Even with similar budgets, timelines, and tools, some teams consistently deliver better outcomes than others. The difference? How well leaders design their systems around the people doing the work.
As an engineer, Don Harkey has always believed strong results come from strong systems. Over time, he saw that conventional “best practices” didn’t fully explain performance gaps. What made the difference wasn’t effort alone. It was whether systems reflected how work actually happens.
When leaders listened to the people closest to the work and built around real workflows and constraints, execution improved and change lasted.
In 2012, People Centric was founded on that insight—and was serving clients nationwide within its first year.
From the beginning, we chose to operate differently. Many consulting models stop at recommendations. We focus on implementation—working alongside teams to turn strategy into action. Our value isn’t in producing reports. It’s in strengthening an organization’s ability to execute.
More than a decade later, our philosophy remains the same: strategy only matters if it can be executed by real people in real conditions. When organizations put people at the center of decisions and design, performance and culture improve.
That’s the work we’re here to do.
As an engineer, Don Harkey has always believed strong results come from strong systems. Over time, he saw that conventional “best practices” didn’t fully explain performance gaps. What made the difference wasn’t effort alone. It was whether systems reflected how work actually happens.
When leaders listened to the people closest to the work and built around real workflows and constraints, execution improved and change lasted.
In 2012, People Centric was founded on that insight—and was serving clients nationwide within its first year.
From the beginning, we chose to operate differently. Many consulting models stop at recommendations. We focus on implementation—working alongside teams to turn strategy into action. Our value isn’t in producing reports. It’s in strengthening an organization’s ability to execute.
More than a decade later, our philosophy remains the same: strategy only matters if it can be executed by real people in real conditions. When organizations put people at the center of decisions and design, performance and culture improve.
That’s the work we’re here to do.
“If the system doesn’t reflect how work actually happens, people end up fighting it. When you design around real workflows, execution gets simpler—and the improvements last.”
Don Harkey, CEO and Founder
Our approach strengthens engagement
Our clients report measurably lower turnover, stronger engagement, and greater productivity and profitability.
People Centric exists to help organizations become healthier and more effective by aligning the human needs that drive engagement with the organizational systems that drive performance. When people are empowered and systems support real work, results are sustainable.
Our core values guide both our internal culture and how we show up with clients
Truth
We face reality, even when it’s difficult. We recognize that no one person holds the whole truth, and we honor different perspectives to build understanding and alignment. People do their best work when they can show up honestly and fully themselves.
Communication
We communicate with humility. We listen openly, assume we don’t have all the answers, and seek shared understanding. Open communication helps diverse teams align and move forward together.
Impact
We are committed to making a meaningful difference. Through our work with clients, our team, and our community, we focus on creating lasting, positive impact.
Team
We believe in the power of a shared purpose. We value diverse perspectives and open dialogue because stronger outcomes are created together. Co-creation builds ownership, and ownership drives engagement.
Meet our team
Don Harkey
CEO and Founder
Don is an organizational strategist who helps teams strengthen culture, improve alignment, and achieve meaningful results. He brings a balance of analytical thinking and people-focused leadership to every engagement.
Diana Royalty
COO and Co-Founder
Diana is the operational leader behind People Centric’s ability to deliver aligned, empowered, high-performing organizations. She translates strategy into scalable systems that help teams execute consistently and adapt quickly.
Bethany Taff
Engagement Manager
Bethany is a skilled coach and facilitator who helps teams strengthen connection, clarity, and alignment. Her relationship building and strategic support is grounded in the belief that every person has inherent value and purpose.
Stephanie Anderson
Engagement Specialist
Stephanie is an experienced business strategist and public speaker. She helps organizations of all sizes grow by creating and executing strategies that engage their teams, achieve their goals, and positively impact their communities.
Philip Herzog
Engagement Specialist
Philip is a master connector who is passionate about helping teams build strong, healthy, aligned cultures. Known for his authenticity, Philip thrives on building meaningful relationships with organizations of all kinds.
Ashley Lawless
Operations Specialist
Ashley has an innate talent for organization, process design, and continuous improvement. She is deeply curious about how people think, work, and collaborate, allowing her to approach challenges from multiple angles.