The Why and The How
I help organizations align what they do with why they exist.
Not through generic consulting.
Through transformation architecture that integrates strategy, systems, and strengths.
My Clifton Strengths: Learner - Strategic - Ideation - Achiever - Individualization
MY STORY
I didn't start out as a consultant. I started inside organizations - embedded in the messy reality of trying to make good ideas actually work.
Implementing strategic visions that sounded great in the boardroom but fell apart in practice.
Trying to get teams aligned when everyone had a different definition of “success.”
Making new systems work while old processes were still in the way.
Leading change when people were exhausted from the last failed initiative.
Over time, I learned that transformation rarely fails because people aren’t trying hard enough. It fails because strategy, systems, and people development get treated as separate problems—when they’re actually one integrated challenge.
I’ve also seen that the most powerful, sustainable work happens when people operate from their strengths—mine included. That realization led me to create Bay Consulting, focused on helping leaders of small and medium, mission‑driven organizations realign how they work with why they work.
Mine included.
That realization led me to create Bay Consulting.
What makes my approach different
I listen before I prescribe – We start with your context, not my framework.
I see how the pieces connect – Strategy, systems, and people are one story, not three projects.
I customize, not cookie‑cutter – Every engagement is scoped to your size, constraints, and goals.
I build on strengths – We use CliftonStrengths and other tools to work with what’s right, not just what’s wrong.
I’m driven by results – The goal is change you can feel in daily operations, not a document on a shelf.
MY BACKGROUND
EMBEDDED EXPERIENCE
I’ve worked inside diverse organizations across sectors—outdoor economy and recreation businesses, educational nonprofits, state government agencies, wellness practices, boatbuilding operations, and professional services firms.
This wasn’t consulting from the outside; it was being part of the team, navigating real constraints and making decisions with incomplete information.
SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
Today, my work sits at the intersection of organizational transformation, CliftonStrengths coaching, and systems design.
Organizational transformation – Strategic assessment and diagnosis, research‑based change management, technology implementation, leadership and team development.
CliftonStrengths coaching – Executive coaching, team effectiveness, strengths‑based culture building.
Systems design & implementation – CRM and automation, business process improvement, client experience and onboarding, operational efficiency.
These experiences have taught me to explore first, and then design what actually works.
Cookie-cutter solutions rarely work, and having a partner who cares and listens is rare.
That’s what I do.
Curious if we'd be a good fit?
I offer free 30-minute discovery calls to explore:
• What you're working on
• Whether transformation, coaching, or systems work makes sense
• How we might partner (or if someone else would be a better fit)
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just an honest conversation.
Schedule a Discovery Call
Or email me directly: msommers@bayconsulting.me
I typically respond within 24 hours.
CREDENTIALS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Over 30 years of Embedded Organizational Experience | Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach
PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner | Master’s in Project Management (Northeastern)
Master’s in Organizational Development (University of Maine, 2026)
