Dr. Ken Keis is a leading global authority on behavioral (personality) assessment strategies and an expert in leadership, purpose, and wellness. He is the President and CEO of Consulting Resource Group International, Inc. (CRG) which has served thousands of organizations worldwide. With over 4 million words of content authored, including 4 books and a dozen assessments, Dr. Keis is also a respected author, speaker, trainer, and media guest His latest books include: Why Aren't You More Like Me?, Deliberate Leadership, and The Quest For Purpose. An engaging public speaker, Dr. Keis has conducted over 3,000 presentations and 10,000 hours of coaching and consulting.
Dr. Ken Keis, Expert Leadership, Wellness, Personality, Purpose
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
My life is a wonderful mix of personal and professional pursuits. At heart, I'm a dedicated advocate for personal development and empowerment. As the CEO of Consulting Resource Group International Inc., my passion lies in helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
When I'm not immersed in the world of consulting and leadership development, you'll often find me hitting the open road on my motorcycle. I'm an avid motorcycling enthusiast, and there's nothing quite like the feeling of the wind in my hair and the freedom of the open highway. You will also find me exploring the great outdoors. I'm an enthusiastic hiker and nature fan, and I believe that spending time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating.
Family is central to my life. I cherish my role as a husband, father, and grandfather. Spending time with my family brings me immense joy and fulfillment. Being a grandfather has a special place in my heart, and it's a role I embrace wholeheartedly.
Ken Keis, Ph.D., is a foremost global authority on behavioral assessment strategies and processes, and an expert in leadership, purpose, and wellness. For the past 34 years, he has served as the President and CEO of Consulting Resource Group International, Inc. (CRG), a firm that has catered to thousands of companies, associations, industry groups, and leaders in over 30 countries. CRG is recognized globally for its excellence, named one of the top three Leadership Development firms and housing one of the Top Ten Coaching Processes globally by HR.com Lead 500 Awards.
A champion of personal and professional development, Dr. Keis has personally conducted over 3,000 presentations and 10,000 hours of coaching and consulting. He is a highly sought-after author, speaker, trainer, and podcast host, having authored over 4 million words of content, including 500 articles, 4 books, and a dozen assessments. His notable books include Why Aren't You More Like Me?, Deliberate Leadership, and The Quest For Purpose.
Dr. Keis was the host of the “Secrets of Success™ with Dr. Ken Keis” podcast, with over 300 episodes that engage audiences worldwide. His work focuses on assisting individuals and organizations to Live, Lead, and Work On Purpose and has touched many lives through his engagement in various fields, including personality understanding, leadership styles, stress management, self-mastery, and decision-making.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Keis is deeply committed to his community. He has held multiple leadership positions in local community groups and has actively participated in youth events and mentorship initiatives. In 2023, Ken was honored with the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to his communities, country, and the world.
From his humble beginnings as a dairy farmer, to his achievements as a globally recognized expert in professional development, Ken Keis is a shining example of how one can overcome personal obstacles, such as dyslexia, and make substantial contributions to global industries and societies. His story, expertise, and commitment to purpose-driven work make him an exemplary role model for aspiring professionals in any field.
Can you provide some background on Consulting Resource Group International Inc. and its mission? What inspired the creation of the company?
Consulting Resource Group International Inc. (CRG) is a company that was born out of a deep desire to revolutionize the world of assessments and personal development. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals and organizations to realize their full potential.
The story of CRG begins with a visionary goal - to create assessments that go beyond the limitations of traditional tools like DISC and MBTI. We had concerns about these assessments and saw a need for something designed for the learner, more comprehensive with a focused on personal growth and development. This realization inspired us to embark on a journey to develop a holistic set of assessments that could truly make a difference in people's lives from learning style, job fit, leadership, stress and wellness, self-worth, values, sales and more.
We wanted to create tools that not only provided valuable insights into personality and behavior but also served as a catalyst for personal and professional development. This commitment to holistic development led us to develop not only assessments but also online courses that help individuals unlock their potential and achieve their goals.
Our passion for helping others reach their highest potential continues to drive us every day. We believe that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and our assessments and courses are designed to support individuals at every stage of that journey.
In essence, CRG was founded on the belief that everyone has the capacity for greatness, and our mission is to provide the tools and guidance to help individuals and organizations tap into their full potential. We're dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, one person, one assessment and one course at a time.
What specific products or services does Consulting Resource Group International Inc. offer? How do these offerings address the needs or challenges of your target audience?
At Consulting Resource Group International Inc. (CRG), we take immense pride in offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of our diverse clientele.
Assessments: We offer over 14 assessments that cover various aspects of personal and professional development. These assessments are available in 13 languages, making them accessible to a global audience. Our assessments provide valuable insights into personality, behavior, and leadership style, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their teams.
Online Courses: With a growing portfolio of online courses, currently at 6 and soon expanding to 10, we provide in-depth learning experiences that empower individuals to enhance their personal and professional skills. These courses are designed to be practical, actionable, and aligned with the latest industry trends.
Support and Certification: We go the extra mile by offering comprehensive support materials, trainer's guidelines, and slide decks to ensure that our certified practitioners can deliver our assessments and courses effectively. Our certification programs equip professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make a meaningful impact.
Books: We have authored 4 books that delve into various aspects of personal development, leadership, and assessment. These books serve as valuable resources for those looking to deepen their understanding of our methodologies and concepts.
Leadership Academy: Our subscription-based Leadership Academy is a cutting-edge platform designed to provide ongoing learning and development opportunities. It's a hub where leaders can access a wealth of resources, engage in discussions, and stay up-to-date with the latest leadership insights.
Our offerings address the needs and challenges of our target audience by providing them with the tools and knowledge required for personal and professional growth. Whether it's improving leadership skills, enhancing team dynamics, or gaining a better understanding of oneself, CRG's products and services are designed to empower individuals and organizations to thrive in today's dynamic and ever-evolving world. We are committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our clients through our comprehensive suite of offerings.
What sets Consulting Resource Group International Inc. apart from other companies in the same industry? What is the unique value proposition that you believe makes your business stand out?
What sets CRG apart from other companies in our industry is our unwavering commitment to creating development tools, not just evaluative assessments. Our flagship product, the Personal Style Indicator, has been consistently rated as the number one personality assessment by participants themselves. This is a testament to the real value and impact our tools provide.
Our unique value proposition lies in several key differentiators:
Focus on Development: Unlike many others, we prioritize the holistic development of individuals. Our assessments aren't just about labeling personalities; they're about empowering individuals to grow and evolve. We integrate the Personality Development Factors Model, which guides individuals on a journey of self-improvement, helping them become their best selves.
User-Friendly Format: Our tools are designed with the learner in mind, not just the test giver. We understand that the true value of assessments lies in how they can be practically applied to personal and professional development. Our user-friendly formats ensure that individuals can easily understand and apply the insights gained from our assessments.
Multilingual and Global Reach: We offer our assessments in 13 languages, making them accessible to a diverse, global audience. This inclusivity allows us to reach individuals and organizations around the world, transcending language barriers
Comprehensive and Congruent Solutions: CRG doesn't stop at assessments. We provide a full spectrum of support, including online courses, support materials, certification, books, and a subscription-based Leadership Academy. This comprehensive approach ensures that our clients have everything they need to achieve lasting personal and professional growth.
Proven Track Record: With decades of experience in the industry, we have a proven track record of helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential. Our tools and methodologies have positively impacted countless lives, and our client testimonials speak to the real-world results we achieve.
In essence, what sets CRG apart is our dedication to empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. We're not just in the business of assessments; we're in the business of transformation. Our commitment to holistic development, user-friendliness, and global accessibility makes us a leader in the industry, and we take pride in the positive impact we make on the lives of those we serve.
Can you share some success stories or examples of how Consulting Resource Group International Inc. products or services have positively impacted clients or organizations.
Consulting Resource Group International Inc. (CRG) takes great pride in the numerous success stories and transformative experiences we've witnessed with our clients and partner organizations.
Improved Team Dynamics: Many organizations have benefited from our assessments to enhance team dynamics and collaboration. By gaining a deeper understanding of individual personality traits and communication styles, teams have been able to work more cohesively and efficiently, ultimately leading to improved productivity and morale. One sales team improved their performance by 41% when we designed values-based incentives instead of the standard monetary approach.
Enhanced Leadership: Our tools and courses have empowered individuals to become more effective leaders. This has resulted in better decision-making, stronger leadership presence, and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve their goals. One credit union CEO stated that in his 25 years as a CEO – CRG’s solutions and leadership development was the single more impactful resources he had used in his career. It resulted in the successful merger which then led to it merging again to become a billion-dollar financial institution.
Personal Growth and Living On Purpose: With over 80% of the population unhappy with life and work – we have many individuals and organizations who transform this life but identifying and living their live on purpose. Clients have reported significant personal growth and development through our holistic approach. They've found clarity in their life goals, improved self-awareness, and a greater sense of purpose, both in their professional and personal lives.
Improved Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Organizations that have implemented our assessments and development programs have often seen an increase in employee satisfaction and engagement. When employees feel supported in their personal and professional growth, they tend to be more committed and enthusiastic about their work. One group has an abysmal 400% turn over – we were able to reduce that to 40% in just 90 days by applying our job fit technology and approach to performance.
Measurable Results: Our clients appreciate that our assessments and courses are not just theoretical but practical and results-driven. They've reported tangible improvements in areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, leading to better business outcomes. Our Fortune 500 Client implemented our Why Don’t You Sell That Way That We Buy? assessment, process and workshop and were able to increase profits in just one location by $1 million dollars annually.
While I can't provide specific confidential names of the organizations, these examples reflect the kind of positive impact CRG strives to create. We are dedicated to helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, and our success stories serve as a testament to the real-world value of our products and services.
What are the future plans and goals for Consulting Resource Group International Inc.? Are there any upcoming innovations or developments that customers can look forward to?
At Consulting Resource Group International Inc. (CRG), we are dedicated to staying at the forefront of personal and professional development. Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement drives our future plans and goals.
Expanding Online Courses: As you mentioned, we are in the process of creating additional online courses, including the full Transformational Leadership course. These courses will provide even more comprehensive learning experiences, empowering individuals to take their personal and professional growth to new heights.
Enhanced Assessments: We are continually enhancing our assessments to ensure they remain cutting-edge and highly effective. Our goal is to provide even deeper insights into personality, behavior, and development, helping individuals and organizations make more informed decisions.
New Assessments: We're excited to introduce new assessments that will further broaden our offerings. These assessments will address emerging needs and trends in the personal and professional development landscape.
AI Integration: Our plans include integrating AI technology to enhance the way we deliver reports and debrief participants. This will provide a more personalized and interactive experience, offering tailored recommendations and insights to support individuals on their development journeys.
Updated Resources: We will release an updated version of our book, expanding on our methodologies and incorporating the latest insights and research. This will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of our tools and concepts.
Leadership in Holistic Development: CRG will continue to lead the way in holistic development. We believe in the power of a comprehensive approach that addresses not only professional but also personal growth. Our future plans will further emphasize this holistic perspective.
Scaling and growing company: With JV partners to increase our impact with all our current transformational offers.
Our ultimate goal remains unchanged: to empower individuals and organizations to realize their full potential. We are committed to providing the most effective and practical tools and resources to support that journey. With these upcoming innovations and developments, our customers can look forward to an even more enriching and transformative experience with CRG.
How does CRG Leader prioritize customer support and engagement? What measures are in place to ensure that clients have a positive experience throughout their engagement with the company?
CRG Leader places an unwavering emphasis on prioritizing customer support and engagement. Our commitment to providing a positive experience throughout our clients' engagement with the company is a cornerstone of our business philosophy.
Responsive Communication: We understand the importance of clear and timely communication. Our customer support team is readily available to address inquiries, provide guidance, and assist with any challenges or questions that may arise. We aim to respond promptly to ensure that clients feel heard and valued.
Personalized Solutions: We recognize that each client is unique, and their needs may vary. Our approach is highly personalized. We take the time to understand the specific goals and challenges of our clients and tailor our solutions to meet their individual requirements.
Ongoing Support: Our commitment to client success extends beyond the initial engagement. We offer ongoing support and resources to ensure that clients continue to benefit from our assessments, courses, and services. Whether it's additional training, follow-up consultations, or access to our Leadership Academy, we provide the tools and guidance needed for continuous growth.
User-Friendly Resources: We invest in creating user-friendly resources and materials that empower our clients to make the most of our products and services. Our aim is to ensure that clients can easily navigate our assessments, courses, and support materials to maximize their experience.
Feedback Loop: We value client feedback immensely. It helps us continuously improve and evolve our offerings. We actively seek input from our clients, whether it's through surveys, reviews, or direct conversations, to understand their experiences and identify areas where we can enhance our services.
Quality Assurance: Quality is at the heart of everything we do. Our assessments, courses, and materials undergo rigorous quality assurance processes to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. We are committed to providing top-tier products that our clients can trust.
Commitment to Excellence: At CRG Leader, we maintain a culture of excellence in customer service. Every member of our team is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of support and engagement to exceed our clients' expectations.
In summary, our approach to customer support and engagement is rooted in responsiveness, personalization, ongoing support, and a commitment to excellence. We want every client to have a positive and enriching experience with CRG Leader, one that empowers them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
My journey from a dairy farm upbringing to becoming the owner of Consulting Resource Group International Inc. (CRG) has been a unique and rewarding one. As the first-born male of Eastern European descent in my family's third generation, I was expected to take over the dairy farm, which I did for a while. However, differences with my father led me to leave the family business.
Despite this change in direction, I carried with me the invaluable traits I learned on the farm: drive, tenacity, and a strong work ethic. My career then took diverse paths, including owning my own farm briefly and excelling in agricultural sales, where I became the top sales performer within just three years.
In the late '80s, I entered the field of sales training as part of a franchise, and that's when my journey intersected with CRG. By 1990, I had become the VP of Marketing at CRG and, not long after, one of their most successful Associates.
Despite facing challenges, including a learning disability that affected my reading and writing abilities, I overcame these obstacles. Today, I'm proud to have contributed millions of words of content to numerous books, assessments, and over 40 online courses. My journey from a dairy farm to a leader in personal and professional development is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
At CRG, we are dedicated to our mission of empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. We appreciate the opportunity to share our story with Brainz Magazine and hope that our journey inspires others to overcome challenges and embrace personal and professional development.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
The one thing I would change about our industry is the political nature of decision-making. Sometimes, our tools, which are the best fit and most appropriate, are not chosen due to personal preferences or politics. I believe in the integrity, quality, and character of individuals in our industry, and I hope for a more objective and inclusive decision-making process.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
In the early '90s, I had a remarkable opportunity to secure a sole-source training contract with a Fortune 50 company in Canada. Over nearly a decade, we developed 40 soft skills training programs for them, some of the highest-rated in their history. Conducting hundreds of workshops and thousands of hours of coaching and consulting – it accelerated and compressed my learning curve. Though this came at high personal cost being on the road 300 days a year for over 6 years with a young family at home. However, after the events of 9/11, the contract ended, prompting a change in direction.
Balancing family life and extensive travel was a significant factor in this decision. It led me to transition from a speaker who wrote occasionally to a full-time writer who occasionally spoke. I embraced the opportunity to purchase the publishing company CRG, thus shifting my focus and lifestyle – now authoring or co-authoring over 4 million words of content.
