How We Support You
Leaders and organizations seek us out during pivotal moments, when faced with systemic challenges, existential change, or to achieve greater clarity and growth.
We tailor our services to address their specific needs.
Our Integrated Approach
While each of our offerings addresses a distinct client need, we bring a holistic perspective to every engagement. Whether guiding a leadership transition, facilitating a strategic plan, or advancing equity through policy advocacy, we:
- Foster leadership wellness and resilience.
- Align actions with values and purpose.
- Illuminate systems dynamics and opportunities for transformation.
Words From Our Clients...
Words From Our Clients...
“Working with Proponents was a transformative experience for Access of West Michigan. Kurt took the time to meet with each of us individually, building genuine relationships and earning our trust through his presence, empathy, and professionalism. Rather than imposing solutions, Kurt aligned himself with our mission and vision, and from that place of shared purpose, helped us set clear, achievable goals.
Kurt helped me grow into a position of leadership, offering guidance that was both practical and inspiring. His ability to hold space for difficult conversations while also moving us forward with clarity and structure was invaluable. The systems Kurt helped us implement continue to serve us today. His work brought clarity, cohesion, and renewed energy to our team. We are shining brighter now because of the foundation he helped us rebuild—and we are deeply grateful for his steady hand and guiding light during a time of uncertainty.
We wholeheartedly recommend Kurt and Proponents to any organization seeking thoughtful, values-aligned support in times of transition or growth.”
Tinley Kindy
Tara Gwamna
“What I cherish about working with Kurt is his holistic approach to all issues. He brings both head and heart to every project, recognizing the unique qualities of the individuals and teams he partners with. Through his thoughtful approach, he helps streamline efficiencies, improve team dynamics, and foster equitable shifts. Whether he’s navigating the complexities of city governance, championing affordable housing, supporting nonprofit leaders in their wellness, or guiding organizations through seasons of change, his experience across nonprofit, faith-based, fund development, and elected city leadership roles brings invaluable wisdom to every challenge he tackles.”
Jim Davis
Sara Binkley Tow
“The most beneficial aspect of working with Proponents has been discovering our “why.” It’s like you put a mirror up to our work and showed us who we are and what we’re doing, flaws and all. Before our work with Proponents, the staff felt a little aimless and ungrounded. But Proponents helped get everyone on the same page about where we’re at and what we do. Matteah provided a safe, comfortable space where we could do some valuable team-building. Staff were able to engage in conflict in a constructive way during this process that they weren’t before. Our work with Proponents exceeded our expectations. Thanks, Matteah, for really hearing us and for your dedication and patience. You made each staff member feel heard and valuable, which resulted in a truly 360-degree analysis of the organization. You captured all of our staff’s views and work very well. It was a true pleasure working with you!”
Tracey Flower
“Our team retreat with Matteah was an incredible experience. We were able to step back from the daily expectations and find a space to connect in a meaningful way. Matteah’s ability to hold space that is open and non-judgemental created paths for people to be honest, build trust, and lead us to improve. Matteah’s facilitated exercises were creative and useful. But the most valuable thing that Matteah did for us was bring her reflective, thoughtful and empathetic self into the space, creating an environment that allowed staff to feel comfortable while experiencing each other in a new way. I know that the diversity of our staff makes it a challenge to facilitate in a manner that all people can truly participate but I think Matteah stepped into that challenge incredibly well. Matteah is a great facilitator.”
Jeremy DeRoo
“I am incredibly thankful that Proponents emphasizes a collective learning experience. I deeply valued Matteah’s ability to ask insightful, direct questions that helped clarify underlying assumptions, identify potential problems/tensions, and encourage staff to keep the overall objectives of our work in mind. These conversations changed how we see and talk about our work. It was incredibly helpful to have Matteah reflect with staff regarding our processes, assumptions, and goals. And we began having more reflective conversations regarding our work.
Matteah’s approach encouraged learning and reflection. In terms of my own professional development, Matteah’s questions and recommendations have been formative in helping me think through my own processes and assumptions. I am deeply thankful for our work together.”
Jen VanderHeide
Kerry McHugh
What you Gain and Benefit
Individuals and organizations that work with Proponents gain several key benefits, enhancing their capacity for transformative change and strategic impact:
Deep Insight & Awareness
Through reflective exercises, facilitated processes, and strategic coaching, clients gain a profound and actionable understanding of themselves, their context, systems, and the underlying patterns that drive them.
Clarity & Purpose
Our strategic thought partnership, analysis, and expertise helps clients achieve a clearer vision of where they are and where they want to go. Our clients become clear on their vision, mission, purpose, and strategic objectives.
Alignment & Courage
We help clients align their actions, practices, and structures with their core values and long-term goals, enabling bold steps toward change and a new reality. Through facilitation and assessment, we help our clients navigate their current situations and identify strategic next steps.
Compassionate Connection & Holistic Support
We care for the well-being of our clients, tending to our humanity. Many of our engagements are long-term, fostering deep familiarity and transformative support, and we create environments where individuals and organizations connect more deeply with themselves and each other.
Empowered Leadership
We help clients build their capacity to influence and lead change. With coaching focused on systems change and strategic influence, our clients gain access to cutting-edge tools and frameworks to support transformative leadership and organizational shifts so they may lead with postures of possibility, curiosity, and courage.
Enhanced Organizational Cultures
Our clients benefit from our expertise in creating cultures of continuous learning and evaluation, which are essential for adaptation and growth in complex environments. We help our clients implement values-driven evaluation strategies that promote ongoing learning and adaptation.
Increased Impact and Efficiency
By partnering with Proponents, clients can navigate complexity more effectively, achieve their strategic goals, and create meaningful, sustainable change.
Systems Engagement
With expertise in systems convening, policy research, and advocacy strategies, we help our clients strengthen their coalitions and collaborative efforts for systems transformation. We leverage our knowledge of local municipal systems, advocacy frameworks, and resource allocation to help our clients advance their policy agenda.
Take the Next Step
Reach out and discuss your personal or organizational needs with our team.