Client Case Studies

Leadership & Organizational Development Challenge:  The Los Angeles office of a global consulting firm lacked leadership and was performing at roughly 20% under goal. Action:  The company recruited Jo to become managing consultant of its LA Office.  Jo built team cohesion based on common values; leveraged the strengths of team members; and carefully monitored financials. Result:  Under Jo's managment, the office exceeded all measurables, including financials, client satisfaction, and employee satisfaction. Conclusion:  The office ranked one of the company's best in the country (top 10%) at the conclusion of the first full year of Jo's leadership.

Leadership & Facilitation Challenge:  A county bar association observed dissatisfaction among generations of attorneys, based on real and perceived generational differences. Action:  The bar association engaged Jo to work with a committee of managing partners and young lawyers to identify issues; design and administer a survey to all members of the bar association; evaluate, discuss, and report findings; and facilitate a CLE presentation. Result:  The written report and CLE present real information with recommendations for building on commonalities and leveraging and/or managing differences. Conclusion:  "...you've done an incredible job on this project."  Managing Shareholder

Executive Coaching & Organizational Development Challenge:  A consulting firm's plan for growth and development were unclear and inconsistently followed. Action:  Jo worked with the firm to clarify leadership goals; assess management and staffing needs; and hire and develop staff based on the needs of the organization and strengths of its staff. Result:  The firm, its leaders, and employees are working effectively and in unison toward a shared vision. Conclusion:  ". . . we had our best year by a long margin, and the progress is clearly measurable."  Managing Director

Business Development Coaching Challenge:  A law firm wanted to support and develop five senior associates, all of whom were lateral hires. Action:  Jo coached the attorneys, addressing topics that included practice management, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, delegation, work/life balance and integration into their new firm, while helping them write and implement personal business development plans based on their unique experience, goals and strengths. Result:  One of the attorneys returned to his former firm, a decision supported by the client firm.  Four of the five attorneys are now shareholders and have become leaders among their peers. Conclusion:  "Jo Smith offers a rare combination of professionalism, insight, intellect and empathy that truly make her a 'coach's coach'.  She takes the time to understand her clients, their particular aspirations, pressures and obstacles, customizing her approach to draw on their strengths and passions.  I only wish I had enjoyed the benefit of her teachings earlier in my career."  Managing Partner