Case Studies

Client Challenge/Context

NatureLab Tokyo, an emerging Japanese beauty brand, was undergoing a significant transition: absorbing all New Product Development (NPD) processes from an external party and initiating a strategic overhaul of its product launch procedures. This transition revealed unrealized NPD workloads and responsibilities, along with a critical need for enhanced process frameworks, clearer communication systems, and more structured planning architecture to ensure successful future launches. Challenges included managing regulatory compliance, packaging coordination, copy development, translations, balancing immediate priorities with long-term strategic projects, and directing new Contract Manufacturers (CMs) requiring detailed guidance. Compressed timelines and global time zone coordination further complicated worldwide distribution efforts.

Contribution/Role

As Operations Consultant, I was brought in to architect a comprehensive operational transformation supporting the brand’s retail launch and Go-To-Market (GTM) expansion. My contributions included:

• Designing and implementing automated workflow systems using Asana to streamline NPD creative briefs and approval processes
• Developing and creating centralized Launch and GTM dashboards to orchestrate concurrent 5-year product initiatives and launch support planning
• Optimizing team structure by architecting enhanced RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) frameworks and approval processes for cross-functional commercialization teams
• Creating innovative workflows by establishing automated creative request systems and specialized brainstorming tools for advertising and marketing support
• Strategic planning and process framework development to optimize launch team efficiency and effectiveness

Solutions Implemented/Designed

I implemented targeted solutions to systematically address the identified operational gaps:

Digital Process Architecture (Asana): Integrated comprehensive Asana systems for managing product launches, creative briefs, approval flows, artwork routing, and GTM tracking, consolidating fragmented tools like Google Sheets into unified workflows.

Centralized Dashboard Infrastructure: Developed intuitive dashboards for managing complex product portfolios and launch timelines, providing clear visibility into GTM rolling 6-month lead times and strategic planning horizons.

RACI Framework Architecture: Created and refined systematic RACI charts for both NPD and GTM tasks, clearly defining roles and accountability across Product Development, Project Management, Brand Management, Regulatory, Operations/Packaging, Sales, Copy, and Design.

Workflow Enhancement Systems: Introduced sophisticated Asana features including Forms for structured intake processes, Rules for automating repetitive tasks, Approvals for clear sign-off protocols, Proofing for visual asset feedback loops, and Templates for standardizing new work streams.

Process Mapping & Optimization: Mapped out the intricate NPD and GTM process flows, illustrating systematic stages from concept through production and launch, identifying key milestones, dependencies, and optimization opportunities.

Stakeholder Enablement Strategy: Designed a phased approach beginning with Asana implementation for creative requests, followed by structured group training sessions to ensure widespread adoption and effective utilization of new tools and systematic processes.

Key Achievements/Impact

• Successfully architected a comprehensive operational transformation framework for the brand’s online and retail launches and GTM expansion
• Streamlined NPD creative brief and approval processes, significantly improving efficiency and reducing project delays
• Enhanced strategic visibility and tracking for product initiatives and launch planning through centralized dashboard systems
• Optimized cross-functional team collaboration and accountability by implementing clear, systematic RACI frameworks
• Addressed core challenges of unrealized workloads, operational gaps, and compressed timelines, establishing a proactive and structured approach to product launches
• Created scalable process architecture supporting long-term strategic growth and operational excellence

Expertise Highlights

Program Management: Strategic Planning, Process Architecture, Cross-functional Leadership, Digital Transformation

Industries: Beauty & Personal Care, Consumer Products

Methodologies: Project Lifecycle Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Systems Design

Client Challenge/Context

MAV Beauty Brands was preparing to acquire a new brand into their collection while simultaneously addressing significant operational inefficiencies within their Product Innovation Team. The dual challenge involved ensuring smooth brand acquisition integration while resolving fragmented systems and processes across the organization. There was insufficient visibility connecting sales planning and brand calendars to supply chain operations, creating overwhelming workloads and compressed timelines. Prioritization of NPD (New Product Development) versus other product initiatives was managed in isolation, creating gaps in holistic portfolio visibility. The team also lacked technical expertise in strategizing ingredient narratives, faced aggressively constrained Cost of Goods (COGs) targets, and operated without robust packaging and product development frameworks. The company’s objective was to seamlessly assimilate the new brand while transforming project management into a cohesive portfolio approach, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen enterprise-wide collaboration systems.

Contribution/Role

As Consultant Business & Project Manager, I was initially brought in as a strategic resource to support the acquisition of a new brand into MAV’s collection, ensuring smooth transition and seamless assimilation into existing brand management systems. This role expanded to architecting, enhancing, and systematizing project management processes across the entire Product Innovation Team. My contributions included:

• Leading acquisition integration strategy to ensure the new brand was successfully assimilated into MAV’s operational framework while strengthening overall project management capabilities
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to assess existing project management frameworks and identify systematic improvement opportunities during the brand integration process
• Creating and establishing comprehensive process documentation, templates, and guidelines to ensure consistent and effective project execution across all brands, including the newly acquired brand
• Providing personalized coaching to project managers and designing training programs to enhance their skills and methodological knowledge for managing expanded brand portfolios
• Orchestrating the implementation of new processes and tools and addressing organizational barriers during the integration period
• Engaging with senior leadership and stakeholders to align process improvements with strategic acquisition objectives and build collaborative relationships
• Leading primary project deliverables including needs analysis, establishing centralized cross-functional project management systems, developing reporting dashboards, and creating systematic timeline templates that could accommodate the expanded brand portfolio

Solutions Implemented/Designed

I developed and implemented a comprehensive suite of solutions to transform MAV Beauty Brands’ project management capabilities:

Project Management Process Architecture: Created and systematized process documentation, templates, and guidelines establishing consistent project execution frameworks across all teams.

Centralized Project Tracking Infrastructure (Smartsheet): Architected a unified system consolidating all in-process projects from Brand and Operations into centralized Smartsheet tracking. This included designing filtered views by brand to support targeted meetings and strategic project reviews.

Reporting & Dashboard Systems: Designed and implemented comprehensive reporting dashboards for management, providing real-time visibility into project portfolio status, resource challenges, workload distribution, and critical pathway analysis.

Template Timeline Architecture: Established standardized lead times and developed systematic timeline templates for different project categories, guiding teams toward successful execution while minimizing expediting costs and compressed schedules.

Commercialization Process Mapping: Developed detailed process maps identifying systematic opportunities for efficiency optimization and workflow enhancement.

Project Management Coaching & Development Programs: Provided hands-on coaching and structured training to project managers, enhancing their ability to apply best practices and effectively utilize new systematic tools.

NPD Knowledge Management Libraries: Initiated comprehensive formula and packaging databases to capture and systematically leverage past sourcing initiatives for future NPD strategic planning.

Key Achievements/Impact

• Successfully architected standardized project management processes across the Product Innovation Team while seamlessly integrating acquisition requirements, establishing consistent and effective project delivery frameworks for the expanded brand portfolio
• Achieved enhanced efficiency in resource allocation and optimized project prioritization based on strategic impact and available capacity across both existing and newly acquired brand operations
• Strengthened cross-enterprise collaboration systems during brand acquisition integration, fostering improved productivity and communication workflows
• Enabled executive leadership to monitor portfolio performance more strategically and make informed business decisions regarding overall work allocation across the enlarged brand collection  

Expertise Highlights

Program Management: Strategic Planning, Process Architecture, Cross-functional Leadership, Project Portfolio Management

Industries: Consumer Products, Beauty & Personal Care

Methodologies: Project Lifecycle Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Development, Coaching, Systems Design

Client Challenge/Context

World Vision’s Partnerships & Innovation team needed to architect comprehensive strategies for marketing, sales, partnership management, and events for FY23, while establishing detailed operational frameworks for all initiatives. A key challenge was the absence of systematic annual planning infrastructure, with previous planning efforts often overlooking critical operational elements or “behind the scenes” work requirements. The team also needed to launch its groundbreaking Ignite program, an immersive K-12 educational experience, requiring meticulous timeline orchestration and seamless collaboration across multiple organizational divisions. This encompassed developing extensive curriculum frameworks, managing complex content creation workflows, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders including teachers, students, and external vendors.

Contribution/Role

As Consultant Business & Project Manager, I provided critical expertise in strategic planning architecture and systematic program launch coordination for World Vision:

• Facilitated a comprehensive week-long offsite strategic planning session for FY23, guiding the team through architecting their entire annual operational framework
• Spearheaded the development of detailed project plan documentation, encompassing scope definition, requirements analysis, scheduling frameworks, budget architecture, quality management systems, resource allocation strategies, communication protocols, procurement processes, and stakeholder engagement planning
• Led the successful initiation and launch of the World Vision Ignite program, orchestrating end-to-end project activities while meticulously overseeing systematic timeline execution
• Fostered seamless collaboration infrastructure across partnership, marketing, and sales divisions
• Developed systematic templates for school support activities, events, and communications, including curriculum development workflows and resource planning frameworks for large-scale content creation
• Designed comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, including structured survey systems to gather pre-planning insights from across the organization

Solutions Implemented/Designed

I developed and integrated a structured approach to strategic planning and systematic project execution:

Comprehensive FY23 Strategic Planning Architecture: Created detailed project frameworks delineating the team’s entire annual operations, from top-of-funnel activities through sales and partner management systems, including budget architecture, creative brief processes, and individual work package documentation.

Asana Planning & Template Infrastructure: Leveraged Asana to systematically capture, calendarize, and document project scope, strategic plans, and work packages. Recommended comprehensive revamping of Asana templates for campaigns and events to simplify workflows, eliminate inter-dependencies, and streamline work coordination and communication for future initiatives.

Curriculum Development Process Architecture: Designed systematic curriculum development workflows, outlining structured stages from lesson outlines and learning objectives through multiple draft cycles, feedback integration processes, and finalization protocols, coordinating internal teams and external vendor relationships. This included identifying strategic resource requirements for copywriters and designers.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Framework: Implemented a systematic two-round survey approach prior to planning sessions to solicit comprehensive input on marketing, sales, partnership management, and events, encouraging deeper strategic thinking and creative innovation.

Event Planning Template Systems: Created simplified, standardized templates for various event categories (Large Events, Small Events, Chosen Events) to ensure consistent school support and streamlined execution workflows.

Communication Management Architecture: Focused on strengthening cross-functional communication systems and establishing shared promotional scheduling frameworks.

Key Achievements/Impact

• Successfully architected the initiation and launch infrastructure for World Vision’s groundbreaking Ignite program, an immersive K-12 educational experience
• Developed comprehensive, detailed FY23 strategic project plans and budget frameworks, systematically addressing previous planning gaps and ensuring full operational accountability
• Significantly enhanced project management consistency and efficiency through standardized template systems and clear process documentation architecture
• Fostered seamless collaboration infrastructure across partnership, marketing, and sales divisions, enhancing overall strategic project execution 
• Created systematic planning architecture supporting long-term organizational growth and operational excellence

Expertise Highlights

Program Management: Strategic Planning, Cross-functional Leadership, Process Architecture, Change Management

Industries: Non-profit, Education

Methodologies: Project Lifecycle Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Team Development, Systems Design