High potential doesn’t automatically translate into leadership readiness. See how one growing organization accelerated its next generation of leaders through targeted coaching and development.
THRIVE-EDGE
Executive Coaching & Advisory
The next level of your business requires the next level of your leadership.
Our THRIVE-EDGE coaches help you get there.
THRIVENCE COACHES HAVE BEEN FEATURED BY
THE CHALLENGE
We understand the pressures of being the leader everyone turns to
when you have no one to turn to.
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The decisions are bigger—and rarely black and white
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Honest feedback becomes harder to find
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Your responsibilities have outgrown old leadership habits
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Everyone expects clarity—even when the path isn’t clear
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The weight of change lands on your shoulders
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The cost of getting it wrong keeps rising
At the highest levels, leadership can be isolating.
The strongest leaders don’t go it alone.
THE SOLUTION
THRIVE-EDGE
A two-engine operating system for boardroom mastery and executive excellence.
THRIVE:
Strengthen the Leader Behind the Title
THRIVE helps you connect how you lead with the outcomes your organization needs most. You’ll clarify your highest priorities, protect the energy required to perform, strengthen critical relationships, sharpen your judgment, and build the rhythms that turn intention into consistent execution.
The result: greater resilience, focus, and impact—so you can lead at your best when the demands are highest.
EDGE:
Lead with Authority When the Stakes Are Highest
EDGE strengthens how you show up, make decisions, and lead at the enterprise level. You’ll sharpen your executive presence and personal brand, bring greater clarity to complex choices, navigate boards and governance with confidence, and align people across functions and change.
The result: greater influence, and command—so you can lead the boardroom and move the organization forward.
The Outcomes
Connect your development directly to your organization’s strategy and turn insight into action.
The Plans
THRIVE-EDGE flexes to fit the leader, the challenge, and the organization—combining personalized development with clear business outcomes.
Core
Focused development for an individual executive.
A personalized 6–12 month coaching engagement designed around the leader’s most important priorities, challenges, and business outcomes.
Includes
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PRINT® and Leadership Practices Inventory® assessments
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Individual executive coaching
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On-demand support between sessions
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Two deeper progress and development reviews
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Sponsor alignment at kickoff, midpoint, and completion
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Best for: Executives navigating a transition, expanded responsibility, a specific leadership challenge, or the next stage of their development.
Plus
A more immersive approach to whole-person and boardroom performance.
A 12-month experience that combines the complete THRIVE-EDGE™ Core engagement with focused development in the areas that become increasingly important as executive responsibility grows.
Includes Everything in Core, Plus:
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Boardcraft Lab: Practical development for governance, board dynamics, executive presence, and high-stakes communication
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Wellness Intensive: Focused attention on the energy, habits, resilience, and personal operating systems that sustain executive performance
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Best for: Senior executives, succession candidates, and leaders preparing for greater enterprise or board-level responsibility.
Enterprise
Develop stronger leaders—and a stronger leadership system.
Designed for organizations that want to accelerate multiple leaders at the same time, the Enterprise experience combines shared development with individualized coaching and organizational alignment.
Includes
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A customized executive cohort curriculum
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Individual 1:1 coaching
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Two focused leadership labs
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Stakeholder feedback and progress pulses
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Alignment with the executive leadership team
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Shared language, expectations, and leadership practices across the cohort
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Best for: Succession pipelines, high-potential executive cohorts, leadership teams navigating transformation, or organizations investing intentionally in enterprise leadership capability.
Not sure which approach fits?
Start with a coaching conversation, not a package. We'll help you determine the right level of support.
Meet a Few of Our Coaches
Our team brings more than 100 years of combined executive experience to the moments where leadership matters most.
Carla Worthey, PhD, PCC
- 25+ years of experience in leadership development, talent strategy, and executive coaching
- Led global talent and org development for Amazon Stores Tech, supporting 40,000+ employees
- Former HCA executive with deep expertise in healthcare and enterprise leadership pipelines
- Certified coach (PCC) and HR strategist (SPHR) with a PhD in organizational leadership
Bob Higgins
- 30+ years in the AEC industry; 15 years as CEO of Barge Design Solutions
- Led Barge’s growth from $50M to $150M in revenue; expanded team to 600+
- Chairman of the Board at Barge and Senior Consultant at Thrivence
- Featured in The New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Nashville Business Journal
Alecia Wynn
- 25+ years in consulting and operations across healthcare, education, and more
- Former leader at Vanderbilt Health IT, HCA, and LifeWay
- Specializes in transformation, leadership development, and change management
- Community leader serving on YWCA and Metro Human Relations Commission
Ralph Schulz
- Former President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Led regional economic development, talent attraction, and business advocacy efforts
- Played a key role in shaping Nashville’s growth strategy and civic initiatives
- Former CEO of the Adventure Science Center and active leader in education and nonprofit sectors
Meet a Few of Our Strategy Advisors
Bob Higgins
Bob Higgins has spent 30 years in the AEC industry and 15 years as CEO of Barge Design Solutions. Since becoming CEO, he has helped grow the firm from $50m to $150m and 600+ people.
Under his leadership, Barge Design Solutions has grown into a top-ranked engineering and architectural firm, known for its innovative approach and commitment to enhancing quality of life through engineering excellence. Bob's passion for problem-solving and his focus on ethical leadership have earned him recognition as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs multiple times.
Recently, Bob has become known for his expertise in generative AI and his practical application of the technology as a CEO. He has been featured in the New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Nashville Business Journal, and is also a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University.
Gary McClure
Gary McClure is a senior consultant for Thrivence and the practice leader for AI Advisory for the firm. Gary has more than 30 years management experience with companies ranging from Fortune 50 to small firms and in a variety of industries.
Gary, a certified professional facilitator, leads teams to achieve their objectives and frequently directs complex projects involving business strategy, organizational performance, and market repositioning. He also uses his change management certifications to help companies navigate through enterprise-wide transformation.
Prior to 15 years in other management consulting firms, Gary spent eight years in the technology division of LifeWay, led marketing for a leading economic development publication, and spent 10 years with Nortel Networks in various strategic marketing leadership roles. He has an economics degree from Mississippi State University and an MBA from the Owen School at Vanderbilt University.
Alecia Wynn
Alecia Wynn is a Senior Consultant with 25+ years of experience. Consulting with boutique and international firms provides her knowledge of many industries including healthcare, retail, hospitality, finance, education, and manufacturing. Additionally, Alecia held operational roles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Health IT, HCA Physician Services, and LifeWay Christian Resources. Her combined consulting and operational experiences result in her ability to offer clients a balance of industry best practices and customized solutions. Alecia's expertise includes:
- Transformation Adoption
- Leadership Development
- Culture Evolution
- Change Management
- Strategic Alignment & Planning
- Organizational Design
- Program/Project Leadership
"We really needed some outside expertise around strategy and executive coaching. Thrivence has not only helped us develop a strategic plan but helped implement it every step of the way with our leaders. The growth curve of Colliers is in much better hands with Thrivence as our partner."
Case Studies
Executive Coaching for a Top-5 Commercial Real Estate Firm
What happens when market momentum slows? See how a top commercial real estate firm built a more intentional, repeatable approach to winning new business.
Guiding Executive Leadership Transitions for Long-Term Growth
How do founders step back without putting what they’ve built at risk? See how one firm prepared its next generation of leaders to confidently take the reins.
What are the most common strategic risks facing AEC firms today?
These risks often develop quietly over time. Our role is to help leadership teams identify these vulnerabilities early and define a strategy that creates clarity, alignment, and long-term advantage.
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Leadership transitions without a clear strategic reset
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Growth without differentiation, leading to margin compression
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Lack of alignment among senior leaders
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Failure to adapt to AI and emerging technologies
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Reactive decision-making instead of intentional direction
Why Choose Thrivence?
Here's what you can expect from our experts & their approach:
Real-World Leadership Experience
Our team comprises former senior executives who have led major transformations in companies just like yours. We understand the pressures you face and the complexity of leading large organizations. Our advisors are former CEOs, senior executives, and practitioners from the AEC industry.
A Proven Track Record
With over 100 collective years of experience, our consultants have successfully partnered with executive teams across various industries, from finance to technology, to develop and execute strategic plans that deliver results. We bring data-backed insights and a rigorous approach to every engagement.
We Put Your People First
Your people are the touchstone of our strategic planning process. Our team factors in their needs and perspectives to create a sense of shared ownership. And we help you communicate the purpose, goals, and outputs of your plan to drive adoption.We're Designed for Action
We focus as much on outcomes as inputs. That’s why we design with implementation in mind, helping you with strategy planning that is actionable, not theoretical. Our tools and techniques make it possible to move quickly to results.
A New Strategy Experience for Leaders
This isn't just another strategic planning session or a plan that sits on a shelf, it's a transformative experience that empowers you to lead with clarity and confidence. At Thrivence, we understand the frustrations of reactive planning and the desire for a clear, actionable path. Our approach goes beyond the basics; it's about crafting a compelling narrative that guides your organization through the next three years.Powerful Assessments
Our powerful assessments provide a deep dive into your organization’s current state, uncovering the underlying issues that may be holding you back. With insights tailored to your unique challenges, we help you see the big picture clearly and identify actionable steps to move forward. These assessments aren't just about gathering data—they’re about equipping you with the knowledge and tools to make informed, strategic decisions that drive lasting success.
The Keys to Success & How We Help
Our strategic planning approach is more than a meeting resulting in a plan. What you get with Thrivence is a holistic approach that ensures your plan is successful.
What's Included in the Strategic Planning Kit
Strategy Accelerator
$4,500
Assess Your Firm & Get Strategy Coaching
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Conduct an assessment of your organization
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60-minute coaching call with Thrivence
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Get access to the strategic planning kit & field guide
Strategy Workshop
$10k-$15k a Day
We'll Facilitate a Private Workshop for Your Team
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Get an in-person coaching workshop for your leadership team
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The strategic planning kit & field guide
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The strategic planning playbook
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All printed checklists & templates
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Implementation & action planning
Craft Your Strategy Journey
Contact Us
Select Services for Your Firm
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In-depth discovery session
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Communications plan
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Change management plan
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Accountability workshop
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30-60-90 day team check-ins
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Powerful assessments for your team
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Departmental strategy
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Executive Coaching
Have questions?
Here’s what to expect from THRIVE-EDGE™.
How is THRIVE-EDGE™ different from traditional executive coaching?
THRIVE-EDGE™ connects your development directly to the realities of leading an organization. We strengthen both the whole-person foundations that sustain performance and the enterprise-level capabilities required to lead when the stakes are highest.
Who is executive coaching best suited for?
THRIVE-EDGE™ is designed for senior executives, emerging enterprise leaders, succession candidates, and high-potential leaders navigating greater responsibility, complexity, or change.
Is coaching only for executives who are struggling?
Not at all. Some of the greatest value comes from helping already successful leaders prepare for what’s next—whether that means a larger role, greater organizational complexity, board responsibility, or a consequential leadership moment.
What does a THRIVE-EDGE™ engagement look like?
Each engagement follows our five-stage cadence: Assess, Align, Activate, Accelerate, and Anchor—creating a clear path from insight to sustained behavioral change and measurable impact.
How do you measure whether coaching is working?
Success is established up front and tied to observable outcomes such as decision quality, executive presence, stakeholder alignment, execution, leadership effectiveness, and sustainable performance.
Is executive coaching confidential?
Yes. The coaching relationship is confidential. For organization-sponsored engagements, we establish clear expectations around goals and progress while protecting the substance of individual coaching conversations.
How involved is my organization or executive sponsor?
When appropriate, sponsors help establish desired outcomes and provide perspective at key points in the engagement. This keeps development connected to organizational priorities without compromising the confidential coaching relationship.
How long does an engagement last?
Most THRIVE-EDGE™ engagements are structured over 6–12 months, giving leaders enough time to apply new behaviors in real situations, receive feedback, and make meaningful change stick.
Can THRIVE-EDGE™ support an entire leadership team?
Yes. THRIVE-EDGE™ can be structured for an individual executive or expanded into an enterprise experience that combines cohort development, individual coaching, stakeholder feedback, and leadership-team alignment.
How We're Helping Firms Generate Real Business Results
Client Success Story: Recruiting
A leading engineering firm was struggling to attract talent, so we developed a custom AI initiative to optimize job postings. Traffic to postings doubled and dramatically increased applications, reviews, and interviews.
- Applications: 132% Increase
- In Review: 2,260% Increase
- Interviews: 375% Increase
More Client Success Stories
- Reduced Costs: A local municipality generated cost savings up to 80% using AI/ML and image recognition with our custom software that reduced man hours for their asset management program.
- Improved Sales: A firm developed a successful strategic sales and marketing strategy all from a single photo of a project.
- Enhanced Workflows: Other firms have used AI to automate data analytics to build prompts for extracting data from images, building programming code, and highlighting risk in contract reviews.
What You'll Leave With
A certificate & badge to share with others
Frameworks you can immediately apply
Bonus course ($197 for free) & free downloads
Free Guide: AI Checklist for AEC Leaders
A 3-part framework and checklist to help you integrate AI to solve problems & grow your business
