Ariel is a strategic growth lever that enables organizational growth from the inside out, empowering leaders and teams to transform complexity into clarity, align around purpose, and drives lasting enterprise momentum.
Steve Nolan
CEO, Ariel Group
For over 30 years, we have helped global organizations connect leadership to performance. We blend performing-arts-based presence, strategic co-creation, and continuous reinforcement to build the mindsets, behaviors, and connections that move enterprises forward. From aligning executives on a shared vision to helping teams perform with clarity and authenticity, we make leadership growth visible in culture, collaboration, and business results.
The pillars that ground our work
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Strategic
We partner with intent, aligning every program to your growth agenda, not just your learning calendar.
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Measurable
We tie development to tangible impact, using clear metrics to track behavior change, performance shifts, and business results.
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Global
With 250+ facilitators across 32 languages and 27 countries, we “speak your organization” wherever your people are.
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Human
Our work is rooted in empathy, performing-arts based presence, and authentic lived experience that resonates in the room and on screen.
A culture of practice and presence
Inside Ariel, we rehearse what we teach. Feedback, presence, and reinforcement are part of how we work every day. We make space for courage, creativity, and honest conversations with one another and in our work.
Beyond just facilitators or coaches, we’re practitioners who know what it takes to lead the room, land a message, and listen with intention. Whether we’re guiding a global sales team or supporting a newly promoted VP, we show up with care, candor, and credibility.
Our journey
1993
Ariel begins its mission for a better world. Founded by Belle Linda Halpern and Kathy Lubar .
1995
Ariel formally takes shape. Ariel incorporated
1998
European facilitators added to better serve global clients
2003
Recognition and reach. Wins ISA “Business of the Year.” Publishes Leadership Presence. Signs clients like American Express, Harvard Business School, and McKinsey.
2009
Virtual momentum begins
- Grows to 25 staff and 50 facilitators
- New clients include: Procter and Gamble, Citi, Booz Allen
- Releases Virtual Presence program
2012
Joins Renovus Capital Partners. Strategic acquisition enables expansion into broader leadership development offerings.
2013
Social impact expands
- Acquires The Baron Group to add programs in sales effectiveness
- Launches Ariel Outreach and begins pro bono/discounted leadership programs with select nonprofits
- Opens an Australia distributorship
2016
Ariel acquires Better Communications to add an extensive portfolio in strategic writing programs.
2022
Ariel acquires Executive Coaching Connections (ECC), expanding into individualized executive coaching and related services.
Today
Presence, worldwide
- 20,000+ leaders and teams coached annually
- 250+ facilitators & coaches across 27 countries
- Delivering in 32 languages
Bringing global expertise to every engagement
Meet the team