Dion Cartwright Case Study

The Challenge

What challenge did Dion want PAGE Capacity Builders to address?

As the new CEO, Dion wanted to create a dedicated space for her senior leadership team to discuss the organization’s vision and think strategically. With leaders across North America working virtually, she aimed to combine strategic planning with leadership development, culture-building, and trust-strengthening.

“Several members of the leadership team were approaching their roles more as mentors than managers,” Dion explained. “I wanted to unpack what it actually means to be a senior leader, explore best practices, and discuss how we work toward our strategic priorities together.”

The retreat also offered Dion a chance to introduce her leadership approach, share her personal journey, and set expectations for the team—ensuring alignment and a shared commitment to driving the organization’s vision forward.

What solutions or companies did Dion try before PAGE Capacity Builders?

Before working with Page, Dion conducted 1:1 conversations with each team and board member. After this listening tour, she had a good idea of where there were opportunities for culture growth, gaps in goal-setting, and ways to improve feedback loops.

“I learned I needed to activate the leadership team as actual managers and I needed more systems of support,” Dion explained. This led her to PAGE Capacity Builders.

The Solutions

Why did Dion choose PAGE Capacity Builders?

Dion first became aware of Page through professional circles at the Baltimore Community Foundation and later followed her work online. While they had not collaborated in a coaching capacity before, Dion was impressed by Page’s experience, approach, and results.

“After we met, it just felt like she had the expertise and approach I was looking for,” Dion said. “Being local to Baltimore also made it easy to connect in person, especially since I was bringing my national team here. That accessibility, combined with her experience, made it a clear choice to work with Page.”

What strategy or service did PAGE Capacity Builders provide?

Page partnered with Dion to design and facilitate a 2½-day senior leadership retreat. They co-crafted the agenda to balance strategic priorities and leadership development goals. During the retreat, Page facilitated discussions, provided resources, and guided reflections. After each day, Page debriefed with Dion, adjusting the agenda as needed. This collaborative approach ensured that Page played both a strategic and hands-on role in supporting the leadership team’s growth and alignment.

How did PAGE Capacity Builders help Dion solve the challenge?

Page equipped the leadership team with practical tools and resources to advance accountability, implement systems, and act on ideas discussed during the retreat. After each session, Page shared summaries of key discussions, key takeaways, and follow-up recommendations, along with relevant articles, tools, and resources to o strengthen leadership and drive organizational priorities.

The Impact & Success

How did this solution impact Dion’s organization?

The retreat gave the senior leadership team space to focus on both personal and professional growth. Each leader created a vision board connecting their personal journey to their professional aspirations, making commitments they could support one another in achieving.

“This wasn’t just about work,” Dion explained. “Sometimes it was personal, like taking better care of myself or finding joy again. Having the team—five other women—check in and hold each other accountable was really powerful.”

Organizationally, the retreat clarified priorities, generated actionable follow-up items, and helped the team identify concrete steps to advance programs and structure. By combining personal reflection with strategic planning, Dion strengthened both the leadership team’s cohesion and the organization’s strategic direction.

What qualitative benefits were achieved as a result of partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders? 

Working with Page created the space for Dion to clearly share her vision and understand the aspirations and strengths of her senior leadership team. The retreat allowed the team to reflect on where the organization was, where it wanted to go, and the culture it aimed to cultivate.

Page’s guidance sparked meaningful discussions on leadership practices, balancing mentoring with management, and preparing the next generation of leaders. After the retreat, Dion introduced professional development and goal-setting processes with built-in accountability to ensure insights became tangible, organization-wide improvements.

“This process gave us tangible ideas about leadership, accountability, and professional growth,” Dion said.

The Road Ahead

Were there any unexpected benefits or unique advantages that Dion gained from partnering with PAGE Capacity Builders?

One unexpected benefit was establishing a new tradition for the senior leadership team. As a fully remote, national team, they hadn’t had structured opportunities to connect strategically. The retreat inspired recurring agenda topics and processes that promote interconnected thinking and reduce siloed work.

“The retreat created a space for us to think strategically as a team and ensure we’re all aligned,” Dion said. “It laid the groundwork for more efficient, interconnected ways of working—and it was fun too. Building relationships outside formal sessions added joy to the process.”

What benefits does Dion anticipate long-term with PAGE Capacity Builders?

Looking ahead, Dion anticipates that the momentum and structures established during the retreat will continue to strengthen her organization’s strategic approach. The team can maintain alignment, foster accountability, and approach their work with a big-picture, interconnected mindset.

“The retreat gave us momentum to continue the conversation and the tools to do so,” Dion said. “Page did an excellent job of taking my vision and turning it into a partnership through her facilitation. She read the room, adapted to our team dynamics, and helped us create processes we can build on long-term.”

Dion also values the relational benefits—shared experiences, meals, and exploring Baltimore deepened trust and connections among her team. She plans to make leadership retreats an annual tradition to keep strategic alignment and team cohesion at the forefront.