Chris’s mission is to facilitate conversations and decision making across Interaction Associates by building strong relationships, alignment of process, and overall execution of our operational plans and company values. As a member of our senior management team, Chris appreciates that IA is a dynamic and exciting place to work, not only because of the range of services and clientele, but because IA is deeply invested in the overall success of each employee.
His background includes more than twelve years in the professional services space in business operations, recruiting, business development, and complex research roles. Prior work includes strategy consulting for Fortune 500 clients.
Chris believes in finding ways to serve his neighbors and our broader world. He is especially drawn to service opportunities that honor the dignity of people and the beauty of our natural world and dedicates time helping Habitat for Humanity and the JC Raulston Arboretum.
His favorite IA practice is “Desired Outcomes.” These brief, written statements are specific, measurable, and answer the question, “What will we walk out with?” He finds that starting meetings by building agreement around desired outcomes makes for a truly collaborative conversation that leads to powerful understanding and practical, clear action.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Ian Lipson
Director, Client Solutions
Interaction Associates
Ian’s role is to uncover the real leadership and organizational development issues his clients face, and create practical, effective solutions to resolve them. He is passionate about Interaction Associates’ mission to develop collaborative, self-aware strategic leaders.
Ian joined IA in 2003. In his current role, he is a co-owner, governing board member, and Director of Client Solutions. His experience includes stints as a consultant, executive coach, senior manager, educator, and sales professional. His client work has taken him all over the world, into a broad array of industries ranging from NGOs, to start-ups, to Fortune 1,000 companies.
Ian found his passion for developing leaders early when he took his first group of executives on an expedition into the desert southwest of the U.S., to build their leadership capabilities as an Outward-Bound Instructor. These days, Ian’s work with clients is typically conducted in boardrooms, but the objective of leadership and team development remain his focus.
Ian holds a Bachelor’s in American History from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Cambridge College. He is a Certified Master Trainer of all IA’s Core Programs.