“‘Don’t confuse activity with accomplishment…’

“The opener to a timely and effective comment made by Toby at a organizational planning meeting I attended with him. Despite tempest external conditions (New England winter), and unpredictable internal dynamics (half dozen tired, over worked, and hungry professionals), conditions not too far removed from a corporate board room, his interruption and insertion of an astute analytical observation could have led to an undesirable outcome.

“But it didn’t…through the above comment, Toby led the group to action through process comment and reflection. The issue, which he helped the group to see, was the absence of strategy and alignment at all levels of the organization. Without alignment the organization was poised for serious realization of risks, in particular, loss of resources (human capital, time and money). Our actions, all the way down to daily agenda items, needed to be tied to strategy, if not, in all sense of the word, waste.

“Toby possesses two skills that are rarely seen in the same person, natural communication skill and analytical foresight. Not only at this meeting but countless times, I’ve observed how he eloquently identifies hidden dynamics and issues central to an organization’s raison d’etre, it’s mission & vision.

“He has guts and resolve, if you’re looking for someone to provide a common lens to see through the tempest, talk and listen to Toby. I recommend him as an executive change agent, organizational performance practitioner, human capital expert and most importantly core team member.”

Find out more about Ernest Byers

“I have had the good fortune to work with Toby Elwin in the areas of marketing and promotion for NS Design, a musical instrument business that I own.

“Toby is an energetic self starter who was able to identify marketing opportunities for NS that had never occurred to me.

“He was able to provide actionable concepts and follow through that helped NS to reach a wider audience, combining market outreach with educational forums that served to energize potential customers and create a larger interest in our products. This included press releases, posters, seminars, and video documentation, all of which Toby conceived and executed independently.

“Toby is savy with modern electronic media and networking, always keeping a creative eye on future marketing opportunities.”

Find out more about Ned Steinberger

Clip from the seminar:  

“Toby worked with me at Deloitte, he was excellent at strategy, developing conceptual organization models that when implemented had huge impact. He did not fall into the trap of changing reporting lines but looked at holistic organizations and performed interventions that were long lasting and effective.

“He is a great communicator and a guy that has steady hands when delivering on the promise of a job.”

Find out more about Deloitte Consulting

“Toby is a solid business development and human capacity resource. Toby is easy to work with and has an upbeat personality. As such, he was an effective and supportive colleague, with great listening, interpersonal, and multicultural skills (international experience in Hungary and China as two, very challenging work environments).

“I do not hesitate to recommend him, with high regard for the quality of his change management and human capital development expertise.”

Find out more about Forex Club

“Toby regularly demonstrates a noble ability to think on his feet when offered the challenge. He has a sound ability to quickly ramp up with a team, conceptualize process, communicate the options back to the room, and then provide actionable dialogue.

“When a business or team becomes out of sync with it’s market, customers or partners, and employees, Toby bears sensible analytical acumen to regain necessary alignment.”

Find out more about Progress Partners

“I have worked with Toby over this past year, 2009 – 2010, on a signicant change management project in which we are both stakeholders.  Toby came into this process midstream and immediately provided a fresh perspective on both strategic and operational issues.

“His ideas have helped to re-frame the project into a more ambitious and quite doable endeavor with benefits previously unforeseen.  He has shown great persistence and patience, continuous dedication and loyalty and creative energy.  Toby keeps stepping forward to lead the charge with great ideas and commitment to collaboration as his modus operandi.

“I have found a great, new friend.  Toby is that kind of consumate professional and friend with whom one confidently shares - knowing that his intelligence, thoughtfulness, energy and graciousness will not let you down.

“Let me put it this way:  you don’t want Toby on the other team, you want him on yours.”

Find out more about:  Charley Matera

“I have had the privilege of interacting with Toby in a variety of capacities…first as the Director of his MBA program, then as a colleague as we launch a professional services consulting firm and through the years as a friend and sounding board as he worked with consulting firms and intelligence agencies.

“His diverse background is a clear indicator of his ability to contribute and prosper in numerous sectors from Higher Education to government to corporate. Toby carries himself with a contagious, yet realistic optimism and is able to adapt himself and his team as the need arises.

“During his MBA studies, Toby was instrumental in establishing the university’s Student Board in order to have the students properly represented between them, the faculty and administration, which had not existed previously and has since become an integral part of the university by-laws. While after graduation, he remained an active alumnus even to the point of organizing high-level meetings on our campus with corporate executive from an American company considering establishing operations in Central Europe.

“I have currently been working with Toby as my consulting firm is transforming to a small to a medium sized organization. His knowledge of both traditional and social media marketing as well as the practical utilization of Emotional Intelligence is trend setting and helping our firm rethink how we approach and obtain new clients. Toby has a unique ability to interact with extremely varying groups of people.

“When he was the Managing Director of the Arctic Group, I saw how he was comfortable engaging in conversations with government officials and corporate leaders. People are naturally drawn to him and he welcomes the opportunity to meet and cooperate with people from any culture, profession and background.

“Toby will easily become a valuable asset with any organization and is willing to make the difficult decisions that are needed to succeed in today’s challenging environment.”

Find out more about The Hunting Territory Consulting

“When I needed a social networking presence, I turned to Toby. He helped identify my needs, analyze my goals and audience and quickly turned that information into an action plan.

“He has supported me every step of the way.

“He has the patience of a saint, the intuition of a sage and the knowledge of everything to do with social networking. And, when something new emerges, he’s on top of it.

“I give him credit for hooking me up with social networking and providing inspiration and nonstop encouragement.

“I can’t tell you enough good things about this talented professional.”

Find out more about Simos Consulting

“Toby exemplifies the next generational leadership that is shaping the future. He has an amazing ability to get to the crux of the matter quickly. When you combine this with his ability to astutely understand the needs of each client you will understand how he has become a trusted partner to senior leaders. He works effectively and comfortably within all organizational and skill levels; willing to take the time to impart and mentor in a productive ‘challenge and support’ role.

“Toby’s strategic leadership and hands-on assistance supported the Massachusetts Bay Organization Development Learning Groups’ transformation into a learning community. Concurrently, his energy and enthusiasm helped mobilize and accelerate a change that enriched its 600+ membership; providing transferable Social Media skills and creating a foundation for greater connectivity and growth.

“If you want a partner who can listen carefully and help you design and then build an organization, Toby is an outstanding choice with a father’s heart that is both natural and a true legacy.”

Find out more about Creative Economies

“I am a Co-Chair of the Cambridge Round Table group, a part of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Mass Bay Chapter. We have utilized Toby as a speaker for our meetings in the past and he is scheduled for future meetings as well.

“Over the past year I have had the privilege of getting to know Toby both through PMI as well as individually. Toby has provided great results as a speaker for our meetings. He has demonstrated his professionalism throughout the development and delivery of his presentations. Toby has a very rich and comprehensive domain knowledge and experience base upon which to draw.

“Toby has been requested as a speaker for our monthly group a number of times because his insights, knowledge, and tools used for organization change and portfolio management continue to provide solutions to the Project Management Professional’s who attend our meetings.

“It is important to point out that Toby’s presentations are not just about imparting ‘head knowledge’, but rather how he provides the members of our group with a wide range of concrete examples, and practical ways to implement change into both processes and an organization. Toby has demonstrated professionalism by always having his presentation preparation milestones completed on or ahead of schedule.

“Toby has clearly demonstrated his ability to manage change, based upon his experience gained world -wide in helping organizations manage the needed changes within their organizations. You may laugh, but during his work at the FBI, Toby’s impact at the FBI earned him the title of ‘SCA’ or Special Change Agent.

“I have been very favorably impressed with Toby’s high level of integrity. Toby has always delivered what he said he would, when he said he would and always with the highest standard of professionalism. He has earned my respect and trust. I know that if I am dealing with Toby, I don’t have to worry about his commitment. It will happen as planned and all will be enriched because of his efforts and contributions.

“In addition to our round table meetings, Toby and I have also shared breakfast or lunch a number of times where we have exchanged career experiences, goals, and inspirations with each other. I have been extremely impressed with Toby’s rich background and his experience.

“Very few people that I have encountered have demonstrated such maturity, wisdom, and breadth of domain knowledge in so many areas, as Toby. Toby is a very solid and caring individual, in a way that is never boastful or arrogant. I can certainly see Toby in virtually any position for an organization in need of ‘top notch’ leadership and organizational, executive skill.

“Not only would I highly recommend Toby, I would gladly work for Toby ‘in a heart-beat’.  Should you be considering Toby for creating a positive change in your organization, I would urge you to take advantage of the skills and capabilities that Toby can bring to your organization!”

Find out more about Department of Transportation, Volpe Center

Working with Toby Elwin in 2009 I was fortunate to reverse the role of mentor/mentee.  The mentor (me) received great advice and help from someone I have been mentoring over the past two decades.

Toby Elwin played a major role at Berklee College of Music in transforming its student 8-page print newspaper into an electronic and dynamic form of student communication.  Toby was my consultant with his work leading focus groups, directing student leaders, and coaching the editors to produce a business case and to facilitate their own assessments. As the editors are about to graduate, BerkleeGroove.com is thoroughly prepared to take on the  new challenges facing them.  Thanks to Toby we have a sustainable publication serving a community of 5000.

The students working on this project are very creative  and brought up numerous approaches to a problem. However, it was Toby that helped them to gain strong business and interpersonal skills such as:

• identify need or opportunity
• conceptualize the problem and the possible solutions
• communicate options effectively to administrators
• diagnose the roots of a problem
• provide actionable concepts
• analyze with diligence – leaving no stone unturned
• showed importance of grace and flexibility in all relationships
• leadership is a continual process – reading, studying, researching increases your value to your organization and yourself.

March 2010 was the launch of BerkleeGroove.com. Without Toby’s expertise I think we would be having this launch much later.  Toby Elwin’s contribution was invaluable.  He achieved more than I knew could be done.  This opinion also came from the VP of Student Affairs. He told me that the business case prepared by Toby and the students was the best he had seen during his thirty-plus years as an executive at Berklee.

Toby is someone I trust to deliver services and products on schedule. The project was launch was scheduled in three months and he made it happen.

Toby was expert in his facilitation of mixed stakeholders. It was the best facilitation/strategy session I have been a part of in my twenty-plus years at Berklee.

All the years I have known Toby Elwin, he has been committed to the college experience and to the arts.  I believe Toby’s experiences and training make him a worthy candidate to thrive in higher education, business and non-profits.

Working in the higher education since 1974 as well as an entrepreneur, I see Toby’s character and skills set qualify him to make a major contribution in the field of education. Toby’s consistent devotion and leadership to improving the student experience whether he is a student, alum, and consultant shows me can do more.

Find out more about Berklee College of Music

“I can honestly say that without Mr. Elwin’s input we would not be in business today.

“Our importing business was suffering and we were losing money, we asked Mr. Elwin to analyze our business to help us determine what we need to do and how best to implement the changes.

“He acquired a deep understanding of our business, our culture and our methods. He was also instrumental in putting forth a ‘road map’ of how to accomplish our goals and hone our services/products to tailor them so they are better received in the market place. He also got us back to our original mission statement. This was key to stopping the money drain.

“Through his observations and his ability to quantify manageable and obtainable goals, we are now in a position to expand, and with Mr. Elwin’s help, we also have a very good crew to help us through this period of growth and transition.

“Mr. Elwin has shown a flexibility and an overall understanding of business that has been dramatic in its effect on our bottom line, future plans and earning goals.”

Find out more about Dutch Bicycle Company and City Bikes

“Toby is a visionary with great creative talents, practical logic, a ‘can do’ positive attitude with excellent management, communications and organizational skills.

“As an advisor to the Arctic Group in its efforts, under his management to attract foreign semiconductor manufacturing businesses into the eastern region of Hungary, I was impressed with his brightness, ‘heads-up’ energy, total dedication, multiple national and local government and business connections, and understanding of statistics on available labor and technical skills – education, competence and quality, swift assimilation of new ideas, and approaches.

“It was ahead of the infrastructure attractiveness of the time, but surely was the catalyst in subsequint regional development.”

Find out more about Aubrey (Bill) Tobey

“The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) has promoted a bicycle-friendly environment and encourages bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation since 1979.  Since I became President of MassBike, I have sought ways to develop the organization’s structure, capacity and effectiveness, so that we can truly achieve our mission.

“Toby was recommended to me to help MassBike build a marketing strategy. From my initial 10-minute conversation, I had the immediate impression that Toby was going to be able us in so many ways.

“Toby has been instrumental in helping us build our strategic plan at MassBike. He facilitated our strategy session, where he challenged us and kept the conversation moving. He took the time to listen to where we have been, what we have achieved and were we came up short.

“One of the most important things Toby said early on was “the process is more important than the output at this stage.” By helping us understand the process, Toby has truly moved us forward. He designed a process and facilitated our discussion to lead us from goals to objectives and then to actions.

“Recognizing that we’ve failed to complete actions in the past, Toby provided a very sound method to assess the resources (people, time, funds, etc.) needed to complete each action. The result is that we better understand our abilities and limitations, and are building a plan that will finally set us on the right course.

“I very much look forward to continuing to work with Toby. His expertise in organizational development is essential to our ability to grow. I value meeting Toby to be one of the most important events in my tenure with MassBike.”

Find out more about Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition

“Toby is a solid business development and human capacity resource. Toby is easy to work with and has an upbeat personality. As such, he was an effective and supportive colleague, with great listening, interpersonal, and multicultural skills (international experience in Hungary and China as two, very challenging work environments).

“I do not hesitate to recommend him, with high regard for the quality of his change management and human capital development expertise.”

Find out more about Booz Allen Hamilton

“I have worked with Toby Elwin on a continual basis for over five years. During this time, I have seen Toby produce and provide world-class, time-critical products that supported programs vital to the highest echelons of national security. Toby was able to analyze a complex organization in chaos, develop the course of change and then communicate with excellent documentation and presentations.

“Since our first project, I have had the opportunity to work with Toby on several other projects and he consistently injects innovation and a sense of purpose into every endeavor. I am always amazed by the depth and versatility of his knowledge.

“Toby has my number one recommendation for someone to work with.”

Find out more about Industrial Medium or at Info-Do…The Way of Information blog

“Toby is a strategic thinker who was able to apply his ‘out of the box’ thinking on a project related to the procure-to-pay function. Toby was able to identify different ways of approaching the project, the result was immediately appreciated by the client and the senior management team.

“Toby has strong communication skills, both written and oral. He is a team player, evidenced by the fact that multiple junior team members sought him out for mentoring.

Find out more about Accenture

“I have worked with Toby for many years and he has assisted our organisation with new business development and strategic planning.

“When we were looking to move into new markets with our products and services Toby was able to give us sound advice about meeting the market’s needs and helped us develop a solid plan for international growth.

“His knowledge and line of thinking were of great help to both myself and our company and moreover he produced results beyond our expectations.”

Find out more about Piqqo LLC

“I had the pleasure of working with Toby for several years at Amicon/Millipore. Toby provided outstanding customer service to all his Marketing/Communcation constituants – both internally and externally.

“I was always impressed with his customer facing skills – he was especially calm in circumstances that required a sense of urgency but not panic.

“I kept touch with Toby since our days together at Amicon. Toby has used the intervening years to develop an exceptional management and communication skillset that would benefit any company looking to hire a professional who specializes in organizational development, project management, workforce training, and business process re-engineering.

“I highly recommend Toby Elwin.”

Find out more about Grace