Linda K. Honold is the founder of Vision In Action, a consulting firm focused on organizational development, where she combines her strengths in leadership, research and social impact to support meaningful change. In her role as a social sector entrepreneur, qualitative researcher and writer, she is known for her innovative thinking and unique talents. She has shaped a career grounded in research, strategic consulting and civic engagement, with work that bridges academic theory and practical implementation in both nonprofit and political spheres.
Dr. Honold earned a Doctor of Philosophy in human and organizational systems from Fielding Graduate University. Her academic achievements also include a Master of Science in industrial relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in history from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She later completed a postdoctoral fellowship in democracy and civic sector studies at Fielding Graduate University. This extensive academic background has informed her approach to organizational development, civic participation and the empowerment of underrepresented communities.
At Vision In Action, Dr. Honold has led research and consulting projects that reflect her passion for systemic transformation and leadership development. Her work focuses on supporting mission-driven organizations, with an emphasis on developing inclusive strategies and fostering organizational learning. By integrating qualitative methods with systems thinking, she offers insights that help organizations navigate complexity and change with clarity and purpose.
Dr. Honold’s previous leadership roles include serving as president of the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin, where she focused on strengthening community involvement and expanding the organization’s impact. Prior to that, she was the executive director of Wisconsin Voices, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing civic participation and voter engagement. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach and deepened its influence in public discourse and advocacy work.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Honold led Citizen Action of Wisconsin as executive director, where she advocated for social and economic justice through coalition-building and policy reform. Her work with Citizen Action followed her service as chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, a role in which she focused on party infrastructure, candidate support and voter mobilization. These experiences reflect her long-standing dedication to participatory democracy and progressive values.
Dr. Honold’s foundation in organizational consulting began at Johnsonville LLC, acting as an organization development specialist and applying systems-based strategies to improve performance and workplace culture. She later launched Empowerment Systems Inc., providing consulting services focused on organizational development. Her early leadership at the American Cancer Society Inc. also contributed to her expertise in nonprofit management and public health advocacy.
In addition to her consulting and leadership roles, Dr. Honold is deeply involved in civic organizations. She serves on the board of trustees and is currently the regent of the Milwaukee Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She is also a published author. Her book “Developing Employees Who Love to Learn” earned a book award and was recognized as one of the top ten publications of the year. She continues to pursue writing projects and public speaking opportunities that allow her to connect with audiences on themes of leadership, resilience and social justice.