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2017 Men of the Year: Don Harkey

People Centric Consulting Group LLC

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Don Harkey never dreamed of becoming chief innovation officer for People Centric Consulting Group LLC or president-elect for Leadership Springfield. However, after changing career paths and starting his own company, Harkey found his passion in influencing others.

The budding entrepreneur got his start as a chemical engineer, but after 10 years, decided to take on the field of management consulting. In 2004, he started Galt Consulting, and later merged it with another company to create People Centric Consulting Group in 2012. The group’s mission is, “to support leaders in building healthy organizations where people can live and work within their core strengths and passions with clarity and purpose.”

The company supports community leaders in multiple ways, but the avenue it’s most proud of is its pro-bono leadership and management training, strategic planning and consulting services for 29 area nonprofits. Examples include the Red Cross, Harmony House and Convoy of Hope.

Harkey has made leadership strides in his personal life as well. After graduating from Leadership Springfield’s Class 29, Harkey became a class representative. In just three years on the board, he revamped the signature class curriculum and founded the Needs Committee, which looks for new ways Leadership Springfield can improve the community.

The committee already has started the Impact Springfield program, which connects graduates from Leadership Springfield with opportunities to help local nonprofits and other organizations.

“These changes have improved the Leadership Springfield experience, doubled the capacity of the program, doubled the revenue for the organization and connected graduates to apply their leadership skills for organizations,” he says.

Subsequently, the group tapped Harkey to serve as president-elect for the next board year.

Drawing on his professional experiences, Harkey is called on to deliver keynote speeches at colleges across the United States.

“I try to deliver a fresh and frank perspective on finding a job and navigating a career,” Harkey says. “My favorite quote for students is ‘any chapter is OK as long as it contributes to the story.’”

Recently, Harkey gave a keynote speech to Willard Public Schools, where he was able to share his gratitude for the district’s dedication to his son, Jeff. Diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Asperger’s syndrome at a young age, Harkey and his wife worked to help Jeff find the resources he needed. They found those resources in Willard.

“It was the only time I can remember being unable to speak in front of a crowd for a few moments,” he says.

Harkey believes everyone has the opportunity to influence others. He is proud of the people who have worked on his team and moved on to become leaders themselves.

“I see opportunities every day to influence the success of others,” Harkey says. “The real secret is that it’s not hard to do because it’s not really about us, it’s about the team.” 

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