“What We Focus on, Grows” - The Story Behind the Name
In my time as an executive director - building an organization, growing a team, and learning to lead through Appreciative Inquiry - I learned just how powerful clarity and focus can be.
Whether we were having tough conversations, navigating change, or setting a new direction, things always got better when we stopped trying to do everything and focused on what truly mattered. That focus led to real results: stronger partnerships, better alignment, and a team culture that felt energized and clear.
One of the people who helped me see this more clearly was my mentor, Christie Andrus-Nakano, owner of the Human Factor Leadership. She not only inspired me to launch Focus Consulting, but more importantly, helped me recognize the gift I had for leading conversations, building trust, and helping people see what’s possible.
A core principle in Appreciative Inquiry that’s stuck with me is The Poetic Principle:
We can choose what we study. Organizations are like open books. What we choose to focus on - our energy, our attention, our questions - actually shapes what we create.
We can focus on what’s broken. On the things we don’t have. On what’s going wrong.
Or, we can focus on what’s working. What’s possible. What’s already growing.
That shift in focus doesn’t mean we ignore challenges, but it does mean we choose to lead from strength instead of what we lack. In my experience, that shift makes all the difference.
So when it came time to come up with a name and tagline for this next chapter of my work, with a little help from a fellow consultant (shout out to Emma at Steeple and Hearth!), the choice was clear. I wanted a name and tagline that peeked interest, inspired different thinking, and spoke to those who are ready to focus on what truly matters.
Focus Consulting: because what we focus on, grows.
