A global healthcare organization engaged Vertical Empowerment to support its Market Access leadership team amid strategic misalignment, low empowerment, and fragmented collaboration. Cross-functional silos, unclear communication, and inconsistent accountability made it difficult for the team to move beyond tactical execution.
Through a customized simulation modeled on the airline industry, leaders practiced navigating market shifts, stakeholder tensions, and ambiguity in a high-pressure, team-based environment. Guided reflection helped participants examine how trust, empowerment, and feedback influenced their decisions. By linking these experiences to real-world challenges, leaders strengthened their strategic thinking, built alignment across functions, and developed actionable strategies for leading change.
Improved Strategic Thinking
Leaders shifted from reactive problem-solving to proactive, strategic alignment with organizational goals.
Increased Empowerment
Participants reported higher ownership, confidence, and engagement in decision-making.
Strengthened Collaboration
Cross-functional collaboration increased as teams developed shared language and frameworks for working together.
Greater Clarity and Alignment
Leaders left with actionable strategies to apply to their daily roles, improving both performance and morale.
A newly appointed executive transitioned from leading sales to overseeing a full product line division owning P&L and leading all core functions to grow brands across North America. Tasked with executing a 5-year growth plan, the leader faced challenges in building credibility, aligning a new leadership team, and driving cultural transformation amid global dynamics and operational complexity.
Over a four-year coaching partnership, Vertical Empowerment served as a strategic advisor and leadership development partner to the executive, blending virtual and in-person sessions. The engagement focused on building a high-performing leadership team, accelerating business growth through a clear strategic plan, and strengthening operational discipline across functions. It also included improving people processes, navigating global dynamics, and co-creating leadership principles to guide culture, decision-making, and long-term impact.
Improved Strategic Thinking
Successfully presented and gained full approval of a long-term strategic growth plan to global executive leadership.
Increased Performance
Accelerated sales results and morale during major transformation including product launches, restructuring, and cultural change.
Strengthened Collaboration
Created alignment across field sales, marketing, and shared services, enabling a more performance-driven culture.
Greater Clarity and Alignment
Leaders left with actionable strategies to apply to their daily roles, improving both performance and morale.
The leadership team of this organization sought to strengthen internal trust, reduce silos, and foster a collaborative culture aligned with its mission. However, leaders faced mounting challenges: teams operated in isolation with little cross departmental communication; low psychological safety limited open dialogue; and high stress, guarded interactions, and a blame-oriented culture negatively impacted morale and collaboration.
Vertical Empowerment delivered a tailored leadership workshop using its Vertical Leadership Framework, aligning with organizational priorities such as health and wellness, inclusive culture, and performance excellence. Grounded in emotional intelligence, the session equipped leaders to navigate ambiguity, resolve conflict through empathy and dialogue, lead through change with resilience, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration built on trust and shared ownership.
Strengthened Collaboration
Participants reported greater appreciation for cross-departmental alignment and clarity in shared goals.
Improved Communication & Trust
Faculty and leaders gained practical tools for addressing tension and misunderstanding more openly and constructively.
Renewed Cultural Alignment
The experience re-centered participants on their mission and values, creating momentum for ongoing leadership development and community cohesion.
Over four years, this rapidly growing organization expanded from a small team to over 100 employees, evolving from a startup to a mature enterprise. The pace of growth brought cultural friction, exposed leadership gaps, and created challenges like unclear priorities, role ambiguity, and burnout highlighting the need for scalable, consistent leadership development.
Vertical Empowerment partnered with the organization to deliver 1:1 coaching for 15 executive and director-level leaders, emphasizing strategic thinking, prioritization, team empowerment, and managing up. Leadership behaviors were reinforced through integration with performance systems like goal setting and feedback models. We addressed trust breakdowns and team tension through targeted conflict resolution and facilitated strategic planning to support vision clarity and leadership through change.
Strengthened Collaboration
Leaders developed shared understanding of expectations and tools, reducing inconsistency across teams.
Greater Self-Awareness & Confidence
Leaders reported higher confidence in navigating difficult conversations, setting priorities, and managing people effectively.
Stronger Internal Coaching Culture
Managers began applying leadership coaching principles with their own teams, improving alignment and accountability.
Support Through Growth & Change
Vertical Empowerment served as a stabilizing partner through organizational inflection points, leadership transitions, and investor-driven planning processes.
Every service we offer is grounded in real-world leadership frameworks and built to deliver measurable results, because transformation should never be theoretical.
Leadership Coaching
Workshops & Training
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Thomas Vigso,
Vice President
With Basil’s coaching and support, our business unit achieved record results …
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Bob Palermo,
Director, Coaching and Selling Excellence, Oncology
“In a career spanning over three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to be influenced…
Read More
S Oppelt,
Director Commercial Training
“Working with Basil Denno and his company, Vertical Empowerment, was an…
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Bettina Abbott,
Director Customer Experience
“I am extremely appreciative to Basil for his coaching. Over the last year, with his guidance…
Read More
Megan Richards,
Director CSM
“Basil has been an excellent coach as I’ve navigated the early years of my…
Read More
Amelia Tian,
Solutions Consultant
“Basil’s coaching has significantly elevated my leadership and team…
Read More
Tony Sciucco,
VP of Customer Experience
“Working with Basil has been a transformative experience for both my leadership and…
Read More
Kristen Bosse,
Vice President Product Development
“Since beginning my work with Basil last year, my attitude about myself and my…
Read More
Maureen C. Radulski,
Human Resources Manager
“Vertical-Empowerment partnered with our leaders to enhance self-awareness..
Read More
Steve Lishansky,
Hall of Fame Executive Coach
“Having known and worked with Basil for more than 10 years, I call him one of…
Read More
Jennifer Beattie,
CEO
“Working with Basil is truly an honor. His passion for leadership, business…
Read More
Karen Bathanti,
President
“Basil Denno delivered an insightful webinar for OakMac SHRM, shedding light on…
Read More
Del Costy,
President
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Basil over the past several months…
Read More
Brendan Yang,
Manager Software Development
“Through Basil’s coaching, I’m better equipped with tools and strategies for aligning my…
Read More
Dr. Christian Rosenkranz,
Vice President
“I worked with Basil when I stepped into a Vice President role, and his coaching was…
Read More
Marc Lipovsky,
Google
“When I first started working with Basil, I was overwhelmed, second-guessing myself…
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reported better relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
improved work performance and communication
see stronger leadership bench strength after investing in coaching
reported by companies that invest in coaching
Looking to ignite fresh thinking at your next leadership event? Basil Denno delivers powerful, insight-packed keynotes that challenge the status quo and equip decision makers to lead with greater vision, strategy, and impact.
If you’re looking to move beyond conventional leadership development, building transformational capacity and driving meaningful growth across your organization, we would like to connect with you.
Copyright © 2025 Vertical Empowerment, LLC
Marc Lipovsky
Google
“When I first started working with Basil, I was overwhelmed, second-guessing myself, and struggling with visibility, communication, and confidence. Today, I’m leading cross-functional initiatives, mentoring others, and regularly engaging at higher levels of influence. Basil’s coaching helped me find not only my voice, but my value and to own both.”
Basil has an extraordinary gift for seeing both the professional and personal sides of growth. He helped me see blind spots I didn’t know I had and guided me through the uncomfortable but necessary steps to become the kind of leader I’ve always wanted to be—thoughtful, influential, and dependable. I’ve gained not just tools, but a mindset that continues to pay off every day.”
Dr. Christian Rosenkranz,
Vice President, Automotive Components,
Henkel Corporation
“I worked with Basil when I stepped into a Vice President role, and his coaching was truly transformative. He helped me grow into my new leadership position with clarity and confidence and guided me in setting the right priorities. His support not only fueled my personal growth, but also helped me achieve strong business results and build meaningful, lasting relationships at work. His wise advice, empathy, and deep well of experience made all the difference!”
Del Costy,
President
Siemens Digital Industries, USA;
Managing Director, Digital Industries Software, America
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Basil over the past several months. He provides incredibly valuable insights focused on what it truly means to lead through serving. Not just through counselling, but also tangible structure and process recommendations to aide in people transformation. Fostering an environment in which our people can shine is at the heart of vertical empowerment, and more importantly, critical to any company’s success.”
Karen Bathanti,
President
OakMac SHRM
“Basil Denno delivered an insightful webinar for OakMac SHRM, shedding light on the evolving landscape of HR compliance. His expertise provided our members with valuable strategies to navigate upcoming regulatory changes.”
Jennifer Beattie,
CEO
Culture on Camera
“Working with Basil is truly an honor. His passion for leadership, business development, and coaching has profoundly impacted not just my thinking—but my heart. Every conversation leaves me inspired, brimming with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for his wisdom and insight.”
Steve Lishansky,
Hall of Fame Executive Coach,
Optimize International
“Having known and worked with Basil for more than 10 years, I call him one of the most insightful, authentic, genuine, and caring professionals I know. Filled with a passion for improvement, a commitment to excellence, and a determination to make a huge difference with everyone he works with, Basil consistently demonstrates what great leadership looks like. When you get the chance to tap his experience and wisdom – jump at the opportunity!”
Maureen C. Radulski
Human Resources Manager,
Notre Dame Preparatory School
“Vertical-Empowerment partnered with our leaders to enhance self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Our staff gained valuable self-regulation techniques, including the ability to find ‘common ground’ in challenging situations. This workshop has become a valuable addition to our school’s toolbox for fostering collaboration and effective teamwork.”
Brendan Yang,
Manager Software Development
Crio
“Through Basil’s coaching, I’m better equipped with tools and strategies for aligning my organization’s goals with that of my department. He has encouraged me to build upon my intrinsic strengths, inspiring me to better lead with authenticity, transparency, and trust. If you are looking for ways to better your leadership skills, I’d highly recommend meeting with Basil to find out what kind of leader you could be.”
Kristen Bosse,
Vice President Product Development,
Crio
“Since beginning my work with Basil last year, my attitude about myself and my career have shifted in such a positive way. I always look forward to my conversations with him. He has been an exemplary leadership coach and always asks the right questions to lead me to very solid decisions. Throughout our time together, I felt very supported and championed in the attainment of my goals and the goals of my department. I can safely say I am a better leader today because of the coaching I received from Basil.”
Tony Sciucco,
VP of Customer Experience,
Crio
“Working with Basil has been a transformative experience for both my leadership and my team’s performance. His coaching helped me build self-confidence and mature my leadership capabilities, allowing me to navigate challenging conversations with other leaders and direct reports with ease. Through his guidance, I was able to conduct effective strength and weakness evaluations, which have been instrumental in driving my and my team’s success. Basil’s support has truly elevated my leadership, and I’m grateful for the positive impact he’s had on my career.”
Amelia Tian
Solutions Consultant,
Crio
“Basil’s coaching has significantly elevated my leadership and team performance by helping me unlock my potential as a leader. Through his hands-on approach, I’ve learned effective methods and frameworks for prioritization, allowing me to focus on impactful goals and maximize productivity. His exercises have also empowered me to better understand my team members’ circumstances and adapt my leadership style accordingly, leading to more meaningful results and a more cohesive team dynamic.”
Megan Richards,
Director CSM
Crio
“Basil has been an excellent coach as I’ve navigated the early years of my management career. The strategies he shared with me have helped me navigate difficult conversations, prioritize and delegate tasks, and build a cohesive and reliable team. I look forward to continuing to develop my leadership skills by practicing the techniques I’ve learned from Basil and actively incorporating them into my daily life.”
Bettina Abbott,
Director Customer Experience,
Crio
“I am extremely appreciative to Basil for his coaching. Over the last year, with his guidance, my leadership skills have improved exponentially. Basil does an outstanding job at helping you to pinpoint your growth areas and then customizes your time with him to help you improve in those areas. Not only that, but he is willing to be a sounding board when you need it, if you need clarity to help make decisions, he will help with that or if you need to better understand leadership and business frameworks he will explain those. He truly cares about the success of each and every client. ”
S Oppelt,
Director Commercial Training
Ferring Pharmaceuticals
“Working with Basil Denno and his company, Vertical Empowerment, was an incredibly valuable experience. From the very beginning, Basil took the time to deeply understand our business, our mission, and our vision. He didn’t just offer a one-size-fits-all solution—he tailored his approach based on a genuine comprehension of our goals and challenges, helping us clearly identify the need for his services.
The full-day workshop that Basil led with his partner Jennifer was a standout experience. It combined creative strategic thinking with practical application, and was both engaging and educational for our entire team. The session sparked fresh insights and aligned us around actionable strategies we could implement immediately.
What sets Basil apart is his leadership style—he brings clarity, calm, and focus to the room. His executive presence is unmistakable: confident yet approachable, insightful yet open to collaboration. He has a rare ability to guide conversations in a way that draws out the best thinking from everyone involved.
I highly recommend Basil and Vertical Empowerment to any organization looking to elevate their strategic thinking, align their leadership, and move forward with purpose.”
Bob Palermo,
Director, Coaching and Selling Excellence, Oncology,
Glaxo Smith Kline
“In a career spanning over three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to be influenced and led by many leaders. No one understands people and organizations better than Basil and his team. The leadership model he has created embodies his spirit that inspires, motivates and transforms people and organizations to drive performance. His leadership influence has gone beyond my professional career an into my personal life as well as his guidance is practical and life changing. Engaging Basil and his team well not only change your organization change but will transform your people to be the best across all aspects of their lives.”
Thomas Vigso,
Vice President,
Coloplast
“With Basil’s coaching and support, our business unit achieved record results, culminating in being recognized live at our global townhall as the top-performing unit across all business areas and geographies. His guidance was instrumental in helping us reach this milestone.”
