Principals
Mike Whitehead, Founder and Principal
Mike Whitehead is the founder of Whitehead Associates Inc. His company specializes in leadership development and developing constructive organizational cultures. Mike has designed and delivered consulting engagements to many organizations, including Fortune 500 companies. His client list includes Wachovia, Time Warner Cable, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region and Harris Teeter.
Mike served as a facilitator for the Forum for Corporate Conscience, a gathering convened by Hugh McColl of 150 CEOs from across the Southeast, and is a consultant to Leadership Charlotte and Mecklenburg County BAR’s Leadership Institute. Mike enjoys his service as an active community leader and has served as board member of several organizations including the Dowd YMCA (Community Outreach Campaign Chair), Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, and the Alexander Youth Network, among others.
He has also provided pro-bono services and/or assistance to Charlotte Advocates for Education, Seigle Avenue Partners, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Correctional Facility, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Partners for Highest Quality Schools, Hope Haven, Community Health Services, Junior Achievement and several local churches. He is a former member of the Uptown Rotary club and has served on the Junior Achievement Committee.
Mike speaks frequently to groups which have included The North Carolina Association of CPA’s, Mecklenburg County Bar, Alexander Youth Network, The South Carolina Real Estate Association, and The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Mike overcame difficult challenges to enjoy the success he has today, and feels privileged that his experience can encourage others. He was a torch bearer for the 1996 Olympics as it passed through Charlotte, has been sky-diving, is a successful real estate investor, and is known to constantly find new ways to create possibility for his firm and conference center, his employees, his family and the community.
A vital and balanced quality of life plays a major role in Mike Whitehead's personal life as well as his practice. He has been married for 20 years to Beth Murray Whitehead and has two teenage children of whom he is 'most proud.' It is not unusual for Mike to begin his day with a five or six-mile morning jog, a 6 a.m. full-court basketball game, or morning yoga.
His days are filled with interesting people, positive impact, and purpose.
And during the night, he sleeps very soundly.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Gandhi
___________________________________________
Contact Mike: mike@whiteheadassociates.com
Tom Lane, Chief Operating Officer/Consultant
Partner Tom Lane brings considerable corporate and financial
experience as well as strategic guidance and personal passion to Whitehead
Associates.
Tom graduated from the University of Boulder with a double major in psychology and communications, followed by an MBA with a concentration in marketing and finance from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
Tom began his career on Wall Street with Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley, later to become a product manager, strategic planner and new product developer at Bank of America. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing at Bank of America Securities, Inc. and was responsible for developing and executing the marketing strategy for the full service and discount brokerage operations.
Tom joined UVEST Financial Services where he served as Senior Vice President and member of the executive management team. Tom's primary responsibility was sales and relationship management with the firm's 500 sales representatives. UVEST grew from $26 million in revenues to more than $100 million during Tom's tenure.
His career took an intentional turn in 2005 when he joined Whitehead
Associates, Inc. as Chief Operating Officer and consultant. This role allows Tom
to pursue his passion for leadership and corporate culture development, as well
as use his experience and skills to 'give back' to the Charlotte community as a
whole.
-
Tom is a student mentor with Alexander Youth Network, a board member and volunteer for Classroom Central and WFAE Public Radio, and provides pro-bono advisement for Girls On The Run and Dress for Success. He also speaks to numerous organizations about living a life of purpose.
Tom believes in living fully and savoring the moment, and to him this includes enjoying healthy and interesting cuisine with friends, exercising, yoga and good music. He is also passionate about volunteering with kids and anything involving the New York Yankees, the Giants or Duke basketball.
An adventurous spirit, he recently completed a solo exploration of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
"Until one is committed, there is hesistancy, the chance to draw back...The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too." -- W. H. Murray
___________________________________________
Contact Tom: tom@whiteheadassociates.com