About
Bruce Eckfeldt is a consultant, coach, author, and speaker on organizational development and performance management. Originally an architect, he was a pioneer in the use of computer-aided design and 3D modeling. He later transitioned to software design and development, converting his spatial problem-solving skills to informational architecture and user experience design of digital software products.

Seeing the need for a more fast-paced and innovative approach to technology development, Bruce was an early adopter of Extreme Programming (an early Agile/Lean software methodology). He advanced the field as an early contributor to the Agile Conference and as the founder of Cyrus Innovation in 2003, one of the first Agile/Lean development consulting firms.

After more than a decade of developing products and coaching companies adopting Agile/Lean practices such as Extreme Programming, Scrum, Kanban, and other Lean methodologies, Bruce sold Cyrus in 2014 to focus on broader organizational development initiatives and served as interim CEO, COO, and other executive roles across a number of different high-tech and professional service companies leading these companies through periods of high growth and leadership transition.

Today, Bruce uses his experience as an entrepreneur and Inc 500 CEO to help high-growth companies scale more quickly with less drama. He is an expert in business and operational growth strategy, talent planning, performance coaching, and using Lean/Agile to achieve operational excellence.

Podcasts:

• Scaling Up Services is a podcast devoted to helping founders, partners, CEOs, key executives, and managers of service-based businesses scale their companies faster and with less drama.

• Thinking Outside The Bud is a business podcast devoted to driving innovation in the cannabis space. During each episode, we speak with founders, investors, thought leaders, researchers, advocates, and policymakers who are finding new and exciting ways for cannabis to positively impact business, society, and culture.

Professional Highlights
Graduating from McGill University in Montreal with two degrees in Architecture, Bruce transitioned to digital product development early in his career where he worked as a product strategy consultant for companies such as WebMD, Prada, the Department of Defense, and Motorola. In 2003, he founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Lean/Agile consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times on product development and Lean/Agile transformation initiatives. Cyrus was an Inc 5000 honoree for five years in a row and placed #241 on the Inc 500 in 2009.

Bruce has been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization since 2007 and has served in many chapters and regional leadership positions including Learning, Forum, and Accelerator. Bruce has served as the US East Regional Forum Expert and the US East Regional Accelerator Expert.

Since 2016, Bruce has been a contributing author to Inc.com where he writes a weekly column on business and leadership. He also hosts two successful podcasts: Scaling Up Services provides insights and strategies for how to successfully scale service-based businesses and Thinking Outside The Bud explores innovation in the business of cannabis.

Personal Highlights
Born in Philadelphia, Bruce and his family moved to Minnesota when he was four. Growing up in Minnesota fueled his love for nature and the outdoors. As an athlete throughout high school and college, Bruce competed in rowing, cross country skiing, biathlon (shooting and skiing), and triathlon. He completed his first marathon cross country ski race at 18, first of four marathons at age 19, and completed an Ironman triathlon in 2003. Outside of competitive sports, Bruce has climbed to the top of Kilimanjaro, dove the Coral Sea off Australia, and hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc. He’s traveled extensively and has visited six of the seven continents. Bruce is also an avid freshwater and saltwater fly fisherman. He is a father of four young children and lives in New York City.

Coaching Regions
US - Northeast
US - Southeast
US - Midwest
Canada - Atlantic Region
Canada - Central Canada

Industry of Expertise
Accounting/Finance
Banking/Real Estate
Creative/Design
Customer Support
Education/Training