“Michelle is an incredibly talented, multidimensional consultant in the financial institution space, who has the remarkable ability to engage executive management in identifying what is limiting the institution from achieving its goals, and then working hand in hand with management to craft a unique, easily understood strategy that capitalizes on the institution’s strengths and culture. She then works with the entire management team to implement the strategy and develop a solid strategy monitoring system to ensure necessary actions are taken and desired results are achieved.
She also has a wonderful touch when it comes to addressing one of the most sensitive strategic issues facing all family owned community banks — succession planning. I’ve been tremendously impressed with her non-emotional, fact-based approach to bank succession planning, which must go hand in hand with the development of a successful long-term strategic plan for any institution.”
“Michelle guided us through a strategic planning process that helped our bank develop in a way that made us an attractive acquisition candidate. We worked our plan with dedication not with a singular purpose to sell – but to always be in a position to have the choice. Being acquired in a position of strength by Heartland Financial USA set us up for the successful merger with Morrill & James Bank and Trust placing us at over $1.2B in assets with 13 full service locations. We are excited about the expansion of our team, services and commitment to the Kansas City Region. ”
“Michelle was very thorough in her preparation and analysis. Her interviews with Directors and Management were comprehensive and professional. The Board presentation was insightful, thought provoking and included a detailed assessment of the Bank’s position and needs. She was excellent at keeping the members engaged and focused on the discussion and pushed back, when appropriate, to arrive at a resolution. I will have to say that this was the most engaged that my board has ever been.”
“Michelle is not a once-and-done facilitator. I think that has to do with her philosophy of strategic planning itself – that it’s a process versus an event. This is not an easy curve to round when dealing with a mix of board and management perspectives. But her personal, in-depth discovery prior to the session itself quickly gets all involved on the same page. It ensures that each meeting and planning session is focused on the correctly defined subject matter, which ensures the efficient use of meeting time and an effective agenda for targeted results.”
“From the initial one-on-one interviews with each member of our senior leadership team to serving as a facilitator at our off-site meeting, Michelle’s’ hands-on involvement helped us to improve and better focus on both the short and long term operating and strategic issues we face as a community bank.”
“Michelle provided the skill and knowledge to effectively facilitate our directors’ strategic planning session. She led our team to discuss and develop tangible goals for our bank growth plans and management priorities. We would strongly recommend Michelle. ”
“Our Board of Directors was extremely pleased with the detail of which Michelle Gula laid out a logical method to establish a succession plan. She presented areas for consideration that had never been contemplated by the men and women of our board, even though most are from business backgrounds. The time Michelle spent with us gave us the tools needed to launch our succession process with enthusiasm and confidence.”