Deborah Davis is an accomplished entrepreneur who has truly mastered the art of collaboration. Her work as a professional coach, strategic advisor, transition guide, and mediator showcases her remarkable ability to foster productive interpersonal communication among teams. This skill has not only led to increased positivity and productivity but also stems from her own career experiences.
Beginning her journey as a subject matter expert (SME) and financial analyst in the oil and gas industry, Davis supported the implementation of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure solutions. Over time, she recognized that while technology addressed certain issues, there was still a pressing need for improved interpersonal communication. This insight drove her to focus on developing processes that promote holistic growth through stronger connections between team members and leadership, igniting a new passion within her.
In 2016, after obtaining an Executive and Professional Coaching Certification alongside a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Dallas, Davis took the bold step of launching her own business consulting firm. Shortly thereafter, she partnered with Jessica Rimmer, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Solomon Strategic Advisors, to further expand her influence in the field.
“Dr. Rimmer was looking to build a team of experts who share a vision for helping organizations solve complex internal issues,” says Davis. “By working together, we’re able to have a much larger impact than we could on our own.
“At Solomon Strategic Advisors, we partner with our clients by cultivating relationships, co-creating, and aligning with the client’s vision and strategically implementing a transformative experience. Our job is to align with and support organizations as they navigate their internal challenges, from creating self-awareness and overcoming communication breakdowns to illuminating leadership blind spots.”
Solomon Strategic Advisors, located in Oklahoma City, partners with a diverse range of organizations, from global manufacturers to small nonprofits. Their goal is to tackle the underlying issues that hinder efficiency, lower performance, and diminish workplace morale. By using a collaborative and tailored approach, the team examines these challenges from different viewpoints, allowing them to create personalized plans that meet the specific needs of their clients.
“We walk alongside them to identify new ways of thinking and ultimately behaving,” Davis says. “Our team has extensive experience in different business sectors. We’re here to serve as guides and coaches, helping clients find practical solutions.”
Davis is a partner at Solomon Strategic Advisors and also a member of The Transition Strategists, an international consultancy that specializes in transition and business succession planning strategies.
Discover, Define, Deploy
“At Solomon, we follow a high-level process called Discover, Define, Deploy,” says Davis. “It allows us to identify current challenges, work closely with our stakeholders to create a plan of attack and implement the appropriate solution in a monitored, incremental way. I often explain it as being like a chemistry experiment; you consider the situation, evaluate options, and create a plan. We are intentional about the right solution for each client and monitor responses as we go.”
“Many clients see results immediately through increased awareness; however, I stay with them and help them take that awareness to creating long-term behavior change. An average client relationship is 18 to 36 months,” Davis continues. “At the same time, I have some clients who have been with me since 2017.”
By utilizing a business model where she partners with like-minded teams, such as Solomon and The Transition Strategists, Davis has found a way to expand her reach and harness the collaborative synergy she preaches to—and helps produce for—her clients.
“We help leaders uncover the gaps and blind spots in their thinking, identify roadblocks they may not be aware of, build bridges in relationships, and improve their ability to lead,” Davis says. “That takes time. It takes openness to new ideas and willingness to use new tools and engage with others, respecting their experience and voice.”
She concludes, “We’re engaged with them at every step. It’s a win-win relationship.”