Welcome to Golden Thread Strategic Thinking
Founded and operated by Greg Baldwin, we provide confidential one on one CEO coaching that is founded on the ideal of being a trusted thought partner. Creating a relationship of trust and partnership, Greg seeks to help CEO's navigate key inflection points in the life of their companies.
Greg Baldwin
Founder
Bio
Greg Baldwin spent the majority of his career building and running Baxa Corporation. Baxa was a leader in serving the needs of hospital and home infusion pharmacies for handling, packaging, and administering liquid medications. From 1993 to 1997 Greg ran Sales and Marketing and in 1997 he became CEO and Chairman. Under his leadership, from 1997 to 2011, the company grew from $20 million to $170 million in revenue. In 2011 Baxa was acquired by Baxter Healthcare.
If the story sounds like a charmed ride, the reality was full of uncertainty and near fatal moments.
For instance, In 1998, Greg inherited a liquidity crisis, caused by a failure to meet loan ratio covenants. This crisis lead to a journey into Lean Manufacturing practices (Toyota Production System), that ultimately transformed Baxa’s balance sheet and unleashed capital necessary for the company to grow rapidly towards $100 million in sales, but not before dealing with three years of intense regulatory scrutiny from the FDA.
Along the way, the company faced major challenges created by growth, leading to problems of supply. Huge competitors used market power to try and thwart the business. Ultimately, tough choices where required that lead to painful changes, while at the same time working to honor a culture and a brand that customers and associates loved.
In 2006 the company took on a minority Private Equity investment, and the necessary changes in corporate governance. He has first hand experience in working for and managing a board of directors.
Following his exit from Baxter in 2012, Greg established a private investment company called Golden Thread Investments (GTI). See more about GTI here.
Serving on the Board of entrepreneurial companies, Greg realized his love for working with and coaching CEOs from a place of shared experience. In his own time as CEO, he never had a coach who had actually walked in his shoes. With this in mind, in 2015, Golden Thread Strategic Thinking was launched.
Greg is also a member of the Triple Tree Capital Advisory Operations Council and serves as Trustee of the lliff School of Theology and ISMP (Institute for Sale Medication Practices).
Greg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Philosophy from Bowdoin College. He received his MBA from Boston University. Greg lives with his wife Jenny in Parker and Vail, Colorado.
What You Can Expect
1 Consulting Engagements are done in six to twelve month increments. Confidential one on one meetings happen once or twice a month depending on needs. Email, text and phone availability on a daily basis.
2 Agendas are built based upon confidential updates. Greg will often meet with the CEO's direct reports and Board to gain more insight into the opportunities and challenges. These meetings can happen alone or jointly with the CEO.
3 The goal is to have "aha" moments, where leaders gain clarity around the strategy and tactical actions necessary to achieve their vision. This is not diagnostic, prescriptive or behavioral coaching; but rather navigational coaching that seeks to increase options and clarify choices.