Why this isn't in your kitchen? An Open Letter to the Value Stream Consulting Team

To my fantastic team at Value Stream Consulting:

We're on a journey to break new ground, expand our expertise, and reimagine how we serve our clients. For 20 years, we’ve been known for our Salesforce solutions for foundations, but now we’re moving beyond that comfort zone, diving into new GMS platforms and challenging ourselves to bring even more value to the grantmakers who rely on us. I wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on this exciting transition and the incredible opportunities ahead.

Read on for my open letter to the team

We’re making moves, and I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re headed. As you all know, we’ve already started expanding beyond our Salesforce roots, diving into new GMS platforms and tools to bring more value to our clients. I know it’s a significant change, and yes, it’s pushing us out of our comfort zones—but that’s where the magic happens!

Look at the above image of a unique appliance: an “all-in-one” kitchen device. Now, ask yourself—why isn’t this in my kitchen? The answer likely comes down to one key factor: while this device combines multiple functionalities in a single unit, it may not excel in any one area as well as individual, best-of-breed tools could. In the same way, we want to make sure we’re picking the right tool for each client’s unique needs, even if that means stepping beyond the familiar Salesforce ecosystem. We’re going for a best-of-breed approach, where we use the best tools for each client. That flexibility is going to set us apart.

Why This is a Game-Changer:

1. We’re Adapting to Give Clients the Best: Our clients are evolving, and so should we. By broadening our toolbox, we’re setting ourselves up to solve problems in new and better ways. This is our chance to get creative and deliver solutions that go beyond “what we’ve always done.”

2. It’s All About Innovation: We’re stepping into uncharted territory, which means we’ll be learning, experimenting, and discovering new ways to do things. That’s where real growth happens! This shift is going to keep us sharp and maybe even spark some ideas we haven’t thought of yet.

3. Building Our Skills, Together: Let’s be real—learning something new can feel a bit overwhelming. But we’re in this together! This is our chance to build a new skill set, share what we’re learning, and help each other out along the way. We’re going to grow as a team and come out stronger than ever.

4. Standing Out as True Problem Solvers: When clients know we’re not tied down to just one platform, they’ll see us as flexible, forward-thinking advisors. We’re not just here to push one solution—we’re here to find the best solution for them, whatever that looks like.

I know this is a big shift, and it won’t always be easy. But every single one of you has the talent, creativity, and grit to make it work. Let’s approach this with an open mind, ready to try new things, think differently, and grow.

So let’s dive in together—let’s get comfortable with being uncomfortable, keep an open mind, and see what we can build.  Thanks for being an awesome team and for embracing this new direction. Here’s to stepping outside the box and creating something amazing.

To learn more about our awesome team, visit: The team at Value Stream Consulting