Optimizing excellence and humanizing success:
Let’s get shit done and let’s make it human.
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Hi there! I’m Deven Wisner
I believe that it’s possible to lead in a way that’s intentional, effective, and uniquely you.
I believe you can maintain your values, your work / life balance, and your identity even when you’re effectively leading a big team or – like some of my clients – a Fortune 10 company.
But why should we care about work / life balance and identity?
Because a good, happy, successful life – both personally and professionally – is about balance period.
You may have heard a boss or consultant say that you should “drop it all at the door” – meaning your identity as parent, your hobbies, or even the raging headache you currently have.
You can’t really do that, because you’re a human all day, every day. You bring all of yourself to work and when we ignore that, things pretty quickly get out of alignment.
When things are out of alignment, they’re more likely to fall apart. Your business or organization might fall into inefficiency, internal and external conflict, and even organizational injustice.
But I want you to remember…
I believe you can maintain your values, your work / life balance, and your identity even when you’re effectively leading a big team or – like some of my clients – a Fortune 10 company.
But why should we care about work / life balance and identity?
Because a good, happy, successful life – both personally and professionally – is about balance period.
You may have heard a boss or consultant say that you should “drop it all at the door” – meaning your identity as parent, your hobbies, or even the raging headache you currently have.
You can’t really do that, because you’re a human all day, every day. You bring all of yourself to work and when we ignore that, things pretty quickly get out of alignment.
When things are out of alignment, they’re more likely to fall apart. Your business or organization might fall into inefficiency, internal and external conflict, and even organizational injustice.
But I want you to remember…
It’s totally possible to leverage data AND acknowledge your team’s humanity.
You can streamline your business processes AND treat your employees well.
You can grow your profits AND stay aligned with your values.
I know this is possible because I’ve helped hundreds of clients do just this – and I’ve done it myself.
I know this is possible because I’ve helped hundreds of clients do just this – and I’ve done it myself.
Let’s take it back where it all started…
My experience in leadership and building + streamlining businesses started in a pretty unexpected place: a Jamba Juice in Tucson, Arizona. Yes, really.
Even at 16, I was the sort of person who thought in terms of…
“How can we make this better?” and “It seems like this would be a lot easier if we just __________.”
What started as a part-time high school job eventually culminated with me being the youngest person ever to run a set of Jamba Juice stores. Spotting bottle necks, creating systems that were simultaneously humane and effective, nurturing teams – it all came surprisingly easily to me.
From there I was recruited to get a Barnes & Noble cafe running smoothly.
Even at 16, I was the sort of person who thought in terms of…
“How can we make this better?” and “It seems like this would be a lot easier if we just __________.”
What started as a part-time high school job eventually culminated with me being the youngest person ever to run a set of Jamba Juice stores. Spotting bottle necks, creating systems that were simultaneously humane and effective, nurturing teams – it all came surprisingly easily to me.
From there I was recruited to get a Barnes & Noble cafe running smoothly.
Who I help
Over the last 10 years I’ve found myself consulting with companies like Walmart, Macy’s, and United Way.
Channeling my passion for data I founded Viable Insights where we use data to uncover valuable truths about organizations to help them decipher information, build strategies, and create purposeful projects based on data-informed insights.
I have simultaneously led Global Registration Services, American Law Label, Pet Food Compliance and continue to find ways to improve the compliance industry through technological developments.
Channeling my passion for data I founded Viable Insights where we use data to uncover valuable truths about organizations to help them decipher information, build strategies, and create purposeful projects based on data-informed insights.
I have simultaneously led Global Registration Services, American Law Label, Pet Food Compliance and continue to find ways to improve the compliance industry through technological developments.
I bring all of myself to my work – and you should, too.
Along the way, I also became a partner, dad, PhD candidate, and competitive weightlifter!
So, why does this matter?
I believe that it’s possible to navigate business – even at a multi-billion dollar level – through the lens of relationship-first. I don’t believe in pushy sales tactics or bait-and-switch routines. I’m lucky to use the phrase “client-turned-friend” pretty frequently.
I’m a partner to my clients
I’m a partner to my clients
I guide the process, but you are the context expert.
I make myself part of the team and believe in drawing on the contextual knowledge of the group.
Most importantly, the work we do together is equal parts intentional and effective.
I’ve been doing this sort of work long enough that I know how to get you where you want to go without wasting a lot of time, money, or energy.
And I know how to get you there in a way that aligns with your values.
And I know how to get you there in a way that aligns with your values.
Here are some ways we can work together.
The Power Hour
An action-focused, evidence-based kick in the ass. Have you ever wrestled with a problem solo? You keep coming up with the same ideas or running into the same roadblocks.
You turn to ChatGPT and it comes up with the same thing but with three extra unnecessary words. Now you’re more confused. And annoyed.
Our process will go something like this:
You turn to ChatGPT and it comes up with the same thing but with three extra unnecessary words. Now you’re more confused. And annoyed.
Our process will go something like this:
- You’ll tell me a problem (or problems)
- We select ONE problem to focus on during the session
- We spend 15 minutes talking about possible solutions
- We will select one or two solutions
- We will create your next steps
Leader Strategy Day
Learn to lead better, and more efficiently. During this VIP Day, we start big, go deep, and wrap up our time together with a clear plan.
You’ll benefit from my years of experience in program design, org/leadership/evaluation/data chops, networking skills, countless strategic planning exercises, standing up and managing marketing teams, experience across health, human services, government, higher education, k-12, consumer products, and manufacturing.
Let’s get shit done. And let’s make it human.
- Get a fresh set of eyes on your data and how you can use it
- Gain insights into how to launch a new program or initiative
- Create a shared mission that will work across department, teams, or organizations
- Strategize a new regulatory program that can save you and your team tons of time and money
- Evolve your KPI or assessment metrics to an evaluation that will demonstrate program effectiveness
- Define the scope of your needs assessment
You’ll benefit from my years of experience in program design, org/leadership/evaluation/data chops, networking skills, countless strategic planning exercises, standing up and managing marketing teams, experience across health, human services, government, higher education, k-12, consumer products, and manufacturing.
Let’s get shit done. And let’s make it human.
Group Retreats
We can accomplish a lot in a day.* We can work through conflict, stand up a new program, or even build a strategic plan that actually works – one that’s easy to implement, profit-generating, effective, and takes into account your team’s strengths, nuances, and opportunities.
We’ll bring in voices from across organizations or teams to develop an action plan that works for everyone (not just the c-suite who doesn’t have to do any on-the-ground work).
We’ll resolve conflict, build the team, and create a plan for achieving the shared goals clearly identified.
I take care of all the details:
We’ll bring in voices from across organizations or teams to develop an action plan that works for everyone (not just the c-suite who doesn’t have to do any on-the-ground work).
We’ll resolve conflict, build the team, and create a plan for achieving the shared goals clearly identified.
I take care of all the details:
- walking you back from goals to activities
- packet assembly (as needed)
- materials
- data capture
- synthesis of data
- options for recommendations + follow up support
The most surprising thing about working with Deven was discovering how much we’d been doing wrong!
Before we worked with Deven, we’d been struggling a lot – the state of Virginia lost our check multiple times, we weren’t sure which suppliers/styles we were making that required labeling – and working with Deven made things so much easier and more streamlined.
Based on Deven’s suggestions, we’ve even been able to eliminate work from our Specialist roles; they no longer have to follow up with suppliers on their certifications, so our Specialists can take on other tasks that are more important and enjoyable.
Melissa Dewhurst / Macy’s
Based on Deven’s suggestions, we’ve even been able to eliminate work from our Specialist roles; they no longer have to follow up with suppliers on their certifications, so our Specialists can take on other tasks that are more important and enjoyable.
Melissa Dewhurst / Macy’s
When Deven asked me for feedback on his work, here’s what I said: 10/10, No notes.
We brought Deven in because we needed help with data and reporting. We didn’t have a process in place and needed an annual plan established for how this will be done moving forward. Now we have an increased focus on the data process – collection, analysis, and storytelling.
We also loved working with Deven because it’s obvious that he cares about what happens here and respects our work. And, most importantly, our team likes being around him!
Dani Carrillo // University of Arizona Fostering Success
We also loved working with Deven because it’s obvious that he cares about what happens here and respects our work. And, most importantly, our team likes being around him!
Dani Carrillo // University of Arizona Fostering Success
We had limited experience in collaborative strategic planning or contextual knowledge in bridging healthcare and community
Deven and his team provided support and guidance for the partnership during critical times throughout its evolution over the course of six years.
The logic model / theory of change he taught us was outstanding. We use it all the time now and it has served us from early phases all the way through partnership evolution.
Sarah Ascher // Arizona End of Life Care Partnership, anchored at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
The logic model / theory of change he taught us was outstanding. We use it all the time now and it has served us from early phases all the way through partnership evolution.
Sarah Ascher // Arizona End of Life Care Partnership, anchored at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
Need help with with something else?
My team has a combined 40+ years of experience working in program evaluation, strategic planning, market analysis, data work, or product safety / compliance.
If you need help with any of the above, schedule a quick call and I’ll connect you with the right solution.
If you need help with any of the above, schedule a quick call and I’ll connect you with the right solution.