Dr. Linda Ford has been studying culture for well over two decades. The topic first jumped into the spotlight for her as a product manager for a large storage product in a global technology company in the 1980s. It was then that Ford realized that “the way we do things around here” was a bigger factor in making a product successful than technology or marketing strategies.
Ford pursued her interest in culture through her doctoral studies in Human and Organization Systems (PhD, Fielding Graduate University, 1992). Beginning in 1991, she has used this expertise as a consultant to help organizations successfully tame the “800 pound gorilla” of corporate culture.
Since then, Ford has logged over 30,000 hours working with leaders to achieve their goals. She has provided culture consulting, executive development, and strategic planning for thousands of successful executives. Her work is guided by her personal philosophy and values. You’ll find many of her lessons learned in“The Fourth Factor,” a practical, accessible book for managers who are serious about leading culture.
Ford has also taken an occasional detour into the world of higher education. She has served on the full time faculty at both Concordia University Texas and St. Edwards University. At Concordia, Ford was the founding director of the MBA program, taking it from concept to a fully developed program with 75 students in less than one year.
After 25 years in Silicon Valley, Ford has returned to her native Texas. She currently lives in Austin with her husband, Gary, and their two cats.