Introducing EJ Intelligence: What ‘Clarity in a Complex World’ Means to Us
Hey there! If you're reading this, you probably clicked a link from my annoyingly enthusiastic LinkedIn announcement. Thanks for indulging me. Welcome to EJ Intelligence, my new consulting firm specializing in organizational and human capital strategy, seasoned with a generous dash of AI expertise (yes, my MBA specialization finally paid off!). Our tagline — "Clarity in a Complex World"— isn't just a catchy phrase; it's the guiding principle behind everything we do.
My journey to founding EJ Intelligence wasn't exactly linear. I didn’t grow up around the world of business or academia, so entering those spaces meant learning a new language and culture along the way. My family taught me grit, resourcefulness, and how to show up for people long before I ever stepped into a classroom (and if my mom is reading this: please keep indulging me). People taking a chance on me became a recurring theme throughout my career — one I deeply value and strive to replicate in all my endeavors.
I spent the first decade of my career in the challenging, fast-paced world of management consulting, mostly in M&A. It wasn’t fun: late nights, endless PowerPoint decks, and existential pondering about the true meaning of airline miles. Considering my background, I didn’t know about the "brand" of a consultant, so the most important part of my job seemed to be managing client relationships — acting as human Xanax in tense situations (a term my manager genuinely used for better or worse). Beyond that, it was primarily spreadsheets and slides. It wasn’t glamorous… though I do still appreciate a good hotel breakfast buffet.
After enough early morning flights, I transitioned into the corporate world, joining Vanguard — an experience I treasure deeply. Working inside a large organization was both refreshing and informative. It reinforced my belief that despite my occasional eye-roll at consulting, there is genuine value in having an impartial advisor — someone external who can provide clarity in an increasingly complex business environment.
Here’s how I see it: often, the role of a great consultant isn't delivering earth-shattering revelations but simply having the courage to ask straightforward, fundamental questions that others might overlook or actively avoid. It’s about cutting through layers of politics, inertia, and established norms that quietly stifle innovation and growth.
But there's another critical thread woven into my professional narrative: artificial intelligence. During my AI courses in my MBA studies, I became increasingly convinced that AI was not merely a technological advancement but a seismic shift, profoundly reshaping the future of work. Amidst my excitement/fear/trepidation about AI, one conviction always held firm: people are, and always will be, at the heart of every successful organization. Strategy matters deeply, the human touch is irreplaceable, and technology is most impactful when thoughtfully paired with both of them.
Reflecting on my past experiences brings this into clear focus. During mergers involving reductions-in-force, I leveraged social network analysis to uncover hidden talent, influential connectors, and key contributors within organizations. These individuals would not have popped in traditional metrics, but their contributions were undeniable. This approach prevented unnecessary talent loss, preserved critical institutional knowledge, and enhanced overall organizational effectiveness. It clarified my belief that technology could amplify human potential — but only when guided by insightful, strategic, and human-centric leadership.
Fast forward to 2025, I now have two young kids and spend considerable time contemplating the future of work, for all of us. I think a lot about preserving jobs, livelihoods, and the human element of work. Launching EJ Intelligence became the natural next step. My firm isn't solely about AI or traditional consulting. Instead, it embodies my passion and commitment to blending rigorous analytics, strategic insight, and cutting-edge technology with warmth, common sense, and genuine human engagement.
In my view, success in this new era won’t emerge from tech savvy. It will spring from humane integration of technology. It's about helping organizations chart clear pathways forward, asking the right questions — even the seemingly obvious ones (though I promise not to go as far as McKinsey did with HBO Go…).
I founded EJ Intelligence to foster environments where technology doesn't diminish the human experience but enriches it; where talent is nurtured rather than wasted, where strategy is clearly articulated and widely understood, and where human connections remain robust and meaningful.
So, here we are! What exactly do we do? Honestly, in many ways, I’m still figuring that out — and that's a good thing. Drawing from my deep expertise in organizational design, social network analysis, AI integration strategy, workforce analytics, and custom strategy workshops, we aim to engage with organizations to navigate their unique challenges. And yes — I said "we"! I've been incredibly fortunate throughout my career to build a robust network of social scientists, corporate strategy experts, and AI specialists. They’re the kind of people who are smarter than me, funnier than me (or at least they think they are), and invaluable resources I regularly tap into for advice and support when working with clients. They help me help you.
If your organization is navigating the complexities at the crossroads of AI and human capital strategy, uncertain how to proceed — or simply seeking fresh, objective insights grounded in real-world experience and genuine care — I invite you to reach out. Let's find clarity together.
Cheers, Emma
Founder, Principal Consultant, and professional oversharer