My Story

When I was a little girl and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was a genius or a teacher. I can’t say I’ve formally accomplished either, but the thoughts and feelings that inspired that answer —  curiosity, the drive to be great at what I do, interest in many diverse subjects, and a desire to help people learn and grow — are very much alive in me today and what I bring to my work.

I am so grateful for the variety of experiences that have brought me to this point. I learned about servant leadership early in my career, continued to build my own leadership skills over time, and eventually coached leaders at all levels within organizations. I discovered a passion for process improvement and problem solving while working for the State of Washington. I loved helping employees remove waste from their processes, making their jobs more enjoyable and serving their customers better. I also saw that improvement is more than that. Teams need a supportive workplace culture, systems, and healthy relationships to make improvements stick. I have had the opportunity to train, coach, facilitate, and consult with many state and local agencies.

By the end of 2020 I was thirsty for a new challenge, so I took the leap and started my own consulting company, Ariana Wood Consulting, in 2021. I am delighted to say that one global pandemic later, I am still at it, and I embrace the challenges that each new engagement brings.

I live near Olympia, Washington, and in my spare time I am busy with family, friends, and hobbies. For the last couple of years, I have been honored to support my elderly mom; on any given day you might find me watering her garden, acting as chauffeur, or chatting about the most recent book she has read. I love my sisters and friends, and I am “Auntie” to many kids.

I have a deep connection to nature. Spending time outdoors nourishes both my mind and body. I joyfully observe evidence of animals on my hikes — I might be the person who enthusiastically says, “Whose poop is that?!”  I have also had the privilege of summiting several prominent mountain peaks. Many of my lessons learned while climbing apply more broadly in life and work. Great things are possible through commitment, incremental skill building, calculated risk-taking, teamwork, and good timing.   

Thanks again for being here. I am excited to meet you!

Ari