Where I've led
30+ years across 5 organizations
Sound familiar?
You hired smart people. But somehow you're still in every meeting, making every call, because nothing moves unless you push it.
The company needs you less in the work and more on the business. But every time you step back, something breaks.
You've set the vision. Your team nodded. Three months later, you can't explain where it went.
You need someone who can see the whole machine — not another direct report who needs you to manage them.
You don't need another hire. You need the right system.
How I Fix It
“Nothing moves unless you push it.”
This is an architecture problem, not a people problem.
Operations Architecture
I diagnose operational friction, redesign accountability structures, and build the systems that let your organization scale without the founder holding it together.
Process audit and operational gap analysis
Accountability structures that stick after I leave
Cross-department alignment and workflow design
“You can't explain where it went.”
Plans fail because no one built the execution layer.
Strategic Planning Intensives
Not a fluffy offsite. A structured, facilitated process to align your leadership team on what matters, who owns it, and how you'll measure progress. Built by someone who's actually executed plans at scale.
90-day or annual strategic planning facilitation
Priority alignment and resource allocation
Execution cadence with built-in accountability
Approach
Three steps.
Diagnostic Conversation
A focused conversation with the CEO or executive sponsor to understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the real friction lives. You walk away with at least one actionable insight, whether we work together or not.
Customized Roadmap
I synthesize findings into a practical plan — not a 90-slide deck. Clear priorities, ownership assignments, and the specific changes that will move the needle fastest.
Hands-On Implementation
I work alongside your team to execute. Building operating rhythms, facilitating leadership sessions, and making sure the strategy doesn’t die in a shared drive.
Diagnostic Conversation
A focused conversation with the CEO or executive sponsor to understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the real friction lives. You walk away with at least one actionable insight, whether we work together or not.
Customized Roadmap
I synthesize findings into a practical plan — not a 90-slide deck. Clear priorities, ownership assignments, and the specific changes that will move the needle fastest.
Hands-On Implementation
I work alongside your team to execute. Building operating rhythms, facilitating leadership sessions, and making sure the strategy doesn’t die in a shared drive.
“There's no one else as dedicated as Kent. He sees a need and does whatever he can to fill it.”
Tara McArthur — Culture & Community, SHRM-SCP
30+ years of operations leadership
About
Kent North
I've spent 30 years fixing exactly that. I've held the COO and EVP title at companies in direct sales, global logistics, and financial services. Before that, I built and ran a multi-million dollar franchise from the ground up — which means I understand P&L not as an abstraction, but as something I was personally on the hook for.
What I don't do: hand you a strategy deck and disappear.
What I do: get inside your organization, find where the friction lives, and help you build the systems and leaders that let the business run without you holding it together.
“He will not stop until a problem is resolved and a project is completed. When something is important requiring leadership and focus, Kent would be the first person I would want at the helm.”
“One of the most professional and committed leaders I have worked with. His optimistic approach to solving problems instills belief and confidence in others.”
“Kent excels most in his leadership to motivate, encourage, and inspire others. His attention to detail creates a better experience for everyone.”
“A born leader with a vision. Incredible self-discipline, always advancing his learning. His example taught me a lot about true leadership.”
Every career creates witnesses.
Common questions
If your question isn't here, the diagnostic call is a good place to get it answered.
01What size companies do you work with?
Growth-stage companies to established organizations with 500+ employees. The common thread is a CEO or leadership team that knows operations need to improve but isn’t sure where to start.
02What does a typical engagement look like?
Every engagement starts with a diagnostic conversation — free, no obligation. From there, I build a customized roadmap based on what your organization actually needs. Engagements range from focused strategy sessions to ongoing fractional COO arrangements.
03What industries do you specialize in?
Technology, direct sales, financial services, education, and international logistics. My approach is principle-based, not industry-specific — operational excellence follows the same fundamentals whether you’re running a franchise network or scaling a direct response company.
04How is this different from a big consulting firm?
Big firms send junior analysts and deliver slide decks. I’ve personally held P&L responsibility, run international expansions, and led teams of hundreds. You work directly with someone who has done the job you’re hiring for — not someone who studied it.
05What if we’re not a good fit?
The diagnostic call exists to answer that question. If I’m not the right person for your situation, I’ll tell you directly — and if I can, I’ll point you toward someone who is.