Many organizations have a clear strategy but struggle to execute it consistently. Teams work hard, but somehow the organization feels fragmented. Decisions take too long, work gets duplicated, and people aren’t sure who’s responsible for what.
This disconnect between strategy and execution costs organizations in missed opportunities, frustrated employees, and competitive disadvantage—often when the real issue is that the operating model doesn’t match the business reality.
I’ve experienced this challenge from multiple perspectives—as an engineer, leader, and consultant. The gap between what organizations say they want to achieve and how they actually operate often comes down to unclear operating models that evolved organically rather than being intentionally designed.
I help organizations design operating models that bridge this gap, focusing on practical systems that enable strategy execution while building organizational capability.
What Changes With Intentional Operating Models
I’ve learned that organizations are complex adaptive systems where small changes in structure and process can have significant impacts. In my writing about enterprises as systems, I explore how applying systems thinking to organizational design creates more effective and resilient operations.
When organizations have clear operating models that match their actual work, several things improve: decision-making becomes faster, coordination overhead decreases, and people understand how their work contributes to broader goals. The technical work becomes more predictable and sustainable.
The organizations I work with typically see improvements in execution speed, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic alignment—not because we implement complex frameworks, but because we create clarity about how work actually gets done.
How I Can Help
Operating Model Design
Current State Assessment - Understanding how work actually gets done today, not just how it’s supposed to work. I examine workflows, decision patterns, and organizational dynamics to identify what’s working and what isn’t.
Target State Design - Designing operating models that fit your specific context, culture, and strategic goals. The focus is on practical systems that people will actually use.
Implementation Planning - Creating realistic transition plans that account for organizational change capacity and competing priorities.
Leadership & Change Support
Executive Coaching - Helping leaders navigate organizational change and develop the skills to operate effectively in the new model.
Change Management - Supporting the human side of organizational transformation through communication, training, and feedback systems.
Common Challenges I Address
”We Have a Strategy But Can’t Execute It”
When strategic initiatives consistently stall or take longer than expected, it’s often because the operating model doesn’t support the strategy. I help align organizational structure and processes with strategic priorities.
”Decisions Take Forever”
Slow decision-making usually reflects unclear decision rights and governance structures. I work with organizations to design decision frameworks that balance speed with appropriate oversight.
”We’re Growing But Everything Is Breaking”
Rapid growth often outpaces organizational design. I help design operating models that scale with the business while maintaining effectiveness and culture.
”Post-Merger Integration Challenges”
Combining organizations requires intentional operating model design. I help create unified approaches that leverage the strengths of both organizations while eliminating redundancies.
My Approach
I believe in systems thinking applied to organizations—understanding that organizations are complex adaptive systems where structure, culture, and strategy must work together.
My focus is on designing operating models that are practical and sustainable. Rather than implementing generic frameworks, I work to understand your specific context and design approaches that fit your culture, constraints, and goals.
I draw on experience across different industries and organizational sizes, but I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every organization has unique dynamics that shape what operating model will be most effective.
How We Work Together
Understanding Context - I start by learning about your specific situation, constraints, and goals. What works for one organization may not work for another, so context is crucial.
Identifying Leverage Points - Rather than trying to redesign everything at once, we identify the few changes that will have the most impact on organizational effectiveness.
Designing Gradually - Change is most sustainable when it happens incrementally. We design and implement new operating model elements thoughtfully, with feedback loops to adjust as we learn.
Building Internal Capability - Throughout the engagement, I focus on developing your internal leaders and creating systems that will continue to work after our formal engagement ends.
Engagement Models
I offer flexible working arrangements to fit your organizational needs and budget—from comprehensive operating model redesigns to focused assessments and coaching.
Operating Model Design - Typically 3-6 months for comprehensive design and implementation planning. Can be structured as intensive workshops or ongoing collaboration.
Assessment & Roadmap - 2-4 week evaluation of current operating model with detailed recommendations and implementation roadmap.
Executive Coaching - Ongoing coaching for leaders navigating organizational change, usually 3-6 months with regular sessions.
Let’s Discuss Your Situation
Every organization faces unique challenges based on their strategy, culture, and market context. If you’re dealing with execution challenges, organizational complexity, or growth-related operating model issues, I’d be happy to discuss how we might work together.
I have some availability for shorter-term assessments and coaching engagements in the near term, and longer-term operating model design projects can always be arranged with advance planning. The first step is always understanding your specific situation and goals.
Struggling with strategy execution or organizational effectiveness?
Let’s have a conversation about your specific situation and explore how intentional operating model design might help your organization execute more effectively while building sustainable competitive advantage.
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