Presentation Title:

Presentation Title:

Presentation Date:October 27, 2009

1st Discovery Overview

Helping Companies Maximize Value & Realize Stakeholder Harmony

04/19/2023 21st Discovery LLCPROPRIETARY & CONFIDENTIAL

Enabling Informed Decisions through the Alignment of

Processes and Purpose 1st Discovery exists to improve business executives’ ability to make informed decisions—both tactical and strategic. Our process consulting methodology is focused on process and data flow as it occurs through people and systems. Through error elimination and efficiency improvements, reporting and analyses are more timely, accurate, and relevant—leading to more meaningful, actionable decision-support sources for corporate executives. However, the critical element of our practice is discovery.

Discovery of your perspective. Discovery of your challenges. Discovery of your vision.

This knowledge, coupled with our experience and commitment to excellence, spawn solutions that enable your organization to transform into the purposeful concern it should be.

Mission Statement


1st Discovery is a team of corporate veterans drawn together by a common purpose—to offer our breadth and depth of knowledge to assist our clients in meeting the demands of today’s marketplace. The volume of information available to today’s executives can help create a competitive advantage; but, in many cases, creates barriers to success as executives expend an inordinate amount of time discerning what information is needed and which sources are most reliable. This dilemma often results in information-savvy companies outperforming their 'better' competitors through a simple competitive advantage in the use of information. The result: companies with industry-superior products and people often lose the competitive battle simply due to their deficiency in 'use of information.' Our team—drawing from over 20 years average experience, primarily with technology companies—brings value to our clients by:

1. Listening and Discovering; 2. Discerning, together with respectful interactions with our clients, the root

cause of deficiencies; and3. Designing programs that

• meet the client's immediate needs and • institute processes and procedures that transform the information-

deficient company into an information-savvy one.

Company


1st Discovery focuses on removing technical, organizational, and process obstacles as a means to empower its clients to deliver accurate, relevant, and real-time reporting to properly inform financial, operational, and strategic decision-makers.

Our approach emphasizes discovery. Discovery is first and foremost.

Company Overview

Our competitors depend largely on identifying issues that are already known. Their ‘discovery’ processes often consist of ‘compiling’ already recognized challenges, and then presenting it in issue/recommendation form to the client, where it is often bundled with THEIR products and services. When we engage in discovery, we bring our ears and experience...period. Though we understand the marketplace well enough to make recommendations, any product/service, vendor/brand bias we may hold is left at the door. This knowledge is, of course, relevant in due course; certainly during, say, a detailed project planning phase. However, 1st Discovery will simply not allow bias to enter into our discovery work. In our view, failing to do so invalidates any and all discovery findings. Moreover, no phase is more important than discovery as resulting recommendations are the basis from which to build upon. Regretfully, this phase is performed in a deficient manner in most projects as people tend to be results-oriented; therefore leading to premature issue identification (causal elements), project scoping and cost ball-parking, and even project planning. Again, while this activity is necessary in due course, it often begins at the cost of a thorough discovery effort.

So, although 1st Discovery brings a breadth and depth of experience in finance and operations—and understands the technological solutions available to today’s businesses—we first focus on the basics of who, what, how, why, and when. 1st Discovery's Methodology is focused on discovering the unknown or undisclosed. Our interview technique is designed to learn, of course, about your business and processes; but, through respectful dialog with your people, we discover value—value that's, well, right under your nose.

To overcome the lack of visible results that naturally accompanies discovery, we take this opportunity to begin communications of pertinent findings. With absolute clarity with the project sponsor and other key people, 1st Discovery begins the communication process as soon as appropriate (with the appropriate audience). Not only does this provide a great start to another generally deficient area--change management--it also provides near-immediate feedback to those personally involved in the interview process. This by-product is, in our experience, of immense value as all-too-often valued 'people of the enterprise' are left wondering "whatever happened to that (fill in the blank)?"

Which leads to a final point for this Company Overview. 1st Discovery’s approach is predicated on a very fundamental belief—every person is valuable, and possesses unique talents from which to draw upon. Consequently, we believe solutions lie in taking full advantage of these talents. Besides, who knows your business better than your own people?


As 1st Discovery grows, its values are at the forefront of the recruiting process. It is only those individuals having a demonstrable track record of practicing 1st Discovery values in all affairs, that they are considered to join our team. Once we set out to recruit a specific individual, the following criteria are applied in determining her fit as a potential contributor to the success of 1st Discovery and its clients:

1. Corporate Experience – having served corporations (preferably fortune 500 and SMBs) rather than being a career consultant;

2. Change Management Experience – having realized significant change through leadership of successful, meaningful program/project implementations;

3. Cross-Functional Experience – having served across the functional spectrum (operations, sales, finance, product development, HR, etc);

4. Multiple Enterprise Experience – leadership of suppliers, clients, and fellow employees in realizing meaningful change; and

5. Meeting “Trusted Advisor” Criteria – adopted from pp.13-14 of The Trusted Advisor, David H. Maister, 2001.

• Listens to clients without distracting one's self with potential solutions or responses;

• Focuses on client as an individual rather than someone filling a role (Mary vs. CFO);

• Focuses on being of maximum service to client;• Focuses on doing the next right thing, not 'controlling' outcomes;• Views methodologies, skills, and knowledge as means to solutions, not

as solutions themselves;• Recognizes the distinction between professional and private life,

understanding that both are personal.

1st Discovery Member Standards


1st Discovery’s ‘vetting’ process ensures that our team is unique. We are not career consultants. On the contrary, we have demonstrated problem-solving and solution-execution success in numerous environments, developing our skill-sets along the way as a means of meeting real-life challenges for our employers. Moreover, our development within the midst of serving employers has been born out of ‘doing what it takes’ to move our respective visions to operational realization. We have been there before, during, and after all of the challenging elements that are inherent in bringing change to ‘the way we’ve always done it.’ We have dedicated ourselves to improving corporate performance, incurring personal sacrifice well beyond the scope of our ‘job description.’ Unlike our competitors, we’ve done this ‘at risk,’ accepting additional incremental workloads in the absence of guaranteed incremental financial gains. So, as a corporate manager facing challenges, do you seek a team that’s been through the same challenges you face and have lived with the solutions? Do you seek guidance in finding solutions that fit your needs and enable you and your team to tackle these challenges? Are you and your team willing to exert the necessary effort in the short- and near-term to, in turn, enable independence in facing future challenges? Or, are you willing to risk long-term competency needs by choosing the apparently safer choice of career consultants? Yes, they will certainly perform professionally and will do what they say they will do. But, in the end, may design and implement solutions that really don’t address the issues that cause your true pain? Even worse, are you willing to risk long-term dependency on career consultants--turning to them all too often in addressing issues on the horizon? This decision is indisputably difficult. The key, we believe, is spending time with each potential vendor...enough time to determine whether a fruitful, trusting relationship is likely to form. By doing so, you'll certainly find out where such situations ARE UNLIKELY. We invite you to contact any of us to discuss your needs—to give us an opportunity to get to know you and your challenges.

Team 1st Discovery


Jeff LewisPractice Manager

Jeff Lewis has over 20 years experience in corporate finance, decision support, and project and process management. Upon earning his MBA in 1988, Jeff served technology companies for the majority of his corporate career. Throughout his career, Jeff served roles across the corporate function spectrum—creating a unique competency advantage in understanding perspectives throughout, and across, corporate functions and hierarchical levels. A Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, his approach combines fundamental business and finance principles with proven BPM methodologies as the basis from which to truly build value. At 1st Discovery, Jeff maintains that short-cuts and quick-fixes tear down business value and is, therefore, insistent upon accepting business that is clearly win-win for both 1st Discovery and its clients. Technology is applied where appropriate; it is never imposed on projects, especially where the risk of obscuring underlying, fundamental process issues exists. You may contact Jeff directly at [email protected].

Team 1st Discovery

Betsy LewisAdministrative Manager

Jeffrey A. Batzel, CMA, MBAPrincipal, Finance Practice

Please feel free to contact Jeffrey at 1-866-969-0333, x003 or via email at [email protected]. Jeffrey’s full profile can be found at http://www.1st-discovery.com/jeffrey_a_batzel.html.

Please feel free to contact Betsy at 1-866-969-0333, x002 or via email at [email protected]. Betsy’s full profile can be found at http://www.1st-discovery.com/betsy_lewis.html .

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.1st-discovery.com/jeffrey_a_batzel.html

http://www.1st-discovery.com/jeffrey_a_batzel.html


http://www.1st-discovery.com/betsy_lewis.html


Thomas F. MillerSpecial Advisor

Thomas F. Miller, a distinguished international business executive, provides 1st Discovery sound advice regarding all company affairs. Mr. Miller’s experience in worldwide business development, his leadership in the realization of global ISO 9000 certifications for some worldwide chemical operations, and experience running a consulting business provides 1st Discovery with outstanding experienced-based, strategic guidance. A friend and mentor to Jeff Lewis, Practice Manager, Tom's extensive involvement in the community characterizes his 'doing the right thing' approach. 1st Discovery is grateful for Tom's unselfish guidance, where his 'executive perspective' enhances our ability to understand our clients and prospects. Additionally, adherence to our company values is something Mr. Miller is continuously evaluating. In addition to his community involvement and role as 1st Discovery's adviser, Mr. Miller is President and CEO of TF Miller Enterprises, Inc. After a corporate career spanning nearly 40 years with various chemical companies, Mr. Miller created TF Miller Enterprises in 2003, a consulting service specializing in the supply of specialty chemicals to the pulp and paper industry. Please visit www.tfmiller.com to learn more about Mr. Miller's credentials and TF Miller Enterprises. When his calendar permits, Mr. Miller participates in prospect and client introduction meetings. However, feel free to contact him at 1-866-969-0333, extension 004; or via email at [email protected].

http://www.tfmiller.com/

http://www.1st-discovery.com/jeff_lewis_bio.html





Our Approach

The Comprehensive Program Management Framework(Harmonizing Finance and Project Management)

Our services, and how we deliver them, begin with how we see the corporate world. With significant experience working in finance organizations as an integral part of 'harmonized' business growth, 1st Discovery views the functions of finance (CFO) and program management (PMO) as inseparable. This view, however, seems to be somewhat unique in today's fast moving environment. Of course, finance is involved to the extent necessary, but can hardly be considered integral to most business development organizations. In fact, the thought of business development as a function itself is really quite misguided. The fact is, effective business development is the result of multiple corporate functions working hand-in-hand. Whether the business development task-at-hand revolves around sales strategy, operational capability, product development, quality and customer service, or meeting financial thresholds, the reality is that all functions should be represented and, more importantly, be equally interested. 1st Discovery's attempt at articulating the essence of corporate-wide functional involvement is best portrayed in our Corporate Context Model1. Our service offerings are derived from our substantial experience in facilitating efforts requiring inter-functional and inter-company cooperation. Through a cooperative mindset, "connecting the dots" throughout the enterprise transforms "painful" inter-functional changes into opportunities that potentially result in effective change to the enterprise. Moreover, workforce relationships are strengthened, creating an environment where "people of the enterprise" contribute in new, better and more personally-fulfilling ways. Finally, our clients benefit not only from the immediate task at hand, but from adopting continuous-improvement methodologies that bring positive, effective change on an ongoing basis.

http://www.1st-discovery.com/corporate_context_model.html

http://www.1st-discovery.com/corporate_context_model.html

http://www.1st-discovery.com/services.html

http://www.1st-discovery.com/methodologies.html


The Comprehensive Program Management Framework

Traditional Parties- Project Team- Executive Management- Operations

PMOCFO

ProjectWBS

Chart of Accounts

Business Case

Project Plan

CFO / PMOThe Decision (Business Case)

Execution (Project Reporting & Accounting)

The Comprehensive Program Management Framework: Harmonizing CFO & PMO Roles

Corporate Context Model

Our Approach


Our Approach: Corporate Context Model

PMO

OPS

Investments

Financial

Planning &

Analysis

Competitive Strategy

Accounting & Regulatory ComplianceCF

OMergers

Procurement

Programs/Projects

Product Mgmt

BPM BI

Capital Budgeting

Ops Budgeting

Project Approval

Financial Analysis

SALES

FP&A


Contact Information

Jeff LewisPractice Manager1st Discovery, LLC1710 Branch Valley DriveSuite 1st-DRoswell, GA 30076Toll-Free: 866-969-0333Office: 770-640-7281FAX: 770-640-7424Mobile:[email protected]

Notes

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Wrap-Up / Discussion



http://www.1st-discovery.com/



Please accept our gratitude for your time and attention.

Hopefully, we’ve sparked your interest and will have an opportunity to connect more personally.

We're not in the business of wasting time; yours or ours.

Thus, we encourage you to visit www.1st-discovery.com, where we believe you'll

find enough information to get a little due diligence out of the way, and, by doing so, trust

that your time will be well spent,

The navigation menu, our site map, and the website’s search capability should help you find

what you're looking for in short order.

For More Information


http://www.1st-discovery.com/site_map.html

THANK YOU

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