I help you develop managers who empower employees, inspire greatness, and fuel growth.
Most companies understand that good management is essential for supporting employees and driving organizational growth. Yet too many take a half-hearted approach: they promote top performers into management but fail to provide the time, resources, and support needed to develop true leadership skills.
Managers are left to navigate their new roles alone, without guidance or a clear path forward.
Some find their way. Many don’t. In fact, 70% of new managers fail.
They mimic outdated approaches, reinforce bad habits, and rely on what worked as individual contributors. When those strategies fail, they vow to work harder, only to end up losing confidence and burning out. They are left feeling isolated and unfulfilled, questioning whether management is the right path and unsure of their future.
When managers struggle, the effects ripple across the entire organization. Employee satisfaction declines, turnover rises, and recruitment pressures increase. Projects fall behind, leaving teams stressed and overworked. Revenue falls, profitability decreases, and investment continues to decline.
It’s a downward spiral.
Managers feel the pressure personally as their careers stall. They question their competence, lose confidence in their ability to lead, and eventually tap out.
The cost to replace a manager is estimated at 200% of their salary, but that is only the beginning. Without successful managers, organizations can’t fill executive roles or scale for growth.
When leadership is needed, organizations aren’t able to promote from within,. They are forced to recruit externally, which is a costly, risky, and uninspiring approach.
This cycle drains the organization of talent, energy, and potential, making it harder to win top-tier projects, grow sustainably, and plan strategically.
Managers drive employee engagement, enable operational efficiency, and create the organizational culture that brings strategic goals to life. They are the leaders that empower employees, and they are the key to your organization’s success.
Without the right support, resources, and development, their potential goes untapped and it becomes a missed opportunity.
Given the chance, though, managers will rise to the challenge and deliver returns beyond expectations. They are worth the investment.
Our society is facing complex challenges, and we need everyone pulling together to overcome them. We need the smartest minds working collaboratively, unhindered, to solve problems and do work that truly matters.
Managers make this possible. They are the ones who empower teams to tackle hard problems, find innovative solutions, and deliver extraordinary results.
Great managers don’t just improve organizations—they transform the future.
If you’re ready to support your managers, unlock their potential, and drive organizational growth, let’s talk. Our practical approach supports individual development, builds high-performing teams, and strengthens organizational capacity for lasting success.
When you invest in your managers, the returns are exponential. They gain the confidence, skills, and tools to lead effectively, deliver outstanding results, and inspire their teams. Most importantly, they find fulfillment in their careers and excitement about the future. Their leadership fosters a workplace where employees feel engaged, supported, and motivated to be their best. They strengthen recruitment and retention efforts, building a robust talent and leadership pipeline. Their influence shapes systems, drives organizational culture, and generates the momentum needed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges, seize new opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth.
Equip managers with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through group coaching and peer-to-peer support, managers develop skills and a network to lean on and learn from. Together, we create individualized development plans and work step-by-step to execute them, ensuring each manager’s growth is intentional and aligned with organizational goals.
Building organizational capacity requires more than quick fixes—it’s about creating systems and structures that drive growth and resilience. I customize consulting engagements to meet your unique needs, whether it’s implementing leadership development frameworks, designing processes for continuous improvement, or building systems to support sustainable growth. By focusing on scalable, long-term solutions, I help you develop the capacity to achieve your goals with confidence.
“Working with Brian
helped me to take a step away
from my daily workflow and
career anxieties and gain new
perspective on my systems and
processes, accomplishments,
challenges, and goals.”
Miranda Buckmaster
Regulatory Professional
“Brian is the sort of person
that is great to talk to when
things are going well in your
career, but more critically when
they are not.”
Christopher Peterson
Senior Integration Developer
“I found him to be an
invaluable sounding board
when I faced a variety of
management challenges.”
Rick Pannell
VP Of Engineering
“Brian provided a thoughtful,
personalized coaching
experience that not only
helped me to focus my
professional goals and
aspirations, but also to chart a
path towards them.”
Nick Morrill
Controller
I’m Brian, the owner of Shiftfocus Coaching and Consulting. I help technical consulting firms build high-performing teams that deliver exceptional results, foster engaging cultures, and improve the lives of employees and the communities they serve.
Over 25 years, I helped grow a GIS and software development consulting firm from 25 to over 200 employees as it expanded from one office to seven. Along the way, I gained extensive experience in HR, recruiting, retention, and employee development. I’ve also led technical projects that modernized government agencies, improved enterprise-wide systems, and empowered small businesses to thrive.
I share my expertise in people and systems as a frequent podcast guest, a contributor to Alaska Business magazine, and on my website. I’m passionate about creating innovative frameworks and delivering practical, actionable solutions to help my clients succeed.
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