Richard Richards

Summary

Richard Richards has traveled wide and far in a number of leadership and training roles in both corporate and non-profit arenas. Originally from the UK, he has lived and worked around the world over the past 40 years, giving him a deep appreciation for the world and its many peoples.

Clients rave about his passion to work with people at both ends of the world’s pyramid: those at the top and those at the foundation, and to build a bridge over the rapidly widening chasm between these two groups. Richard speaks both English and Spanish fluently and can deliver his programs in either language.

Training Experience

Richard has led leadership and storytelling workshops for clients all over the world and across many industries. He is particularly passionate about facilitating the development of leaders and leadership within alternative populations. Clients include: American Express, Abbott Labs, Coca-Cola, The Acumen Fund, Procter & Gamble, Harvard Business School, Bayer Crop Science, KKR & Co. L.P., Tuck School of Business

Business Experience

Richard has spent many years observing the communication challenges in today’s corporate world, and has had the unique opportunity to work on four different sides of the typical client/training provider relationship: client, consultant, designer, and facilitator.

As a client, Richard spent over 10 years as Corporate Director of Human Resources at Hyatt International Corporation. After that, he owned his own training and consulting practice, Richard Richards, Inc

Then, Richard joined Ariel in 2006 as a Vice President of Learning Design. Today, he works as a facilitator, instructional designer and subject matter expert for Ariel, helping clients solve their presence challenges both in-person and virtually.

Theater Experience

• As a professional actor, Richard has studied improvisation at Second City in Chicago and has worked on stage, in voice-over and in film.

Education and Credentials

• BSc (Hons) from the University of Surrey in the UK
• M.A. in Applied Learning from the School for New Learning at DePaul University in Chicago

Examples of Coaching Assignments

• CTO, US Animal Pharmaceutical Company: coached the client on his presence and communication skills in the rollout of a large digital transformation initiative.
• Cluster President, Middle East Engineering Company: coached the client in preparation for a C-level, global position, shifting his communication abilities from managing regional operations to leading a global organization.
• EVP, International Airline: coached the client in his ability to communicate and inspire a global organization in the company strategy at a pivotal point in his career.
• CIO, European Multinational Food Company: coached the client in her ability to position herself in a C-suite role and inspire the company, from board on down, in a major digital transformation.
• Legal Director, European Beverage Company: coached the client in communicating with and inspiring her remote team during a period of war and upheaval.