A man with glasses, a beard, and a bald head, wearing a dark suit and a light blue shirt, smiling outdoors with green grass in the background.

Matthew Wagner

Owner/Operator

Let's Begin the Conversation
Let's Begin the Conversation
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Matthew Wagner believes that the greatest gift we ourselves, and those around us, is a clear understanding of who WE are and where WE are going.  Unfortunately, in a world full of noise, it’s hard enough to determine what’s real and what’s not, never mind where you want to go and how to get there.

With over a decade of experience in leading organizations, developing people, and navigating an ever-changing world, Matthew is building his practice on one simple concept…everyone has a story, and everyone needs someone in their corner.  Not to “fix” them…to hear them and be a partner in their journey to fix themselves. Matthew has come alongside leaders and organizations at all parts of their journey, from the executive who is waiting for everyone to realize they don’t know what they’re doing, to the organization that KNOWS it’s capable of doing more, but can’t find the path to get there; from the sales executive who’s trying to do much and not getting ANYTHING done, to the team that no longer trusts itself; from the founder who knows they need to step aside to the parent who wants to stop missing their kid’s “firsts.”

As a member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Matthew brings a servant leadership, values-driven approach to both professional and leadership development, organizational structure and strategy, as well as resource development and messaging.  He has led organizations through both system changes, and major organizational changes, developed strategic plans, and seen them grow, some increasing their programs by as many as 4 times, and revenue as much as double, while streamlining operations.  Most importantly, he has taken individuals who didn’t believe in themselves, helped them see their potential, reach it, and exceed THAT!

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and the Arts with a focus on Leadership and Social Influence and is a graduate of multiple leadership programs. He lives in Mechanicsburg with his wife Lisa, and their two boys, their pride and joys (most days).  In his free time, you’ll find him cheering on the Nittany Lions of Penn State (WE ARE) and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates as well as working on his next idea or working on his “honey do” list…sometimes both!

Our Collaborative Journey: From Vision to Impact

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our process is designed to honor your expertise, respect your mission, and maximize your community impact. Here is how we move forward together:

What We Do Together

1. Listen & Learn * Connection
We start by recognizing everyone’s situation is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach fits no one. So we sit down and build a process around you….where you are, where you’re going, and what’s holding you back. We talk about what’s working and what’s not; what keeps you up at night and what keeps you going,

2. Evaluate & Analyze * Insight

We take a step back to look at the big picture. What is our “North Star"…our goal? What are the various paths to get there (traditional or not), and what makes sense for where we are NOW.

3. The Game Plan * Strategy

We translate insights into a customized roadmap. One that’s actually yours! This clear, actionable strategy prioritizes your goals and considers what’s realistic, not what looks good on paper. We design something unique to your team’s capacity and resources.

4. Putting it to Work * Action

Unfortunately, that’s where a lot of consultants stop. Not us….we’re just getting started!! We roll up our sleeves. We help you implement the plan, staying agile and supportive to ensure the strategy results in real, sustainable change.

About Our Process

  • Purpose-First: We align every decision with your values and purpose.

  • Intentional, Sustainable Growth: We focus on building your internal capacity over time. We help you avoid the normal growing pains of most organizations by being intentional about what we’re doing and where we’re headed, ever mindful of the changing landscape.

  • Adaptive Partnership: In today’s world, the “new normal” is constant change. We help you see anticipate changes when possible, and adapt when necessary, all while keeping our
    eyes on the prize.

"Our goal is simple: to ensure that by the time we reach the implementation phase, your organization is stronger, more focused, and ready to scale its impact."

  • My special 8 ball….no, seriously, the first thing I’m looking at is your organization, what is unique about it, where it is in it’s trajectory, etc.  From there it’s a combination of:

    1. 15 years of experience working in and with 501©3 organizations, along with more webinars, trainings, etc. than I care to admit.

    2. PANO’s Standards for Excellence.

    3. Best business practices such as “The 12 Week Year”, “EOS” and of course ANYTHING John Maxwell.

  • The initial sustainability assessment is free.  It’s my way of thanking you for the amazing work that you do to make our community a better place to live, work, and play…plus, it gets me out of the house, which makes my wife happy!  After that, my  intention is to NOT be an expense, but to be an asset.  I will help you find places  where you can eliminate or reduce existing line-items and invest those savings in your future.  In addition, we’re going to work together to identify sustainable income income opportunities in what you’re ALREADY doing that you can invest back into the organization.

  • I get it…I’ve been where you are, looking at my ever-growing “to-do” list and not wanting to add anything to it.  My intention is to be a blessing, not a burden.  The initial sustainability assessment is 30-60 minutes of me getting to know you and your organization and then giving you a list of documents that I’m going to need to look at.  Before I leave, we’ll schedule a follow-up in 10 days or so, and I’ll do my review on my time, not yours.  You won’t hear from me again unless I have a question or need something clarified.

  • Item descYes….and No. First, it’s been my experience that often when an organization is
    Yes….and No. First, it’s been my experience that often when an organization is struggling to raise the money it needs, there are underlying structural issues that are at the root of that, so if I can help you with the cause, that will help your fundraising.  Second, the state of PA is very specific about what a consultant to a 501©3 organization can and cannot do for that nonprofit.  My registration with the state  allows me to ADVISE, but not to directly solicit on your behalf.