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Ann Lewandowski, with a depth of experience that defies her youthful appearance

Hi. I'm Ann.

I’m a strategic advisor with 20+ years of experience helping thoughtful leaders navigate complexity and lead real change. I work with higher ed and mission-driven teams to bring clarity, alignment, and momentum to their most important work. My approach is collaborative, practical, and rooted in what makes each organization unique.


Let’s turn big ideas into steady, meaningful progress.

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My Focus

I partner with leaders to turn big-picture goals into real, workable strategies—without losing sight of what makes your organization unique. Together, we:

  • Build strategic plans that reflect your values and move your mission forward.

  • Untangle operational challenges and bring people, processes, and priorities into better alignment.

  • Lead honest, productive conversations that build trust and momentum across teams.

  • Break down silos so leadership can collaborate more effectively—and actually enjoy it.

  • What kinds of organizations do you typically work with?
    While my background is deeply rooted in higher education, I’ve also supported nonprofits, private equity-backed ventures, and entrepreneurial leaders. I’m comfortable navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments where culture and values matter deeply.
  • How do you ensure strategic plans lead to real action?
    I focus on aligning people, processes, and priorities early and often. This includes clear communication, setting achievable milestones, and celebrating incremental wins. I also emphasize practical solutions that respect institutional realities.
  • How do you balance ambition with respect for institutional culture?
    I believe meaningful change respects and works within existing culture rather than trying to bulldoze it. That means listening, understanding history, and collaborating closely to co-create solutions that feel both innovative and feasible.
  • Can you help with facilitation and leadership retreats?
    Absolutely. I facilitate retreats and meetings designed to foster open, candid conversations and build alignment. My goal is to create safe spaces for dialogue that encourage creative problem-solving and collective ownership of outcomes.

My Approach

I understand that large institutions—especially academic ones—often have deeply rooted traditions and cultures. I work with respect for those realities, helping teams engage in open, honest dialogue to find practical paths forward. My approach combines systems thinking with clear, transparent communication to translate big ideas into actionable plans. 

I believe change doesn’t have to be disruptive to be meaningful. By identifying manageable steps and celebrating incremental wins, I help organizations build momentum that lasts.

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Let's Connect

I’d love to hear about your challenges and goals—and explore how we might work together to make meaningful progress. Reach out anytime to start a conversation.

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