Rich Hagberg is a consulting psychologist with an extensive background spanning 45 years, during which he has worked with more than 500 companies globally. His professional tenure includes 30 years in Silicon Valley, working with some of the area’s most significant tech firms. Since 2009, Rich has pivoted to assist startup founders and their teams, as well as continuing his work with larger corporations. Based on Whidbey Island in Washington State, he serves clients worldwide.
With an educational foundation that includes a BA from UCLA and an MA and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Washington State University, Rich has developed a deep expertise in leadership development and organizational culture. His research offers insights into the distinct characteristics of startup founders and delineates the traits of successful leaders.
Currently, Rich is finalizing his book titled 'Founders, Keepers: Why Founders Fail and What it Takes to Succeed', which captures the essence of what differentiates successful startup founders from their peers and examines how leadership styles must evolve at different startup growth stages.
Over his career, Rich has identified three core leadership styles: The Visionary Evangelist, The Relationship Builder, and the Manager of Execution, which he refers to as the Three Pillars of Leadership. His earlier research includes studies on executive challenges and the impacts of age and gender on leadership.
In addition to his consulting practice, Rich has started seven companies, experiences that provide him with a practical perspective on the entrepreneurial journey. He founded his firm, HCG Inc., which he led for 22 years until its acquisition by Accenture in 2006. He then established HCG LLC in 2009, turning his attention to entrepreneurial companies and leveraging his experiences to coach the next generation of business leaders.
Rich typically works with 20-30 CEOs and their teams annually, helping them navigate the hurdles of business growth and leadership development. His approach combines his extensive research background with hands-on business experience, offering clients a grounded perspective in leading and scaling their organizations.
