Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Allen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
During college, I became inspired to help people, especially after Hurricane Katrina. I volunteered for two days at the Astrodome and after seeing the humanitarian need, I was compelled to help in some way. I started working for a church in the Woodlands doing international missions work in Ecuador. That led me to join Dwight Edwards at Watersedge Community Church in Southside Place as worship pastor. My time at Watersedge ended as an executive pastor after entering the oil and gas industry as a consultant.
I eventually transitioned to a new industry where I became the COO, and eventually CEO, of a Landscape Architecture firm here in Houston. During this time, I met my wife, Andrea; we married November 2019. Ultimately, I decided to continue in civic leadership and ran for congressional office for TX District 18. I lost that race, but the conditions of the district inspired me to start my own consultancy, The Allen Consulting Firm. If business can run for profit, they can also run to improve the lives of the community. Our consultancy focuses on five core areas: Business Management, Church, Politics, Social Cause, and Mental Health. Our team is up to 12 independent consultants.
We all face challenges but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth road. There are struggles and challenges of starting “movements” in these spaces. Business management is straight forward, but the other four areas were adopted because of the challenge. Mental Health for example, is an area that is underdeveloped and starving for leadership. In short, our consultancy wants to lead change in these areas and change is hard.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I transitioned from non-profit to for profit in my late 20’s and built my leadership model from those days. I believe in people, that people can change, and can work towards a better future, but good leadership is vital. My expertise is in change management, leadership, and organizational development. I am most proud of my team at my former position as CEO of a landscape architecture firm. I built a team over 5 1/2 years that would bring the firm to prominence here in Houston. The memories of working with top-notch individuals was a highlight of my career. You learn that everyone has a vision, not just you, and so you work like mad to realize those visions and dreams.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
In this age, you must be Agile. Regardless of your position or stance, one thing is certain, your organization must be ready for change. I doubt that we have seen the last of major changes.
Pricing:
- $300/hr + for consulting
Contact Info:
- Email: michael@theallenconsulting.com
- Website: www.theallenconsulting.com
Image Credits
William Daniel, Kindle Interactive
