PARAGON Leadership's Team

Janice Krupic, President and CEO

Future Outlook:

You get the behaviors you project! If you want your executives to portray optimism; then you need to be optimistic. If you want them to exhibit authentic and ethical behavior; then you need to demonstrate such behaviors. Sounds easy and straightforward . . . right? One would think so. Yet Paragon is repeatedly called upon to work with executives who have a difficult time demonstrating such behaviors. More importantly, these executives often don’t fully understand how they are perceived by others, and how those perceptions can affect their long-term success.

In this time of economic uncertainty, I believe the need for executives to be positive role models is more critical than ever. Further, I predict that that those companies who demonstrate optimism, integrity and innovation at the very top are the ones who will not only survive but thrive in the years ahead.

It is with this spirit that I lead our Paragon team, as well as the many clients we touch, to believe in themselves and the future they can impact.

Acumen:

I have always been intrigued by what makes people tick and how human behavior is the anchor of all sound business decisions. For nearly 20 years, I have had the privilege of coaching executives and leaders, up to and including C-levels, in a variety of industries -- consumer product, food processing and manufacturing, retail, financial services, energy, health care, publishing, automotive and non for profit. I have a particular passion for helping individual executives and senior leadership teams challenge the status quo, to help them make the necessary changes to support future economic trends and demands. Additionally, I have led product development efforts within Paragon in the support of women in leadership and the cultivation of up-and-coming leaders. My experience within various organizations gives me the appreciation, knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be in an ‘executive’ role for both profit and not for profit organizations. And, as CEO of Paragon, I also have great appreciation and respect for what it takes to be an effective leader within entrepreneurial and start-up organizations.

Client Experience:

I have had the opportunity to work with leaders, executives and senior leadership teams for a variety of clients including The Kellogg Company, Marriott International, St. John Health, Kelly Services, DTE Energy, La-Z-Boy Inc., Herman Miller, Kohler, Wolverine World Wide, Comerica, Domino’s, Dominion, MASCO, Concessions International, TimeWarner, NSK, Yazaki North America, Ford Motor Co, Metaldyne, Textron, American Red Cross,, Make-A-Wish and Gilda’s Club.

Education & Interests:

My educational background includes a MS degree in Organization Behaviors and Development, a BBA degree in Human Resources and Psychology from Michigan State University, and post-graduate work in Organization Development at Columbia University. I have vast experience with a variety of assessments, including numerous 360 leadership tools, strategic directions and various psychology/behavioral related instruments. Additionally, I am affiliated with numerous professional associations that support the work we do at Paragon.

I am a strong advocate of children’s organizations, supporting the leaders of such groups as the Make-A-Wish of Michigan, HAVEN, Crossroads for Youth, Special Olympics, and On My Own. On a more personal level, I have authored children’s books and own a children’s book publishing company. I have also spearheaded several Paragon initiatives involving our ‘future generation’ of leaders which focus on upper elementary, middle school, high school and college- age kids. You can learn more by visiting the Paragon Social Responsibility link.


Diane Ring, Lead Executive Coach and Head of Environmental & Energy Practice

Future Outlook:

I’ve always been driven to support people (and myself) to have work that inspires us to get up each day and apply our talents. We spend a lot of time working, so why not make it a fulfilling part of our lives? Leaders who are inspired to release their own talents are also likely to maximize the potential of the talent around them. Helping one leader, essentially brings out the best in others, which is a very fulfilling aspect of coaching to me.

Over time, this has evolved to an even deeper purpose – to help develop leaders who love to lead their organizations to be successful AND to do the right things by creating a more sustainable world for our future generations. Achieving career satisfaction, success, and sustainable business practices all at once may seem like a lot to ask during this time of economic constraint. But I believe that it’s essential. Perhaps only time will tell, but I believe it’s likely those who find a way to incorporate their passion into leading their organizations now to leave healthier footprints, will likely emerge from our current downturn with organizations in much better shape than their competitors. They will also find themselves fulfilled knowing they used their power constructively to prepare a better world for generations to come. I truly have so many reasons to get excited to go to work each day and work with our clients and the promising future we can co-create.

Acumen:

Since my first psychology class, I was hooked on understanding human behavior and how self awareness can improve our lives. After growing up in a 2nd generation entrepreneurial family, I added to my business foundation in various sales and marketing positions for 8 years. I then found my way to my real calling and became an executive coach in 1993. I’ve been honored to work with a wide assortment of fascinating people who have trusted me to be their ‘guide on the side’. I have great passion for expanding the skills of leaders to thrive in this rapidly changing global economy which anchors my coaching approach. As the Head of Paragon’s Environment & Energy Practice, our clients know me to challenge us to make decisions based on what’s good for themselves, their company, as well as the quality of our world.

Whether coaching energy leaders, women leaders, top executives, or those newly promoted or hired, I use my diverse business and behavioral science background to motivate leaders to understand their organization’s culture, take responsibility for their growth and facilitate change that makes a positive difference. Clients value my practical approach to solving business problems while helping them push beyond their paradigms to find new ways to get results. I have been described as approachable and supportive; allowing clients a safe place to explore challenging issues to create maximum success, professionally, personally and for the betterment of our world.

Client Experience:

I have coached and consulted with senior level to C-level leaders across all disciplines and for a variety of industries to include manufacturing, service, utilities, food, construction, financial, advertising, consumer product, and not-for-profit. A sample of client organizations I have supported include: The Kellogg Co., La-Z-Boy, Inc., Domino’s, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Co., Comerica, Chrysler, Kelly Services, Textron, NSF International, MARS Advertising, and RL Polk.

Education & Interests:

I hold a BA from Michigan State University, in Employment Relations and Psychology along with numerous industry certifications and professional memberships such as International Coach Federation (ICF), Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC), and numerous individual and organizational assessment instruments. In addition I am proud to have an established record of community and non-profit board service.


Chris Fietsam, Lead Executive Coach and Head of Food Industry Practice

Future Outlook:

I surmised fairly early in my career that leadership development and coaching fit me like a glove. I’m honored to be a part of my client’s journeys, to hear their stories, strive to understand their world, and figure out how I can help them achieve their goals. As I look to the future, for myself and PARAGON, the potential to impact the lives of others is more significant than ever. Our commitment to making a difference for our clients and our community has evolved to a still greater calling for impacting the vitality and well-being of our world. Our specialization in the Food, and Environment & Energy industries, and in development of the next generation of emerging and senior leaders in all sectors is not by accident… we see these groups as profoundly critical to the future well-being of all of us.

Acumen:

For nearly twenty years, I’ve provided coaching and leadership development consultation to leaders at all levels, spanning the gamut of environments and functional disciplines. Industries I’ve served include food, automotive, manufacturing, energy, service, health care, retail and financial services. As PARAGON’s Head of Food Industry Practice, I have developed specialized expertise and passion for this sector. My coaching experience has focused primarily on executives and executive teams, leaders transitioning into new roles, high potential and executive successor leaders, and individuals and teams struggling to achieve desired results. I have also enjoyed many opportunities to partner with clients in design and facilitation of numerous customized small-group to large-scale development initiatives.

Feedback from my clients reflects their appreciation for my ability to balance the dichotomy of empathic nurturing with direct, “call it like it is” feedback; my intuitive abilities in reading people and situations; and my effectiveness in offering operational strategies and solutions that directly impact the business objectives at hand.

Client Experience:

Some of the client organizations with whom I have worked include: Arvin Meritor, DaimlerChrysler, Deloitte, DTE Energy, Duke Energy, Elan Nutrition, Ford Motor Company, Kellogg’s, Kohler Co., La-Z-Boy, Inc., Make-A-Wish, Metaldyne, NSK Corp., R.L. Polk, United Technologies, Visteon Corporation, William Beaumont Hospitals and Yazaki North America.

Education & Interests:

My formal education includes an M.S. in Organization Development from Bowling Green State University and a B.A. in Business & Education from Michigan State University. I also possess certification in numerous individual and organizational assessment instruments. I have a long history of volunteer engagement and support to local non-profit organizations, with a particular focus on organizations serving the needs of our youth.


Diana Kohne, Finance and Client Relations Manager

Future Outlook:

Having been a small business owner myself for nearly fifteen years, I believe small business and entrepreneurialism are critical drivers to the future of our economy. With small business comes innovation, collaboration, agility, and risk taking . . . all of which I think are necessary components especially given such times of economic uncertainty.

I also believe leadership is more critical than ever, especially for our future generations. As the parent of middle and high school aged children, I see that they are exposed to more complex life issues at earlier ages. Without positive role models – those exhibiting favorable leadership attributes – I can see where kids today can easily derail into at-risk behaviors that could have the potential of negatively impacting their life forever.

I’m proud to be a part of Paragon Leadership and what our company stands. Companies that demonstrate authenticity and strong ethical behavior, like Paragon, while at the same time serving not only our clients but leading the way with community and social causes, are what the future or our economy needs.

Acumen:

As early as a sophomore in high school, I knew I had a knack for numbers. I went on to study Accounting in college and have held various Finance related positions. However, I was never able to combine my social nature with my financial acumen in the business world until now. I love working at Paragon because it has allowed me the opportunity to apply my experience and passion in a more client based role.

Client Experience:

As the Finance and Client Services Manager for Paragon, I oversee all administrative functions. This includes Finance, Accounting, Payroll and Client Services.

Education & Interests:

I graduated from Madonna University with a BS in Accounting. I worked for a number of years at Digital Equipment Corporation in Finance. My husband and I started our family in the mid 1990’s and I moved away from the full time corporate world to a part-time position with a smaller organization that helped special needs children reach their potential. When my twins were born a few years later, I switched careers to be a stay-at-home Mom. During that time I kept my skills sharp as a volunteer Treasurer for many community-based organizations. Once I decided to rejoin the workforce, I was extremely excited to land at yet another company that specializes in helping people reach their potential.

Jodi Zwarych - Client Relations Support


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