THE WORK

Inspired Branding, Marketing and Communication
​Great communication starts with listening to the priorities, challenges and triggers of your audience. We use this knowledge to craft messages that touch, move and inspire them to take action. Services include:
  •  Marketing and Communication Strategy and Planning
  •  Cause Marketing and Branding
  •  Storytelling Workshops, Story Development, Writing and Videos
  •  Coaching, Speechwriting and Presentation Production
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Meaningful Culture, Change and Problem Solving
​Real change happens when people connect emotionally and rationally with "the why." Only then do they truly participate in crafting a new future. At The Porter Authority, we take a fast co-creation approach that is long-lasting and integrates well with other methods. Services include: 
  •  Audits, Analyses and Assessments
  •  Problem Solving, Engagement and Communications
  •  Culture Change Leadership, Consulting and Coaching
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Resilient Leadership, Strategy and Team Building
Teams are built during shared experiences. We create opportunities to connect people over ideas and goals while stimulating trust, creativity and diverse thinking. Services include: 
  •  Interim/Fractional Executive
  •  Organizational Effectiveness and Problem Solving
  •  Strategy and Plan Development, Coaching
  •  Meeting Facilitation, Board Retreats, Team Building Events

We're Flexible!
Here are a few ways I can work with you:
   •  Consulting and Coaching
​   •  Facilitation
   •  Fractional/Interim Leader
   •  Training and Workshops
   •  Speechwriting
   •  Speaker
   •  Writer
Contact me to discuss your needs.

 

CASE STUDIES

​BUILDING EMPLOYEE PRIDE THROUGH EMOTIONAL BRANDING
​With the senior living market poised for rapid growth, Ecumen wanted to evolve its branding, communication and marketing to resonate with employees and the newest generation of seniors: Baby Boomers. We conducted research and facilitated workshops to develop a branding and a cause-related marketing platform focused on a powerful story, along with videos to engage and energize audiences. The internal launch was amazing! Employees were recognized as “Everyday Heroes,” a theme that engaged everyone on location, from residents to extended families. See the Employee Video and the Cause Platform Video

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DRIVING ADOPTION, PERFORMANCE AND TEAM-BUILDING
Following a difficult Oracle implementation, MoneyGram was challenged with adoption, credibility and change-weariness. We developed a change plan to stimulate team-building around usage and increase trust through transparency. Results: 100% adoption and a killer ROI. See press coverage here. Tools included stakeholder assessments, conflict resolution and team-building sessions, ROI analyses, KPI score-cards, leader development and communication. ​

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CATALYZING CULTURE CHANGE DURING A $100 MILLION DOLLAR UPGRADE
When the University of Minnesota undertook a major systems upgrade that would impact Students, Faculty and Employees, they knew culture change was essential to success. Affected communities had to be prepared for a two-week system-wide shutdown, and then be ready, willing and able to handle a new processes, as well as a new look and feel. We worked across functions to develop and implement a highly successful Change and Communication strategy for this $100 million initiative. See content and materials from The Upgrade.

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IMPROVING CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION 
As Target’s Business Technology Team developed a long-term strategy, they knew they needed flexible systems and stronger internal relationships. We conducted research and analysis, facilitated strategic planning sessions and cross-functional workshops, and created change and communications plans. As a result, the organization reset priorities, filled gaps and resolved issues, including a new resolution process to improve cross-functional collaboration.

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A STRONGER CULTURE THROUGH BRANDING AND STORYTELLING
Allianz Global Assistance had a tall order after a global re-branding: strengthen employee engagement and performance, and improve acquisition and retention. The company was committed to a real solution so our plan was founded on behavioral science. We designed a series of conversations "in the round" where employees could share authentic experiences around the company's core value of Trust. 

​The executive team led the way by demonstrating vulnerability in their story-telling. Most affecting was a true story told by President and CEO Jon Ansell. An introspective and analytical man, Jon seemed unknowable to many employees. That changed when he described a personal moment with his five year-old daughter. Every time Jon told his story, he was genuinely touched by the memory, and there was a catch in his throat as he uttered the conclusion that tied back to the values. "That is when I really understood the importance of trust, and the responsibility that goes with it."

This shared vulnerability opened for connection. Employees shared their stories, some serious, some sad and some amusing. They identified with the values, and quickly internalized them. We kept this feeling alive by sharing employee stories on a regular basis, developing an employee-led art exhibit and by reflecting authenticity in the voice, tone and content of communications. 

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INCREASING FUND-RAISING DURING A CRISIS
When an earthquake rocked the island of Haiti, the American Refugee Committee was ready with on-site teams and off-site fundraising. We helped ARC with community engagement, communications and fund-raising to tackle their biggest crisis in 30 years. As a result, ARC increased its donor base and raised more than 60% of its annual revenue in three months to provide much need goods, services and infrastructure expertise.

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"Emily is an excellent communicator who brings energy, innovation and clarity to any message. Her leadership and her skills were most evident when she was leading large change initiatives. I hope to work with her again in the future!" 

​Anne Sample
Chief People Officer, Caribou/Einstein Group