"I learned how to take not only a idea but my dream, and pull people I knew that felt the same as me in to believing what a few people working together can do for positive outcomes. I learned to ask for what I believe in, work as a dedicated team, take criticism and learn from it to develop something better and work hard."
"I feel that this competition is very much needed in this community and at HCCS, because it helps students realize they can be successful, make a difference in the community and listen to people such as our advisors and make the most of what comes before them."
"I would honestly have to say that this was the very best experience I had ever had. I had the opportunity to explore creative ways to put my ideas forward as well as learning from highly talented and amazing advisors how to communicate my ideas in a professional way."
"You have so many wonderfully experienced advisers, to see their credentials was so impressive. Thank you for involving these people of merit in this endeavor! The training sessions were great and I really loved the video on the T&C website and the poster in the halls; that was great marketing. I saw the poster while I was checking out the school – it convinced me to pursue enrolling!"

Business Forum

Steve Ferguson, Ph.D.

steveferguson

SUMMARY
Steve Ferguson has more than 30 years experience as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, consultant, executive coach, and professor. Mr. Ferguson’s expertise focuses on strategic organizational transformation, change management, communications, and organizational effectiveness. His business perspective is founded on achieving the both the goals of the enterprise and the needs of its customers. Mr. Ferguson has led, managed, or participated in significant transformation initiatives for both Fortune 100 and privately held companies. He has held C‐level positions including chief executive officer and has served as a member of the board of directors for a publicly held company. Mr. Ferguson is an experienced executive coach. His clients included chief executives officers, corporate board members, and other C­‐level executives. Mr. Ferguson’s specific strengths are in working with business executives and senior managers through strategic transformation initiatives, strategy development, leadership development, and team effectiveness. His consulting engagements include companies in oil & gas, financial services, federal natural resources agencies, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and information technology industries. He earned a PhD in organizational development from the University of Washington and has completed executive education programs from the Harvard School of Business. Mr. Ferguson also teaches college courses in entrepreneurship and business management.

REPRESENTATIVE INITIATIVES, PROJECTS AND RESULTS
• As CEO, he led a subsidiary company through a strategic business transformation, organic growth, and acquisition integration to grow the company from approximately $24 million to $220 million plus in gross revenues and an EBITDA margin of 37%.
• Worked with and coached CEO, executive officers, and board directors of a publicly traded oil & gas company in strategy development, alignment of board, executives, and middle managements. Once strategic alignment was achieved, he coached his clients in developing the personal leadership skills and behaviors required to successfully execute the company’s strategy.
• Developed the strategic plan and organizational framework for a company’s transition to its new business strategy. Worked with and coached both the company’s chairman and its president/CEO through the transition. The framework included a new organization design, identification of new roles, responsibilities, work functions, training requirements for associates and an implementation/communications plan. Also included in the framework was a performance management process for aligning associate performance with organization objectives.
• Guided company president in developing a variety of strategic initiatives in Geo‐mapping, geographic information systems for IT subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company. The subsidiary had over 500 associates, in multiple operating locations in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean Basin, and Africa. The adopted strategy resulted in more a targeted sales effort and reduced IT operating expense.
• Provided executive coaching and change management consulting to company president. Led management team in a series of work sessions to align organization with their vision, mission, business and marketing strategies. Work sessions included assessments, strategy analysis and organizational mapping to improve business effectiveness.