Launching a business is one thing; transforming it while it’s still finding its footing is another. For me, this journey has been as much about resilience as it has been about innovation. Saulsberry Strategic Solutions Group (S3G) was born from the realization that Charleston businesses deserve top-tier consulting without Big 4 price tags.
But as we delivered value to clients, I realized my business itself needed a strategic overhaul.
This is the story of how Saulsberry Strategic Solutions Group embraced transformation—not just for our clients, but for ourselves.
The Beginning of S3G
After leaving a Big 4 firm after six years, I was at a crossroads. I loved being home in Charleston, so leaving “Chuck Town” was non-negotiable. But opportunities to apply my skills in strategy and transformation seemed limited. I saw a gap: Several organizations wanted quality strategic consulting to advance their business, but couldn’t afford Big 4 costs. To me, the solution was clear: create a firm that delivers Big 4 quality at a price businesses can afford.
On April 29, 2024, Saulsberry Strategic Solutions Group was born. My first client came almost immediately, so, ironically, I had to hit the ground running with little time to develop my own strategy.
But, what followed was an immersive journey into transformation—starting with my own business.
Step 1: Business HealthCheck
Our first major step was conducting a Business HealthCheck to identify areas for improvement. Feedback from clients revealed:
- The Need for Assessments – Clients wanted tools to gauge their organization’s readiness for transformation upfront.
- Preparation for Strategic Tools – Clients needed better onboarding to effectively use transformation tools.
- These insights shaped our approach. The Healthcheck became an invaluable process for gathering feedback, diagnosing issues, and building actionable strategies.
Step 2: Design Thinking – Identifying the Problem
Facing the gaps in my own business was humbling. Through a Design thinking process, I listed every challenge S3G faced. The result? An unflinching problem statement:
“The CEO faces multiple challenges in building a sustainable and successful business, stemming from unclear branding, inadequate marketing, and foundational gaps in operations. These issues lead to low prospect engagement, missed revenue opportunities, and difficulty attracting talent and investors.”
Admitting this wasn’t easy, but it was a necessary step toward building solutions.
Step 3: From Ideation to Action
Through brainstorming and prioritization, we identified 172 ideas to address our challenges. Here are the top three that became our immediate focus:
- Simplify the Name:
While “Saulsberry Strategic Solutions Group” carried meaning, it was cumbersome and lacked clarity. Clients found the acronym (S3G) hard to remember, and the name didn’t instantly signal “consulting.” Simplifying it was essential.
- Rebrand for Clarity and Connection:
Our initial branding was rushed to meet demand. Now, we had the opportunity to work with professionals to create a cohesive identity aligned with Charleston’s market. This included revisiting our mission, vision, and values.
- Showcase Deliverables:
Strategic transformation is a new concept for many. We needed clear, visual examples of the outcomes we deliver to help clients understand the value we bring.
Step 4: Leading the Change
Implementing these ideas wasn’t just about checking boxes—it required planning, collaboration, and adaptability.
- Bringing Solution Providers Together: Experts in branding, web design, and marketing joined forces to reimagine S3G.
- Developing an Integrated Transformation Plan: Every change was timed and aligned with solving core problems, ensuring the transformation was impactful and sustainable.
- Launching the Change: Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. As we roll out our solutions, we’re inviting our clients and community to join us on this journey.
Introducing Our New Identity
Transformation is about growth, evolution, and clarity. My partnership with the Broadview Strategy Group for marketing strategy, public relations, and content strategy along with the expertise of LucidXpress for website design helped get me there.
Today, I’m proud to reintroduce my company under a bold new name and vision:
Click the logo to explore our reimagined website and discover how we can help your business embrace transformation, just as we have embraced our own.
This journey isn’t just about a name change or a refreshed brand. It’s about leading by example and proving that strategic transformation is as essential to businesses as it is to the consultants who deliver it.
Welcome to the new chapter of S3G. Let’s transform together.