We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Barbara Spitzer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Barbara below.
Barbara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?
With 35 years as a consultant and 23 of those at the partner level, I have built my success on the foundation of deep, lasting client relationships. While I may not be the most extroverted person and prefer a small circle of deep friendships, my professional network is expansive and resilient. My sole mission has always been to ensure my clients’ success, whether that means delivering exceptional work to create wins or providing candid feedback to prevent potential failures.
Throughout my career, I have cultivated enduring relationships with at least five former clients who have become life-long friends. One such client is 15 years younger than me, and I maintain a strong connection despite the years and distances between us. We meet for dinner or drinks whenever our paths cross in different cities. This client frequently expresses how my advice and guidance have profoundly impacted his life, from optimizing wealth creation to navigating challenging cultures and environments.
Recently, he wrote to me: “You continue to inspire and are a big part of why I’m here doing what I do. You’re the best, Barbara. Continue to soar; I’m following!” This heartfelt message underscores the essence of building meaningful client relationships—caring for them on a human level. At its core, this approach fosters mutual respect and deep connections, as demonstrated by my lasting bonds with those I’ve had the privilege to work with.
Customers are fellow human beings – they are not our “bill payers — treat them as such and you will build lifelong connections.
Barbara, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a seasoned executive with 35 years of experience in creating value through tech-led transformation, commercial/product strategy, and market expansion. My entry into this industry was built on a solid foundation in strategy, operations, technology, and human capital. As the CEO of Two Rivers Partners, LLC, I have driven significant growth and efficiency in various companies.
Originally studying psychology with the intent of becoming a clinical psychologist, my career path took a pivotal turn after my first job at a technology startup. This experience led me to pursue a master’s degree in organizational psychology, a decision that profoundly shaped my 35-year career by focusing on the human side of business. My personal vision is to transform companies into environments where individuals can learn, grow, and find fulfillment.
A year ago, I transitioned from Accenture to start a portfolio career. Today, I lead Two Rivers Partners and serve as the US Chair for a global nonprofit dedicated to youth leadership across Africa and Asia, empowering young people to address significant challenges like climate change, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. I also chair the Workplace Mental Health Board Committee at the National Organization on Mental Illness NYC, serve on a private company board, and am the interim Chief Commercial Officer at a growing data analytics company that uses culture to drive performance and lasting business success. Additionally, I am an adjunct instructor at NYU and a guest lecturer at Columbia University. This diverse portfolio is fulfilling and exciting, representing a vibrant stage in my life and career.
At Two Rivers Partners, I provide strategic advisory and leadership in sectors that require deep integration of business strategy with human capital management to optimize operational efficiencies and market reach. My approach includes reimagining workforces, galvanizing organizations around corporate goals, and navigating complex regulatory environments. Most of my clients are non-profits or small, growing companies; I am passionate about bringing my Accenture-level capabilities to organizations impacting the world but cannot afford the talent large consultancies bring. My work now pivots around purpose and impact, after so many decades helping global companies make more money (nothing wrong with this as I am a capitalist at heart).
My unique ability to lead companies through transformative changes, building profitable, scalable business models for startups to multi-billion-dollar enterprises, sets me apart. I take pride in consistently exceeding revenue targets and managing complex contracts worth over $150 million. I am particularly proud of my leadership in assembling and directing teams of over 250 professionals to achieve strategic objectives and managing large P&Ls. My roles on various boards—both nonprofit and private—further enrich my strategic insights. Additionally, my teaching roles allow me to impart my knowledge to the next generation of leaders.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am an avid underwater photographer. My passion for capturing the vibrant underwater landscapes of places like Cuba, the Galapagos, Thailand, and beyond fulfills my creative side and connects me with stunning marine environments worldwide.
I invite potential clients and partners to discover my expertise in change and transformation leadership to foster a balanced and forward-thinking business environment. For more information on how I can assist your organization, please visit my website at Two Rivers Partners.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Growing up as an army brat, with my father retiring from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service including Vietnam, I learned the importance of resilience early on. By the time I was 11, I had moved 15 times, continually adapting to being the new kid in different environments. This upbringing crafted my ability to persevere in adversity and navigate new or uncomfortable situations gracefully and easily. I’ve learned to tackle significant challenges, drawing on the deep well of resilience developed from my childhood experiences.
While resilience has empowered me, it also comes with its flip side—occasionally, smaller issues can stir more anxiety, a reminder that this is a lifelong journey of balance. A couple of years ago, I took a leave of absence, triggered by my mother’s passing, which affected me more profoundly than I anticipated. This emotional strain coincided with the closure of a demanding year-long business deal, during which I also cared for my ailing mother. Amidst these challenges, I was diagnosed with anxiety and sought professional help. As a consultant with over 30 years of experience, accepting and addressing this diagnosis was a significant personal journey.
I have chosen to be open about living with anxiety not just for personal healing but to aid others. By sharing my experiences publicly through writing and presentations, I aim to destigmatize mental health issues within the workplace. I believe that creating an environment where employees feel safe to disclose their mental health challenges is crucial. It fosters a supportive atmosphere and mitigates the hidden costs associated with non-disclosure. Studies have shown that concealing health issues can exacerbate stress, reduce productivity, and impair overall well-being and engagement. I hope that my openness will encourage others to seek the help and support they need and deserve.
To maintain my resilience, I prioritize a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising regularly, ensuring adequate sleep, and embracing fun and laughter. I also take substantial time off to explore new places, enhancing my global perspective. This love for travel feeds my curiosity and courage, making each new destination not just a trip but a continuation of my ever-evolving story of resilience.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I’ve placed immense value on building and nurturing client relationships throughout my career. The skills of respect, listening, and fostering human connections were central to my success. However, one significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn is how I interacted with my peers. Initially, I didn’t extend the same client-centric approach to my colleagues; I viewed interactions more transactionally, often perceiving conflict as a natural part of workplace dynamics.
Over time, I realized the importance of treating peers with the same level of consideration and care that I reserved for my clients. This shift in mindset involved unlearning the belief that conflict was an unavoidable and sometimes necessary aspect of work. Instead, I adopted a philosophy centered around service, respect, and genuine connection with clients and those I work alongside daily.
This transformation in approach required a deep personal reflection and a conscious effort to change ingrained behaviors. Embracing this new philosophy has enriched my professional relationships and made work more joyful and fun. It has led to a more harmonious work environment and allowed for more effective collaboration, ultimately enhancing productivity and satisfaction for both myself and my peers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tworiverspartners.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biespitz/
- Facebook: NA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraspitzer/
- Twitter: NA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoRiversPartners
- Yelp: NA
- Soundcloud: NA
