Patti O’Leary
Executive Consultant & Board Readiness Practice Lead
When senior leaders need objective guidance about their next corporate role or landing a board of director seat, they turn to Patti. She works one-on-one with clients and leads the Board Readiness practice for Navigate Forward.
Prior to joining Navigate Forward, Patti held corporate leadership roles in Executive Recruitment and Organizational Development with a Fortune 50 retailer and a leading financial services corporation. She was also a Principal at O’Leary & Grant, a Minneapolis based boutique executive search firm — where she advised C-suite executives in a variety of global, national and entrepreneurial companies to help them find top talent in finance, general management, information technology and marketing. Patti’s blend of corporate experience and executive search consulting give her a unique perspective on how companies determine and assess executive talent.
Patti relishes her own career experiences in high growth corporate environments and in a vibrant entrepreneurial venture. She is enthusiastic about leveraging her knowledge and experience to help clients identify career possibilities, clarify options and develop essential tools and skills to achieve their ambitions and successfully compete in today’s employment marketplace.
In addition to her consulting portfolio, Patti is an active volunteer and currently serves on the Board of Great River Greening, an organization leading community-based restoration of Minnesota’s prairies, forests, and waterways, and the Sunfish Lake Tree Board, dedicated to preserving the community’s natural habitat. Previously she has chaired boards, committees and fundraising efforts for numerous Twin Cities non-profit organizations that provide crisis counseling, shelter for homeless youth, prevention of domestic abuse, and legal services to victims of human trafficking. She has taught ESL classes and job-seeking skills seminars to economically disadvantaged women returning to the work force.
Patti is a past Minnesota Master Gardener and avid home gardener and travel enthusiast. At the first sign of spring, you’ll find her with sun hat and shovel in hand, fully engrossed in designing and redesigning gardens at both her home and Wisconsin lake house. “Bloom where you’re planted” is one of Patti’s mottos.
Articles by Patti
Is Board Service in Your Future?
Corporate board service can help you stand out in your current job, and Navigate Forward can help. We’re a leader in Board Readiness essentials and coaching.
The Benefits of Corporate Board Service for Current Executives
Board service helps CEOs and C-suite leaders gain new perspectives, grow professional networks and strengthen their own board relationships.
How to Land (and Succeed) on a Private Company Board
While large, publicly traded boards make headlines, there are more opportunities with privately held organizations. Here’s a look at some of the nuances that can help board candidates and serving directors navigate the private company landscape.
12 Ways to Energize Your Executive Job Search
Landing a new opportunity takes time, clarity and dedicated effort. See what top recruiters recommend to stay motivated and keep your executive job search on track.