Winds of Change Partners

San Francisco, CA USA partner Leslie DePol understands that when people, processes, and systems operate in an effective manner, collaborative partnerships are made stronger - a key to achieving and sustaining successful outcomes.

Consulting Background

Leslie has lots of experience supporting complex change initiatives. She focuses on aligning vision, mission, brand, strategy and policies. Her three step process is: 1) engaging employees in defining their commitment and supporting role, 2) integrating diverse perspectives and interests, and 3) facilitating a client’s capacity to design and implement the necessary systems to move in their desired direction.

The key to Leslie's success in these difficult settings is in creating authentic openings for elected and appointed leaders, staff, the general public, special interest lobbyists, and diverse groups to better comprehend competing needs and interests. With Leslie’s support, groups are better able to address challenges and opportunities. They agree where their interests intersect, and decide together how to create their desired futures.

Why This Work?

Says Leslie, “I’m a person that family, friends, clients, and colleagues turn to when they need and want help getting ‘un-stuck.’ I see, reflect back, and build on people’s strengths, unique gifts, skills, and talents. I listen deeply and hold the critical space of ‘positive intent,’ and have learned this makes many more things possible.”

Ian Paterson is one of South Africa’s leading strategic change specialists. He founded the SMC.group a leading implementer of strategy consulting, facilitation and Real Time research solutions to both public and private sectors.

Consulting Background

Ian works with leadership teams to develop innovations in strategic engagement designed to accelerate future success. These processes range from engagement around strategy crafting to the development of strategic change as a deep seated organizational capability. Insight Customer Solutions provides an integrated approach to this, execution and long term innovation of Customer experiences incorporating brand – experience alignment and Real Time Research. Ian leads many comprehensive organizational transformation processes in both the South African public and private sectors.

His clients include the South African Revenue Service, National Treasury, DaimlerChrysler, CN Business Furniture, Southern Sun Hotels, Sun International, Oracle Applications, Metrofile, Hollard, Innovative Medicines, Woolworths Cafes and the Financial Services Board. In 2002, Ian was recognised by Fedhasa, the South Africa hospitality industry association as ‘Consultant / Service Provider of the year’ for ‘outstanding services to the hospitality industry.

Why This Work?

Says Ian ‘I’ve always been fascinated about why organizations are able to harness the collective wisdom and energy of their people. I love getting to know what’s really happening in an organization and its environment - then working with them to design strong processes and bring out the best in their people. The energy is the adrenaline I thrive on.

Our London partner Richard Valentine focuses on the important United Kingdom and Europe markets. Richard is an attorney by profession. He has extensive working experience in insourced and out/co-sourced human resource management, change facilitation, strategic resourcing/ talent management, coaching and organisational development.

Contact Richard.

We will also be introducing our integrated Insight Customer Solutions range of research, facilitation and consulting services to the UK, European and USA markets.