As 2025 draws to a close, we at Navigate Forward couldn’t be prouder of what this year has brought and, more importantly, what lies ahead. This has been a year of bold transformation, significant growth, and deepening impact.
Celebrating Client Success
Our clients’ accomplishments this year have been a source of immense pride for our team. From executive transitions and board readiness journeys to bold career pivots and legacy-building work, 2025 was full of meaningful moments. One highlight was seeing Paula Phillippe, an alumna of our Board Readiness program, earn the Twin Cities Business Outstanding Director Award, a recognition that reflects the quality of leaders we are privileged to support and the long-term impact of their work.
While much of the external media has focused on workforce reductions, we had the privilege of seeing our clients through to success. Despite the challenges of the year, there were many positive outcomes in 2025, including meaningful career and leadership transitions. In total, we proudly supported more than 460 clients between January and December, marking important milestones that reflect both their achievements and the trust they place in Navigate Forward.
Giving Back, By Design
Giving back has always been central to who we are, and in 2025, we reaffirmed that commitment in meaningful ways. We donated nearly $50,000 to nonprofit causes and renewed our participation in the Minnesota Keystone Program, emphasizing our belief that strong organizations play an active role in strengthening their communities.
From our long-standing tradition of donating to each client’s Charity of Choice to supporting organizations through initiatives like drawings at this year’s Author’s Breakfast, we were proud to champion causes making a real difference. This year, those efforts supported impactful organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Northside Achievement Zone, the Great North Innocence Project, and many others doing vital work in our community.
New Look, Same Trusted Guidance
We began the year by unveiling a refreshed brand and a newly launched website designed with intention and purpose. More than a modernized look, the site guides visitors along two distinct paths: one for executives seeking personalized support through career transitions, growth, and board readiness, and another for organizations looking to develop, retain, and thoughtfully transition senior leaders.
To guide this new strategy and support the growth of the organization, we also welcomed Lauren Littlefield as our first Director of Marketing and Communications.
Accelerating Executive Success
As part of our commitment to helping leaders and organizations thrive, we launched our newest service offering this year: the Executive Onboarding Accelerator. This program is designed to help leaders make the most of the critical first six months in a new role, providing structured support to establish credibility, build trust, align priorities, and deliver results with confidence. By offering a proven framework and personalized coaching, the Accelerator ensures leaders start strong and sustain momentum from day one.
Leading this initiative is Mary Nease, who joined Navigate Forward as Executive Consultant and Executive Onboarding Practice Lead. With experience as an executive coach and former Chief Human Resources Officer, Mary brings deep insight and practical guidance to help leaders navigate transitions successfully. Her expertise ensures that every executive entering a new role is set up for long-term impact and organizational success.
A Stronger Presence in Denver
This year marked a meaningful step forward in our work with leaders in the Denver market. With three consultants now based in Colorado, we deepened our engagement by launching an HR Leaders in Transition (HRLIT) group in Denver in partnership with our friends at Acera Partners. The group, led by our Vice President of Executive Transition Services Dan Wegner, is designed to support senior HR leaders navigating transition by sharing proven career and search strategies, exploring insights on industry trends and disruption, and fostering peer connection, support, and referral opportunities.
Rooted in the Twin Cities
Our commitment to the Twin Cities remains at the heart of our work. In 2025, we also launched an HR Leaders in Transition (HRLIT) group for the local HR community, led by Executive Consultant Jackie Kane Ottoson. The group provides senior HR leaders with practical career strategies, industry insight, and peer support, strengthening the leadership community we’re proud to call home.
Strengthening Our Team and Expertise
This year, our consultant bench grew to 31 accomplished executive consultants, broadening the depth and range of expertise we bring to every engagement. Alongside this, we welcomed several key leaders to our team. We’re proud to announce Angela Creel as our new SVP of Client Services, as Yolanda Brown steps into her new role as the Vice President of Market Growth. In this new position, Yolanda will help advance our brand and services into new markets, with an initial focus on the Houston area.
We’re also excited to share that Executive Consultant Andrew Craven has been named Senior Director of Client Services and will be expanding his responsibilities in this new role while continuing his work as an executive consultant.
Not to mention, we welcomed several uniquely talented consultants to the Navigate Forward team this year, adding both depth and geographic diversity to our network. Chelle Johnson joined us in Colorado, Diane Schulz in Idaho, and Craig Bongart and Denise Holtz in Minnesota, along with new Board Readiness consultants Kathryn Bohl and Diana Purcel. With executive consultants located across the country, we’re excited to bring even more expertise, perspective, and reach to every client engagement.
Supporting Leaders and Organizations Through Change
All of these investments in people, brand, and infrastructure were made with one purpose: to support our clients and corporate partners as they navigated a tumultuous and fast-changing year. In 2025, organizations and leaders faced uncertainty, restructuring, new expectations for the C-suite, and rapidly shifting workforce dynamics. Through it all, we were honored to stand alongside them, helping executives and organizations alike prepare for their next chapters and navigate complex transitions with clarity and confidence.
As we look to 2026, we are energized by the momentum created this year. We will continue deepening our consulting offerings, expanding thought leadership, and strengthening partnerships, all to provide even more value to the leaders and organizations we serve. People remain at the heart of everything we do: our clients, our corporate partners, and our team. We remain committed to helping each navigate with purpose and confidence.
We are deeply grateful for your trust, collaboration, and ongoing support. Here’s to 2025, a remarkable year of growth, resilience, and positive impact, and to 2026: a year we look forward to with optimism, excitement, and a shared sense of possibility.
