C. William Harper, II, BPG Chairman “Paying It Forward”
C. William Harper, II is a pastor, a financial consultant, a Master Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a PMP, and, as of July 2024, Chairman of Breakthrough Performance Group. We asked William to tell us why he decided to become a partner in BPG after founder Paul Gormas retired.
“My work is all about helping people and making a difference in people’s lives. And BPG’s work is too.”
William says, “We give people the ability to pivot. With change a constant, that’s an invaluable skill.” William urges everyone to be aware of changes that are happening in their field so they can adapt. “Certifications can help anyone adapt more quickly and less expensively than going back to school.
“The Lean Six Sigma certifications BPG offers provide a structured process for solving problems in any field. Our PMP Exam Prep training gives students the ‘lingo’ of the professional world and strategies to reach the end goal. In today’s business world, almost every assignment is a project.”
“BPG’s a strong company that’s getting stronger. “
William and BPG President and COO Tasos Georgopoulos are working to diversify the company. They are customizing programs to specific industries and developing strategic partnerships — while continuing to help individuals develop in their careers with certifications and other training. They are also finding new directions for their work. Some recent examples:
- Partnering with an employer to offer Green Belt training to GED graduates.
- Being a sponsor of the Northern Kentucky Career Fair for Registered Apprentice Programs with a focus on opportunities for youth.
“Investing in BPG is a way for me to “pay it forward.”
LSS training taught William to organize his thinking in a way that leads to a solution to a problem. He says “Learning this structured way of thinking has been huge for me. I apply it to everything I do in my life. ”
That “everything” includes his work as a financial consultant. Whether working with an individual looking to set and meet long term financial goals or a business looking to set up a benefits package, William walks each client through the LSS process. They begin by defining the financial goal. Then they identify the steps needed to get the client from where s/he is today to where they want to be. By teaching them the steps, William’s clients understand their plan, including the need to monitor progress and be ready to pivot when needed.
William emphasizes that anyone can learn and use LSS thinking to make a difference in their own lives. Bringing the method to more people via his investment in BPG gives William a way to “pay it forward.”
