Strategic Business Consulting & Advising

Looking for an “outside-in” perspective on your business? Sound advice on a strategic issue or opportunity?

Based near Seattle, Ian McKerlich has decades of leadership and strategic experience in several technology based industries in the midst of disruptive change. Ian has also been part of successful private company exits, led a joint venture board of directors, and served as a global business leader in European based multinational. An Olympian for Canada in 1988, Ian started his post MBA career at McKinsey.

Areas of Practice


Leadership Team Diagnostic

Private company considering a sale process?  Or, just looking to get a fresh set of outside perspectives on where to improve?    I’m not a banker but can help the Board and senior team assess organizational readiness and strengths. Also, how do you clarify and communicate your growth story to your targets in order to maximize shareholder value?


Senior Executive Coaching

An organization’s senior team should be a cohesive unit. However, these individuals often are torn between their senior team responsibilities and investing time in their own teams. How can the senior leader ensure constructive disagreements and cohesive execution?


Lean Business Process Optimization

As many companies evolve and grow, the business processes of customer journey and solutions delivery often become too complex - usually adding cost while reducing throughput and agility. How can teams reduce friction, cost and improve quality and throughput?


Product and Services Portfolio Optimization

If your organization has been in business a number of years, you’ll have a wide range of revenue engines. Which of these products/services (or channels/market segments) are the most profitable and mostly likely to have highest growth oriented return on marginal investment?


This is just a partial list - please contact me if there is something else I may be able to help you with!

“One that thrives is the one that is best able to adapt and adjust to the changing environment..”

– adapted from Charles Darwin

Get in Touch

Ian will be happy to connect with other business leaders about potential engagements.