Robert O'Brien Profile
Business coach Bob O’Brien is a keen observer of corporate cultures, change-management philosophies, barriers to explosive growth, and perhaps most important of all . . . people. That’s what makes this co-founder and executive vice president of Sequentus in such demand. His record is unmatched at guiding companies of every size through complex changes, whether due to lackluster performance; a shifting business landscape; a tired business model; or bold, new direction from the top.
Outside perspective is powerful and ubiquitous. Everybody’s got an opinion. The tricky part is finding a problem solver skilled at discerning those often-invisible business and behavior patterns that get in the way of success, however it’s defined by an organization. That is what Bob does best. He even draws upon his Second Degree Black Belt training in the martial arts, which teaches nimble response to dynamic environments and focus on what’s really there, not what we first think is there.
But his skills, experience, and instinct go far beyond the diagnostic. Once he understands the actual problem (and sometimes it’s an unexpected diagnosis), Bob moves into high gear, putting a plan into place that changes attitudes, cultivates new behaviors, and drives change.
Bob is fond of saying, “A leader can’t afford to have a bad day.” Especially in troubled times, an organization looks to its leadership for vision, direction, and reassurance. Bob’s work factors in that all-important element of business success . . . effective, inspiring leadership. He’s a great executive coach who understands that leaders need both nuanced communications skills and a support system of timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to help them lead a winning team.
Bob has honed these skills both within companies and as a consultant for some 40 years. As a business leader at Westinghouse, SCT, Dun & Bradstreet Software, Information Associates, NCR, and Computer Sciences of Australia, Bob developed a reputation for introducing positive change and turning troubled operations into profit centers. Bob has managed international business activities; opened new, profitable markets; streamlined manufacturing and data-center processes; and rescued multi-million dollar projects in free fall.
Bob’s client roster includes The Parsons Corporation, Coldwell Banker, Golden Gate Transit District,
On a personal note, Bob is an avid reader, a certified scuba diver, and a storyteller. He serves on the boards of several trade associations and as an advisor to a number of universities and technical colleges. Bob makes his home in Wilmington, Delaware with his wife Chris, a public relations professional at a Fortune 100 company.
Bob O’Brien’s favorite quote:
“Seek not to follow in the footsteps of men of old; seek what they sought.”;
Matsu Bahso
17th Century Japanese Poet