Pre-Conference Workshop – Designing Your Own Org Design Business

Date: Monday, April 27, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Facilitators:

• Kate Dixon, ODF advisory board member and Principal/Founder of Dixon Consulting
• Julian Chender, ODF Advisory Board Liaison and Founder of 11A Collaborative

 

Why This Workshop, Why Now?

The landscape for independent and boutique org design consultants is shifting dramatically. While larger firms are merging, sophisticated clients are increasingly seeking specialized expertise from boutique practices and independents. This creates an unprecedented opportunity—but only for those who know how to:

• Win ideal clients who energize rather than drain
• Structure projects for guaranteed success
• Command premium fees that reflect their true value
• Build strategic partnerships that amplify their impact

 

What Makes This Workshop Different?

This isn't theoretical classroom learning - it’s a hands-on experiential workshop guided by wisdom from two consultants who've built thriving independent practices. Kate and Julian will share their proven frameworks for:

Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition

• Discover your perfect market niche
• Define your ideal client profile
• Transform your expertise into compelling benefits clients will pay premium fees to access

Mastering Project Scoping

• Develop a foolproof system for assessing client readiness
• Design projects that sell themselves
• Learn to identify and navigate the three critical client types: contact, buyer, and killer
• Create project timelines that match client capabilities

Pricing for Maximum Value

• Determine your optimal price point
• Select the right pricing model for different client types
• Craft high-value service packages
• Create proposals that justify premium fees

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify and secure the right partners to expand your capabilities
• Design win-win collaboration models
• Build go-to-market strategies that leverage partnerships

 

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is specifically designed for:

• Independent organization design and similar consultants looking to grow their practice
• Boutique firm owners looking to scale
• Experienced consultants or internals who are launching their independent practice

Your Investment - Secure your spot in this exclusive pre-conference workshop to gain years of hard-won insights condensed into one transformative day. You'll walk away with:

• Ready-to-use templates for project scoping and pricing
• A framework for evaluating and pursuing ideal clients
• Strategies for building profitable partnerships
• A clear action plan for growing your practice

*Building on the success of the 2025 half-day Preconference Workshop, we have invited Kate and Julian back and extended this to a full day of deep, practical insights you can use right now to grow your practice.*

Space is limited to ensure personal attention for each participant. Reserve your spot today.

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Kate Dixon is the Principal and Founder of Dixon Consulting, a Certified B Corporation total rewards and leadership development consultancy specializing in compensation solutions, salary negotiation coaching, service pricing advice, as well as workshops and teambuilding for organizations of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 100 companies.

Kate has spent the past 25 years working for and consulting with leaders in for-profit companies including Nike, Intel, American Express, Silver Oak Cellars, MWD Agency, and Mercari, as well as nonprofits like The Learning Policy Institute, Northwest Housing Alternatives, One Community Health, DePaul Industries, and BOMA Project.

She’s the author of Name Your Price: Set Your Terms, Raise Your Rates, and Charge What You’re Worth as a Consultant, Coach, or Freelancer, and Pay UP! Unlocking Insider Secrets of Salary Negotiation. Kate has been a certified compensation professional for over 20 years, is an IFC Professional Certified Coach, and earned her MS in Human Resources Management and BA in Journalism from Purdue University.

When she’s not working, Kate loves to spend time with her family, walk in the Oregon forests with her little dog, or further her quest for the perfect pizza.

 

Julian is the founder of 11A Collaborative, a boutique consulting firm that partners with social impact organizations to reimagine how they operate so they can do more of what matters. Julian became a consultant and coach in order to help create healthy society through healthy organizations. His extensive experience spans purpose-driven organizations across sectors, including arts and culture, social services, social justice advocacy, international development, media and branding, volunteerism, corporate philanthropy, and government and politics.

A distinguished alum of Accenture’s Operating Model & Organization Design practice, Julian was the one of the first external hires into the Kates Kesler acquisition. Prior to that, he worked under Tony Fauci to support the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease's rapid response to Ebola and Zika through enterprise strategy and leadership development.

Julian is a Certified Organization Design Practitioner and an ICF-Certified Coach. He holds a master’s degree in Organization Development from American University and a B.A. in History from Swarthmore College. Earlier in his career, he was recognized with the Organization Development Network's Emerging Practitioner Award. He currently serves on Organization Design Forum's Board of Advisors and has previously served on the Board of Trustees of the Organization Development Network.