Origins Rooted in Vision
Woods Kovalova Group: A Journey of Transformation, Global Impact, and Resilience
Woods Kovalova Group was founded in 1998 with a singular vision: to redefine how organizations approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Our founders, Jim Woods and Lucy Kovalova, saw that companies understood the importance of DEI but often lacked the tools to integrate it systemically. We set out to change that, helping organizations leverage DEI as a strategic asset, not just a compliance requirement.
With a master’s degree in organizational development and human resources, Jim Woods brings a deep understanding of organizational change. Lucy Kovalova’s expertise in cross-cultural communication and organizational behavior adds a global perspective. Together, they have built a firm dedicated to delivering real, measurable, and sustainable change across industries and regions.
A Journey of Personal Mastery and Faith
In 2017, while opening our first international office in Ukraine, Jim Woods was diagnosed with cancer. His recovery was rooted in faith, personal mastery, and meditation—principles that now form the foundation of our approach to leadership transformation. Jim’s journey reinforced our belief that true change starts within and that personal mastery is key to navigating the complex challenges faced by modern leaders.
This experience deepened our commitment to a holistic approach that integrates care, resilience, and personal growth with organizational and systemic transformation. We bring this philosophy to every partnership, helping leaders and teams align with their purpose and create lasting, impactful change.
A Broadened Approach: Beyond DEI
Woods Kovalova Group is more than a DEI consultancy; we are a transformation partner for organizations that want to lead with purpose, inclusion, and global impact. Inspired by McKinsey’s acquisition of Aberkyn and their holistic approach, we have expanded our services to encompass:
Leadership and Personal Mastery: Cultivating leaders who not only understand the needs of their organizations but also practice self-awareness, resilience, and creativity. We help them move from reactive mindsets to creative, purpose-driven leadership.
Organizational Health and Systemic Change: We help organizations build the infrastructure for lasting change, creating inclusive cultures that lead to improved performance, innovation, and resilience. Our approach connects leadership development with organizational well-being.
Sustainability and Global Responsibility: Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we ensure our work contributes to broader societal goals, such as reducing inequality, promoting responsible business practices, and addressing environmental challenges.
Pioneering Holistic DEI and Systemic Solutions
Since our inception, we have pioneered DEI as a core strategy for sustainable success. At a time when diversity was often a compliance checkbox, we introduced an integrated, data-driven approach to DEI that connects leadership, culture, and performance. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion must be embedded in the DNA of every organization, and our methodology ensures systemic, long-lasting impact.
Our work now extends beyond DEI to address broader organizational challenges, including sustainability, wellness, and purpose-driven leadership. This positions us as an alternative to Korn Ferry and McKinsey, bringing a more human, holistic approach to leadership and transformation.
Global Reach, Local Expertise
With offices in over 51 countries, we bring global expertise and local insight to every engagement. Whether working in the energy sector in Canada, the financial industry in Asia, or healthcare in the U.S., we tailor our solutions to the specific challenges of each market. Our ability to navigate cultural nuances and regulatory complexities allows us to deliver strategies that resonate on a global scale while creating deep, local impact.
We work across key industries. such as:
Banking & Financial Services
Healthcare
Oil & Energy
Government
Retail
Technology
Mining & Metals
Hospitality
Our global footprint and sector-specific expertise allow us to offer tailored solutions that drive both business success and societal impact.
Innovation in Leadership and Technology
As the digital world evolves, Woods Kovalova Group remains at the forefront of innovation. Our investment in digital tools, AI, and data analytics allows clients to track and optimize their DEI and leadership initiatives in real-time. We combine cutting-edge technology with timeless principles of leadership, ensuring that organizations can adapt to the demands of the digital age while staying true to their purpose.
Our leadership transformation programs are designed to prepare organizations for the future, using technology to drive engagement, efficiency, and performance while maintaining the human-centered approach that sets us apart.
A Legacy of Impact and Innovation
Today, Woods Kovalova Group is a leader in organizational transformation and leadership development, having worked with 35% of the Fortune 500. We stand at the crossroads of innovation, purpose, and inclusion—helping our clients achieve measurable success while making a positive impact on the world.
We are more than consultants—we are partners in transformation. By embracing the complexities of global business, we guide organizations to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Our legacy is built on trust, care, and the enduring partnerships we create with our clients.
The Future of Transformation: Leading with Purpose
As we continue to grow, we are committed to redefining what it means to be a truly inclusive and purpose-driven organization. Our work with leaders, teams, and organizations goes beyond business success to create a lasting, positive impact on society. By aligning with global goals like the SDGs, we ensure that our work contributes to a sustainable, inclusive future.
Woods Kovalova Group is positioned to be the alternative to traditional consulting giants like Korn Ferry and McKinsey, offering a holistic, human-centered approach that is grounded in care, consciousness, and systemic change. Together, we can build a world where every organization thrives—responsibly, inclusively, and with purpose.
Woods Kovalova Group: A legacy of impact, a future of innovation, a partner in transformation.