Meaningful conversation.
Collective clarity.
Transformational results.
Circle Council works with organizations that want to make a positive impact in the world.
Our focus is helping teams and leaders slow down, listen deeply, and speak with intention—so they can navigate complexity, make better decisions, and act with shared understanding.
At the heart of our work is the Circle Council process, a structured and respectful way of holding conversations where everyone is heard, diverse perspectives are honored, equality is a standard, and trust is cultivated.
This approach forms the foundation for all of our facilitation, organizational development, and strategy work.
Our Story
We believe meaningful results start with the quality of our conversations.
Over years of helping organizations design and implement strategy, and create a culture that drives their mission, I noticed a common challenge: organizations are full of smart, passionate people, yet important conversations often stall, go unheard, or fail to reach clarity and produce the aligned action that's needed.
The traditional structure and processes of indigenous cultures showed me a different way to work together. Circle Council provides a space where people can engage fully, share honestly, and co-create solutions that reflect the collective wisdom of the group. Helping teams hold these spaces doesn’t just improve meetings—it strengthens relationships, trust, and the very way an organization functions.
Our Philosophy
We believe work is most meaningful when it contributes to the common good.
Our work is inspired by the Korean philosophy of Hong Ik In Gan, which teaches that the purpose of our actions should be to benefit all of humankind. This philosophy guides how we approach organizational work—helping teams act not only for their own success, but for positive impact in the broader world. To do that, we ascribe that:
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Everyone deserves to be heard.
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Presence and respect create the conditions for insight.
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Change is most effective when it is both designed and experienced collectively.
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Teams that navigate complexity together can make decisions that truly reflect their purpose.
This philosophy guides every session, consultation, or engagement, whether it’s a Circle Council, leadership circle, strategic planning session, or process improvement work.
Our Founder
Paula Pierce, President & Principal Consultant
Paula Pierce is an organization development consultant, coach, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience working with local and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Her expertise is in helping organizations solve their operational problems, create the change they aspire to for themselves and in their communities, and to realize success on their terms. Ms. Pierce enjoys and is skilled at designing and leading facilitated group work to build consensus and alignment around inspirational visions and organizational objectives.
Select clients include: J Vineyards, GTSI, Cambridge Associates, American Society of Plant Biologists, City of Takoma Park, Fairfax County, Arlington County, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Nuclear Regulatory Agency, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Capitol Police, Department of Transportation
