It all begins with an idea.
I’m Todd Thomas, a long-time executive, professor, consultant and coach with a rich variety of experiences spanning over 30 years in academic and corporate leadership. Born in Corbin, KY, and now residing in Midland, MI, I hold a B.A. in Communication and Theatre from Morehead State University, an M.A. in Human Communication from Auburn University, and both an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Organizational Development from Indiana University.
My journey has been diverse and fulfilling. I began my career teaching at NC State before transitioning to Rockwell Avionics as a Corporate Trainer. My path then led me to a 12-year tenure with Daimler (later DaimlerChrysler, and finally Mercedes Benz Credit) as a Senior Manager of Global Executive and Leadership Development, managing offices in Berlin, Germany, and Southfield, MI. Since 2009, I’ve been part of the DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood University, where I currently serve as an Associate Academic Dean and full professor.
Beyond my academic and corporate roles, I’ve always had a passion for the nonprofit sector. In my consulting work, I have tried to bring the tools and development from the Fortune 100 world as well as the highest level of academia to organizations that may simply not have the reach that the larger companies do. And while the context can be quite different between an internationally focused automaker and a locally focused nonprofit, the way we lead, motivate, encourage and achieve through our teams is actually very similar. This hands-on experience, combined with my background in leadership, management, and organizational development, provides a valuable perspective that I believe can greatly benefit nonprofit organizations.
I'm dedicated to sharing my insights and lessons learned with small to mid-sized nonprofits, which often have leadership development and coaching needs but may lack the resources of larger organizations. Through my blog and podcast, I aim to translate cutting-edge research and practical insights into straightforward guidance for nonprofit leaders. My goal is to help these organizations build strong leadership and achieve their missions effectively. I’m excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to sharing my knowledge and helping nonprofit leaders thrive. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!