“Working with Alison and Catherine was heads and shoulders better than other strategic planning experiences. They do not try to slot an organization into “their process” nor do they hand off clients to junior colleagues. These two high-level thinkers really listen and are with you the whole way. They heard what we were saying and where we wanted to go and designed a customized process that delivered. I highly recommend them as thought partners and problem solvers to any school or business leader.
”

“Catherine and Alison’s work exceeded our expectations! They maximized inclusivity and engagement while efficiently creating an insightful and applicable plan. Through their sharp, intellectually incisive approach, they elevated our ideas and how we expressed them... Most schools would benefit from having them as thought partners, whether for strategic planning, team and leadership development, or business problem-solving.”

“Alison and Catherine helped us to think strategically, both challenging and clarifying our thinking, bringing out angles we might not have anticipated or thought through. They are excellent writers and thinkers who quickly caught on to our tone and represented us—both in writing and in person interfacing with our constituents—in a way that felt true. The arc of our work came together just as we had hoped—gold stars for project management and the kind and generous ownership they took, even when we flagged.
”

“We hired Cain Barrett Strategies to help us develop a strategic business plan and become a more cohesive and customer service-oriented team. With insight and an operational focus, Alison and Catherine quickly grasped our unique challenges. Their scope, which included a survey, workshops, and executive coaching, was shaped to meet our needs, schedule, and budget. They connected well with the team and broke through people’s preconceptions using fresh approaches and a light touch. They delivered above and beyond their contract and were a pleasure to work with. As a result, our team built more trust and learned how they each have a role in changing the culture.
”

“Let’s face it, when attending a corporate retreat, so much rides on the selection of the facilitator. Alison brings to the table an outstanding corporate career with a personality that wins the group over. Using a sharp sense of emotional intelligence, she guides any conversation with a firm yet inclusive hand, clever wit, and clear sense of the destination in mind.”

“Alison brings a high level of insight to solving business challenges. She understands complex issues quickly and helps establish an environment that allows team members to develop their strengths and find their way to a workable solution.”

“Our team is comprised of people who have been with the organization for many years and new people who only joined recently. Alison designed a retreat that caused each group to learn to value what the other has to offer. She helped us recognize that creating a solid team is an ongoing process with specific steps and stages. Her team building approach has definitely made the assimilation process faster and less stressful.”

“As the founder of a young company, I needed to find my own leadership style and to establish a work rhythm for my team. Alison helped me to determine how best to vet, manage and motivate the people who work for me in a way that reflects my voice and values. She has also helped me to cut through the fog of day to day running of the business and take a long look at our goals for the company’s growth. She helped me make strategic choices about where to focus our energy and where we need to build capability. Her counsel has been practical and effective. Her experience, humor and intelligence have been truly inspiring.”