#LeadershipLessons

Vision, Mission and Values

Our Vision

At Foundations, we envision a world where every organization thrives through strategic leadership, scalable systems, and a culture of excellence, creating lasting impact in their communities. We are committed to empowering individuals and their organizations to realize their God-given potential.

Our Mission

Our mission is to change the way business is done by empowering organizations to not just survive but thrive. With 20% of businesses failing in their first year, 49% within five years, and 65% within a decade, we are committed to breaking these statistics. Guided by principles of integrity, stewardship, and service, we partner with leaders to build strong systems, foster thriving cultures, and develop effective leadership, ensuring lasting success for every organization we serve.

Our Values

1. Eliminating EgoAt Foundations, we believe leadership thrives without ego. We foster a culture of humility, where team members value diverse perspectives and prioritize the collective good over personal recognition. By eliminating ego, we ensure our actions serve our clients and mission, reflecting the servant-leadership model exemplified by Christ.

What It Means:

Humility: Recognizing strengths and seeking feedback to grow in wisdom.
Valuing Input: Listening to and respecting all perspectives, acknowledging that everyone brings God-given talents to the table.
Collective Focus: Serving clients and achieving goals as an act of stewardship, placing mission above self.

2. Addressing Blind Spots
At Foundations, we embrace a culture of self-awareness and growth by addressing blind spots. We encourage open, honest feedback delivered with truth and love, enabling us to uncover and overcome areas of unawareness.

What It Means:

Self-Awareness: Reflecting on actions to identify areas for improvement.
Honest Communication: Sharing feedback with truth and love.
Collaborative Growth: Learning and improving together, united by a commitment to serve our clients and honor God in all we do.

Team

Strategic. Innovative. Passionate.

President

Anthony Dickerson

With over 25 years of operational expertise, Anthony has collaborated with and learned from exceptional leaders and organizations, building a career defined by precision, innovation, and transformative results.

Early in his career, Anthony honed his skills in project management and operations while contributing to groundbreaking research initiatives at Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania. These formative experiences provided a strong foundation in managing complex systems with precision and innovation.

Later, he further developed his expertise in high-impact, large-scale operational environments, gaining valuable insights into organizational leadership and team dynamics. This period of his career shaped his ability to thrive under pressure and align operations with strategic goals.

Anthony’s leadership experience spans nonprofits, manufacturing, construction, education, ministry, and retail. He has managed complex systems, driven strategic initiatives, and implemented solutions that have delivered exponential revenue growth, membership increases, and long-term organizational success. At Parts Life, working under CEO Sam Thevanayagam, Anthony contributed to operational excellence in a competitive business environment.

Since founding Foundations COO (formerly MAXPO Group) in 2010, Anthony has partnered with dozens of organizations to achieve results once thought unattainable. Leveraging his deep experience, he identifies operational gaps, creates tailored strategies, and executes plans that enable sustainable growth. His work has transformed nonprofits and small businesses alike, turning challenges into opportunities for success.

Expertise and Focus Areas

Strategic planning and leadership development
Cultural transformation and team alignment
Operational audits and solutions for sustainable growth

Anthony’s consulting has driven measurable results across diverse industries, enabling clients to overcome barriers and achieve their vision. Beyond his consulting work, Anthony serves on multiple boards, providing strategic insight and leadership to organizations navigating growth and change.

In addition to his hands-on consulting, Anthony is a sought-after speaker, empowering audiences with actionable insights on leadership, teamwork, and operational excellence. His commitment to building stronger, more effective organizations continues to inspire those he serves.

Whether speaking to a boardroom, coaching a team, or designing systems to unlock growth, Anthony’s passion remains the same: helping organizations thrive by aligning vision with action.

Chief Sales Officer

James Burrus

James Burrus boasts over four decades of leadership experience, beginning his CEO journey in 1976. His innovative strategies and industry knowledge have propelled businesses to remarkable success. As a consultant and coach, James shares his expertise with CEOs across sectors, emphasizing transformative and forward-thinking approaches.

In his role at Foundations, James leads the sales division, collaborating effectively with Anthony for sustained success. Known for blending traditional and innovative sales methods, James breaks new ground in business development.

Beyond sales, James inspires change and fosters a culture of excellence at Foundations. His leadership positively impacts both the organization's trajectory and its members' lives. James's commitment to continuous improvement makes him an invaluable asset and role model for aspiring business leaders.

Chief Revenue Officer

Joann Björnson

Joann Björnson, Foundations' Chief Revenue Officer, brings a unique blend of community service dedication and strategic business acumen. Responsible for nonprofit growth, Joann leads sales and marketing strategies aligning with the mission of operational excellence.

Her journey began in 1991 in the Human Service Field, supporting those impacted by mental illness and families. Additionally, Joann serves as CEO of Family Promise of Morris County since 2005, leading its growth into a stable organization impacting vulnerable citizens.

Joann's extensive experience and dedication to community service make her invaluable at Foundations. Her strategic approach is vital in expanding Foundations' reach and enhancing its impact in the nonprofit sector.

Strategic Implementation Manager

Beverly Passos

Beverly Passos is a forward-thinking and dedicated professional specializing in workplace culture, operations, and people strategy. Beverly brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Strategic Implementation Manager at Foundations.

Beverly's prior experience in Human Resource Management underscores her ability to drive initiatives that optimize people operations. Her approach to strategic implementation is not just about meeting the immediate needs of an organization; it's about laying the groundwork for sustained success and growth.

With a proven track record of success, Beverly stands ready to help organizations drive growth, optimize operations, and build inclusive, high-performing teams.

Chief Technology Consultant

Amman Anwar

At Foundations, we're proud to partner with Amman Anwar of Ventom IT. Amman is not just our Chief Technology Consultant; he's a cornerstone of our mission to transform technology from a challenge into a strategic asset. With Amman, we offer a spectrum of IT services, from cybersecurity to cloud computing, all tailored to propel your business forward.

Amman's expertise ensures technology seamlessly integrates with your business goals, enhancing efficiency and security. This collaboration underscores our holistic approach, connecting strategic planning with technological excellence. Amman brings the technological muscle you need, allowing us to offer a complete suite of solutions that power your journey from stuck to unstoppable.

Together, we're not just solving IT problems; we're setting the stage for your organization's sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Operations and Research Specialist

Ayesha Dickerson

Ayesha Dickerson is the unseen force driving the success of Foundations Consulting. As our dedicated Operations and Research Specialist, Ayesha's meticulous efforts behind the scenes ensure our client presentations and materials are not just prepared but polished to perfection. Her role encompasses a wide range of vital activities, from updating content and conducting thorough research to synchronizing data and generating insightful reports.

Currently a graduate student at Hofstra University, Ayesha combines academic rigor with practical expertise to enhance our operational effectiveness. Her contributions are indispensable, enabling us to maintain our commitment to operational excellence and strategic insight. Ayesha's dedication and skillset are crucial to the seamless execution of our mission, making her an invaluable member of the Foundations team.