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Doug Thorpe, ACC,CMC,CEC,MBA
President & CEO at HeadwayExec, LLC
Richmond, TX, United States
Doug Thorpe brings 30 years’ experience from military, corporate and non-profit leadership roles. He has coached leaders in multiple industries and global locations. His passion for coaching started during his consulting years but grew in 2008 when he created a non-profit to help people in career transition. During the next five years, his organization served over 4,500 clients. Doug has senior executive leadership experience in all major sectors; the military, Fortune 500, entrepreneurial, and non-profit.
Doug provides executive coaching and business consulting services for executives and owners seeking fresh ideas for the development of C-suite talent, high potential leaders, and team development. Doug has created success as an entrepreneur, building several companies and non-profits. Doug’s clients realized significant cost savings, more effective operations, and higher profitability by utilizing his business and coaching expertise.
Available For: Advising, Consulting, Speaking Travels From: Houston, TX
We all understand trust is important in relationships, but how can managers actually do something to build trust with their teams? Let me show you how is an easy to understand 6-step framework that is actionable and effective.
Introducing the Big 5 Performance Model
Ditch the old, tired performance appraisal systems. Learn how Big 5 can build employee engagement, give feedback, and keep the team on the same page.
The River of Culture: Why Your Company’s Flow Matters More Than You Think
Doug Thorpe
July 15, 2025
Every organization has a culture, whether leaders acknowledge it or not. Like water, culture will always find a way to flow through your company. The question isn’t whether you’ll have a culture – it’s whether you’ll guide that flow or let it carve its own unpredictable path.
Beyond the Silver Tsunami: The Human Side of Business Acquisition
Doug Thorpe
July 10, 2025
The “Silver Tsunami” has become the buzzword du jour in entrepreneurial circles. Baby boomers are retiring, cash-flowing businesses are hitting the market, and suddenly everyone’s talking about skipping the startup grind to buy an established business instead. The pitch sounds irresistible: Why struggle with a risky startup when you can acquire a proven business with existing customers, systems, and revenue?
What “Common Sense Leadership” Actually Means (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
Doug Thorpe
June 18, 2025
I’ve been using the phrase “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” for years. It’s been my tagline, my podcast name, my brand identifier. But lately, I’ve realized something troubling: nobody really knows what it means.
Your Next Step Toward Authentic Leadership
Doug Thorpe
June 17, 2025
My early years as a junior officer in the Army proved to me something that was impossible to deny. The level of rank on someone’s collar does not make them any more effective as a leader. Yes, seniority usually weeded out poor performers, but in the lower ranks while the system was waiting on results, created a wide variety of situational leadership wins and fails.
The Leadership Crisis Nobody Wants to Talk About (And Why Your Next Promotion Might Break You)
Doug Thorpe
June 13, 2025
The call came at 11:47 PM on a Tuesday. Sarah, a VP at a fast-growing tech company, was supposed to be celebrating—her team had just closed their biggest deal of the year. Instead, she was sitting in her home office, laptop open, responding to “urgent” emails that could have waited until morning.
The Generational Leadership Gap: Why Your Management Style Is Alienating 70% of Your Workforce
Doug Thorpe
June 05, 2025
“They just don’t have work ethic,” complained the CEO about his Gen Z employees. Meanwhile, those same employees were working side hustles, building personal brands, and questioning why “face time” mattered more than results. The disconnect was so profound that within six months, he’d lost his three most talented young hires to competitors who “got it.”
Why Your Vision Isn’t Landing (And How to Fix It)
Doug Thorpe
June 02, 2025
You’ve said it a dozen times. Maybe two dozen. Your team nods, takes notes, asks clarifying questions. The meeting ends with what feels like alignment. Then a week later, you’re staring at results that look nothing like what you discussed.
The Power of Leverage: Creating Maximum Impact with Strategic Principles
Doug Thorpe
May 29, 2025
Most of us share a common drive: we want to make a real difference. We want our work to matter, our efforts to count, and our impact to ripple outward in meaningful ways. But here’s the frustrating reality many of us face – we’re working harder than ever, yet it often feels like we’re spinning our wheels. We’re busy, exhausted, and stressed, but somehow the needle barely moves.
The Paradox of “Common Sense”: Why Simple Answers Need Deeper Impact
Doug Thorpe
May 28, 2025
In the intricate landscape of modern leadership, professionals often find themselves navigating a deluge of information and competing priorities. The constant search for clarity amidst this noise naturally draws individuals towards straightforward, digestible truths. This inherent human inclination towards simplicity means that “common sense” advice can be incredibly appealing, offering a seemingly easy path through complex challenges.
The Power of Common-Sense Leadership: Cutting Through the Complexity
Linkedln
May 20, 2025
In today's business landscape, leadership theories and methodologies seem to multiply by the day. From transformational leadership to servant leadership, from agile frameworks to complex management matrices—the sheer volume of leadership advice can be overwhelming. Yet, what if the most effective leadership approach isn't found in complex theories but in something we already possess: common sense?
8 Warning Signs That Your Supervisor is Incompetent
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March 28, 2025
We have all had bad bosses, but how do we know if our supervisor is really a bad one? Here are 8 warnings signs that your boss can’t do the job, along with ideas about what a great supervisor should look like. 1. Never Has Time for You. Is your supervisor “too busy” to meet, […]
The pos
Breaking Through the Invisible Wall
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March 25, 2025
In business, there is an invisible wall between good management and great leadership. You can break through that wall.
The post Breaking Through the Invisible Wall appeared first on Business Advisor and Executive Coach | Doug Thorpe.
What "Common Sense Leadership" Actually Means (And Why It's Not What You Think)
Linkedln
June 09, 2025
I've been using the phrase "Leadership Powered by Common Sense" for years. It's been my tagline, my podcast name, my brand identifier. But lately, I've realized something troubling: nobody really knows what it means.
Why I'm Done Talking About "Transformational Leadership" (And What I'm Focusing on Instead)
Linkedln
May 26, 2025
After 30 years in leadership—from military command to Wall Street pressure to building five companies—I'm making a change. Not to my approach, but to how I talk about it.
I'm done with the buzzwords. Done with the generic promises. Done pretending that what worked in 2015 still works today.
Revolutionizing Performance Appraisals: How the Big Five System is Transforming Workplace Assessment in 2025
Linkedln
May 08, 2025
In today's fast-paced corporate environment, traditional annual performance reviews are increasingly becoming obsolete. Enter the Big Five system – a revolutionary approach to performance assessment that's changing how organizations evaluate and develop their talent. This innovative methodology, created by Roger Ferguson, is transforming the landscape of employee performance management and setting new standards for workplace accountability.
Discovering Your WHY.OS: The Operating System That Drives Everything You Do
Linkedln
May 02, 2025
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate life with such clarity and purpose, while others (maybe even yourself at times) feel like they're just reacting to whatever comes their way?
It's a bit like the difference between a sailboat with a clear destination versus one that's just being pushed around by whatever wind happens to blow. Both boats are on the water, but one is purposefully moving toward something meaningful.
Why "OK Boomer" Isn't the Final Word: A Fresh Take on Cross-Generational Advice
Linkedln
April 29, 2025
In a world where TikTok trends come and go faster than you can say "viral," there's one age-old tradition that seems to be getting the digital cold shoulder: taking advice from older generations.
It's like we've collectively decided that wisdom has an expiration date printed somewhere on the back of the neck. But what if we're throwing out perfectly good milk because we're misreading the label?
AI as the New Talent Stack: How Business Leaders Must Adapt
Linkedln
April 16, 2025
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, a profound shift is occurring that's comparable to the industrial revolution – but at lightning speed. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a fancy tool or competitive advantage; it's becoming a fundamental part of the organizational talent stack. For business leaders, this isn't simply about adopting new technology – it's about reimagining how work gets done, how teams are structured, and how value is created.
Michael stood at the edge of the cliff, watching the sun rise over the valley where he had once commanded troops. Ten years since he'd worn the uniform, yet the discipline remained in his spine and the strategic thinking in his mind.
The Path to Business Ownership: Real Talk for Real People
Linkedln
April 04, 2025
Remember that moment when you realized your best ideas were making someone else rich? Or when you calculated how many hours you’ve spent building someone else’s dream? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone.
For many of us in our 30s, 40s, and 50s, there’s a growing realization that the traditional career path isn’t delivering what we hoped. Maybe you’ve hit that ceiling in your industry, or perhaps you’re seeking more control over your time and impact. You might be earning good money but wondering, “Is this really it for the next 20 years?”
The Hidden Emotional Journey: Trading Your Steady Paycheck for Entrepreneurial Freedom
Linkedln
April 03, 2025
That moment. Standing in your corner office, staring at the skyline through the window. Your name’s on the door, your salary’s comfortable, and your career path is crystal clear. Yet something deep inside whispers, “Is this really all there is?”
Or logging off from the 6th Zoom call of the day and wondering “where is this going?”
I’ve seen that look in hundreds of executives’ eyes and heard it in their voices. That mixture of yearning and fear, of dreams and doubts, of wanting more while feeling guilty for not being content with what they’ve already achieved. There are NO guarantees. But it’s hard to think about Trading Your Steady Paycheck for Entrepreneurial Freedom.
Why Leaders Need Leaders: The Power of Coaching for Business Success
Linkedln
June 01, 2024
Running a business or leading a team is a marathon, not a sprint. You wear many hats, face constant challenges, and strive to make impactful decisions that drive success. But even the most experienced leaders can benefit from a secret weapon: a leadership coach.
Trust at Work: Tactics and Tools for Building High Performing Teams
iSi HR Consulting & HeadwayExec, LLC
August 12, 2021
Trust plays such a big part in our lives. Relationships of all kinds are built on trust. Much has been written lately about ’psychological safety’ being a key factor in high-performing teams. Trust provides that sense of safety at work.
Yet business managers seldom work specifically to build trust with their employees. They rely on organic means to have trust happen. Then when work teams struggle to perform, managers seek different ways to solve the problem without turning to TRUST.
Trust at Work gives you a proven model for building the right environment for growing trust. This model has been around for decades. Leaders at corporate giants like ExxonMobil, UPS, and Coca-Cola have used it. But it has also been used by entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Now you can have access to this powerful, tangible, and practical process for building trust in your business.
The Uncommon Commodity: The Common Sense Guide for First Time Managers
Palmetto Publishing Group
July 08, 2016
Are you a new, first time manager? Or do you know someone who is? Making the move from being a single contributor at work to being the manager is possibly the biggest career shift anyone can make.
The job is no longer about “YOU” but is now about “THEM”. You face unending challenges figuring out how to become a successful leader without failing to deliver the work.
This book is a collection of many thought provoking stories, tips, anecdotes, and life hacks to help you grow as a manager. The lessons here even begin to build the bridge from being just the manager of your team to becoming a true leader of your business. Let me guide you on this journey for career growth, improved management, effectiveness, and personal satisfaction for the leader you want to become.
You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different | Ep 376
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April 01, 2025
Unlocking Success Through Mindset: Insights from Dianna Kokoszka on “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a ...
The post You Can’t Get to Better Until You Get to Different | Ep 376
How Can Leaders Foster Psychological Safety and Civility in the Workplace? | Ep 375
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March 27, 2025
Creating a Safe and Productive Workplace: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling ...
The post How Can Leaders Foster Psychological Safety and Civility in the Wor
Mastering Your Mind: The Key to Leadership Success
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March 25, 2025
Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Power of Mindset and Paradigms In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with guest Jeni ...
The post Mastering Your Mind: The Key to Leadership Success appeared first on Leade
The Future of Work: Adapting Leadership Styles for a New Generation | Ep 372
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March 18, 2025
Navigating the Future of Work: Insights from Doug Thorpe and Steve Cadigan In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe and guest Steve Cadigan delve ...
The post The Future of Work: Adapting Leadership Styles for a New Generation | Ep 372 appeared first
Breaking Free from Founderitis: A Path to Empowered Leadership | Ep 371
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March 13, 2025
Overcoming Founderitis: A Deep Dive into Effective Leadership for Business Growth In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with ...
The post Breaking Free from Founderitis: A Path to Empowered Leadership | Ep 37
Unlocking the Secrets of Human Hacking for Effective Leadership | Ep 370
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March 11, 2025
Unlocking Leadership Potential Through Human Hacking: Insights from Chris Hadnagy In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe delves into the fascinating world of human ...
The post Unlocking the Secrets of Human Hacking for Effective Leadership | Ep
Unlocking Your Leadership Potential: Insights for Mid-Career Professionals | Ep 369
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March 06, 2025
Navigating Mid-Career Pivots: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe delves into the intricacies of mid-career transitions ...
The post Unlocking Your Leadership Potential: Insights f
From Information Overload to Clarity: Essential Skills for Modern Leaders | Ep 368
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March 04, 2025
Navigating Leadership and Decision-Making in Modern Business: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a ...
The post From Information Overload to Clarity: Essential Skills f
Lead Like a General: Strategies for Bold Leadership | Ep 367
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February 27, 2025
Leadership Powered by Common Sense: Insights from a Military Trailblazer In this episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Twanda (Tia) ...
The post Lead Like a General: Strategies for Bold Leadership | Ep 367 appeared fi
From Stress to Success: Mastering the Mind-Body Connection in Leadership | Ep 366
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February 25, 2025
Unlocking Effective Leadership: Insights from Doug Thorpe and Irene Riad In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Irene ...
The post From Stress to Success: Mastering the Mind-Body Connection in Leadership
How Can Effective Leadership Transform Project Management Success? | Ep 365
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February 20, 2025
Mastering Project Management Leadership: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with ...
The post How Can Effective Leadership Transform Project M
Can Military Leadership Principles Transform Corporate Culture? | Ep 364
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February 18, 2025
Leadership Lessons from the Military: Insights for Corporate Success In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling discussion with Isabelle Fortin, ...
The post Can Military Leadership Principles Transform Corporate Culture? | Ep 3
Brain Glue: The Key to Making Your Brand Stick | Ep 363
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February 13, 2025
Unlocking the Power of Emotional Branding: Insights from James Bond on “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages ...
The post Brain Glue: The Key to Making Your Brand Stick | Ep 363 appeared f
Building a Culture of Accountability: Lessons from a CEO’s Journey | Ep 362
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February 11, 2025
Leadership Powered by Common Sense: Insights from Stephen Blue In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steven Blue, ...
The post Building a Culture of Accountability: Lessons from a CEO’s Jour
Paradigm Shift: Viewing Organizations as Living Beings for Greater Effectiveness | Ep 361
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February 06, 2025
Leadership Dynamics: Embracing the Living Organization Framework In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Norman Wolfe, an authority ...
The post Paradigm Shift: Viewing Organizations as Living Beings for G
The Best Strategies for Implementing Effective Systems in Your Business | Ep 360
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February 04, 2025
Mastering Business Growth: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with John ...
The post The Best Strategies for Implementing Effective Systems in
From Startups to Scale-Ups: Mastering the Art of Leadership in the Age of AI | Ep 359
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January 30, 2025
Navigating the Future of Work: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” with Doug Thorpe and Heather Jerrehian In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug ...
The post From Startups to Scale-Ups: Mastering the Art of Leadership in the Age
Contextual Leadership: The Secret Sauce for Team Success | Ep 358
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January 28, 2025
Leadership Powered by Common Sense: Navigating Leadership, Team Performance, and Organizational Culture In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation ...
The post Contextual Leadership: The Secret Sauce for Team Succ
The Best Practices for Hiring with Integrity and Intentionality | Ep 357
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January 23, 2025
Leadership Powered by Common Sense: Insights from Doug Thorpe and Dave MacDonald In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a thought-provoking conversation ...
The post The Best Practices for Hiring with Integrity and Intentionality | Ep
From Cash Flow to Core Values: Mastering the Essentials of Business Leadership | Ep 356
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January 21, 2025
Embracing Innovation, Failure, and Core Values in Leadership: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in ...
The post From Cash Flow to Core Values: Mastering the Essentials of
How Can We Support Youth Mental Health in a Social Media World? | Ep 355
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January 16, 2025
Navigating Mental Health and Leadership: Insights from Doug Thorpe and Pat Broe In a compelling episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages with guest Pat Broe ...
The post How Can We Support Youth Mental Health in a Social Media World? | Ep 355 appeared fi
The Greatest Strategies for Thriving Amid Uncertainty in Business | Ep 354
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January 14, 2025
Navigating Uncertainty in Business: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling discussion with ...
The post The Greatest Strategies for Thriving Amid Uncertainty i
Can Leaders Transform Their Teams by Embracing a Coaching Mindset? | Ep 353
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January 09, 2025
Embracing the Role of Leaders as Coaches: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a ...
The post Can Leaders Transform Their Teams by Embracing a Coaching Mindset? | Ep 353 ap
From Chaos to Clarity: How to Build a Strong Operational Foundation | Ep 352
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January 07, 2025
Mastering Business Operations: Insights from “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe delves into the critical role of operations ...
The post From Chaos to Clarity: How to Build a Strong Operational
The Greatest Challenge in Leadership: Aligning Values and Actions
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January 02, 2025
Leadership and Company Culture: Insights from Ken Wilcox on “Leadership Powered by Common Sense” In a recent episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a ...
The post The Greatest Challenge in Leadership: Aligning Values and Actions appeared
The complete playbook for those who want to become entrepreneurs through acquisition, NOT startup. Leave the W2 world and grab hold of your personal financial freedom. Let us show you how.
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