We support business leaders to develop a new, resilient form of capitalism.

It's Time

Capitalism has shown its fragility and we're overdue for an upgrade. In a time of Black Swans and Black Lives Matter, how do we usher in an era of mutual thriving for all? From equitable workplaces, to universal healthcare, to sustainable supply chains, to the end of the commercial office; society is demanding change. Our complex systems are at risk. The question of our time is how do we leverage the uncertainty to come back better than before and to accelerate what was started?

About

Undercurrent is an organizational design and change consultancy. We serve an emergent breed of business leaders who feel a responsibility to confront global crises with the full weight of their organizations and the collective passion of their people. Where peers and governments fear to tread, these leaders answer the call to transform their companies into a greater force for good while realizing the benefits for their workforces, and the world.

Undercurrent's cross-disciplinary team of experts utilize our Resilience Org methodology to accelerate ongoing initiatives and pilot new opportunities for organizations to orient around.

undercurrent crapitolism graph map under current


Our consultancy helps courageous leaders in four ways:

1 We provide a proven team of experts for counsel: every dimension of meaningful innovation and multi-generational thinking is covered, from operations to supply chain & logistics to DEI, employee engagement, customer engagement, storytelling and more.
2 We guide leaders and their teams through our powerful Resilient Org model and deep values-alignment processes.
3 We embed organizational design experts to initiate small yet bold pilot programs that scale to industry-leading disruptions.
4 We ensure these risks are rewarded: from profitability to PR, our clients deserve fame and equitable fortune for their efforts.

People

Undercurrent is a passionate community of world-class domain experts with experience across organizations of every size, stage, and industry.

Rob Schuham
Co-Founder
Bud Caddell
Org Design & Transformation
Mark Eckhardt
Human Development
Diana Walker
Foundations & Strategy
Howie Rubin
Co-Founder
Hunter Lovins
Regenerative Capitalism
Catherine Greener
Sustainable Design
Andrew Hewitt
Organizational Consciousness
Leslie Freeman
Impact Strategy
Satyen Raja
Leadership Development
Dagny Scott
Impact Strategy
Xavier Ramey
Justice Diversity Equity & Inclusion Strategy
Thomas Ermacora
Futurist & Civilization Design
Janet Salazar
Social Impact Strategy
Alexa Firmenich
Environment & Ecosystems
Greg Burdulis
Human Development
Ari Kuschnir
Narrative & Storytelling
Divya Demato
Sustainable Supply Chain
Schuyler Brown
Organizational Consciousness
Brian Kurtz
Innovation Strategy
Kyle Westway
Motive & Comp
Kerrie Finch
PR
Lucy Chung
Operations & Culture
John Bielenberg
Design Strategy
Rob Schuham
Co-Founder
Bud Caddell
Org Design & Transformation
Mark Eckhardt
Human Development
Diana Walker
Foundations & Strategy
Howie Rubin
Co-Founder
Hunter Lovins
Regenerative Capitalism
Catherine Greener
Sustainable Design
Andrew Hewitt
Organizational Consciousness
Leslie Freeman
Impact Strategy
Satyen Raja
Leadership Development
Dagny Scott
Impact Strategy
Xavier Ramey
Justice Diversity Equity & Inclusion Strategy
Thomas Ermacora
Futurist & Civilization Design
Janet Salazar
Social Impact Strategy
Alexa Firmenich
Environment & Ecosystems
Greg Burdulis
Human Development
Ari Kuschnir
Narrative & Storytelling
Divya Demato
Sustainable Supply Chain
Schuyler Brown
Organizational Consciousness
Brian Kurtz
Innovation Strategy
Kyle Westway
Motive & Comp
Kerrie Finch
PR
Lucy Chung
Operations & Culture
John Bielenberg
Design Strategy

Rob Schuham

Co-Founder

Rob Schuham is Co-Founder of the original Undercurrent, an organizational design and transformation consultancy that brought lean, agile and democratic innovation techniques to the largest corporations in the world including GE, Amex, Ford, PepsiCo and many others. Rob has also worked on cultural narratives and storytelling in the climate and social impact spaces for over a decade, having created or co-created numerous global media platforms for the The Climate Reality Project and other progressive causes and brands. Rob is also Co-Founder of COMMON, a global community and design accelerator for socially responsible organizations. Rob has also founded, or co-founded various communications agencies and consultancies where he worked with many of the most iconic brands in the world. He is a writer and active speaker on stakeholder capitalism, the climate crisis and communications/storytelling.

Bud Caddell

Org Design & Transformation

After years of helping the Fortune 500 develop innovative new products and services, Bud realized that organizations don't suffer from a lack of ideas, they suffer from ways of working that kill innovative ideas. He thus founded NOBL, a global organizational design and transformation consultancy that helps leaders make change in an increasingly uncertain world by fusing design thinking with organizational psychology. Prior to NOBL Collective, Bud was a Partner at the original Undercurrent. He also served as SVP of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Deutsch LA. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and AdAge. Bud has also been named “one of the most creative people under 30” by Business Insider and The Guardian named him as one of ten strategists to watch.

Mark Eckhardt

Human Development

Mark is CEO of COMMON, a global creative and design accelerator for social enterprises and projects where he mentors and advises hundreds of businesses spanning 21 countries using a blend of leadership development and organizational design methodologies. He is the creator and Chief Facilitator of the Maniacal Business Attack, an immersive process that aligns intent with action, as well as new approaches to consumer relationships and responsive systems in order to responsibly operate inside complex market conditions for such companies as Calvin Klein, Taco Bell, Warner Bros and many nonprofits and NGOs. Mark also helped entrepreneurs and high level creatives unleash deeper creativity to produce outstanding results through innovative business strategies as a principal at UFUSE Visionary Strategy Management. Mark was also an ordained Zen Priest.

Diana Walker

Foundations & Strategy

Diana Walker builds impact initiatives and partnership alliances around engagement and measurable impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the related complexities of changing investors, consumer and board demands, and dynamic risk mitigation. She also uncovers new market opportunities based on rigorous research and the impact investment fund ecosystem. Her work also focuses on large-scale market-based and philanthropic social impact strategy, investment, partnerships, and thought leadership. Diana has helped to build and lead strategy and partnerships for corporations including Caterpillar, Chobani, Dell, Guggenheim Investments, Techstars, Variety, Walgreens, and Warby Parker, as well as social NGO and nonprofit groups including Climate Reality Project, Milken Institute, Royal Family members, the Skoll Foundation, TED, UN Foundation, World Economic Forum, and others to build new initiatives around the Sustainable Development Goals.

Howie Rubin

Co-Founder

For two decades, Howard helped oversee Action Marketing and MatchMG’s strategic and creative direction, client relationships, and financial health. As President he inspired a powerful culture that propelled the organization to create award-winning and renown experiential and digital work for global brands including Ford, adidas, Progressive, Pepsi, Clif Bar, Heineken, Toyota, IZZE, Starbucks, Nike, McLaren, the NBA and many others. Howard is also an investor and advisor to various tech startups, a mentor at Boomtown Accelerators, an inventor, a recovering music producer and has been named one of the Colorado’s 25 Most Influential Young professionals by Colorado Biz.

Hunter Lovins

Regenerative Capitalism

Hunter is the President and Founder of Natural Capitalism Solutions(NCS). A renowned author and champion of sustainable development for over 35 years, Hunter has consulted on business, economic development, sustainable agriculture, energy, water, security, and climate policies for scores of national governments, communities, and multinational corporations worldwide. Hunter has co‐authored fifteen books and hundreds of articles. Her best‐known book, Natural Capitalism, Won the Shingo Prize. It has been translated into a more than three dozen languages and summarized in Harvard Business Review. Its sequel, The Way Out: Kickstarting Capitalism To Save Our Economic Ass, won the Atlas Award. Her book, Creating a Lean and Green Business System again won the Shingo Prize. Her latest book, A Finer Future won the Silver Nautilus Award.

Catherine Greener

Sustainable Design

Catherine, one of the most recognized sustainability experts in the world, leads resource efficiency and sustainability projects for organizations ranging from entrepreneurial start-ups to the industrial facilities of multinational corporations and global Fortune 500 companies such as Wal-Mart, GE, Ford and many others. She creates and facilitates organization-wide employee engagement programs, zero-to-landfill initiatives, and executive sustainability leadership programs and is experienced in ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and Six-Sigma.

Andrew Hewitt

Organizational Consciousness

Andrew is a design strategist and thought leader who founded GameChangers 500, a ranking of the world's top mission-driven businesses. To build his system, he studied and worked with such leading edge companies as Zappos, Patagonia and TOMS. He has also supported century old corporations such as Kraft Foods in learning how to lead and has been referred to as a “purpose sherpa” for executives at large corporations. Andrew has been featured in news media around the world, serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence Emeritus at UC San Diego, is on the board of the Pachamama Alliance, and addresses a diversity of audiences including students at the United Nations University for Peace, CEO’s of Asia’s largest banks, government officials in the U.S. and U.A.E, and many others.

Leslie Freeman

Impact Strategy

Leslie is a recognized expert in narrative and framing architectures who’s work is insight-and narrative-driven, leaning into social psychology and the power of story to create nonlinear breakthroughs and cultural change. Leslie is a Co-Founder of Fearless Unlimited, working with leaders and teams on transformational strategy and positioning that unlocks socially beneficial outcomes. Her extensive expertise comes from two decades leading efforts for brands such as Apple, Twitter, NPR, American Express and UnitedHealth Group as well as for movements and organizations in social justice, climate, biodiversity, mental health and reproductive rights.

Satyen Raja

Leadership Development

Satyen is a transformational mentor, advisor and confidant to CEO’s, influencers and leadership teams via 35 years of rigorous study & practice in both creating enlightened business growth and developing higher consciousness. He has inspired audiences worldwide into their highest impact and personal fulfillment and has impacted over 100,000 students from over 50 countries around the world through his global human potential company, WarriorSage, a living synthesis of eastern wisdom and western pragmatism.

Dagny Scott

Impact Strategy

Dagny is an award-winning brand and communications strategist known for developing disruptive positioning for entrenched brands and complex social issues. She has led repositioning work for such organizations as Microsoft, MetLife, The Climate Reality Project and many others. Dagny is Co-Founder of Fearless Unlimited, a social impact consultancy that helps organizations and executives create cultural shifts and capitalize on opportunity in rapidly changing times. Before that, she was the global head of strategy at CP+B, named Ad Agency of the Decade. Recognition for her work includes multiple Effie’s and Jay Chiat awards for strategic excellence as well as an Emmy nomination.

Xavier Ramey

Justice Diversity Equity & Inclusion Strategy

Xavier Ramey is the CEO of Justice Informed, LLC, a social impact consulting firm based in Chicago, IL. He is an award-winning social strategist, noted public speaker, & conflict mediator. Combining his background in economics, extensive management & social impact experience, & direct action campaigning in the Black Lives Matter movement, Xavier leads a company that brings a wealth of experience & network to clients seeking catalyzed strategies for inclusion, philanthropy, CSR, & community engagement. A native Chicagoan, he is a recognizable voice on the topics of community and economic development, policing & policy violence, & connecting the Christian faith to our lived experience.
Xavier served as the lead of the Social Innovation and Philanthropy strategy in the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, managed multi-million dollar philanthropic portfolios to stimulate employment, & worked as a nonprofit Director of Development in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. Xavier is a founding member of the #LetUsBreathe Collective, an artist-activist organization committed to addressing State violence against people of color. He is a Board member of Young Chicago Authors, & the Chicago Center for Arts and Technology.

Thomas Ermacora

Futurist & Civilization Design

Thomas Ermacora is an award-winning Urbanist, technologist and futurist focused on social impact design, open source thinking and the circular economy. He has acted as a creative director and strategic consultant for governments, mayors, developers, social landlords, local authorities and curated exhibitions to promote innovations in sustainability. He is also an advisor to the Vatican, NASA and MIT on such existential challenges as the refugee crisis and climate change mitigation. He is also a co-designer of novel projects to accelerate UN SDG solutions, and is an INDEXaward nominee, a Clinton Global Fellow and an advisor to the World Economic Forum ‘Shaping the Future of urban Services and Infrastructure Initiative’. Thomas is the creator of FabLab and the “Maker Mile’ in London, and is a well known speaker who keynotes at conferences including Techonomy, Singularity Summit, and the UN General Assembly.

Janet Salazar

Social Impact Strategy

Janet is a social innovator, human potential activist, entrepreneur, speaker, writer, philanthropist and leadership coach. She operates at the intersection of women’s leadership, innovation, impact investment and philanthropy for social good and is the President and Executive Chairman, and Chief and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at Foundation for the Support of the United Nations (FSUN). Janet is also the CEO & Co-Founder of IMPACT Leadership 21™, a global platform providing leadership solutions that drive change toward inclusive and sustainable economies. She is a public-private partnerships specialist and advisor to international entities, CEOs and influencers in the inclusion, innovation, leadership, infrastructure development, impact investment and philanthropy spaces.

Alexa Firmenich

Environment & Ecosystems

As an author, poet, photographer and wilderness guide, Alexa Firmenich tells stories for the land and acts as a bridge between the human and more-than-human world.

As a leading strategist and facilitator on climate breakdown and the crisis of ecological literacy, she conceives and leads learning journeys for leaders to experience and champion the regenerative harmony and wisdom of Nature first-hand, hosting workshops on spiritual ecology and living systems thinking.

Greg Burdulis

Human Development

Former-monk Greg Burdulis is a speaker, trainer and expert on mindfulness and team relationships. He has coached leadership in mindfulness and consciousness at such companies as Apple, Google, PepsiCo, Ely Lilly, CP+B, MAtchMG and many others. Greg also creates and leads powerful processes and practices at major conferences to drive self-awareness and group coherence.

Ari Kuschnir

Narrative & Storytelling

Ari is Founder and a Managing Partner of m ss ng p eces, the award-winning new wave production and entertainment partner for content and immersive experiences that inspire culture. HIs work spans from documentaries to powerful films for international NGOs, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies focused on social responsibility. He consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in storytelling, most recently through radical, never-been-done-before immersive experiences. He is on a quest to activate creators and generate stories that bring about a more flourishing world.

Divya Demato

Sustainable Supply Chain

Divya is CEO & Co-Founder of GoodOps, a global sustainable supply chain consultancy that partners with companies to develop, accelerate and transform environmentally & socially responsible operations. Since 2003, Divya has worked around the world with iconic startups and Fortune 500s on their global sourcing, logistics & e-commerce strategies. Leveraging her vast career leading operations at companies like Walmart.com, One Kings Lane, Pricesmart & Rocket Internet, she brings both a pragmatic and innovative approach to sustainability.

Schuyler Brown

Organizational Consciousness

Schuyler is a futurist, facilitator, and communications consultant dedicated to the emergence of truly regenerative commerce on the planet. Her early career was at agencies including Landor Associates and Havas Worldwide. She later became a pioneer in the world of conscious commerce and social innovation; and has worked with leading global brands such as Facebook, Microsoft, Levi’s, and the Ford Foundation on innovation, communications, and organizational transformation. She was named one of Origin Magazine's 100 Top Creatives; and has taught social innovation at The School of Visual Arts.

Brian Kurtz

Innovation Strategy

Brian is a world class innovation strategist with over a decade of experience partnering with purpose-driven Fortune 500 and startup leaders on high-impact global growth agendas.
He harnesses the power of design, technology and entrepreneurship to accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN. He is a Partner at The Kurtz Group, a boutique consultancy that spearheads high-performance executive team alignment through periods of transformative change.

Kyle Westway

Motive & Comp

Kyle is the author of Profit & Purpose, Managing Partner at Westaway - an innovative Brooklyn law firm - and a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School and Cornell Tech, where he teaches on social entrepreneurship. He writes on entrepreneurship, tech, social innovation and emerging markets for The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Time, Quartz, Harvard Business Review, among other publications. Every Saturday morning he sends out the Weekend Briefing - an email on the impact of innovation on society. Kyle serves on the board of the Closed Loop Foundation and is a mentor at Harvard’s I-Lab.

Kerrie Finch

PR

Kerrie founded FutureFactor (formerly FinchFactor) in 2009, and has worked with major global brands. Prior, Kerrie was PR Director at Wieden+Kennedy, working on brands such as Nike, Heineken, Coca-Cola and Electronic Arts. As Founding Partner of FutureFactor, Kerrie continues to drive change in the industry, while advancing her work as a country representative for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, board member of the ADCN, advisory board member of IncludeNow, and as the founder of SheSays Amsterdam.

Lucy Chung

Operations & Culture

Lucy Chung is the CEO and Co-Founder of NOBL, an organizational design firm with teams throughout the globe. Lucy has been focused on building legendary cultures for over a decade. She was a VP at fashion company Rag & Bone and also set up
Ustwo’s digital product studio in Sydney, Australia. For eight years, she ran NY-based management consultancy Undercurrent (V1), successfully guiding the firm through multiple pivots and periods of growth. First and foremost, Lucy is a conscious parent who is motivated by making the world just a little bit better for her daughter.

John Bielenberg

Design Strategy

John is a designer, entrepreneur, and imaginative advocate for a better world. He is the founder of Project M, the Think-Wrong Institute and co-founder of Future Partners, Pando Populus and COMMON. John has won more than 250 design awards in his career, including the AIGA Gold Medal for leadership in the design for good movement. In 2016, John co-wrote a now iconic book called Think Wrong that inspires people to conquer the status quo and do work that matters.