Meet
Bill

Bill Fournet helps leaders and organizations turn disruption into opportunity, saving them up to millions of dollars, by innovating how they work.

Fueled by his belief that to stay viable in today’s ever-changing world we need to approach work differently, Bill actively supports leaders as a management consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker. As an in-demand speaker for leaders, Bill delivers thought-provoking, practical programs to help you Lead for Tomorrow by understanding workforce trends and staying ahead of the curve in times of great change. In all his work, Bill leverages more than 25 years of experience in leading successful teams–including overseeing large and mega projects in excess of $10 billion– to gives leaders the tools and guidance they need to thrive in any situation.

In 2004, on the heels of years of experience in project management and leadership for companies that included AT&T, IBM, and MTV Networks, Bill founded the award-winning management consulting firm, The Persimmon Group. Believing that “corporate” life could be full of passionate and engaged people, he established a unique business philosophy and culture at Persimmon, which was honored as a two-time recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award for being one of the leading small businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  Persimmon has also been on the Inc. 500/5000 list for the U.S. Fastest Growing Companies and received many other business accolades, including Families and Work Institute’s Effective and Flexible Workplace Award. Bill has also been a multi-nominee for “Most Admired CEO” in his home state of Oklahoma.

Bill believes that the best possible work-life makes room for a fulfilling personal life, too, which is why his work also focuses on helping leaders to get more control so they can have more time to spend with their families and to do what they love.

A proponent of diverse and forward-thinking leadership, Bill is a Society of Fellows member of The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organization that drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world.

As an avid backpacker and Scout, Bill relishes outdoor adventures, having backpacked hundreds of miles, summitted 14,000-foot mountains, and paddled the Canadian Boundary Waters several times. He currently serves as an Executive Board Member for the Boy Scouts of America Indian Nations Council; District Chair for Tulsa Scouting, and Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 26.

Believing strongly in giving back, Bill is a Member of the Executive Advisory Board of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa where he helps to empower the next-generation of business leaders. Bill also serves as past Chair for Growing Together, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty through building vibrant, engaged communities within impoverished neighborhoods. He also is Committee Chair for STEAM Post 26, a FIRST Robotics program providing incredible STEM-related opportunities to local youth.

A military and history buff, Bill earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University and a Master’s Degree in History from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Christy, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma and have three sons.