Nielsen Advisors

Our time spent with Dr. Stephenson was well worth it.

Starting out as a Quantum Chemist and then changing to become a social anthropologist gives Dr. Stephenson a unique view on things. More importantly, she brings to the discussion of culture a scientific approach and viewpoints.

Listening to her recount some of her adventures along the way of her research is like reading an adventure novel -- full of intrigue, surprise, challenge, and exciting endings. I really enjoyed hearing about how her research into social networks and social capital tie into the needs and challenges of human capital.

A good example is a discussion we had regarding Succession Planning. Through her research, Dr. Stephenson can identify individuals in an organization who most effectively use the currency of trust to deliver results. Vetting this list of people, comparing it to the developed list of potential successors, and focusing additional development is like hanging a picture.

Last weekend I hung some family pictures. You must understand that I don't like hanging pictures.