Case Study: From Chaos to Control – Operational Overhaul for a Professional Services Firm

A legal and financially troubled professional services firm faced severe operational inefficiencies and leadership gaps. Learn how we established the Office of the CEO, overhauled financial and compliance systems, and implemented strategic frameworks to stabilize the business and drive a 40% improvement in operational efficiency.

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Executive Summary:
We partnered with the firm to stabilize operations through a comprehensive strategic overhaul. By establishing the Office of the CEO, onboarding interim leadership, and implementing financial, compliance, and HR frameworks, we mitigated legal risks, reduced expenses by 43%, and improved operational efficiency by 40%.

“Lauren stepped in when our company was in deep trouble—legal issues, money problems, and more. She set up the Office of the CEO and overhauled our processes in a no-nonsense way. Thanks to her straightforward approach, we now have a clear understanding of our business and are on solid ground.”

Major Client Challenge:
The firm struggled with legal and compliance issues, outdated financial processes, and a lack of cohesive leadership—resulting in operational inefficiencies and significant risks.

Key Challenges & Solutions:

• Challenge: Complex legal and compliance issues with potential penalties exceeding $50M
  Solution: Engaged a corporate law firm for a legal audit and a CPA-led financial review to restructure processes and reduce risk.

• Challenge: Outdated financial processes leading to cash flow gaps
  Solution: Redesigned financial protocols and established formal tracking systems, cutting expenses by 43%.

• Challenge: Lack of cohesive leadership and strategic decision-making
  Solution: Created the Office of the CEO and onboarded an interim leadership team to provide strategic direction and operational oversight.

• Challenge: Ineffective communication and poor cross-department collaboration
  Solution: Implemented operational frameworks that fostered collaboration between Sales, HR, Legal, Finance, and Marketing.

• Challenge: Absence of a structured HR function leading to high turnover
  Solution: Partnered with an HR firm to develop a strategic HR framework, including structured onboarding and a new benefits partner.