Testimonials
What Clients are Saying
Stephen brings method, discipline, and accountability to me personally, and to our teams he coaches. In strategic planning – Stephen brings a disciplined method that reliably makes the team consider relevant factors and make the best decisions based on them; following up with routine reviews to ensure they keep on track. In personal coaching – Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge but uses challenging questions to lead you to the right answer, building your own ability to move forward as a leader.
Mitchell Suckling, HG Group – Masterton
A very good coach and business advisor. We have been working with Stephen for 8 plus years and he has been an integral part of our business and leadership growth.
Isaac Hart, Attach2 – Brisbane, Australia
Stephen provided excellent advice and service in the strategic review of our business and assisted us to develop a strategic direction. He was well organized, a good communicator, and presented the information in a way that could be easily comprehended and understood. His advice and guidance will add value to our business.
Martyn Wilson, Wain & Naysmith Lawyers – Blenheim
I’ve been working with Stephen for quite some time now – always look forward to the meetings and challenging questions. Stephen has helped bring clarity to several specific challenges – both at a 1 to 1 level and business strategy – and helped unravel a clear course of action. He has a way of asking questions that crystalize situations, then holds you accountable to tasks agreed on. Fantastic to have him on board, he has my full endorsement.
Eddy Suckling, Portamix – Masterton
Stephen has provided huge value to the growth of HG Group & subsidiaries since we started working with him 8 Years ago, both in business strategy & management training. His guiding style backed up with extensive experience provides massive value to the leadership team.
Billy Hart, HG Group – Masterton
Thank you so much for your presentation to the MBA class. What an awesome display of intelligent realism. It’s had rave reviews and was the highlight of the course for many. Many students have requested your presentation so they can go over it again.
I would count Stephen among the most talented professionals I have ever worked with. His expertise in the area of strategy and strategic execution is unparalleled. I have used his book Business Execution for RESULTS with many of my clients as it is considered one of the best books on this topic in the entire consulting industry. Stephen Lynch is one of only a very few consultants that I trust and respect enough to have him work with my clients.
We engaged Stephen to guide us through our strategic planning process. We achieved a very solid set of strategic plans and objectives, and his skills in this area certainly match his credentials and extensive experience. I have no hesitation in recommending Stephen.
Simon Harkness, Kitchen Studio Group – Auckland
Stephen worked with our team for the entire year. Over the course of the year, we doubled our revenue and grew our team rapidly. The principles that Stephen taught us were directly responsible for much of this success. I highly recommend working with him.
As a CEO, I often feel like I’m standing on an island. Having Stephen alongside me as an executive coach, accountability partner, and advisor has been game-changing. Through his coaching, he was able to help me get my company set up in such a way that I was able to vacation with my family overseas for 5 weeks and never once worry that things weren’t being handled by my Senior Leadership Team.
Jonathan Davis, Hire Better – Austin
I highly recommend Stephen to any company (from tens to hundreds of employees) to help with creating a solid structure company-wide, from recruiting and training processes, to management best practices and corporate strategy.
Radu Munteanu, Luminos Labs – Los Angeles
I engaged Stephen as a keynote speaker for our conference. His keynote was impactful and had the audience consider the importance of their strategy in an ever-changing world. I highly recommend Stephen for any of your conference or strategy needs.
Anna Schubert, AIA Insurance – Auckland
Stephen managed to bring a team of high-energy, but chaotic individuals together and focused on our strategic vision and a clear roadmap for a way forward. His quiet clarity and purpose get us clear on what we need to do and make sure we are accountable.
Glenn Powell, Prime Pump – Westport
Stephen takes the group on a journey to create and ultimately own a strategic vision that they can get behind and then build a plan around it that is tangible and achievable. I highly recommend Stephen to anyone who is looking for a coach or facilitator.
Dawn Engelbrecht, Link Business Brokers – Auckland
Here are the reviews for your “Modern Management” workshop at the Entrepreneurs’ Organization conference in Utah. I agree with all of them; it was a fantastic session: Quality of content = 9.04, Structure and execution = 9.04, Take-home value = 9.41, Credibility and expertise of speaker = 9.41, Overall rating = 9.25.
It’s been a pleasure to have Stephen guide our strategy virtually for the last 5 years and more recently in person for the last 6 months. The framework, questions posed, and guidance provided have enabled us to create a strategy for growth that is highly executable.
We have worked with Stephen on numerous occasions since 2014. His management training and strategic planning work have brought a lot of value to our business.
Stephen’s strategy modules, and his personal consultations have been absolutely essential in becoming the company we want to be. While Stephen has certainty and clarity backed by years of experience, he balances that with deference and accommodation to his client.
Joshua McKee, Atlas Staffing – Spokane
Stephen enabled us to think far more clearly about our objectives, how to stay on track, how to hire/fire intelligently, and how to truly take responsibility for our actions. I truly believe that all companies, big and small, will benefit from his expertise.
Stephen has been an absolute revelation to our company. Our company (one of America’s fastest-growing companies for 3 years in a row) is on a greater path to success. The team is 100% aligned, we know our goals, our next steps, and what’s going to get us there.
I have learned so much from Stephen, not just by his teachings but by his actions. I have never met such a dedicated, proactive, and driven individual. Some people tell you what to do, but Stephen nurtures and trains you to be able to make those decisions on your own.
I had the privilege to be part of the Management Training program presented by Stephen with the HG Group team. His presentations are broken down into simple digestible parts that build together to enable you to learn and apply techniques with ease.
Elaine Du Preez, HG Group – Masterton
I highly recommend Stephen and his process to help grow and improve your business. He has helped us develop our strategy and fine-tuned our execution with excellent results. The whole process has taken our company to another level.
I improved my management skills, and now I know how to assign, delegate, and follow up tasks to my direct reports in the most efficient way. Stephen is very responsive and helps you to solve any roadblocks you have on your way to success.
The best way I can describe what Stephen does is that he brings order out of chaos. Stephen helped improve many processes throughout the organization, from managing day-to-day tasks, to meeting cadences, to implementing company strategic projects.
Mary Burazin, Logicbroker – Milwaukee
Stephen’s thorough well-planned approach has generated a greater focus for the entire team. Stephen brings unique energy & vitality to every meeting. If you seek measurable results and a greater return from your team, I would encourage you to contact Stephen.
Rex Houlihan, Northstar Express Freight
– Washington DC
– Washington DC
Stephen has helped us set and accomplish a number of important strategic priorities. I’ve seen lots of consultants that help with strategic planning, but very few that add value in driving execution. Stephen helped us execute measurable, lasting changes in our business.
Dan Clifford, AnswerLab – San Francisco
Working with Stephen, we have undergone a major transformation in how we run the business. Our clients have even commented on how much more professional and mature our business looks. It’s been one of the best investments we’ve made in the business.
Laura Davis, GovCon Accounting – Knoxville
Stephen’s quarterly strategy sessions are relentless for their attention to detail, rigor, and ability to help the whole organization recalibrate. I highly recommend Stephen as someone who brings a toolbox with him that is second to none.
Simon Small, SaaS Elevator – Queenstown
I can’t say enough great things about how Stephen has helped our organization. His insights and subject knowledge are excellent and we found his ability to distill it down to a practical and functional level is exceptional.
Jeremy Goddin, Aurora Process Solutions – Hamilton
Stephen has greatly helped our organization with strategic planning and execution. Stephen’s insights helped us tighten our focus and improve the clarity of the story we are telling. Stephen is also an all-around great guy.
Shilo Jones, Destination Lighting – Seattle
Stephen is an execution rock star. We are more connected as a team and more focused and aligned in our execution. I feel fortunate to have Stephen guide and moderate our decision-making and strategic goals.
Sam Reed, Achievecard – Austin
Stephen has expert knowledge of strategic planning and execution. Working with him took my business to the next level. He helped us build the strategy from the ground up and execute our plan. If you have the opportunity to work with Stephen, I highly recommend it.
Mike Del Ponte, SparkSeed – Los Angeles
Stephen is without question the most disciplined person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside. He’s a wealth of knowledge who’s the sanity check for any ambitious, driven business leader who is looking for direction when it comes down to the execution of their vision.
William Wiebe, MeetingZen – New York
Stephen is one of the best presenters on the topic of business strategy and execution in the world. He spoke at many events for us, and he can pack a room anywhere from New Zealand to the American heartland. His speaking style is easy to understand, even though the topics he covers are not. He’s also a true pleasure to work with. Whether you engage Stephen as a facilitator, coach, strategist, writer, or speaker, you will be extremely pleased with his work.
Tom Lombardo, Kortoom LLC – San Francisco
We engaged Stephen to speak at our conference to deliver a keynote presentation and 3 workshops. In the months leading up to the conference, Stephen regularly made himself available to ensure the examples he wove in with his material were relevant to our audience. Stephen is a world-class speaker and delivered his key messages crisply and clearly. Our delegates were buzzing with anticipation about putting Stephen’s tools into action. I would highly recommend Stephen to anyone who is looking to improve their business outcomes or drive results within their organisation.
David Hadley, Sovereign Insurance – Auckland
We wanted the absolute best opportunity we could create for our annual planning session. Stephen facilitated our leadership team expertly with keen insight and support for our process. I would recommend Stephen to any business that wants to provide clarity and purpose to its planning activities. Our net result was a unified short/medium and long-term vision for the business with strategies and goals to progress.
Jamie Powter, Rivercity Solutions – Brisbane
Having sat through many corporate strategic sessions in the past I am here to tell you that working with Stephen completely changes my perception of the validity of taking on these endeavors in the first place. He has the uncanny ability to extract the most from you. It has been one of the most illuminating sessions I have had in my professional life and feel that much more armed with insight as I move forward. Kudos and recommendations abound.
Sean Cunningham, Fresh LLC – Boston
Stephen worked closely with me and my management team to help us create and define our strategic plan. I learned a lot from Stephen, I enjoyed working with him, and he did a great job facilitating our quarterly management team meeting. Stephen is bright, highly structured, and consistently follows through on his commitments. I highly recommend him.
Nate Wolfson, Digital Bungalow – Boston
What we’ve gotten from our relationship with Stephen is a revamped strategy created collaboratively with our team, enhancing engagement and buy-in around our strategy and execution. It’s been a truly remarkable transition for us, and we owe a great deal of that to Stephen. It hasn’t been all flowers and butterflies. It’s been hard work, working through discomfort and pain. But like going through rehab, the compliance and discipline demanded by Stephen are reaping great rewards and results. The payoff is well worth the discomfort and the energy spent on the process.
Sturdy McKee, Agile Physical Therapy – San Francisco
I pride myself on strategic planning. I can honestly say I have never been as impressed with a service provider. Stephen is absolutely the best money I have ever spent. ROI is immediate.
Dan Caulfield, Angel Investor – San Diego
Stephen has helped guide our company, not just as a consultant, but seemingly as an engaged partner. Stephen’s deep knowledge and real-world experience have brought us extreme value. It is hard to imagine this project without Stephen’s input, energy and discipline. Stephen is a Rock Star when it comes to Results. I look forward to working with Stephen for the rest of my career and hope we can continue to merit him working with us.
Cameron Chell, Business Instincts Group – Los Angeles
Stephen has done an excellent job of getting the key people within our organization focused on the things that matter in our business. The results have been quite remarkable.
Roger Swierstra, Iridium Risk Services – Calgary
Stephen was a fantastic help to us & our company through a period of significant change. We embarked on a major restructuring and rebranding process, and with Stephen’s detailed knowledge we completed and met our objectives. He provided us with tools to set our goals and his structure and insight gave us the confidence we needed to continue forward in times of big change. I have no hesitation in recommending him & would use his services again without hesitation.
Dean Young, Brave Day – Auckland
I always look forward to and enjoy Height’s strategic coaching sessions with Stephen. Stephen is great at cementing pre-thinking through advance work so that the team is already in the frame on the day and we already have a head start through this groundwork. Stephen has a quiet compassion about him that makes him a great facilitator. Stephen is highly recommended if you are looking for a considered and structured strategy coach who is prepared to hold you and your team to account.
Kel McBeath, Height Project Management – Auckland
Once again, a HUGE thank you from YPO Alberta for your incredible insights. The feedback from your session was stellar (in fact, our overall Net Promoter Score for the retreat is at 90). You took time out of your busy calendar to help our chapter members learn from your experiences, and for that, we thank you so much. Thank you again, you’ve helped our members tremendously and we are forever grateful.
Stephen has a wealth of information about best business practices, and great skill in applying this in a practical way. Stephen’s contribution to our business exceeded our expectations and left us with tangible, measurable results.
Stephen has been supporting the Height leadership team for some time now. He facilitates productive, collaborative, and inclusive strategy sessions – with clear actions, accountabilities, and outcomes at the end of each one. He has excellent tools to track and monitor progress and keep us on track to achieving our objectives. I look forward to our sessions as I know great things will happen!
Heather Murray, Height Project Management – Auckland