Increased Productivity Through Vacation
It’s taken me 15 years to take a vacation. Even when taking one or two days off, I’ve felt afraid to fully switch off my computer and cell. My work ethic and fear has kept me tethered to electronic devices. What if something happens? What…
Read MoreTactics for Developing High Quality Reports
One of the most common deliverables we produce as consultants are written reports. In public sector consulting, report types can vary widely, from open-ended “Blue Sky” reports (such as this program findings report) to more standardized, structured products (such as IT planning documentation). Each has…
Read MoreTranslating Transportation Legislation into Action
On November 15th, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This landmark law includes federal policy direction and funding for climate action, zero-emissions vehicle deployment, social equity, and multi-modal transportation investment – all critical initiatives for our State. In January 2022, the…
Read MoreCelebrating 20 Years!
This month we celebrate our 20th year in business and now coming to the realization that our firm is no longer a teenager. At the ripe age 20 we are just now coming into our own. We continue to improve our methodologies based on real…
Read MoreThree Steps to Finding a Supportive Work Culture
Almost everywhere we look – LinkedIn, Twitter, and the news – we see mention of a trend called “The Great Resignation.” Large publications like the Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review are evaluating why people are leaving their jobs. These articles reach similar…
Read MoreTime Flies With A Great Team
It seems like just yesterday I was meeting with Eric Norton at the Old Soul coffee house in midtown about coming to work for Highlands. Fast forward… and this year marks my 10th anniversary with the firm. While I wasn’t part of the “start-up” years,…
Read MoreGrateful for the Triumph Cancer Foundation
At the end of each year, Highlands Consulting staff select a charity that has personal meaning, and the firm donates on their behalf. This was especially impactful during a year when fundraising was limited due to COVID-19. I am especially grateful for a local organization…
Read MoreReflections
At times, my career has taken me to places that I never thought it would. I never imagined embracing change management as a profession when I was in college – I didn’t even know what it was. I didn’t think I would love teaching change…
Read MoreChange Management for Tough Times
How can organizations thrive during change, when individuals must navigate with urgency, unpredictability, complexity, and overall tough times? I have pondered these questions since the start of the pandemic, when we all began to experience change at home, school, work, restaurants, gyms, and pretty much…
Read MoreZooFest 2021!
Our Highlands Consulting team gathered last month for our annual summer family event, this year at the Sacramento Zoo. Amidst the pandemic, summer heat, and wildfire smoke – we managed to have a great day! The zoo’s redwood grove provided a shady escape for a…
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