Today we’d like to introduce you to Edith Onderick-Harvey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After grad school, I started my career in a boutique consulting firm in Atlanta that was focused on transforming companies by engaging everyone in the firm in solving business issues. It was pretty radical stuff in the late 80’s. Because of that role, I became hooked on creating really impactful change in how companies achieve results and the experience of work. Then, I spent a few years at a large, global firm that is now known as Accenture as one of the first people in their change management practice. At the time, systems integration was having a huge impact on business. The change management practice was about the people side of change — getting people ready, creating buy-in, developing skills. After seven years of consulting, I decided I really needed to experience life inside a company. How could I give sound advice if I had never worked in a non-consulting business?
I moved to the Boston area and worked in HR roles at BankBoston and Fidelity. When I had the opportunity to leave Fidelity, I knew I wanted to return to consulting but wanted to do it on my own terms and so I launched my consulting practice. Since then, we have rebranded twice and I’ve brought on a partner as we’ve evolved to meet the changing needs of the market.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Being an entrepreneur is never a completely smooth road. You learn new lessons every day. Having been in business since 1999, I’ve experienced two significant economic downturns which always impact how people use external consultants. Those times teach you to be more conscious on the way you are approaching the business financially so you can weather downturns.
Also, for a long-time, I was a solopreneur so I wore all the hats in my business. The balance between sales, delivery, product and service development is a tough one to master. I developed a team of other solopreneurs to help me achieve my goals, including a virtual assistant and a social media specialist. Even with that, I’m not sure I’ve mastered it yet. Becoming partnership has added a whole new dimension to what we’ve been able to do with the business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about NextBridge Consulting – what should we know?
NextBridge is an organizational change and talent development consulting company.
We believe that growth is imperative, change is constant and people execute strategy.
We partner with clients to create and execute pragmatic, sustainable business solutions — building a bridge between ideas and performance, between strategy and results between today and the future.
Our services include:
– Organization design
– Talent strategy and organization development
– Change strategy and execution
– Team development
– Leadership development
Two things set us apart. First, we work with clients to address today’s issues and to prepare for what’s next. Second, we don’t sell canned solutions. We take pride in partnering with our clients at their unique point of need. Sometimes that means starting from scratch. Sometimes that means working to build on what’s already there or simply provide an objective, experienced reality check. We understand the drivers of our clients’ business challenges and explore options that fit their needs.
We are most proud of the value we provide our clients. When we hear from clients about the meaningful change we made in how they were able to achieve their goals, it lets us know what we do matters.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people deserve credit. We’ve built this business almost exclusively through our network — people who have hired us not once but over and over again, people who have referred us to others, people who have made introductions.
My business partner, who before joining the business was a huge advocate and supporter of the business. My team including my virtual assistant, Diane and my social media expert, Danielle.
Finally, all the great business women who I’ve known over the years. I was a member of one of The Commonwealth Institutes CEO forums. I met with a half a dozen other women CEO’s monthly to share experiences and advice. It was so valuable to have the ongoing experience of working with women leaders in other industries. I have also been a member of The Boston Club. Again, amazing women who take the time to support other women in their careers.
Contact Info:
- Address: Six Sugarbush
Andover, MA 01810 - Website: nextbridgeconsulting.com
- Phone: 978.475.8424
- Email: e.onderick-harvey@nextbridgeconsulting.com
- Twitter: @eonderickharvey
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