Tag | planning
Brainard Strategy Lends Expertise to Alliant International University’s Ph.D Program
On February 27, 2012, Jennifer Konkin visited Alliant International University‘s San Diego campus to share her unique perspective and experience in leadership development and consulting. In addition to her responsibilities as a Brainard Strategy consultant, Ms. Konkin is a Ph.D candidate at Alliant in Consulting Psychology. Having already received her M.S. from Alliant in that same field of research in 2007, she was invited back to Dr. John Renner’s Organizational Development class to discuss the spectrum of transition between student/scholar to professional consultancy.
Ms. Konkin’s discussion utilized industry-leading models and methods that are useful for recruiters and employment seekers alike. For example, one topic of focus was on the Arbinger Institute’s approach to leadership development and how it applies to leveraging existing knowledge and self awareness into applied skills through through on-the job experience.
Such a speaking engagement enriches and renews the longstanding relationship between Alliant International University and Brainard Strategy. Michael Brainard, principal of the firm, completed his Ph.D in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Alliant in 2009. Our most recent hire, Junior Associate Matt McDonald, is also a recent graduate from the school.
You can visit What We Do to learn more about Brainard Strategy’s wide range of consulting capabilities, including Talent Acquisition and Management, Career Planning and Leadership Development.
Volcano
Scott Huennekens
CEO – Volcano
“We annually perform an employee survey to understand our culture and achievement of our V-difference objectives. Additionally, this year we wanted to take a deeper dive in the understanding of the organization relative to perceptions regarding diversity. Based on a long standing and trusting relationship I had with Marissa Waldman I included Brainard Strategy into the process by which we choose a partner. I had very little knowledge about Brainard Strategy’s capabilities but I knew that as a public company conducting this type of assessment we would need a credible, experienced and trusted adviser.
Michael, Marissa, and I met, and at that time I was not exactly sure about the right path forward and how to implement the assessment process. I knew that we needed an outside and expert view that could enable us to better understand challenges in and among potentially sensitive area; and then help us to develop a path forward that would be acceptable for the employees, management team, and our board. After our first planning meeting it became quite clear that the team at Brainard Strategy had deep experience, a strong theoretical foundation, and a practical approach that I was eager to support. The Brainard Strategy team partnered with me, my HR team, and two board members to guide us through a global survey that was incredibly painless, fast, and cost efficient. Michael Brainard and Jennifer Konkin brought us the results but more than that a very deep understanding of interpreting the results and guided us toward a pragmatic and effective action plan. Our employees, management team and Board members were impressed with the process and outcomes. We will be leveraging the Brainard team for other types of assessments as they are clearly a unique choice among their peer group.
Michael’s blend of assessment skills, organizational development knowledge, and senior executive presence helped me to get our teams focused on key activities. The flexible options and Brainard’s customization of the tools used for organizational assessment enabled us to navigate what could have been very choppy waters and we are better for it at the board level, executive team level and organizational level.”
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