About
Who We Work With
We work with mission-driven, complex organizations where leaders are expected to deliver results, but haven’t been given a clear framework for the conversations that turn expectations into execution.
This work shows up most often in environments where complexity, pressure, and people intersect – such as:
- Healthcare and human services
- Education systems
- Associations and member-based organizations
- Financial services and financial wellness organizations
- Multi-site service organizations
While these industries may look different on the surface, they share a common challenge: execution breaks down when expectations are unclear and the right conversations don’t happen. This isn’t a strategy problem. It’s an execution problem—driven by unclear expectations and avoided conversations.
Mission and Values
Inner Growth | Creativity | Alignment | Responsibility | Empowerment
The mission of Marlene Chism Consulting is to build confident leaders, collaborative relationships, and accountable cultures.
Over 25 years ago the original business name was ICARE which stood for Improving Communication and Relationships Everywhere.
Today the same theme carries through with the core values.
Marlene Chism
Marlene Chism works with executive leaders to build drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes.
An expert in conflict management, Marlene is known for getting to the root problem, simplifying the complex and increasing leadership clarity.
As a coach, Marlene works with decision-makers, offering frameworks and tools to navigate complex conversations and increase accountability.
As a seasoned facilitator and dynamic speaker, she brings executives and managers together to uncover blind spots, address the elephant in the room, and strengthen alignment.
A recognized expert on the LinkedIn Learning platform, Marlene has produced six educational video series on high-stakes topics such as working with high conflict people, having difficult conversations, and anger management.
She’s the author of four commercially published books. Her latest, From Conflict to Courage was nominated for an international award from GetAbstract.
Marlene holds a bachelor’s in communications with a minor in psychology, and a master’s in human resources development. She’s an enhanced practitioner in Narrative Coaching.