# New Oaks Consulting

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## Posts

- [Archive](https://newoaksconsulting.com/archive/): Test
- [Bad Data, Bad Decisions, Broken Projects](https://newoaksconsulting.com/bad-data-bad-decisions-broken-projects/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction Everyone wants to talk about predictive analytics, AI integration, and real-time dashboards. Almost nobody wants to talk about the actual state of the data inside their ERP systems. But here is the ruthless truth: most organizational databases are filled with outdated, duplicated, or fundamentally incorrect information. Failed projects aren’t just disappointing
- [The Execution Gap - Part 2: Why Strategic Plans Fail: The Case for Clarity Over Complexity](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-2-why-strategic-plans-fail/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction You have hired talented project managers. You have invested in the right tools, extensive training, and established governance processes. Yet, your strategic initiatives still get stuck. Projects miss deadlines, and execution feels like pushing a boulder uphill. After decades of helping organizations transform their execution capability, we have learned a fundamental truth: Most
- [The Execution Gap - Part 3: People First, Always: Why Process Alone Won't Save Your Strategy](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-3-people-first-always-why-process-alone-wont-save-your-strategy/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction When rolling out a new strategic initiative, the temptation is to focus on the mechanics: the software, the workflows, and the methodology. But when new methodologies fail, it is rarely because they are technically flawed. They fail because the people required to execute them do not embrace them. The best processes in the world will
- [The Execution Gap - Part 4: Managing Cross-Functional Tension: Turning Conflict into Productive Dialogue](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-4-managing-cross-functional-tension-turning-conflict-into-productive-dialogue/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction Matrixed organizations are designed to create natural tension. Product development pushes for rapid innovation; operations demand stability. Marketing wants agility and flexibility; finance requires rigid predictability. This tension is only amplified when organizations introduce Agile methodologies. When an Agile “squad” wants to iterate and release daily, the traditional finance or compliance department still operates on
- [The Execution Gap - Part 5: Build Capability, Not Dependency: Creating Sustainable Execution Muscle](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-5-build-capability-not-dependency-creating-sustainable-execution-muscle/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction It is a familiar story: a company brings in an external consulting firm to solve a massive execution problem. Things run smoothly for a while. Then, the consultants leave, and within six months, the organization reverts to its old, inefficient habits. This is not a coincidence. It is a predictable outcome
- [The Execution Gap - Part 6: The False Choice: Blending Agility with Structural Governance](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-6-the-false-choice-blending-agility-with-structural-governance/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction In the world of project management and execution, there is a persistent debate between Agile methodologies and structured, traditional methods. Today, with the integration of AI tools and the relentless push for rapid innovation, companies often feel pressured to go “100% Agile.” This creates a false choice for leadership. Unconstrained Agile
- [The Execution Gap - Part 7: Beyond Delegation: Why Active Executive Sponsorship Matters](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-7-beyond-delegation-why-active-executive-sponsorship-matters/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction Many strategic initiatives die a quiet death because they lack a true champion. Senior leaders often make the mistake of approving a project, allocating the budget, delegating the work, and then stepping away. And then wondering why it stalled. This creates a massive execution gap. When executive sponsors do not stay visibly engaged,
- [The Execution Gap - Part 8: Front-End Investment: Why Slowing Down Helps You Execute Faster](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-8-front-end-investment-why-slowing-down-helps-you-execute-faster/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction There is immense pressure in modern business to show immediate progress. This often leads to one of the most expensive mistakes an organization can make: rushing to start an initiative before properly defining the scope. The irony is that the urgency to show progress is often what kills it. The costliest
- [The Execution Gap - Part 9: Design for Your Culture: Why "Best Practices" Often Fail](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-9-design-for-your-culture-why-best-practices-often-fail/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction Leaders are constantly searching for the ultimate execution playbook. They look at what worked brilliantly at a competitor or a tech giant and try to copy-paste that methodology into their own company. We see this frequently with Agile transformations. Leaders read about the “Spotify Model” of Agile squads and try to
- [The Execution Gap - Part 1: Why Strategy, Agile, and AI Require Great Leadership](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-execution-gap-part-1-why-strategy-agile-and-ai-require-great-leadership/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction We have all seen it happen. A brilliant strategic plan is developed behind closed doors. It is launched with great fanfare, complete with slide decks, new software tools, and an aggressive timeline. Yet, a year later, the initiatives are stuck. Deadlines are missed, cross-functional teams are frustrated, and the people tasked
- [Why 70% of Strategic Initiatives Fail (And How Smart Leaders Fix It)](https://newoaksconsulting.com/why-70-of-strategic-initiatives-fail-and-how-smart-leaders-fix-it/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction You approved the budget. You assigned your best people. You set clear deadlines. So, why is your critical project missing deadlines and exceeding its budget? If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Research shows that 50 to 70% of change initiatives fail to deliver their intended business outcomes. The culprit?
- [The 8 Leadership Shifts That Turn Strategy Into Results](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-8-leadership-shifts-that-turn-strategy-into-results/): New Oaks Consulting You’ve hired talented project managers. You’ve invested in tools and training. You’ve established governance processes. But your strategic initiatives still get stuck. Projects miss deadlines. Cross-functional teams struggle to collaborate. And despite everyone’s best efforts, execution feels like pushing a boulder uphill. Here’s what we’ve learned after decades helping organizations transform execution
- [Stage Gate Process - Eliminating the Decision Execution Gap](https://newoaksconsulting.com/stage-gate-process-eliminating-the-decision-execution-gap/): New Oaks Consulting Your innovation projects are trapped in the decision-making loop You approved the concept six months ago. The team has been working nights and weekends, developing prototypes and business cases. But somehow, you’re still scheduling “alignment meetings” to decide whether to move forward. Meanwhile, your competitors have launched similar products and are capturing
- [Project Management Resources - Closing the Execution Capacity Gap](https://newoaksconsulting.com/project-management-resources-closing-the-execution-capacity-gap/): New Oaks Consulting You have the strategy. You have the budget. But you don’t have bandwidth. Another quarter, another round of “strategic priority” discussions. The initiatives make perfect sense. The business case is solid. The leadership team is aligned. But your best people are already running day-to-day operations at capacity. When you add transformation projects
- [Revolutionary Change Management](https://newoaksconsulting.com/revolutionary-change-management/): New Oaks Consulting The Hidden Cost of Poor Change Control (And How to Fix It) Your project started with a clear scope. But six months in, it’s unrecognizable. The marketing team “just needs one small adjustment.” Engineering discovered a “minor technical issue that requires rework.” Operations wants to “optimize the process before launch.” Each change
- [Why Your Strategic Initiatives Keep Failing - Part 1](https://newoaksconsulting.com/why-your-strategic-initiatives-keep-failing-part-1/): This is the first of five articles in our "Shaping the Future of PMO" series, which explores how market-leading organizations are transforming project management from a reactive support function into a strategic execution engine. In this introductory article, we explore why brilliant strategies often fail during execution and introduce the concept of systematic execution infrastructure.
- [The Hidden Cost of Your Execution Gap - Part 2](https://newoaksconsulting.com/the-hidden-cost-of-your-execution-gap-part-2/): Bring to the table win-win survival strategies to ensure proactive domination.
- [Making Your Execution Engine Future-Ready - Part 4](https://newoaksconsulting.com/making-your-execution-engine-future-ready-part-4/): User generated content in real-time will have multiple touchpoints for offshoring.
- [Leading Execution Transformation - Part 5](https://newoaksconsulting.com/leading-execution-transformation/): Capitalize on low hanging fruit to identify a ballpark value added activity to beta test.
- [Why Most Projects Fail (And 6 Processes to Prevent It)](https://newoaksconsulting.com/why-most-projects-fail-and-6-processes-to-prevent-it/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction If you’re an executive responsible for delivering strategic initiatives, you’re all too familiar with the frustration. Despite having talented teams, adequate budgets, and what seemed like solid planning, projects still derail. The deadlines slip. The budgets balloon. And you’re left explaining to stakeholders why the transformation is “still in progress.” You’re
- [Integrating Hybrid & Agile Methodology in a Waterfall Environment](https://newoaksconsulting.com/integrating-hybrid-agile-methodology-in-a-waterfall-environment/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction For decades, organizations have structured their project delivery around the Waterfall methodology — a sequential, phase-gated approach that brings clarity, control, and compliance. It has served industries well, particularly in regulated environments, large-scale infrastructure, and supply chain operations where predictability is paramount. But the pace of business has changed. Markets shift faster. Customer
- [How Market Leaders Build Execution Advantage - Part 3](https://newoaksconsulting.com/how-market-eaders-build-execution-advantage-part-3/): At the end of the day, going forward, a new normal that has evolved from generation.
- [Stop Reacting, Start Adapting: The Agile Playbook for CPG Portfolio Leaders](https://newoaksconsulting.com/stop-reacting-start-adapting-the-agile-playbook-for-cpg-portfolio-leaders/): New Oaks Consulting Introduction Consumer loyalty is fragmenting. Niche brands scale overnight. Digital-native challengers upend legacy players in quarters, not years. For senior leaders in consumer packaged goods, the annual portfolio review is no longer a strategic tool — it’s a liability. The Market Has Rewired Itself — Has Your Portfolio? Five years ago, the CPG landscape looked fundamentally different
- [Why Agile Cannot Wait: ](https://newoaksconsulting.com/why-agile-cannot-wait/): New Oaks Consulting Transforming Product Development in Consumer Goods For decades, consumer goods companies have relied on traditional Stage-Gate processes to manage product development. But today’s market will not wait for it. Volatile consumer demand, digital disruption, compressed retail cycles, and the relentless rise of agile challenger brands have fundamentally exposed the limits of linear, gate-heavy

## Pages

- [Home](https://newoaksconsulting.com/): New Oaks Consulting helps organizations improve operations, strengthen strategy, and drive long-term growth. Discover custom consulting built for sustainable success.
- [Mark Holdeman Speaker Bio](https://newoaksconsulting.com/mark-holdeman-speaker-bio/): New Oaks Consulting Daryl Gunnarson Speaker Bio Mark Holeman Co-Founder & Senior Partner New Oaks Consulting Mobile: (615)405-2438 Email: mholdeman@newoaksconsulting.com Website: www.newoaksconsulting.com A Little About Me Mark Holdeman is an accomplished operating executive, entrepreneur, business builder, and turnaround leader with more than four decades of experience helping organizations navigate growth, operational change, business recovery, and complex
- [Billy Dawson Speaker Bio](https://newoaksconsulting.com/billy-dawson-speaker-bio/): New Oaks Consulting Billy Dawson Speaker Bio Billy Dawson, MBA, PMP Co-Founder & Senior Partner New Oaks Consulting Mobile: (513)800-9897 Email: bdawson@newoaksconsulting.com Website: www.newoaksconsulting.com A Little About Me Billy Dawson is an accomplished author in the field of project management, a seasoned business leader, consultant, and project management expert with over four decades of experience guiding
- [Ezekiel Holdeman Speaker Bio](https://newoaksconsulting.com/ezekiel-holdeman-speaker-bio/): New Oaks Consulting Ezekiel Holdeman Speaker Bio Ezekiel "Zeke" Holdeman, PMP Senior Project Manager New Oaks Consulting Mobile: (937)244-0433 Email: eholdeman@newoaksconsulting.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ezekielholdeman/ Website: www.newoaksconsulting.com A Little About Me Ezekiel Holdeman is a project manager, data analyst, and core member of the New Oaks Consulting leadership team, brining a rare combination of accounting discipline, operational experience, and
- [Daryl Gunnarson Speaker Bio](https://newoaksconsulting.com/daryl-gunnarson-speaker-bio/): New Oaks Consulting Daryl Gunnarson Speaker Bio Daryl Gunnarson, PMP, CSSBB Co-Founder & Senior Partner New Oaks Consulting Mobile: (513)544-4213 Email: Dgunnarson@newoaksconsulting.com Website: www.newoaksconsulting.com A Little About Me As Partner and Founder of New Oaks Consulting, Daryl brings decades of experience in Project Management, Strategic Management, and Black Belt experience to serve his clients. He launched
- [Resources](https://newoaksconsulting.com/resources/): Strategic Execution Insights Strategic execution challenges constantly evolve as organizations adapt to new market conditions, technologies, and competitive pressures. Our Insights share perspectives from our consulting work, industry observations, and lessons learned from helping organizations transform their project management and strategic execution capabilities. You’ll find practical insights on project management best practices, organizational transformation strategies,
- [Blogs](https://newoaksconsulting.com/resources/blogs/): Blogs July 30, 2026 Data AnalyticsProject ManagementStrategy Execution Bad Data, Bad Decisions, Broken Projects Read More July 1, 2026 General BusinessStrategy Execution The Execution Gap – Part 9: Design for Your Culture: Why “Best Practices” Often Fail Read More July 1, 2026 General BusinessStrategy Execution The Execution Gap – Part 8: Front-End Investment: Why Slowing
- [Success Stories](https://newoaksconsulting.com/success-stories/): Measurable Results Across Industries Our clients consistently achieve significant improvements in project delivery, organizational performance, and strategic execution. Key Performance Improvements: ✦ 20-30% reduction in project delays ✦ 25-35% reduction in budget overruns ✦ 15-25% improvement in resource utilization efficiency ✦ 20-30% increase in employee productivity ✦ 40%+ improvement in milestone achievement rates Organizations typically see return on investment within
- [Consistent Results Across Europe](https://newoaksconsulting.com/success-stories/consistent-results-across-europe/): The Challenge A European division of a global CPG company was struggling to deliver consistent project results across multiple countries and markets. Despite having talented people and real strategic ambitions, the organization lacked the structure and systems needed to execute reliably on scale. The Stakes Results varied significantly by country and team. Accountability was unclear;
- [Services](https://newoaksconsulting.com/services/): Services That Turn Strategy Into Results Every organization has its own unique challenges when it comes to turning great ideas into tangible results. We begin by listening – truly understanding your goals, limitations, and company culture – so we can provide the exact resources and expertise your team needs to thrive. Beyond simply executing, we
- [FAQ](https://newoaksconsulting.com/faq/): How many times do I have to tell you a few ways? Progressively generate synergistic total linkage through cross-media intellectual capital. Enthusiastically parallel task team building e-tailers without standards compliant initiatives. What is do I have to tell you a few lorem? Progressively generate synergistic total linkage through cross-media intellectual capital. Enthusiastically parallel task team
- [Contact Us](https://newoaksconsulting.com/contact-us/): Contact Us solutions@newoaksconsulting.com (615) 405-2438 Get in touch Contact us to schedule a consultation or simply to learn more about how we can support your organization. Submit
- [Coming Soon](https://newoaksconsulting.com/coming-soon/): COMING SOON We’re excited to announce that something special is on the way!At New Oaks Consulting, we’re gearing up to launch a brand-new website that will better serve your business needs with fresh insights, resources, and solutions. Our new platform will make it easier for you to connect with us, explore our services, and discover
- [Why New Oaks](https://newoaksconsulting.com/why-new-oaks/): Why Organizations Choose New Oaks Consulting We understand the pressure of stalled initiatives and the costs of failure – wasted resources, missed opportunities, and leaders stuck firefighting instead of driving growth. With over 120 years of combined experience, we provide immediate support for critical projects while working closely with your team to implement tailored solutions
- [Accelerated Product Launch](https://newoaksconsulting.com/success-stories/accelerated-product-launch/): The Challenge A major consumer goods company faced intense customer pressure to launch a new spray deodorant in just 1 year versus their normal 3-year process. This top-priority project required compressing timelines by 66% while maintaining all cost and quality targets. The Stakes Missing the deadline meant losing critical customer relationships and a significant market
- [Customer Crisis Resolved](https://newoaksconsulting.com/success-stories/customer-crisis-resolved/): The Challenge An automotive parts manufacturer was on the verge of losing five major national brands due to delivery failures. Systemic issues threatened over $10 million in annual revenue and long-term customer relationships. The Stakes Losing these brands would devastate the business and damage market reputation. Traditional approaches weren’t working, and time was running out.
- [Six Months in Six Weeks](https://newoaksconsulting.com/success-stories/six-months-in-six-weeks/): The Challenge Following the acquisition of a car parts company, the new owners had just six weeks to complete a six-month production backlog, transfer all equipment and inventory to the buyer facilities, and return the facility in pristine condition. The Stakes Missing the deadline meant significant financial penalties.The scope: clear six months of rework, inventory
- [About Us](https://newoaksconsulting.com/about-us/): The People Behind New Oaks Consulting Successful businesses are built by exceptional people committed to making a difference. Our team combines decades of industry experience with a passion for helping organizations reach their full potential. With over 120 years of combined expertise across industries like consumer goods, healthcare, automotive, chemicals, and more, our consultants have
- [Strategy Execution](https://newoaksconsulting.com/services/strategy-execution/): Strategic Project Enablement The gap between strategy and execution is where most organizations stumble. At New Oaks, we help organizations bridge that gap with our “Strategic Project Enablement” service that ensures your projects don’t just finish on time and on budget – they deliver real business value. Phase 1: Strategic Selection & Prioritization Many companies
- [Project Management](https://newoaksconsulting.com/services/project-management/): From Project Chaos to Predictable Success Are you tired of projects that go over budget and miss deadlines? Do your teams struggle to stay aligned with business goals? We understand that project chaos can stall even your most promising initiatives. You need the confidence that your projects will be delivered efficiently and in a way
- [Data Analytics](https://newoaksconsulting.com/services/data-analytics/): Empowering Informed Decisions You have a vision for your organization, and we provide the tools and frameworks to turn it into a reality. We help you create a culture where every decision, from the executive suite to daily operations, is supported by reliable data. The result is a competitive advantage built not on instinct, but
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## Staff

- [Daryl Gunnarson](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/daryl-gunnarson/): Daryl has over 40 years of professional business experience, including 18 years in Production Management and 14 years in Innovation/Project Management at Procter & Gamble.
- [Ezekiel Holdeman](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/ezekiel-holdeman/): Zeke Holdeman is a business analyst of New Oaks Consulting and has two years of industry business management experience including, project management, process improvement/implementation and data analytics.
- [Gabrielle Holdeman](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/gabrielle-holdeman/): Gabrielle Holdeman is a junior business analyst and implementation consultant with New Oaks Consulting. She has been with New Oaks Consulting for one year and has industry experience in data analytics, project management and process improvement/implementation.
- [Joel Palmer](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/joel-palmer/): Joel is a strategic partner with New Oaks Consulting and has over 25 years of industry professional business experience. He is an accomplished leader in Project Management, Operations Management, and Supply Chain Management.
- [Billy Dawson](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/billy-dawson/): She is an accomplished business developer. Her skills at creating relationships with clients are legendary; her pitches are amazing, and her technical knowledge is awesome. She is style and substance both and has helped grow our clientele.
- [Mark Holdeman](https://newoaksconsulting.com/staff/mark-holdeman/): Mark is a partner with New Oaks Consulting and has over 30 years of broad business management experience, including senior management roles, strategic planning, change management, business turnarounds, process improvement, product management, product launches and sales management roles for both public and private organizations.

## Categories

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- [General Business](https://newoaksconsulting.com/category/general-business/)

## Categories

- [Bill Dawson](https://newoaksconsulting.com/stm_testimonials_category/bill-dawson/)
- [Daryl Gunnarson](https://newoaksconsulting.com/stm_testimonials_category/daryl-gunnarson/)
- [Mark Holdeman](https://newoaksconsulting.com/stm_testimonials_category/mark-holdeman/)

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