Shirley is President of Poertner Consulting Group, a leadership development firm headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. She brings more than twenty years of experience in strategic planning, organization development and leadership skills to help individuals, teams, and organizations increase their effectiveness, achieve bottom-line results, and become measurably more vital. Her understanding of the complex nature of organizations and their leaders is central to her consulting and coaching practice.
A highly sought-after executive coach, retreat facilitator and training professional, Shirley is widely known for her expertise in individual and organizational communication and change.
Background
Shirley has worked in a variety of industries such as finance, energy, manufacturing, publishing, insurance, telecommunications, and agribusiness. Prior to starting her own company in 1994, she was Manager, Training and Development at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont Company. Before that, she spent five years as an internal consultant at Meredith Corporation, publisher of Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, and dozens of other magazines. In the 1980’s, Poertner was VP, Human Resources for First Interstate of Iowa, Inc. (now Bank of America, Iowa).
Clients continually recognize her ability to help them achieve hard-hitting results in the areas where they need it the most. Whether coaching an executive one-on-one or facilitating an offsite retreat, Shirley is praised for her engaging, passionate style and her bottom-line focus.
Education
Shirley received her master’s degree in Adult Learning and Organizational Performance from Drake University and later served as adjunct faculty at Drake. She continues her professional development as a member of ASTD, CISHRM, Association of Business and Industry, the West Des Moines Chamber and other civic organizations. Shirley currently serves on the ChildServe Board of Directors. She is one of a dozen Des Moines area bloggers, sharing her expertise and insights about leadership for the Des Moines-area Business Record.
Shirley is an avid camper, marathon walker and backpacker. Her dream? To one day hike the Appalachian Trail. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and then, escaping to the crime mystery worlds of the-likes-of Jack Bauer and Jack Reacher. As a minimalist traveler (she can travel for weeks with only an overnight case), she enjoys experiencing new sights, tastes and adventures…whether in Lincoln, NE or Liverpool, England.
