What People Say

  • "Colleen is truly a Swiss army knife and can handle the simplest to most complex engagement with poise and impact."

    — Marla Kurz, Managing Director, Unify Consulting

  • "...asks thoughtful questions to guide a team through decision-making and future planning, challenging the status quo without negative influence or action."

    — Kelly Wisecarver, President, Wisecarver Public Relations

  • "Colleen's wealth of experience across multiple industries allows her to develop out-of-the-box solutions to complex problems. A strategic thinker who understands how to operationalize and land big initiatives."

    — Chelsea Shipp, Senior Manager, Global Project Management Office, Amazon

  • Barbara's Statement

    — Barbara Sherland, Attorney Trustee, The Sigourney Award Trust

  • "Colleen has a phenomenal ability to envision--and to bring about--a more perfect future. She is exceptionally creative and tremendously insightful."

    — Lisa Beliveau, Senior Management Consultant, Unify Consulting

  • "Colleen contributes to any organization and effort she is part of with high integrity and creativity. I've rarely met someone with the kind of attention to detail, customer focus and business sense that Colleen exhibits."

    — Melody O’Tierney, Senior Director OEM Sales Division-Acer, Microsoft

Successful Collaborations

Every organization I work with is different. Here are three examples of the kind of challenges I help leaders navigate — and what becomes possible on the other side.

Rebrand, Modernize & Expand

Focus Area

  • International reach & awareness

  • Brand & program redesign

  • Access & equity

NEEDS

An internationally renowned psychoanalytic nonprofit needed to expand reach and awareness, restructure application and judging process, rebrand the award, and update technology.

The application cycle occurred triennially from three regions; Europe, North America, and Latin America, which meant potential recipients were only encouraged to apply once every three years. Additionally, the application process created barriers for non-English-speaking applicants and limited the diversity of voices being recognized. The application material was not consistent and inhibited impartial judging. finally, there were extensive branding and technology issues to address.

ACTIONS

Reviewed existing brand and program, performed a needs and gap analysis, and designed a strategy for change.

  • Created a new website focused on the founder’s vision and the organization’s mission and shifted to an annual call for applications from anywhere in the world. Rewrote materials in inclusive, universal language, and implemented technology enabling applications in over 100 languages.

  • Engaged trustees, an advisory council, past recipients, and task force members to audit and redesign the application and evaluation process from the ground up.

  • Designed a new judging framework; trained judges to evaluate work equitably across cultural contexts.

  • Developed individual and organizational relationships to expand award awareness and number of eligible applications.

  • Long term succession plans are in progress.

RESULTS

A significant increase % increase in international awareness and reach which has increased applicant volume and diversity. The organization’s international credibility and community standing has grown substantially, as has the quality and variety of recognized work — fulfilling the founder’s original vision more fully than ever before.

Global Transformation

Focus Area

  • Organizational development

  • Change management

  • Global Operations

NEEDS

A large organization managing global programs had grown without consistent standards. Regional teams operated in isolation, creating duplicated efforts, inconsistent outcomes, and limited organizational learning.

ACTIONS

  • Conducted an extensive needs analysis.

  • Partnered with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to develop a comprehensive transformation strategy and phased implementation framework.

  • Developed a communications plan, training curricula, templates, and technology tools.

  • Engaged teams across all regions to ensure the new model reflected the realities of each context, not just headquarters’ assumptions.

RESULTS

Approximately sixty programs transitioned to a globally consistent operating model. Teams moved from isolated regional management to shared standards and cross-regional collaboration — a foundation for sustainable growth and organizational resilience.

NEEDS

A nonprofit business association wanted to establish a powerful, enduring brand identity for a major commercial district — one that would attract visitors and tourists, drive member revenue, and create lasting civic pride.

ACTIONS

Led a four-person team, collaborating with business and civic leaders and volunteers, to create integrated consumer and tourism marketing programs.

  • Cultivated sponsor partnerships with major civic and corporate partners

  • Produced high-impact community events staffed by volunteers.

  • Established operational processes and implemented technology to support rapid organizational growth.

  • Built a strategic plan and board succession plan alongside the Executive Director and Board of Directors, balancing short-term revenue goals with long-term association and brand building.

RESULTS

Launched and established an iconic district brand, now recognized internationally. Procured grants and sponsorships for The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Chicago’s 1999 Cows on Parade event, and other community and tourism programs. Grew membership engagement, programs, and revenue consistently year over year. Increased the organization’s influence and collaboration within the business community and with state and local officials.

Making the Mile Magnificent

Focus Area

  • Brand & program development

  • Community engagement

  • Strategic communications

I’ve worked with (and for) some pretty wonderful people and organizations.

Alaska Airlines

Alight

Amazon

Brooks Running

Citicorp

Cucina Fresca

Daisy Swan Coaching

Hart Schaffner Marx

Macerich | Redmond Town Center

Microsoft & partners: HP, Acer, & Gateway

Northwest Eye Design

Premera Blue Cross

San Francisco Travel Association

Studio TJP

The Magnificent Mile Association

The Sigourney Award Trust

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Starbucks

Unify Consulting

Union National Bank

Xome

Let’s talk

If you’re facing a challenge, planning for growth, or simply want a sounding board for an important decision, let’s connect. Call me at 206.271.9198 or email at Colleen@formisadvising.com.