Irma Lewis, Management Consultant

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1 Syncopation Advisory Group is a consulting firm that partners with both corporate and not-for-profit clients to launch successful start-ups and reposition emerging businesses, increase sales, expand services, and improve operational effectiveness in established businesses, and develop go-to-market strategies. Extensive corporate executive experience with Fortune 500 companies in the hi-tech, consumer product, financial and retail industries is the foundation of our expertise. We apply both quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate financial data, to assess business strategies and processes, and to assist clients articulate detailed and actionable plans focused on specific goals. 1

2 WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT Insight Organization redesign and process improvement require wide-ranging insight and the strategic integration of multiple parameters including financials, market data and organizational structure. As a corporate executive in companies operating internationally, Ms. Lewis managed a full spectrum of operations spanning 14 countries, including the oversight of global teams and the introduction of Six Sigma principles to sales management. She brings an informed and experienced hand to the redesign and refinement of existing enterprises. Expertise Irma Lewis has extensive experience in product development, marketing, financial analysis, leadership training and management. She deploys her expertise to assess each dimension of your enterprise and determine what actions will align them for success. Pragmatism Ms. Lewis work has been a study in executing business plans and implementing change under deadline and within budget. Her own role as a principal in a Bay Area start-up reinforced her commitment to solutions that are clear and attainable. All clients receive a concrete road map for achieving specific objectives and measuring progress. 2

3 PROFILE Irma Lewis is a graduate of Yale University (B.A. Economics) and Harvard University s Graduate School of Business (MBA). She developed her expertise in financial, consumer and hi-tech industries through her work at Solomon Brothers, Shearson Lehman, Manufacturers Hanover, Avon Products Inc., Levi Strauss & Co. and Sun Microsystems, Inc. She has served the Junior League of San Francisco in many capacities including as a member of its Board of Directors, and has served as Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Global Women s Health Imperative. As needed, Syncopation Advisory Group augments its team with experts in relevant subject matter. OUR CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS AND SUCCESS STORIES Testimonials I asked Irma to consult on a project for me because I knew of her diligence, creativity and passion for excellence. She did not disappoint. Furthermore, she is inventive when roadblocks arise and has the rare ability to focus on minute issues while keeping a bird s eye view of the entire project and goal. I felt that I received excellent attention to my needs and timely service. If I had cloned myself, I couldn t have asked for a more insightful consultant for my affairs. I strongly recommend working with Irma Lewis and her firm. BRENDA RUSSELL, Director and Client Relations Executive, PricewaterhouseCoopers, July

4 Thank you for all your hard work, vigilance and commitment to excellence. We deeply valued your intense work ethic and flexibility. CEO, Bay Area Foundation, July 2009 I wanted to thank you again for all or your assistance in growing my business... your suggestions have been on point and I think someone starting a new business would do well to have someone like you... you truly keep me on my toes and thinking of all angles in and out of the box... BAY AREA ENTREPRENEUR, June 2009 Success Stories Bay Area Makeup Cosmetics Line The Company aimed to expand from an online cosmetics business directed primarily at women of Asian heritage to a successful storefront presence in an upscale Bay Area market. Ms. Lewis interviewed the co-owners extensively to understand their resources and objectives. After analyzing the market, she advised them regarding corporate structure and compensation, and developed a clear business plan. In the process, she helped the owners realize that a storefront presence offered an opportunity to expand beyond their online customer base and assisted them in visualizing a customer experience that would guarantee success. RESULT: Bay Area Makeup Cosmetics Line successfully launched its first storefront despite the challenging business climate of November In the process, the principals not only clarified the company s corporate structure, set appropriate compensation levels and strengthened their financial position, but also began a process of expanding their outreach to a diverse clientele. 4

5 RICHMOND MAIN STREET You continue to impress me with your dedication and professionalism. I appreciate the extra effort you ve taken to make this work. Richmond Main Street is truly lucky to have someone like you affiliated with our organization. AMANDA ELLIOT, Executive Director, Richmond Main Street, Summer 2008 Richmond Main Street, a nonprofit supporting small businesses in Richmond CA, sought to create a pool of better skilled youth for local employers. Ms. Lewis created a one-week class in entrepreneurship and retailing. She designed case studies and highly interactive exercises that convey basic principles of financial management and customer relations. Through the course, students learn and practice skills of creative thinking, innovation, self-presentation and teamwork. RESULT: By customizing this interactive program to the student populations, Ms. Lewis has elicited a high degree of class participation and has engaged students in sophisticated training exercises that prepare them to work productively. The original one-week class has been expanded to a twoweek seminar. Early feedback, including a survey of local merchants who have hired the program s participants, indicates this program is more than meeting Richmond Main Street s goal of inspiring and training high school youth for employment. 5