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climber.avif

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. The magic and the results happen in the toggle. Our approach balances the tension between Exploration and Execution, utilizing principles from Design Thinking and the 'Wonder & Rigor" concepts popularized by Dr. Natalie Nixon.

  • DIAGNOSE the Imbalance

  • BUILD the "Toggling" Muscle 

  • EMBED the New Rhythm 

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?

  • 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

  • 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

  • Strategic Canvas (1/2 or Full Day)

    "Alignment fuels direction." An immersive experience that moves your board from insight to alignment. Through guided dialogue, design thinking, and collaborative exercises, we create space for your board to think differently. Outcome: A unified board with clear priorities, defined strategic focus areas, and renewed energy to lead with purpose.

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.

  • LinkedIn
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OUR CLIENTS

Bloomsburg University logo
West Point  logo
Johns Hopkins University logo
Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce logo

TESTIMONIALS

"Steve did not disappoint. Our collective experience was game-changing. We now approach problem-solving through the lens of a design thinking paradigm. We’ve adopted the vocabulary and the methodology. Steve is an engaging facilitator who quickly connects with his audience in significant ways. And, if an organization is looking for longer-term consulting, Steve would be an excellent resource to help organizations plan their progress and change culture."

President Ensign College

Bruce Kusch

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