We recently connected with Dr. Ariel Morel and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Ariel, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The inspiration for starting my business is deeply rooted in my experiences as a first-generation American, growing up in an immigrant household where entrepreneurship was a way of life. My parents, who left the Dominican Republic in search of a better future, became owners of a small neighborhood grocery store. This store was more than just a business; it was the heart of our community and our family’s livelihood. My siblings and I grew up working there, balancing school with responsibilities like stocking shelves, managing inventory, providing customer service, and even operating heavy machinery to prepare food for customers. We were fully immersed in the day-to-day operations, learning the value of hard work and the challenges that come with running a small business.
As I grew older, I began to notice the struggles my parents faced. Despite their tireless efforts, they often found it difficult to keep the business running smoothly and to achieve the growth they dreamed of. They didn’t have access to the kind of expert advice or support that could have helped them overcome these obstacles. It made me wonder how much more successful they could have been with the right guidance.
After I graduated from college and entered the workforce, I started to see a pattern in many organizations and businesses hiring outside consultants to provide expert advice and support. These consultants would come in, offer their expertise, and then leave after a short period. It struck me that this was exactly the kind of help my parents could have benefited from. This realization planted the seed of an idea in my mind—what if I could provide that kind of support to businesses like my parents’, helping them to thrive in ways they never thought possible?
As I advanced in my career, I encountered my own challenges. Despite my aspirations to move into leadership roles, I often faced barriers because I “lacked leadership experience.” I found myself frustrated by the lack of opportunities to gain the necessary skills and mentoring to develop my leadership capabilities. This frustration fueled my determination to create something of my own, something that would not only allow me to grow professionally but also make a meaningful impact on others.
Three key experiences were pivotal in my decision to start my own business:
1. Witnessing my parents’ struggles – Seeing firsthand how difficult it was for them to grow their business without outside support.
2. Observing the power of consultants – Recognizing the value that outside expertise can bring to organizations.
3. Facing my own career roadblocks – Experiencing the challenges of breaking into leadership roles and realizing the need for opportunities to develop and showcase my abilities.
In 2012, I decided to take the plunge and start my own consulting practice. Initially, it was a side hustle, with a focus on providing pro-bono services to BIPOC and women-owned businesses. My goal was to offer them the kind of support my parents never had, while also gaining the experience and skills I needed to advance in my career. This endeavor was deeply personal and filled me with excitement. It wasn’t just about building a business; it was about leveling the playing field for those who, like my parents, faced significant challenges in their entrepreneurial journey.
Over the years, my practice has grown beyond what I initially imagined. What started as a one-person operation has expanded to a team of 15 consultants with a global reach. Together, we’ve supported businesses in achieving over $25 million in cost savings and revenue generation. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have built a business that not only succeeds but also makes a real difference in the lives of others.
Dr. Ariel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Ariel Morel, and I am the founder and CEO & President of O3 Consulting Group, LLC. I’ve had a long and diverse career in public service and organizational management, with over 20 years of experience working with State and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and various businesses. My journey into this industry is deeply personal, rooted in my background as a first-generation American, and shaped by my experiences growing up in an immigrant household.
My parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic, and they became entrepreneurs, owning a neighborhood grocery store. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges they faced in running their business without access to the kind of expert advice or support that could have helped them thrive. This experience left a lasting impression on me and was one of the key inspirations behind my decision to enter the consulting industry.
I started O3 Consulting Group in 2012, initially as a side hustle. My goal was to provide pro-bono consulting services to BIPOC and women-owned businesses, helping them overcome the challenges that so many small business owners face. I wanted to ensure that these businesses had access to the kind of support my parents never had, while also using this opportunity to demonstrate and develop my leadership capabilities. What began as a small operation has since grown into a global consulting practice with a team of 15 consultants, supporting businesses in achieving over $25 million in cost savings and revenue generation.
At O3 Consulting Group, we specialize in maximizing operations, optimization, and organizational management. We offer a wide range of services, including business management, process improvement, quality assurance, and strategic planning. Our focus is on helping businesses optimize their performance, drive sustainable growth, and foster a culture of accountability and commitment. We work with clients across various industries, providing tailored solutions that address their unique challenges and opportunities.
What sets us apart from others is our deep commitment to empowering our clients. We don’t just offer advice; we partner with our clients to implement practical, effective solutions that deliver real results. Our approach is rooted in respect, empowerment, and a genuine commitment to the success of the businesses we work with. We understand the challenges that small and medium-sized businesses face, and we’re dedicated to helping them overcome these obstacles and achieve their full potential.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our clients. Over the years, we’ve helped businesses save millions of dollars, improve their operations, and achieve significant growth. But beyond the numbers, what truly matters to me is the relationships we’ve built and the trust our clients place in us. I’m proud to lead a team of talented consultants who share my passion for making a difference and who are committed to delivering the highest quality service to our clients.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that O3 Consulting Group is more than just a consulting firm. We’re a partner in your success, committed to helping you achieve your goals and reach new heights. Whether you’re looking to optimize your operations, improve your business processes, or drive growth, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our approach is tailored to your unique needs, and we’re dedicated to providing solutions that work for you.
In summary, O3 Consulting Group is built on a foundation of experience, expertise, and a deep commitment to our clients’ success. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of running a business and to empower you to achieve your vision. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and to be a part of your journey to success.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is a delicate balance that requires a thoughtful approach, grounded in respect, empathy, and a clear understanding of what motivates your team members. Over my years in leadership roles, I’ve found that successful team management hinges on several key principles:
1. Lead with Empathy and Respect
Understand Your Team: Take the time to get to know each team member on both a professional and personal level. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and challenges. This helps you tailor your management style to meet their needs and ensures they feel valued as individuals.
Practice Active Listening: When team members feel heard, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. Actively listen to their concerns, ideas, and feedback, and make it a point to act on them when possible.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Goals
Define Roles Clearly: Ensure that every team member knows their role and responsibilities. Clarity in expectations reduces confusion and helps everyone understand how their work contributes to the overall success of the team.
Set Achievable Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals that align with the team’s capabilities and the organization’s objectives. Break down larger goals into manageable tasks, and celebrate milestones along the way. This provides a sense of progress and keeps morale high.
3. Foster a Positive and Inclusive Work Environment
Encourage Collaboration: Create opportunities for team members to collaborate and share ideas. Collaboration not only fosters creativity but also builds a sense of camaraderie and trust within the team.
Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that all team members feel included and valued, regardless of their background or role. An inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized and appreciated goes a long way in maintaining high morale.
4. Provide Regular Feedback and Recognition
Give Constructive Feedback: Regular, constructive feedback is essential for growth. Be honest and direct in your feedback, but also provide support and guidance on how they can improve. Make feedback a two-way conversation, allowing team members to share their thoughts and feelings.
Recognize and Reward Achievements: Celebrate successes, both big and small. Publicly recognize the hard work and contributions of your team members. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces the behaviors and outcomes you want to see more of.
5. Empower Your Team
Delegate Responsibility: Trust your team members to take ownership of their work. Delegating responsibility shows that you have confidence in their abilities, which can significantly boost their confidence and morale.
Encourage Professional Development: Invest in the growth of your team by providing opportunities for learning and development. Whether it’s through training programs, mentorship, or challenging projects, helping your team develop new skills shows that you care about their career progression.
6. Maintain Open and Transparent Communication
Communicate Openly: Keep your team informed about what’s happening within the organization, especially when it comes to decisions that affect them. Transparency builds trust and prevents the spread of misinformation or rumors that can harm morale.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a culture where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions, asking questions, and bringing up concerns without fear of retribution. Open dialogue fosters trust and helps address issues before they escalate.
7. Adapt to Individual and Team Needs
Be Flexible: Understand that each team member may have different needs and work styles. Be flexible in your approach, whether it’s accommodating work-life balance through flexible hours or adapting your management style to suit different personalities.
Support Work-Life Balance: Encourage your team to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Overworking can lead to burnout, which negatively impacts morale and productivity. Show that you respect their time by promoting practices that support balance.
8. Lead by Example
Model the Behavior You Expect: As a leader, your actions set the tone for the entire team. Demonstrate the values, work ethic, and attitude you expect from your team members. When they see you leading with integrity, empathy, and dedication, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude, even during challenging times, can have a contagious effect on the team. Positivity doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties but rather approaching them with a problem-solving mindset.
9. Address Conflicts Quickly and Fairly
Be Proactive in Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any team, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Address conflicts as soon as they arise, and work towards a fair resolution that respects the perspectives of all involved.
Promote a Culture of Respect: Encourage team members to resolve differences respectfully and to seek common ground. A culture of mutual respect can prevent conflicts from escalating and damaging team morale.
10. Reflect and Adjust
Seek Feedback on Your Leadership: Regularly ask your team for feedback on your management style and be open to making adjustments. Continuous improvement is as important for leaders as it is for the team.
Adapt to Change: Be willing to change course when necessary. Whether it’s a shift in team dynamics, organizational goals, or external factors, being adaptable ensures that you can maintain morale and keep your team on track.
Conclusion
Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires a combination of empathy, clear communication, and a commitment to the growth and well-being of your team members. By leading with respect, setting clear goals, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment, you can create a high-performing team that is motivated, engaged, and ready to achieve great things. Remember that your team’s success is a reflection of your leadership, so invest in them, support them, and lead by example.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that stands out from my journey and illustrates my resilience involves a significant challenge I faced early in my career while working in a leadership role at a nonprofit organization.
I had recently been promoted to a senior executive position, overseeing a large team responsible for critical operations. The organization was going through a difficult period, with financial instability, high staff turnover, and a general sense of uncertainty among the team. Morale was low, and the pressure to stabilize the situation was immense.
Soon after stepping into this role, I was tasked with leading a major project that was crucial to the organization’s survival. This project involved restructuring several departments, implementing new operational processes, and significantly cutting costs—all while ensuring that the quality of our services remained high. The stakes were incredibly high, and failure was not an option.
The challenge was daunting. There were numerous obstacles, from resistance to change among staff to external pressures from stakeholders who were skeptical of the new direction. On top of that, I faced personal doubts about whether I could lead the organization through such a turbulent time. The sheer scale of the task at hand was overwhelming, and there were moments when it felt like the weight of the responsibility might be too much to bear.
However, I knew that giving up wasn’t an option. Drawing on the resilience I had developed throughout my life—from growing up in an immigrant household and watching my parents navigate their own challenges, to facing barriers in my professional journey—I decided to approach the situation with determination and a clear strategy.
First, I focused on building trust and open communication within my team. I held regular meetings to keep everyone informed, listened to their concerns, and made sure they felt supported during the transition. I also sought input from key stakeholders, ensuring they were part of the decision-making process and that their voices were heard.
Next, I tackled the operational challenges head-on. I worked closely with my team to develop and implement new processes, streamlining operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs. We identified areas where we could make cuts without compromising the quality of our services, and we found innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.
There were many late nights, difficult conversations, and moments of doubt along the way. But through it all, I remained focused on the end goal—stabilizing the organization and setting it on a path to long-term success. I leaned on my support network, sought advice from mentors, and reminded myself of the importance of perseverance.
In the end, our efforts paid off. The project was a success, the organization stabilized, and we were able to improve both our financial situation and staff morale. The experience not only strengthened my leadership skills but also reinforced the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
This journey taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about taking proactive steps to overcome challenges, maintaining a positive outlook, and believing in your ability to lead through uncertainty. It’s a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career and continues to guide me as I navigate new challenges and opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.o3consultants.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/o3consultinggroup/
- Facebook: http://www.fb.me/O3Consultation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/o%C2%B3-consulting-group
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/O3_group
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wF9hjU9spfrW4IiHOdTQCQ
- Other: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielmorel
Image Credits
National University – My 30 Campaign