Consultants Collective Profiles introduce you to our member consultants, advisors, executive coaches, clients and other extraordinary people. These profiles go beyond the professional bio to provide a more personal glimpse and offer an opportunity for us to get to know each other better as people as we strive to create connections and build community.
This month we’re pleased to feature Douglas Spencer. Douglas helps mission-driven organizations reframe their focus and remaster their messaging to thrive in any environment. He has more than 30 years of branding and marketing experience, working with professionals from around the world in verticals such as financial and professional services, high tech, higher education, healthcare, and not-for-profits.
Who is your favorite hero in fiction?
At the risk of setting off geek alarms, the first character to come to mind is Jean Luc Picard from Star Trek: Next Generation—not literature but fiction nonetheless. He embodies thoughtfulness, strength, compassion, and selflessness, all qualities of a good person and a good leader.
Who is your favorite painter or composer?
George Frideric Handel
What is a hobby of yours?
Entertaining!
What is the last book read?
FICTION: Find Me, by André Aciman
NONFICTION: The Solution Revolution: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Are Teaming Up to Solve Society’s Toughest Problems by William Eggers and Paul Macmillan
Why do you do what you do?
Broadly, I love the intersection of verbs and visuals when it’s applied to meeting a specific strategic intent. I love helping organizations think about, articulate, and leverage who they are at their core. My career started in traditional marketing which gave me the perfect foundation to look at organizations’ goals through the lens of the brand and the messages it sends.
What is your favorite quote?
“Any idiot can handle a crisis, it’s the day to day living that wears you out.” —Anton Chekhov
What is your latest accomplishment?
Not gaining a ton of weight during lockdown! That, and shifting the focus of my business to helping mission-driven organizations with their focus and messaging. These times are tough! If my experience and the talents of my team can help those helping us all, then count us in!
What would you say is your chief characteristic?
Empathy
What makes you happy?
Watching people find their place in the world and being surrounded by my chosen family.
