what's in a name

We are often asked, why Corinthian? Why name your consulting firm after a classical Greek column?

The column provides the perfect metaphor for what we believe and want to create. Columns have, throughout history, provided a foundation of strength and support for buildings. In organizations, a vibrant brand, dynamic culture, authentic leaders, and focused strategy provide the foundations upon which a successful business can grow and thrive.

Corinthian columns, in particular, are the most graceful and elegant. Creative marketing campaigns, eye-catching design, thoughtful human systems - these provide the flourish that differentiate mundane organizations from those that are exceptional. The excitement and energy embodied in corinthian columns are what breathe life into otherwise stale strategies.

The corinthian column therefore represents the marriage of strength and beauty. It illustrates the importance of coupling strong business fundamentals with a creative and forceful strategy. It represents, in one swift stroke, how organizations can build the foundations of success.

On a more personal note, the Corinthian is an iconic apartment building in New York City, where Laura Illig, our founder, lived prior to moving to Oregon. During her time living in the Corinthian, her daughter was born, her husband decided to leave law practice for academia, and many of her ideas about the intersection of marketing, strategy, culture and leadership were born.

The Corinthian, shown here at right, is located at 330 East 38th Street in midtown Manhattan, a few blocks south of the United Nations.

:: Photo on the right: The Corinthian building in New York City. By Americasroof, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License.