Where Big Ideas Meet Reliable Execution.
Your innovation strategy isn't the problem.
How We Do It
Most organizations are stuck on one side of a critical spectrum: lost in endless ideas or paralyzed by process. Results happen in The Strike. Our approach balances the tension between Exploration and Execution, utilizing the principles of Design Thinking to forge momentum.
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DIAGNOSE the Imbalance
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BUILD the Strategic Rhythm
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EMBED the New Cadence
Who We Serve
We work with leaders who feel the tension between today's operational excellence and tomorrow's groundbreaking ideas. If you see the potential in your team but can't seem to activate it, you're in the right place.
Does This Sound Like You?
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The Frustrated Visionary
You have a clear picture of the future, but your organization is buried in process. -
The Grounded Operator
Your execution is flawless, but your innovation pipeline is drying up.
Why Work with Us
Other consultants help you brainstorm ideas or optimize processes. We do something different: we fix the broken rhythm between them. The 5th Hammer Framework is a measurable, actionable system that addresses the root cause of innovation failure: the inability to activate.
OUR MISSION
Innovation requires both The Spark and The Anvil. We provide the framework to ensure your best ideas (The Spark) are forged against reliable execution (The Anvil) without being crushed by it
OUR SERVICES
Our Services
Breakthrough Workshop (1 Day)
"You can’t design solutions to what you haven’t defined." Facilitated Design Thinking or LEGO® Serious Play® session. Perfect for leadership teams, project kickoffs, or cultural alignment efforts. Ideal for: Teams facing change or new initiatives Outcome: Shared vision, clarified challenge, aligned priorities
The Diagnostic Desk: Spark Anvil Audit
Is your organization trapped in constant execution mode, or is your creative "Spark" failing to hit the "Anvil" of reality? Most leadership teams believe they support innovation, yet 72% of respondents in recent audits reported they have no defined intake process for new ideas. The 10-Minute Clinical Diagnostic Access our proprietary survey to measure the hidden tensions in your operations. Complete the survey for a custom Audit Report. Just click the button on our home page to take the survey.
Clarity Sprint (1 Week)
A tailored sprint combining our tools to explore, test, and align solutions. Think of it as your team’s innovation bootcamp. Ideal for: Organizations tackling a specific challenge or shift Outcome: Clear strategy, creative prototypes, actionable roadmap
ABOUT
Dr. Stephen Whitehead
With over two decades of experience in higher education and professional development, Steve has led numerous initiatives that foster creative problem-solving, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership. As Head of Practice for Academic Innovation at Academic Impressions, he designed and delivered programs that empowered leaders to embrace innovative mindsets and drive transformative change.
His expertise in Design Thinking, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® and collaborative practices equips him with the tools to guide individuals and organizations toward creative breakthroughs. These experiences make him an exceptional facilitator to leaders and organizations seeking to foster creativity, adaptability, and growth.
OUR CLIENTS
