Welcome to Salt+Grit

Salt+Grit helps teams move away from conventional approaches, i.e. the habit of jumping to conclusions and solutions based on assumptions. Instead, we guide teams through experiential and exploratory human-centered design sessions to help identify the right problems to solve. As these are identified, we will provide tools to effectively and efficiently solve for these problems through a human-centered approach. Salt+Grit brings the rigor to elevate organizational potential and uncover innovative processes and ideas to drive exponential growth.

Salt+Grit utilizes a proven six-step process—empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test, and implement—while keeping humans are at the center of everything we do. We are steadfast in our practice of leading with empathy, curiosity, and understanding. We engage through a variety of methods—active listening, qualitative research, interviews, analyzing and synthesizing results, revisiting and expanding upon insights, and challenging assumptions.

Together, we design unique paths forward for your organization and those they serve.

Salt+Grit creates welcoming and energetic environments for active strategy and workshop sessions. These result in positive and engaging experiences for all participants. Salt+Grit curates unique blends of facilitation tools and methods for each client, and are reflective of their culture, goals, and participant needs.

Leading up to events, we collaborate with our clients to identify themes and upstream design services needed to support holistic goals. This includes qualitative research, designing and conducting interviews, delivering analysis summaries, and developing project and product plans. Salt+Grit embraces the unknown, and we help teams thrive throughout the discovery process.

Salt+Grit coaches are formally trained in professional leadership coaching methods. Our training comes from world renowned institutions, such as the International Coaching Federation, Brown University, and ACT Leadership and Performance Coaching. Additionally, our top two coaches both earned a Master of Science from The New School’s Parson’s School of Design (the leading U.S. design institution) with a concentration in Human Centered Design.

Salt+Grit approaches every engagement with empathy, meeting people where they are without judgment, subjective bias, or preconceived solutions. This approach fosters depth, discovery, ideation, inquiry, and resolve.

Providing space and permission for exploratory thinking while creating safe environments for sharing promotes growth and lasting impact. These principles are critical for change and in establishing a trusted relationship between an individual and their coach.

Salt+Grit fosters a mindset of continuous learning. Our coaches help people develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate and drive personal and organizational change. We collaborate with individuals to set clear, actionable goals and design strategies to achieve them. Our coaches emphasize accountability, tracking of progress, and regular check-ins to assess and iterate plans and goals. Most importantly, we always celebrate the wins—big or small.

Set in the Pacific Northwest, our retreats offer time, space, and thoughtful support to step away from the day-to-day and focus on what’s next. The pace is unhurried. The groups are intentionally small. Facilitation and coaching are present and lightly guided. Everything is taken care of for you.