THE TELOS INSTITUTE - Key Persons
In his role as a Strategic Advisor to the telos institute, Al brings his collective wisdom, insight, and guidance to our team and clients alike and advises others to address the challenges and to leverage the opportunities facing their growing enterprise.
Al has had a 39-year career at Disney. His last position was President of Worldwide Operations for Disney's $10 Billion+/95,000 employee Walt Disney Parks and Resorts business. He was responsible for the company's theme parks and resorts including the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and Disneyland Resort Paris, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, "Adventures by Disney", and the line-of-business responsibility for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Al began his career as a teenager in cash control and rose through the ranks to President, Worldwide Operations, for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. He is a visionary and results-focused leader that has significantly grown top-line revenue and expanded margins in a thoughtful and strategic way, protecting the Disney brand, Cast, and overall guest experiences. During his tenure as President, he directed the largest resort expansion in Walt Disney World history, resulting in double-digit percentage revenue growth, seven consecutive years of record revenues and higher profits. He led the organization through one of the toughest recessions the world has faced, with significantly less downturn in overall business while positioning the organization for major growth. A compassionate leader, he grew and invested in the next generation of talent, thereby strengthening the company for the future.
Additionally, Al has also served as a former partner in Apollo Capital Management, a private equity firm where he was involved in company analyses to support potential acquisitions and management. Today, Al serves on many private boards in various industries. He has been designated as a distinguished alumnus by his alma mater, the University of Central Florida, and both UCF and the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business have inducted Al into their Halls of Fame. He enjoys golfing, skiing and traveling as he splits his time between Orlando, Florida and Park City, Utah.
telos reminds me of my days at Disney. Long term commitment to people and strategic partners. Pursuit of excellence in everything we do and nurturing people to their highest level of achievement.
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer
Amy is an accomplished organization development professional with more than two decades spent collaborating across numerous levels of leadership and various industries. Her past work includes coaching, workshop design and facilitation, focus group moderation, and small & large group facilitation.
Amy is currently researching and leading the advancement of the concept of liminality©. Liminality© is a period of discontinuity that creates an openness to change. This work influences telos' approach to executive coaching sessions, team evolution engagements, and enterprise transformation initiatives. She and telos co-founder, Rick Simmons, are co-authors of Unleashed: Harnessing the Power of Liminal Space which will be published by Forbes Books in Spring 2021.
Before founding telos, Amy spent 14 years in various coaching, training, career management, and
recruiting roles. During that time, she conducted extensive research on adult learning theory and curriculum and course development. This background gives Amy the unique ability to identify a client's development needs and use that insight to expertly align the delivery of content. Moreover, Amy's membership in Mensa is further evidence of her ability to add significant value to client relationships.
After attending the United States Naval Academy, Amy earned her B.A. in English from Kent State
University where she was inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society. She then continued her education at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University where she earned her Master of Science in Organizational Behavior. Since that time, Amy has sharpened her skills via postgraduate training at the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. She also attained the Registered Corporate Coach designation from the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches and the Mindfulness for Enhanced Performance Certificate from the Weatherhead School of Management.
Amy lives near Cleveland, OH with her husband, Rick, and their four children. Two of her favorite pastimes are hiking in the woods of northeast Ohio and taking long walks on the beach. She also enjoys reading, yoga, and traveling.
Continuous learning and mindful risk taking are key priorities I embrace every day to help propel our organization and our clients toward excellence.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Coordinator, Client Relations
Before joining telos as a Client Relations Coordinator, Andi spent her career providing service and support to the administration of a global contracting firm, as well as to customers in the retail industry.
As a Coordinator for the telos institute, Andi splits her time between supporting Client Relations and Operations. In her role, she ensures that both functional areas run efficiently and effectively. Her detail orientation and ability to think outside the box make her a valuable team member across the telos organization.
Andi attended Ohio University and currently lives in Arizona with her fiancée and two bearded dragons. When not working, Andi enjoys getting outside and exploring the mountains and deserts of Arizona, and is a house plant hobbyist.
Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than taking care of the people around me in any way that I can. I enjoy being of help and support to others in their successes, that's my personal success, too
Job Titles:
- Director, Business Development
Angela Fox brings to her clients an enhanced level of understanding based not only on her prior role as a business owner but with additionally having over 25 years of experience partnering with companies like 3M, Quaker Oats, Pepsi Co, and Signs Now. This background as well as more allows her to connect with our clients in her role as Director, Business Development. As an entrepreneur, Angela thrives when growing, developing, and deepening relationships and prefers to play outside of any comfort zone. She excels in helping others shatter limiting beliefs and reach for goals they thought were impossible. Angela is an empathetic leader with an optimistic view of life and of people. She loves to uncover the potential others might not see. An athlete that brings discipline and focus to staying the course and assisting others to chart new territories for overall impact she has a proven track record of creating, building, and growing businesses.
Angela is passionate about personal growth, personal development, and finding the leader within. Angela graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Art in Communications and Marketing. Angela is a Certified United States Triathlon Coach, a Certified CTI Co-Active Coach, a Certified ICF Coach ACC & PCC and has over 15 years of coaching experience.
When not serving others, Angela can be found running on trails, writing and spending time with her family in the Cleveland area.
I live commitment by taking time to connect with others and together building a relationship that is built on trust. I live commitment by doing what I say I will, letting my actions back up my words.
Job Titles:
- Chief Business Development Officer
Bob Drovdlic has spent his career combining his expertise as a human development practitioner with his keen entrepreneurial skills and interests. Bob has over 20 years of experience in coaching executives, partners, and directors at the highest levels. At telos, he will use his extensive coaching experience to help our clients liberate greatness. Bob has coached partners at the world's largest professional service firms, executives at leading global healthcare and pharma companies, leaders in Fortune 500 manufacturing organizations, and has coached at the highest levels in the insurance and financial services industries. Bob's deep experience across industries and leaders has made him an invaluable coach and advisor to leaders with a wide variety of aspirations and development goals. In his role as the Chief Business Development Officer for the telos institute, he will bring his entrepreneurial expertise and knowledge as a human development practitioner to propel and support the organization's growth and ongoing momentum.
Most recently, and over the past decade, Bob started, built, and merged his global executive coaching practice with FranklinCovey. Prior to joining telos, in 2011, Bob helped to create and launch Robert Gregory Partners (RGP). Bob was responsible for developing the coaching methodology, overseeing coaching delivery with clients, and provided supervision to RGP's expert coaches. In 2017, FranklinCovey acquired RGP, and Bob served as the Managing Director of FranklinCovey's executive coaching practice.
Bob has his undergraduate degree in psychology from Baldwin-Wallace University and an MSSW degree from the Mandel School at Case Western Reserve University. In his free time, you'll find Bob coaching sports, spending time with his family, binge-watching Netflix, working out, and very likely listening to a podcast. Having grown up in central Ohio, Bob now lives, works, and plays near Columbus, OH with his wife Carrie and their children.
I believe that greatness exists in each of us. Through curiosity and commitment, I partner with clients to catalyze growth and development for the betterment of self, relationships, and organizations.
Job Titles:
- Director, Client Relations
Bob earned 30 plus years of executive management experience serving in various business development roles including Vice President of Marketing and Sales, COO and General Manager, President and CEO, and business owner. He has worked in a wide range of industries including motion control, petroleum, paper and packaging, medical equipment, and bioscience (pharma) contract services. After receiving his BSEE from the University of Notre Dame, Bob spent the early part of his career serving in several engineering, sales, and management positions while pursuing his MBA. He is a WABC registered corporate coach and has earned certifications in consultative business development and in quality assurance.
Bob serves telos as a Director, Client Relations and a Senior Consultant for business and leadership development. In this role, he achieves transformational results by leveraging his extensive senior management experience to help clients achieve their goals and accelerate their growth. In addition to leadership development, Bob assists clients with customer-partnered business development, strategic growth planning, value proposition and branding, new product development, sales and general management, operational alignment, customer service, and process improvement.
Bob is an accomplished speaker and author of the book "The Gauntlet." He also publishes a weekly business and leadership development blog, serves on several advisory boards, and volunteers to assist with local economic development initiatives. He and his wife reside in the Cleveland area, as do the families of their two children, including their four grandsons.
Every person is a source of energy, with an exceptional set of gifts to contribute, and the potential to leverage their unique perspective, insight, and experience to make a difference.
Job Titles:
- Financial Executive
- Americas Vice Chair
- Strategic Advisor
Bryan is a globally recognized financial executive who successfully grew multiple service lines for Ernst & Young, one of the world's leading professional services firm. He is a senior consultant with the telos institute and a sought-after speaker and business advisor given his broad range of experiences at the global, regional and local levels serving companies ranging from emerging businesses going public to market leading global enterprises.
While based in London, Bryan served as the Deputy Global Vice Chair, Assurance and led this highly strategic, as well as their largest service line, with over 77,000 professionals and $12B in global revenues. He had overall responsibility for the global audit transformation program that was one of the firm's most significant investments ($450M+). Bryan managed the delivery of a state-of-the-art software tool on-time and on-budget, as well as the build-out of a global infrastructure to deliver cutting-edge audit analytics. During his tenure, he led the audit, and the fraud & forensic practices to achieve Big 4 market leading growth.
In 2006, Bryan was appointed Americas Vice Chair, Assurance and Advisory services where he served on the Americas Executive Board. He fostered the firm's relationship with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board while also serving as a senior advisory partner for several of the firm's largest clients. Bryan also led the Americas re-entry into the global consulting business.
While he was Vice Chair, North Central region, he boldly negotiated the acquisition of multiple Andersen audit and tax practices, creating a 14-office mega-region. Over his five-year tenure in this role, he turned around this transformed region into one of the firm's fastest growth and highest margin operating units.
Bryan graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration. He received a Masters in Management degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and is a certified public accountant. Bryan is active in business, education and civic affairs serving on multiple boards, as well as an Executive in Residence at Arizona State University. He enjoys running, golf and racquet sports and serves with his dog, Cooper, as a therapy team. He and his wife Judy live in Naperville, IL and maintain a residence in Scottsdale, AZ.
I am gratified to be associated with telos, which consistently asks and strives to answer the challenging questions, aggressively makes investments and truly cares about achieving industry outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Operations and Administration
Before entering her role as a Branding Coordinator of Operations and Administration, Cassie graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design with an emphasis in Photography. Prior to her four years at CIA, Cassie graduated from Lakeland Community College where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. In her time during and after school, Cassie has worked with an array of people and organizations tackling and leading a multitude of design projects. This experience has helped her to grow as a designer as well as an individual, and has given her the background and skill sets that help her to flourish in her role of elevating the telos institute's brand.
As a Branding Coordinator, Cassie works with the Marketing and Social Media teams to create meaningful content that showcases the telos institute's mission and core values. Through collaboration, she aims to find thoughtful and creative design solutions as a means of defining and reinforcing the telos brand voice. Cassie's ability to think strategically combined with her passion for design allows her to find clever solutions to complex problems. Her goal is that through her work, others can better understand who and what telos is, while also encouraging them to support our message and the work we do.
Cassie finds value in spending time in nature and doing things that allow her to tap in. In her free time, she loves yoga, travel, reading and creating.
It is important to me that I am always growing and learning, and creating a space where others feel safe to do the same. I value curiosity, respect and the belief that anything is possible.
Job Titles:
- Designer, Experience Design
Over the past ten years, Courtney has honed her people-centered skills working with a variety of organizations in human resources and recruiting roles. Recently, she completed the Master of Science in Positive Organization Development and Change (MPOD) program at Case Western Reserve University with a mastery focus in Coaching with Compassion. Understanding people and human systems are at the heart of Courtney's motivation and passion for organizational development work. This background allows Courtney to combine her unique strengths with those of her colleagues at the telos institute to co-create thriving organizations and a flourishing world community.
In her role, Courtney works with a team of Designers to leverage their collective Organizational Development expertise. The Experience Design team is charged with developing and curating uniquely tailored experiences to further clients' goals and objectives. Through this collaboration, Courtney is able to utilize her knowledge and skills to assist clients and organizations to thrive, as well as inspire and co-create sustainable, impactful positive change initiatives.
Courtney is passionate about lifelong learning and fully embraces the telos commitment to curiosity. In her free time, Courtney loves to embrace creativity in the forms of cooking, art, music, and home renovation projects. Most often, you will find her outside enjoying the sunshine and spending quality time with her husband and dogs.
I believe that life is an unending journey of learning. Curiosity brings about understanding. Every interaction and experience teaches us about ourselves, others, and our impact on the world.
Job Titles:
- Director, Client Relations
As a strategic thinker with strongly developed leadership skills and a collaborative approach, David has helped cultivate successful cross-functional teams and develop the next generation of leaders within tech start-ups, social enterprises and established multinational companies.
Delivering excellence, leading strategic initiatives and driving business growth has been paramount to David's successes. However, his greatest achievements have revolved around bringing effective cultural change, and identifying and overcoming challenges involved in creating environments of empathy and ownership. With extensive experience managing cross-cultural teams, David is highly skilled at creating leadership pull and developing a story that people will engage with and work towards across diverse cultures and territories.
In his role as Director, Client Relations at the telos institute, David will be utilizing his international business and leadership background to support telos client engagement projects both domestically and globally
David achieved his bachelor of science degree in Environmental Geology from the Royal Holloway University of London, which has given him the foundation of always having the bigger picture in mind and with the flexibility in mindset to constantly challenge himself as new information comes to light.
British born, David recently moved from London, England and now resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife. David is an avid traveler, and has spent time living in both Barcelona, Spain, and Qatar. Since moving to Ohio, David has become an avid Cleveland sports fan and enjoys trying his hand at both Baseball and U.S Football.
I believe that having a growth mindset allows for constant learning and discovery and inspires me to develop more trusting and more collaborative relationships with colleagues and clients alike.
Job Titles:
- Psychologist
- Designer, Experience Design
Harry Pepper, PhD. is a psychologist with more than 30 years experience in providing therapy to a diverse population of individual, couples and group clientele. In addition, he has served for over 15 years as an international coach and facilitator in leadership, team, and organizational development work in diverse settings and industries. Harry's early career highlights his time as a staff psychologist in the Oberlin College Counseling Center and as the Director of Adult Programs at Common Ground, a non-profit organization committed to mindful and conscious living and leadership.
Harry's role as a telos Senior Consultant involves experience design, coaching, and the facilitation of team/group sessions. His expertise in identifying individual and organizational strengths partners with his philosophy that the power of transformation begins in awareness. Harry's extensive knowledge in these areas supports individuals and organizations in better understanding and addressing unconscious, self-limiting, belief and behavior patterns, to better serve and realize their most essential and highest goals.
I believe that compassionate support and nurturing is the most effective approach to help individuals and teams both discover and authentically express their unique strengths.
Job Titles:
- Instructor
- Manager, Operations & Administration
Prior to her work as Manager, Operations & Administration, Janelle spent her career leading and providing service and support to the retail and hospitality industries. Her attention to detail, commitment to others, eagerness to learn, and emphasis on providing excellent customer service has been central to her success at telos.
In addition to her contributions at telos, Janelle is a certified yoga instructor. Her experience and passion for yoga, movement and breath has helped to challenge the telos community and provides useful insight in the creation of client initiatives.
After graduating from The University of New Hampshire, Janelle spent several years working with adolescents in a residential therapeutic environment where her passion was solidified for helping others, and developing and bringing greater awareness to listening, nurturing, and meeting individuals where they are. Through this work, Janelle excelled at utilizing strength-based approaches to skill building, problem-solving and emotional regulation, social-skills development, and preparation for independent living.
Currently residing in Park City, Utah with her husband and two cats, you can find Janelle outside exploring all that Utah has to offer and picking up every outdoor activity possible.
I find immense joy when I can support others towards their chosen successes and towards their extraordinary feats.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Certified Coach, Trainer
- Designer, Experience Design
Jeannine Gury is a certified coach, trainer, and consultant specializing in professional development. She provides critical coaching support that enables her clients to achieve smooth, successful transitions into their unique place of leadership. Her focus is to empower individuals to realize, align, and move toward their innate possibilities.
As a senior consultant for the telos institute, Jeannine offers a safe space to clients for reflection and exploration - a path toward improved leadership through understanding self and social awareness, self- management and relationship management - key leadership capabilities. Jeannine's methodology includes assessing a client's current state, identification of desired future state, and helping her clients to develop a concrete action plan to focus their improvement efforts. Jeannine routinely assesses clients' motivation and change readiness for professional development.
In addition to being a certified, professional coach and trainer, Jeannine draws on 15+ years in change management and organizational behavior to provide insight, strategies and support to clients. Her clients have included News Corp, Razorfish, Criteo, and Oatey, as well as senior managers, business managers, non-profit executives, and business owners.
Jeannine received her A.B. from Kenyon College, her M.B.A. degree from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and coaching certifications from Coach Training Alliance and the Martha Beck Institute. In addition, Jeannine holds additional certifications in the Emotional & Social Competency Inventory (ESCI), What Motivates Me Inventory & Training, and Consulting Psychologists Press (CPP) for the Myers Briggs Type Indicator.
Despite her demanding coaching career, Jeannine makes time to be involved with community and professional organizations. She is a member of the Cleveland International Coaching Federation, National Association of Women Business Owners, and League of Women Voters.
Jeannine lives in Cleveland Heights with her husband Scott and their three children. When Jeannine is not working, she likes to swim, practice yoga and hike.
I believe that authentic connection, grounded in thoughtful consideration and genuine gratitude, creates opportunity to engage in a client's unbounded possibility.
Job Titles:
- Designer, Experience Design
Jennifer believes that transformative leadership is crucial in order to address organizational challenges and create sustainable change. She is a Master Somatic coach, trainer and organizational consultant with over 20 years experience in leadership, team development, organizational change, and strategic planning. Her background reaches both national and international clients in a diverse set of verticals including healthcare, finance, IT, entertainment, and education.
I believe that curiosity is the foundation of true exploration. When we show up with genuine care and curiosity, we open to possibility and create space for who or what wants to emerge.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Business Development
Jennifer serves as a Business Development Coordinator for the telos institute. In this role, she is driven by the philosophy that the success and satisfaction of our clients and the telos team are central to the overall success of our organization. She supports all necessary administrative and logistical elements of the team to ensure that everything is efficient and effective.
Jennifer spent her early career working as a cardiothoracic ICU nurse at The Cleveland Clinic. Throughout her career, Jennifer has held many committee and officer positions in various nonprofit organizations at the local, state, and national levels. Today, she also gives back to the seniors in the area by delivering Meals on Wheels. Her main goal of "helping people get better" has translated from her nursing career to her current position at the telos institute. Aiding her colleagues so that they can perform their roles more effortlessly as well as assisting clients as they grow in their leadership positions gives Jennifer great pleasure.
Jennifer graduated from Kent State University with her BSN and currently resides in northeastern Ohio with her husband and four children where she enjoys dabbling in the kitchen, being outdoors, practicing yoga, wiggling her toes in the sand, and taking "the scenic route."
Quite simply, I strive for excellence in every task I complete, every interaction I have, and every platform we utilize.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Client Relations
Jen has an extensive background providing extraordinary support to those who need help. From working as an EMS Dispatcher to a Paramedic and a Performance Improvement Coordinator for the City of Cleveland, Jen's career has been dedicated to improving the lives of others.
As a Client Relations Coordinator for the telos institute, she believes that the success and satisfaction of our clients and the telos team are central to the overall success of our organization. Jen supports all necessary administrative and logistical elements of the team to ensure that everything is efficient and effective. Her unwavering pursuit of extraordinary helps our panel members succeed in each telos engagement.
Jen graduated from Ohio University and lives in northeast Ohio with her husband and two children. When not working, Jen enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her dog, and reading fiction.
As telos' consulting services coordinator, my commitment to the telos consultant panel is of the utmost importance.
Job Titles:
- Director, Client Relations
Karl has a wealth of experience as an organizational development practitioner in higher education, having served as a university vice president for 9 years and served as the president for the Ohio College Student Personnel Association for 3 years. Karl has served as a project manager for program creation, customer success modeling, and most recently, a collaborative effort with the National Guard and the State of Michigan Health Department for a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. He's also experienced in developing processes and people by building powerful relationships.
Serving as a Director of Client Relations, Karl is committed to guiding organizations through carefully constructed development experiences by serving as a strategic advisor and trusted partner. Karl thrives to surpass the expectations of each client by gaining a deep understanding of the organization's culture and understanding the individual needs of each engagement or organization-wide initiative. Karl uses his 20 years of diverse experiences to identify problems and help create solutions that continue to add value to the client-telos relationship.
Karl lives in Midland, Michigan with his two children, his wife and the family dog Indiana Jones. When Karl is not serving his telos clients, he enjoys playing basketball, swimming with family, and movie date nights with his wife.
When you commit your word, your handshake, and your name, there is no greater promise you can provide to a person. When we honor a commitment, we honor our work, handshake and name.
Job Titles:
- Director, Client Relations
- Director, Operations & Administration
Kim Paik is an accomplished education professional with experience in career development, leadership development, and international education. Early in her career, Kim was an analyst in the banking industry. Most recently, she spent 7 years at Case Western Reserve University in the University Career Center and the Weatherhead Career Development Center. Her responsibilities included assessment, evaluation, program design and development, workshop design and delivery, and helping undergraduate and graduate students and alumni plan and implement a career management strategy.
Kim currently serves as a Director, Client Relations at the telos institute, where her expertise lends itself to her management of survey development, administering all assessments, creating and disseminating reports, and telos leadership venture program management. Her extensive knowledge and insight provide leadership in the design, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of coaching activities and program/workshop effectiveness. Kim is also extensively involved with telos leadership ventures where she works to research, develop & build curriculum/content for high-impact leadership ventures.
Kim earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor of Science in Business from Miami University. She is a certified executive coach via the Case Weatherhead School of Management's Executive Coaching Program and also received her Women in Leadership Certificate from Case.
Kim resides near Columbus, OH with her husband, Paul, and two boys.
I love supporting others' success. Whether it is helping my kids, or working with a colleague or client, I am passionate about personal and professional development.
Job Titles:
- Director, Business Development
Lee is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in business and problem solving. As a result of his two decades in the software industry, Lee has a sophisticated understanding of the impact of human interactions inside a highly technical environment. He also has in-depth knowledge in goal and quota planning and establishment, variable compensation/incentive plans
and their execution, and the design of customer engagement programs for both new and existing clients. Lee's approach to client relationships is to develop an open and direct relationship so that ideas can be communicated freely, directly and effectively. In his role as Director, Business Development, Lee leads his team to develop and support long-term evolving relationships.
Prior to joining telos, Lee spent 20 years at Hyland Software Inc. and 15 years at The Sherwin-Williams Company. During his time at Hyland, he advised executive management and implemented numerous programs that supported the growth and maturation of almost every major area of the organization. While at Hyland the organization grew from 40 to over 4,000 employees and revenue grew approximately 50 times.
Lee thrives on identifying opportunities to help organizations move forward and evolve. He is passionate about measurement, tracking and the identification of leading key indicators, with an emphasis on "WGMD" (What Gets Measured Gets Done). He believes that measurement creates awareness and enables the establishment of reasonable but reaching goals based on a known starting point, which ultimately motivates individuals, teams and organizations to grow and improve.
Lee is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in accounting. He obtained his Foundations of Coaching Certification from Case Western Reserve University.
Lee believes that you can only live forward and that the best is always yet to come. He resides in northeast Ohio with his wife and has two grown daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, thinking and being outdoors.
I believe that you can only live forward and that the best is always yet to come. As my favorite singer-songwriter John Mellencamp sings, "save some time to dream, cause your dreams could save us all"
Job Titles:
- Director, Client Relations
Liz has over a decade of experience in leading project management within the events and hospitality industry. She has a wide range of knowledge working with diverse organizations from small businesses and nonprofits to large corporations. Liz holds her Bachelor's Degree from High Point University in Strategic Communication and Sport Management and has a Master's degree in Positive Organization Development and Change at Case Western Reserve University.
As a Director, Client Relations, Liz is the key contact for clients as they embark on their development journey. She works cross functionally to identify, engage and align resources to successfully obtain the objectives set forth. Liz truly partners with clients through communication, adaptability and empathy.
Personally, Liz enjoys many outdoor activities such as biking, and paddleboarding. She is a Cleveland native who has a passion for the city and is frequently exploring new places while still visiting local favorites.
Curiosity is at the heart of growth for me. I am energized through continuous learning which allows me to partner with people on their own path to excellence.
Job Titles:
- Designer, Experience Design
Matt Mazur is an experienced learning and development professional who has spent his career designing learning experiences for individuals - ranging from elementary school to advanced career. Matt leverages his inherent curiosity and passion for learning to spark a deep motivation for development that lies within each individual. Utilizing a flexible and inclusive approach to content delivery, he has demonstrated a clear ability to adapt content to the client system. Matt has spent much of his career navigating the resource-thin world of non-profit organizations which has enabled him to develop a certain creativity and ability to maximize the inherent strengths of the human system.
As a designer, Matt strives to build meaningful experiences that harmonize with the strengths and abilities of the client ecosystem. By seeking first to appreciate and then approaching complex issues with curiosity, Matt creates a challenging and encouraging environment that serves to move individuals and organizations in the precise direction that they desire. Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science in Positive Organizational Development from Case Western Reserve University. He currently resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio with his wife, Ashleigh, and two dogs, Cricket and Lincoln. Outside of design work, Matt is a deep appreciator of the natural world and can be found enjoying the outdoors in just about every way imaginable.
My passion is to deliver meaningful experiences that move people and organizations forward through the careful curation of a curious and appreciative mindset.
Job Titles:
- Director, Operations & Administration
- Operations and Administration
Prior to joining the telos institute as director of operations, Michele spent over 30 years leading and working in the hospitality industry. As part of running a profitable business, she was responsible for creating a positive experience for both employees and customers. Additionally, Michele played a key role in mentoring and training the youth who worked for her and participated as a critical member of the community that her restaurant served.
Working behind the scenes in her role at telos, Michele leverages her experience running a successful business and her service mentality to ensure that things flow smoothly across the organization. Michele's expertise in problem solving and her ability to adapt and manage through constantly changing environments allows our teams to do their job without having to worry about operational details.
Michele attended Kent State University and currently lives in northeast Ohio with her husband and her two adult children, one of whom is currently serving in the US Army. She enjoys cooking, hiking and spending time with her golden retriever.
It is important to me to encourage those I work with to be the best version of themselves. To not be afraid of opportunity that presents itself or to make their own opportunity where none exists.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Experience Design
Michele's career has been focused on helping others to grow and improve. From her education in Exercise Science to her background working with cardio/pulmonary rehab and physical therapy patients, Michele has worked to assist people to efficiently move through their journey to improve.
As a coordinator in experience design, Michele's attention to detail, care for people, and love of process helps the telos team to more effectively deliver experiences that further the goals and objectives of our telos clients. In her role, everything Michele does is in pursuit of making the job of her team easier and her deep level of care and respect for telos clients and team members can be felt in every interaction.
Michele graduated from Bowling Green State University and currently resides in northwest Ohio with her husband and son. Michele enjoys spending time with family, running, and being a part of her son's go kart racing team.
I take tremendous pride in striving for excellence in every aspect of my role at telos. It is personally gratifying to know that my work has a positive impact on both colleagues and clients.
Job Titles:
- Chief Experience Officer
- Writer
Mike Herzog is a catalyst for change. For 25 years he's worked with leaders to create and sustain profound transformation. As a director, experience design, Mike works with organizations of all shapes and sizes, from Fortune 500 companies to small, regional firms. Mike has extensive experience in every aspect of the change journey, but his passion is working at the intersection of operations and people, helping organizations to cultivate high-performing cultures and to strengthen employee engagement. Mike deeply believes the workplace should be a place where individuals thrive while contributing to something larger than themselves.
As the Chief Experience Officer, Mike works with leaders and teams to challenge their assumptions, clarify their objectives, and smash through barriers. People describe Mike's approach as a gentle ferocity. Practical, yet deeply soulful. Scientific rigor with a dash of crazy wisdom. When it comes to personal transformation, Mike believes it's best to begin from a foundation of authenticity and strength, then build up.
Over the years, Mike has trained with Integral Coaching Canada, The Strozzi Institute, The Collaborative Operating System, The John Maxwell Team, Diane Musho Hamilton, and Circles of Heart and Stone.
When he's not working, Mike is a writer, motivational speaker, and avid martial artist. He enjoys traveling the world with his wife, Kathie. When they're not exploring, Mike and Kathie live in Lafayette, Indiana.
For me, curiosity is one of the highest virtues. It opens so many doors. Better solutions. Deeper connection. Reduced suffering. The world would be a better place if we were all more curious.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Analyst
Quinn is an organized, efficient professional who can deliver on deadlines in high-stress environments. He collaborates and communicates well with others to get the job done quickly while maintaining quality. He also approaches problems with a practical and unique view to get to the best possible solution.
Prior to his work at telos, Quinn worked in various research and analyst positions, in which he used data and analysis to identify solutions that would best fit the clients' needs or situation at hand. With a desire to help people and make a positive impact on the lives of those around him, Quinn strives to push himself and others to be the best possible versions of themselves.
As a Business Development Analyst, Quinn gathers market intelligence and competitive research in support of business development strategy. He also ensures project opportunities are structured to provide the highest value for both telos and its clients.
Quinn is a graduate of The Ohio State University where he completed a degree in Consumer and Family Financial Services. Through the completion of his degree he not only studied finance but the implications that it has in the decision making process at the consumer level. As a Northeast Ohio native, Quinn now resides in Columbus where he enjoys: hiking, golfing, watching movies, cooking, and traveling.
I strive to better myself and others by having a positive impact in all facets of life. Learning, growing, and expanding my view of what it means for each of us to be a human being drives my actions.
Rick is an experienced coaching and consulting professional with more than a decade spent collaborating with leaders at the highest levels of organizations to optimize their businesses and their lives.
Currently, he serves as chief executive officer of the telos institute, a leading global organizational consulting firm he co-founded in 2006. telos offers specialized expertise to leaders and leadership teams around the world in the areas of business strategy, leadership development, and change management. In his role, Rick is responsible for shaping the vision and guiding the strategic direction of the firm, while inspiring a growing cohort of world-class practitioners to deliver insight, growth, and transformational experiences for telos clients.
Prior to founding telos, Rick spent ten years in various senior strategy and sales leadership positions within the financial services industry. Most notably, he led several organizations through periods of transition, which afforded him the opportunity to share his experience and insight in the best practices of managing personal and organizational change.
Rick earned his Master of Science in Organizational Behavior from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, a program annually ranked as a global leader in the field of Organizational Behavior. While at Weatherhead, Rick focused his research on quantifying the value of coaching to individuals and organizations. The insights gleaned from this research has enabled Rick to achieve a balance in delivering both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of a successful coaching or consulting engagement. Rick also earned his professional coaching certification from the Weatherhead School and has studied at the world-renowned Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.
More recently, he was named a Founding Fellow at The Harvard Institute of Coaching at the MacLean Medical School where he contributes insights and best practices to the growing field of executive coaching. Rick is a sought-after speaker on the topics of resilience, achievement, and personal and organizational performance. He has presented or taught at The Ohio State University, The University Of Notre Dame, Case Western Reserve University, Indiana University, and many other institutions and organizations around the world.
Before receiving his Master's at CWRU, Rick earned a B.A. in Economics and Finance from Baldwin Wallace University. In addition, he is certified in numerous multi-rater feedback instruments and psychometric assessment tools.
Personally, Rick tests his beliefs around achievement by running ultra marathons. His recent tests include the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 US Track and Field 24 Hour Run National Championships. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and telos co-founder Amy, and their four children.
My view on helping individuals, teams, and organizations is shaped by Ralph Waldo Emerson's words: What lies behind us and what lies before us are but tiny matters as compared to what lies within us.
Job Titles:
- Community Leader
- Director, the Telos Leadership Foundation
Ron is a widely respected community leader and has proven effective in leading successful youth programs. As director of the telos leadership foundation, Ron will lead the team to deliver unique leadership development experiences for underserved youth.
Ron served as president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland (BGCC) for 14 years after spending nearly three decades as a senior executive in the consumer products industry. Through his dynamic leadership and passion, Ron helped transform BGCC into a powerful, life-enhancing force for young people in the community. During his time at the BGCC the organization achieved significant growth and was able to double the children they served. In July of 2019, Ron played an instrumental role in merging with the BGC organizations in three neighboring counties completing one of the largest mergers in BGCA history. The new organization had 39 clubs and served more than 2,000 children and teens. Under Ron's leadership, telos will provide dynamic leadership development experiences to young people who wouldn't normally have these opportunities. By starting youth early, they will have the ability to develop the leadership skills and confidence necessary to go and make a difference in our world. Ron will continue to work with school districts, neighborhood groups, local governments, and nonprofit agencies to identify and encourage student participation in collaboration with the telos foundation programs.
I have been fortunate to see the value of nurturing demonstrated by caring adults like those who support the telos leadership foundation to benefit and nurture youth.
Job Titles:
- Chief Relationship Officer
Wendy is an accomplished professional with experience in a multitude of industries ranging from manufacturing to consumer products and services. Her background, along with the natural energy and enthusiasm she brings to every interaction, contribute to her success in her current role as Chief Relationship Officer at the telos institute. In this role, she is responsible for all facets of the telos coaching and consulting panel. Her constant drive is to strategically support our telos consulting panel in each of the organizations engagements.
Wendy earned her BSBA in Marketing at John Carroll University and her MBA at Case Western Reserve University. In her early career, Wendy gained knowledge in a wide range of fields. She spent a decade with GE Lighting in Cleveland, Ohio. At GE she gained experience in finance, global and domestic logistics, marketing and project management. She went through GE's quality initiative, Six Sigma, and earned a black belt in DFSS. With this training she facilitated and mentored a wide range of teams. Additionally, Wendy has held a role in safety, project management and administration for a local service company. Her responsibilities included assessment, evaluation, program design and development of company safety programs as well compliance to customer requirements.
Wendy resides in Park City, Utah with her husband, Mike, and four kids. In her free time she loves to mountain bike, hike and ski with her family.
Commitment for me is a true dedication to our values and philosophy...to become your partner and advocate in the path to further greatness.