her training at Target Training International. A thought leader in corporate culture and values alignment, Debbie was a contributing author to the book entitled “The World Book of Values,” by Patrik Somers, Dutch, Van Halewyck; 01 edition (19 Dec. 2013), a multi-cultural collaboration by hundreds of contributors who believe in a better world and offered valuable ideas for its future.
Cynthia K. Cuyjet - Consultant
Cynthia Cuyjet has over 25 years of leadership and management development experience in Fortune 500 and 100 companies across a number of industries. Her people management expertise comes from having managed 20 direct report district managers and 143 supervisors for several years, being responsible for interviewing and selection through professional development, the discipline process, and termination. She has been a workshop facilitator and master trainer in the U.S. and, internationally, in Canada and Saudi Arabia. Believing that training should be enjoyable and practical, Cynthia works to ensure that participants leave the session with skills that can be applied immediately to achieve successful results. She is known for her ability to establish and maintain relationships, solve problems, and implement change as a knowledgeable and trusted consultant. Cynthia’s clients include: American Dental Association, Chicago Tribune Company, Coca-Cola USA/Coca-Cola Enterprises, LaSalle Bank Corporation, Mobil Oil, Xerox, GATX, TTX, Irving Oil and Saudi Aramco. Cynthia creates a safe, enjoyable and interactive environment in her workshops and she works to validate participants’ current skills as well as provide space for all to practice new skills that can be used immediately after returning to work.
Shawn K. Woods - Consultant
As an experienced Human Resource professional, an Internationally Certified Professional Speaker, Trainer, Author and an Entrepreneur, Shawn has Managed, Trained & Coached both organizations and individuals to embrace change, improve communication, management, leadership capabilities & performance while pursuing growth and excellence. His goal is to use his experience and expertise to continue to motivate others to reach their full potential through leadership development, talent management, strategic communication, professional guidance and career coaching. He drives excellence through employee attraction, team-building, motivation, development, engagement and retention.
Kathy Leck - Consultant
Accomplished change leader for individuals, groups, and organizations with over 30 years of success in executive leadership, coaching, and innovation. Turnaround specialist in Merger/Acquisition and major organizational culture change both on a line and functional level. Expertise comes from leveraging an extensive background in a variety of industries and leadership positions. Internal consultant in designing and delivering customized leadership development.
David Hildreth - Consultant
As a business and leadership coach, David brings over thirty five years of experience with a unique blend of having held leadership positions as President, COO, VP/GM, Regional Manager, in both privately held and corporate organizations. He has worked in industries including manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business/residential services. These companies varied in size from $5 - $360 million. They were either a growth or turnaround situation, and had very successful outcomes. Additionally, he was trained and certified as a coach & trainer in leadership, strategic planning, process management / cycle time reduction. Dave is also certified in professional/personal profile assessments. It was applying this learning which led to the positive results achieved in the organizations mentioned above. He is a "Product of the Process!”, has walked in your shoes, and understands the challenges that leaders at all levels experience. He helps leaders in organizations focus on the areas where they want to get better results and achieve their desired objectives.
Bridgette Simmonds - Consultant
Bridgette has over 16 years training and development experience in business team building, sales, strategies and marketing. Her experience is vast and includes everything from work-life balance and fun in the workplace to team building, powerful leadership and executive coaching. Bridgette is also a certified professional coach whose educational background in Business and Psychology provide both a practical as well as creative approach to learning and instruction. Her methods of instruction include on-site workshops, web-based training and online courses via telephone. Bridgette’s direct and humorous style of teaching is equal parts memorable, transformational, and impactful. Bridgette has provided coaching and training for several large and small companies including: Microsoft, LinkedIn, Fidelity, Wells Fargo Insurance Services and Chubb Insurance. Anytime Bridgette engages a group, they are immediately captivated by her incredible energy and unique ability to respond to the needs of the group in such a way that fosters a level of curiosity and encourages learning and growth experienced by everyone in attendance.
Katherine Sopranos - Consultant
Experience:
Having worked more than 20 years in executive communications for top Fortune companies—including Boeing, ADM, Northern Trust and Tribune Company—Katherine specializes in global business transformation, marketing communications and branding strategies for CEOs and senior management that advance goals, drive change and accelerate growth. She also has worked at Deloitte in market development and proposal strategy. As a long time C-Suite advisor, she currently serves as a management consultant and as a leadership coach. She also designs and facilitates management and leadership training programs for organizations. Her clients include global corporations, non-profits and startups. Katherine is a faculty member of the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She also is a former Chicago Tribune freelance writer, with articles published regularly in the Employment and Business Technology sections. Katherine holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She also holds a master’s degree in writing from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in French from Illinois Wesleyan University.
Lisa Kaplan - Consultant
Lisa has over 15 years of training and development experience, providing education on topics ranging from executive presence to stress management, managing teams, dealing with difficult people, and communication skills. She utilizes her education in both business and psychology to provide a unique experience, both in a classroom and on a wide range of webinar platforms, for her clients that combines business sense with emotional intelligence. Lisa is also a professional certified coach. Lisa has provided training for large and small companies including: Kraft, AT&T, Allstate, AMA, Cigna, Aetna, Lifecare, and Lifeworks. Lisa's seminars are highly interactive, humorous, and designed to promote contemplation and change in how they interact with others, present themselves, work on a team, and lead others. She is highly skilled at managing difficult situations and conflicting relationships.
Joanna Williams - Consultant
Joanna has had a diverse career in a variety of organizational settings and roles including a Fortune 100 corporation to a non-profit. The common thread has been supporting the organization's goals by developing competent leaders and effectively managing projects. Joanna has coached and trained dozens of leaders, helping them discover and develop their unique strengths for increased organizational success and personal fulfillment. She is passionate about helping leaders and teams cultivate peak performance and optimal results in their professional and personal lives. Joanna brings a practical and empathetic approach to her training, based on her own experience as a supervisor, manager, and executive. She prefers training that uses interactive hands-on learning, practical application, and a focus on translating concepts to on-the-job application. She holds a MBA from Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management, is an executive coach, certified and credentialed by the International Coach Federation, and a trained facilitator. She is certified to administer and interpret the Enneagram, Leadership Circle 360, EQ-i, and Myers-Briggs assessments.
Patrick Ratliff - Consultant
Patrick Ratliff is a Certified Professional Coach and an Energy Leadership Master Practitioner. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Finance in 2008 and received his Master in Business Administration from Clemson University in 2016. He has been responsible for designing and implementing new hiring practices, together with being the head trainer for new employees. He has experience leading teams in promoting new learning programs. He coaches individuals and groups to new levels of empowerment and performance. Connecting, collaborating, and leadership are hallmarks to his training.
Patrick has a passion for speaking to young professional groups on personal growth and development and providing coaching and training to small businesses in the government contracting industry so they can be viable contenders.
Jennifer Manning - Consultant
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the corporate world building, coaching, and developing high-performing teams. She specializes in working with people at all levels of an organization, as well as clients who are facing life transitions to help them identify and achieve their goals. As a human resources professional for 18 years, Jennifer has experience advising leaders on complex and highly sensitive situations and providing thoughtful counsel. Jennifer’s passion lies in working with others to make what seems impossible, possible. She helps them get clear on where they want to go and then create a strategy to get there.When attending a training by Jennifer, you can expect real world examples that allow participants to interact so they can learn and grow. Her style is to keep things fun, by engaging one on one with participants and creating an atmosphere of trust.
Dehlia Osborne - Project Manager
Dehlia has thrived over the last nine years putting her communications degree to good work. She has managed both internal communications in organizations, as well as external communications with clients. She has functioned as liaison, coordinator, and project manager over the years. She has also become an event manager, producer, and training and event specialist for high level/high volume clients. In this she has helped with translating client needs into customized online solutions. She also trains and educates clients on the different platforms. She has lead teams in platform customization, scheduling, process consultations, training program development and event reporting. Dehlia fosters relationships, cross team collaboration and communications.
Sherril Harris - Consultant
Sherril is a master facilitator and Executive Leadership Coach with over 10 years of experience helping companies, large and small, respond to changing markets and customer expectations by developing their ability to identify and leverage the opportunity in every crisis.
From the front line to the C-Suite, Sherril has provided training, coaching, and consulting to help clients innovate their processes, employee engagement practices and customer experience to retain and attract valuable team members, delight new and existing customers, and, ultimately, improve profitability.
Some companies Sherril has worked with include Nissan North America, Cadillac and the Florida Department of Health.
Theo Fowler - Consultant
Theo has over 10 years of personal and business development experience, providing education on topics ranging from leadership to business processes, stress management, relationship building, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. He utilizes his over 20 years of study and education in both business and personal development to provide a unique experience in group sessions, one-on-one coaching and webinars.
Theo is a Certified Professional Coach who provides training and coaching for individuals, teams, and small business owners in a wide variety of fields. Theo truly enjoys empowering others to live a life designed to promote positive change in how they view their own possibilities, interact with others, present themselves, work in teams and develop as leaders.
Claudia-Jean Virga - Consultant
Claudia-Jean is a Master Facilitator, National Professional Speaker and Exceptional Communication, SME. She is the creator of the CHAT Communication System™. Claudia-Jean is an executive coach who has worked in a variety of settings from prisons to board rooms. One common denominator she has discovered is communication is a challenge across the board regardless of titles or position. Without effective communication we lose somewhere, whether in clients, top talent, or profits.
Claudia-Jean has provided coaching, consulting and training to help her clients create a corporate culture that flourishes from exceptional communication, the ability to quickly embrace change, positive team engagement, effective leadership, and creating an environment that supports ongoing development of all staff members, adding value to clients and vendors.
Some companies Claudia-Jean has worked with include United Health Group, Mondi Corporation, and Optum.
Connie Rose - Consultant
Connie is a passionate, creative, resourceful and dependable trainer with a fervent ability to strategically plan and implement vision. With over 20 years of extensive project management, sales, leadership, soft skills, social justice and social services training, public speaking skills for the workforce. In addition, her training and development experience extends to providing education on topics ranging from sexual harassment to managing teams, dealing with difficult people, communication skills, and stress management.
Connie utilizes her education in human resources adult learning, leadership, training and development. Bringing her years of expertise to tens of thousands of people, 100’s of organizations. Connie has worked extensively with a variety of corporations, organizations, government and non-government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare providers, colleges and universities and non-profits. Every training is different and she adapts her approach accordingly.
She is known for providing emotionally moving, intellectually stimulating training that is delivered in a straightforward style that has become her trademark. Connie is also a professional coach completing her PhD in leadership.
Bob Gabor - Consultant
Bob was a partner in a national training company taking on responsibilities in sales management and the recruitment, selection, and training of trainers.
He is both an experienced and highly skilled trainer and a Certified Professional Coach. Bob’s training and coaching focuses on removing interpersonal barriers that prevent highly skilled and talented individuals from performing at more effective levels. With his down to earth and energetic training style, Bob combines first rate delivery of content with skilled facilitation of group process to create dynamic workshops.
Bob connects quickly with participants, while his purposeful manner soon establishes his business credibility. He has worked across industries, such as pharmaceutical, high tech, finance, manufacturing, energy, health care and not-for-profits, as well as across hierarchical levels and functions.
Lisa Laude - Consultant
Lisa has honed her expertise in corporate training and coaching for over 20 years. As an International business consultant, employment coach and conference speaker, she provides empowerment tools to expand and move toward greater success. With a keen understanding of corporate standards and expectations, Lisa is known for her unique ability to quickly connect with those in the workplace.
Having navigated through both the corporate and the entrepreneurial world, she provides the skills to assure professional development and accomplishment.
Lisa has provided training for governmental agencies as well as large and small companies including: The Federal Reserve Bank, EPA, U.S. House Of Representatives, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Northwestern Physicians Group, and Harris Bank (BMO).
A recipient of Allstate’s Chairman’s Award and other corporate commendations, Lisa is known for her engaging, highly interactive, humorous training style that draws participants in.
Louise Holmes - Consultant
Louise has 25 years of training and development experience as a facilitator and trainer and as a manager of trainers, course developers and programs – with a focus on integrating emerging technologies to meet the growth and development needs of individuals as well as business objectives. She collaborates with clients to design and deliver engaging leadership development programs in a classroom, virtually via webinar (Adobe Connect, GotoMeeting, WebEx, Zoom), and a blend of approaches and technologies.
She brings her creative strategic insights and practical approaches to clients that have included Dell, Hewlett-Packard, AMA, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, Ithaca College, InspirX Pharma, Princeton Biofeedback Center, Corning.
Louise is also a credentialed Leadership Coach who works with clients to facilitate insight, growth and awareness, providing structure and accountability to help them bridge the gap between where they are, and their desired outcome.
Benjamin H. Bennett - Consultant
Ben has over twenty-five years of training and development experience. Ben has facilitation experience in both the classroom and webinar platforms. He has provided services in the health care, retail, telecommunications and financial services industries.
Ben has conducted extensive management development training for over 2000 Walgreens executive assistant managers to prepare them to become Store Managers. The curriculum covered key management skills including: communications, financial analysis, store operations, diversity and customer service. He has also trained several thousand sales people for the American Management Association (AMA) through the delivery of public and “on-site” seminars throughout the country.
As a member of the Sales Program Faculty for Executive Education at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Business (Madison, Wisconsin), he facilitated High Performance Selling Skills. His in-depth knowledge, insight and experiences enabled him to continually meet the individual needs of the Course participants.
In addition, Ben has provided training to a wide range of companies, including: AT&T, Rockwell International, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Dial Corporation.
Kathy Bote - Consultant
Kathy has over 20 years of training, coaching and development experience in 14 different countries. She trains on a variety of topics from leadership skills to technical writing skills. She integrates her personal knowledge from being a past agency director, editor and business owner, making her delivery based on real-world situations.
Kathy has provided training and facilitated retreats and meetings for the following:
HBO, Time Warner, Flowers Foods, Bradken International, McCain Foods, Kellogg’s, Elizabeth Arden, GE Aviation, Boeing, John Hopkins, Goodwill, Notre Dame University, Toshiba, Toyota, Navy, Air Force, Corp. of Engineers, VA Hospitals, and many more.
Her ability to relate to people makes it easy for them to problem-solve and brainstorm solutions. She is adept at getting people to buy-in to ideas and become part of the solution and has facilitated interventions in hostile work environments.
She readily bonds with audiences to create positive, interactive programs that are fun and energizing and concentrates on making the learning immediately applicable. She also conducts webinars.