Leah Gutmann, owner of First Forward Consulting, LLC, specializes in a wide variety of training, program development, and consulting services including communications, leadership, emotional intelligence, train-the-trainer, and finance. She has over 10 years of experience in the design, implementation and facilitation of educational programs, classes and seminars. Her 20-year career as a CFO and Finance Manager in the mechanical construction industry has given Leah the unique ability to offer training and consulting from a hands-on, in the trenches perspective.

Some of Leah’s clients include the MCA of Western Washington, the MCA of Kansas City, MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, Point B Management Consultants, Pinchiff Mechanical, The Seattle Pipe Trades, and the Colorado Association of Mechanical and Plumbing Construction. Leah has been involved in developing and delivering a wide variety of programs at all levels of an organization from executive level leaders to field employees and supervisors.

Leah is a certified instructor for Fierce Conversations and Fierce Accountability & Feedback, Fierce Generations, and Fierce Negotiations. Leah also holds certifications for Training Program Design, Strength Finders Coaching, DISC, Emotional Intelligence, Checkpoint 360, Profiles XT, Clifton Strengths Finders, and Blanchard’s Situation Leadership II. Through these highly effective programs Leah has found ways to give practical communication and leadership tools to participants who can take what they have learned and immediately apply them on the job.

Leah obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Washington State University and an MBA from Seattle Pacific University. Leah is on the Board of Directors for The Sophia Way, helping women on their path from homelessness to independence.