who we are
a new partner
people-centered decisions, redefined
When we focus on INPUTS, new value is realized.
Symbio Strategies is dedicated to bringing greater clarity to the way leaders measure and cultivate human value in the workplace. Founded in 2011 as LEAD the difference, we’ve established a reputation for empowering leaders in solving complex human strategy challenges in healthcare, technology, retail, nonprofits and social-impact organizations.
The evolution of our brand identity, Symbio Strategies, is the next stage in our people-centered journey. Through dynamic client partnerships, we can provide support for a growing range of initiatives. We remain a women-owned, minority-represented company focused on creating communities where every member can contribute meaningfully and live with high well-being.
how we're
different
forward-thinking research
Symbio’s influential studies on human value in the workplace challenge conventional models and illuminate new pathways to success. Our findings inform every aspect of our client solutions, which in turn enrich our ongoing research.
conscious leadership
Reactive-based systems make it difficult for leaders to listen and respond effectively to those they need to engage. Symbio bridges the gap through leadership strategies that provide more space for reflection, thinking and experience in decision-making.
deeper than metrics
Organizational value comes from intangible human factors such as innovation and purpose that numbers alone can’t capture. We’ll help you access these qualitative insights in order to leverage the most complete and actionable data possible.
sustainable impact
We believe passionately in our clients’ abilities to catalyze change from within, which is why we serve not as “fixers” but as supportive guides. By offering practical roadmaps–not just advice–we lay the foundation for ongoing improvement.
“With a long-game perspective, the Symbio Strategies team has brought innovation to one of the most important processes in medical education—the selection of residents for specialty training. Their researchers are helping us confirm a fully customized, whole-human approach to identifying the best candidates for our national programs. Instead of relying solely on grades, references and test scores, we can base our decisions about resident selection on inherent talents that are also predictive of success.”
~ Robert H Miller, MD, MBA
Academic Physician Executive
working together toward
a more human-
focused future.
WORKING TOGETHER
Symbio is a team of advisors, researchers, educators and entrepreneurs committed to supporting purpose-driven change within workplaces and communities. With widely recognized expertise in human behavior, organizational performance and the critical ties between them, we leverage our collective knowledge to design thoughtfully integrated solutions. We are committed to the behavioral economy.
our team
(206) 486-2414
steph@54.244.181.217Steph Sharma
Principal
As Co-owner and Principal of Symbio Strategies, my primary focus is on helping leaders develop more human organizational systems. Energized by the shared value possible in business, I influence around leading the change necessary to measurably transform organizations.
I challenge executive decision-making to balance the cognitive with the more affective, helping ensure meaningful experiences for employees and customers. Through Symbio, which builds on my team’s legacy work with LEAD the difference and The Human Value Institute, I partner with leaders to develop human-centric, purpose-driven models of performance.
More about Steph
Education:
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Executive Certificate, Global Corporate Responsibility (2012)
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Global MBA, International Business (2010 – 2012)
- Gallup Leadership Institute (2005)
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, majority credits toward Human Resource Development (1998 – 2000)
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln, MA, Communications, Business, Spanish (1992)
Professional Experience:
- Executive Director, the Human Value Institute (2015 – present)
- Adjunct Faculty, Strategy, Presidio Graduate School (2016 – 2017)
- Adjunct Faculty, Strategy, International Study Abroad, Pinchot (2013 – 2016)
- Principal, Social & Economic Analysis, Gallup (2004 – 2010)
Community Involvement:
- Business Mentor, Community Development & Entrepreneurship Clinic, Seattle University School of Law
- Organizing Chair, Board of Directors, Social Enterprise Alliance, WA State Chapter (2012 – present)
- Board of Directors, Net Seattle, Seattle Professional Chapter (2012 – 2013)
(213) 290-3293
kori@54.244.181.217Kori Joneson
Principal
Kori draws on her experience and learning mindset to help business leaders create environments where each individual can find their voice and use it to make a difference. With a focus on cultivating inclusion, empathy and holistic well-being in the workplace, she works closely with our clients to utilize a more thoughtful approach to selection, team and customer experience and overall organizational strategy.
Kori’s professional and volunteer experience encompasses 10 years of conscious leadership, strategic thinking and sustainability expertise. As the current Board President of the San Diego California Conscious Capitalism Chapter, she contributes to the education and empowerment of business for good. Kori finds joy and continuous learning through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the art of Bonsai and time with her retired racing Greyhound.
More about Kori
Education
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Executive Certificate, Global Corporate Responsibility (2012 – 2013)
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Global MBA, International Business (2010 – 2012)
- California State University, Fresno, BS, Business Administration (2001 – 2005)
Professional Experience:
- Operations Director, the Human Value Institute (2015 – present)
- Senior Associate, Triage Consulting Group (2010 – 2011)
- Associate, Triage Consulting Group, (2008 – 2010)
Community Involvement
- Founding Board Member and current President of the Board of Directors, Conscious Capitalism San Diego (Jan. 2015 – present)
- Impact Project Lead, Net Impact Los Angeles (2013 – 2015)
- Volunteer, Strategy and Business Acumen, Downtown Women’s Center (2011 – 2013)
Elizabeth Morrison
LCSW, MAC
Elizabeth specializes in supporting healthcare organizations in embracing human centered care practices that have a substantial positive impact on both employees and patients. Elizabeth brings decades of experience in behavioral health integration, complex care services, and empathy-based communication practices, all of which meaningfully decrease stigma and improve health equity within organizations and communities.
More about Elizabeth
Ellen Faquir
Success Coach
After spending over ten years in the field of Human Resources, Ellen Faquir has a deep understanding of what makes a team good and what makes them great. She understands that when people focus on how to provide the very best of themselves to the world, they find their true happiness. Happiness and joy in a job well done is a vital key to employee engagement and team cohesiveness.
Since becoming a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach in the Spring of 2015, she has had the privilege of helping over two hundred people discover their talents using CliftonStrengths. Her clients have grown by focusing on further developing their own unique talents and becoming team members that also embrace the uniqueness of others.
More about Ellen
Madhu Singh
Chief Legal Officer
Madhu is in her element working side by side with CEOs and businesses crafting legal solutions that fit the needs, vision and values of today’s growing companies. She is particularly interested in the emerging intersections of technology, new media and business law and enjoys helping companies navigate the front lines of these fast-developing areas.
Since starting her solo practice, MK Singh Law, in 2009, Madhu has worked to pioneer a nontraditional approach to legal support that emphasizes efficiency, agility and hands-on collaboration. Today, as the founder and Chief Legal Officer of Foundry Law Group, Madhu fosters a unique innovative work environment that empowers both the team and our clients’ teams to achieve their fullest potential.
More about Madhu
Laura Rubin
Communications
For social change to achieve its true impact, it needs an effective storyteller. That’s why Laura Rubin helps sustainability-minded organizations reach and influence a variety of audiences through clear, intelligent and approachable writing. A variety of roles from healthcare operations to corporate communications have provided her with expertise in performance analysis and a knack for identifying innovative solutions. Laura has dedicated her career to blending sustainability and traditional business strategies within a range of organizations, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
More about Laura
For social change to achieve its true impact, it needs an effective storyteller. That’s why Laura Rubin helps sustainability-minded organizations reach and influence a variety of audiences through clear, intelligent and approachable writing. A variety of roles from healthcare operations to corporate communications have provided her with expertise in performance analysis and a knack for identifying innovative solutions. Laura has dedicated her career to blending sustainability and traditional business strategies within a range of organizations, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.
Ross Latham
Principal
A veteran of several technology, enterprise, small business and social enterprise startups, Ross has successfully developed and applied human capital strategies across multiple industries over 30 years. As an intrapreneur for IBM, entrepreneur, executive team and board leader, Ross has developed and led strategy, key partnerships and culture shifts with corporate partners resulting in greater performance improvements in margin and mission initiatives. His background includes business development roles and change management with Fortune 500 firms, telecom startups, non-profits, hospitality and small business management. Ross’ previous roles include project consultant, sales & marketing, operations management and C-suite assignments with for-profit and not-for-profit social enterprise organizations. By evaluating and recognizing existing cultural systems and identifying increased human capital value opportunities, Ross builds empowered, high-performance teams through increased collaboration, purpose and creative thinking. In addition to Social Enterprise Alliance WA, Ross serves as a director and consultant for other social purpose and academic organizations within both King and Snohomish Counties. Ross graduated from Golden Gate University, San Francisco CA with a BA in Business Administration and is a graduate of the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington’s Executive Development Program.
More about Ross
Jenny Thuen
Entrepreneur, Project Manager
Utilizing project management and organizational leadership to assist a variety of companies in a contracting & consulting capacity. Building schedules, engaging with professional resources, managing schedules & timelines, keeping budgets, and reporting on project progression, we’ve engaged with both construction and IT clients to help facilitate projects otherwise lacking leadership, dedicated effort and forward movement.
Determined entrepreneur, project manager and business professional in Montana supporting a variety of different businesses, non-profits and initiatives. Passionate supporter of volunteering, traveling and skiing.
More about Jenny
Tawny Saez
brand strategist, anthropologist
As a trained anthropologist working at The Harris Poll, Tawny specializes in studying social trends and behavior to help corporations better connect with the needs of constituents and build more desirable brands. Prior to Harris, Tawny has helped drive engagement strategies for B2B and B2C companies, nonprofits, and start-ups including Ashoka, Blackbaud, Lead the Difference and the Borgen Project. She served as a lead anthropologist and editor of the book, “Purpose Drives Performance.” Knotted Road Press, 2015 by Lead the Difference.
