Many creative and potentially lucrative ideas fail to get off the ground.  What are the processes that move an idea from a possibility to a probability?  How many times have several individuals or companies come up with the same or similar great idea, but only one becomes the first mover?  Why does it take more than simply having a great inspiration to move into action?  These and other questions are addressed by HSC as solutions, strategies and tools for activating and implementing innovative ideas are developed for organizations, teams and individuals.

Supporting ideas to action is the core value of becoming the best you can be. Through consulting, training, workshops and coaching, HSC teaches groups and individuals to develop and maintain a strategic competitive advantage by becoming their best.

Once these ideas are in full action, continued focus on welcoming and managing change is critical to long-term success.  Creating and nurturing the environment for attracting and retaining talented individuals is essential for maintaining sustainable advantage and continued growth.  Why do individuals and teams become bogged down or complacent with success?  What motivates and compels some individuals and groups to keep evolving?  these and other questions are addressed by HSC as solutions, strategies and tools for becoming the best are developed by organizations, teams and individuals.

James Straub, Ed.D.  

James Straub, Ed.D., has a rich and varied background in psychology and business. As the owner and director of the largest private psychology group in central Missouri for more than 25 years and president of Human Systems Consultants for more than 20 years, he has hands on experience running successful enterprises. During that time he has worked with a wide variety of business, medical, educational and governmental organizations their staffs and leaders providing consultation, managerial and staff training, facilitation, conflict resolution/management, coaching, organizational development and team building.

Dr. Straub has consistently found ways to develop new and innovative solutions, thinking outside the usual limits. Clients from all walks of life remark on his perceptiveness and ability to get to the core of difficult situations. He has created, implemented and consistently followed through with solution-oriented approaches to challenging situations.

He has particular interests in the areas of team development, communication, negotiation and conflict management. These activities include: facilitating executives and managers in the development of task focused teams and interdepartmental teams; training and facilitation in inter-team and intra-team communication skills; training in negotiation and conflict resolution/management strategies; teaching individuals and team members to think beyond the usual limits and expand the possibilities; and facilitating the development of clear, achievable solution focused goals and effective strategies to reach them.

Dr. Straub also has a strong interest in training professionals in the use of state-of the-art behavioral and imagery techniques that facilitate enhanced creativity, help people identify and resolve internal “blockers”, facilitate personal and professional growth and develop greater behavioral flexibility.

He has a diverse background of experience, from working as a military journalist including brief stints as a combat reporter in Viet Nam to creating a very successful and innovative approach in mental health treatment that has been taught in the United States, Mexico and Europe. He enjoys travel, photography and good food and lively conversation. He has lived in the northeast, west and southwest and currently lives in Columbia, MO with Vicki, his wife of 31 years. They have two adult children, Jason and Kirsten.

Vicki W. Straub, Ph.D., MBA

Vicki Straub, Ph.D., ,M.B.A., likes to bring out the best in others. She has followed this path as a consultant, trainer, workshop leader, professor, coach, and mentor. Using adult learning theory and her MBA/ PhD. psychology background, she helps people and organizations develop and reach creative, fulfilling, integrated professional and personal goals. With more than 25 years of experience, her personal style and sense of humor blend with professional and personal life experiences to add depth and meaning along with enjoyment to the challenge of making professional changes.

Dr. Vicki Straub’s ability to relate with people along with her warmth and gentle firmness has made her a popular and effective professional working with a wide variety of people in a wide variety of situations over the years. She has particular interests in the areas of team development, communication, burnout, conflict management and negotiation. These activities include: facilitating and training team members and teams in learning more effective ways of working together; training in negotiation and conflict management; and training in stress and burnout management.

Oldest child of three, she grew up in the rural environment of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the city environment of St. Louis and the political community of Jefferson City. She has lived in the Southeast, the West and has currently lived in Columbia, Missouri since 1976. Travel has been an important value and her passport includes destinations from China, France, Ireland and Turkey, Costa Rica among others. In addition, gourmet cooking and art have been enduring interests.

Together: As a family, James and Vicki have been married for 31 years and have raised two adult children, Jason and Kirsten. Over the years, they have developed an entrepreneurial spirit that has also produced several successful business ventures.