"I believe that how things are done between people and in groups is as—or more important than—what is done. The how or the 'process,' usually communicates more clearly what we really mean than does the content of what we say. We are less skilled in thinking about processes, in observing them in action, and in designing processes that will accomplish what we intend. In fact, we often design or participate in processes that actually undermine what we want to accomplish."
—Edgar Schein
Business Culture Consultants was founded in 2000 by Flip Brown. It is currently a solo practice that draws on the support, input and experience of a group of colleagues who provide honest, direct, and confidential feedback about the work. Some are consultants themselves, some live in the world of counseling and psychotherapy, and some are businesspeople. Peer supervision provides an opportunity to obtain feedback and different perspectives on individual and organizational methods without compromising confidentiality.
As the company continues to grow, opportunities may arise to join forces more formally with colleagues whose expertise and experience will enhance and augment the company's services.
About Flip Brown
His background is a unique mix — he came to Vermont in the 1980's as an executive in the ski industry, and was responsible for technical information, media contacts, sales rep training, and European factory liaison. After a classic midlife re-evaluation of personal values he returned to school, completed a Masters degree in psychology, and obtained Vermont licensure as an independent psychologist. Wanting to combine his business management and psychology experience, he spent five years in the employee assistance program (EAP) field before starting his own consulting business in 2000. He truly enjoys blending best practices from his business and management experience with his deep ongoing interest and training in human behavior.
Flip is a known and trusted resource on business psychology topics, having been interviewed or quoted by The New York Times, WCAX-TV, The Burlington Free Press, The Rutland Herald, and The Monitor on Psychology (the journal of the American Psychological Association). He has given presentations for the Institute of Management Consultants, the American Psychological Association, the Center for Donation and Transplant, Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, and the Vermont Alliance of Non-Profit Organizations, among others. He is on the board of directors of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility.
Flip's personal interests include organic vegetable gardening, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, the Beatles, and the Finnish sauna. He plays bass, electric, and acoustic guitar and sings in a Sixties rock 'n' roll band and an acoustic Americana group, and lives close to Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont with his wife, Sandy Post.
Business Culture Consultants is located in a historic brick building in downtown Burlington, Vermont, a stone's throw from the site of the original Ben & Jerry's. Click here for directions.