PhD Sociology, University of Southern California

Expertise: Strategy, Organizational Culture, Performance Management

Industry Experience: Energy, Environment

As an Associate in Graffeo & Associates, Dr. Olson provides senior consulting support in business strategy, innovation management, organizational design, performance measurement, culture change, human resource management, and process redesign.

Dr. Olson has over 35 years of experience as an organizational consultant and project manager working primarily with research and development (R&D) organizations, and organizations in the oil and gas and electrical power sectors. Prior to joining Graffeo & Associates he was a Principal Consultant with Battelle Memorial Institute where he managed several technical organizations and served as President of Battelle’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Battelle Mexico.

Previously, he was a member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Akron where he lectured in organizational theory and conducted research in organizational effectiveness. Dr. Olson has worked with small startups and multibillion-dollar enterprises. He consults with government agencies and industrial organizations, with particular emphasis on the energy sector.

Example accomplishments include:

  • Strategy development for a large petroleum company, focusing on strengthening the transportation function for improved economic, safety, and environmental performance
  • Development of business case for creation of a regional research and technical services center for a large petroleum company.

A core part of his practice involves working with research and technology development organizations. He has assisted these organizations in issues related to technology and innovation, aligning organizational processes and practices with business and technology strategy, and human resources and development practices.

Example accomplishments include:

  • Development of business strategy and upgrading business skills of a large Latin American research institute in the petroleum sector
  • Development and transfer of management systems for a new research institute in Ukraine A major part of his practice involves working with organizations to strengthen safety and reliability.

This work involves assessment of safety performance, accident analysis, culture change, and process redesign.

Examples include:

  • Assistance in the development of safety regulations in the areas of power plant management, maintenance, safety culture, and worker reliability in the US and Sweden Analyses of management and organization contributions to significant accident scenarios for a large petroleum company