What People Say About Howie
Howie claims that he is annoying, and we want more!
I would highly recommend Howie’s executive retreat program. I got to know our leadership team in a different, much deeper way—to understand what has shaped their approach to work, their values, their motivations and their fears. Understanding the “why” helps me approach our relationship from a completely different perspective. I find myself—and the executive team—being more patient, more curious and understanding, more open to a different approach and ultimately, more willing to work to find common ground.
Howie has a great touch, bringing the right energy and fun to every step of the way to improve communication, resolve conflict, build trust, and support a safe environment where vulnerability draws us closer. Howie claims that he is annoying, and we want more!
Lisa E., CEO, Medica
Howie is a gifted coach and leader.
I've known Howie for many years and have seen his impact as a facilitator, speaker, coach and consultant in our community. I was fortunate to work directly with Howie as a coach through Vistage for the last couple of years. I've always prioritized maintaining a coach throughout my executive career and Howie stands out as remarkable. He is masterful in combining exercises that shape thinking with high-accountability work to drive a higher level of leadership thoughts and behaviors. He is a "no bullshit" player—so don't expect that wits and charisma will get you off the hook for authentic self-exploration. If you are ready to really take your leadership to the next level, Howie is the best.
Samantha H., Healthcare Executive
Howie Gives Hope
“Howie’s seminar got everyone THINKING, laughing and talking about it for days and weeks afterwards! His message is simple, yet powerful—and too often overlooked by organizations and their leaders. It’s about being humble, treating each other well, and using the understandings of human behavior to create a work environment where people look forward to coming each day. Howie is articulate and truly lives up to his title of the Provocateur, not taking himself too seriously, either. Howie gives hope that Sunday nights don’t need to be filled with dread.”
Rosie W., Principal & Co-Founder, Salveo Partners, LLC
Promoting Self Awareness
“With a lighthearted, approachable style, Howie Milstein provided just the right dose of insight into surgeons’ mindsets to help us consider the best ways to lead in the operating room. He has clearly been paying close attention to surgeons for many years, and may know us better than we know ourselves. Not one to take himself very seriously, Howie will leave you laughing as he inspires you to improve your self-awareness—and your patients’ outcomes!”
Andy S., MD, Chief, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hennepin Healthcare
Howie's Coaching!
I recently got the job of my dreams, in large part due to Howie's coaching! I interviewed many coaches at the moment I realized I needed some help with this job search thing. I went with Howie because he promised fun. In fact, I had to sign on the dotted line that I would approach the process with lightheartedness and a sense of humor. While the process of a) deciding what I wanted to give and get in a job, b) learning how to talk with others about it, and 3) applying myself to job transitioning was not always easy, Howie always encouraged me, gently, empathically and with humor. He was my personal champion through the process.
Another thing I loved about working with Howie was that he took time to really dig deep into my competencies, interest areas, and ultimately purpose before setting out on what could have been a wayward search. Instead, it was focused. I felt good about what I wanted, and how I could frame my contributions to others. I learned the value of networking and had the external accountability I was seeking.
Howie never gave up on me, even when I felt like I was sure taking a while. Yet things have a way of working out when and as they are supposed to, and when the right opportunity presented myself, I eagerly took action and am thrilled to have made a positive career shift that is in line with my values and aspirations.
When you hire Howie and solemnly swear to have some fun along the way, you'll land a great new gig that makes you say "hooray"!
Cassidy M., Youth & Family Ministry Director
Talent and Humor
During my first in-depth conversation with Howie, I recognized traits that I consider connected to great leadership. Howie agreed to let me interview many employees under his leadership. In analyzing their feedback and synthesizing it for themes, and based on my personal interactions with Howie, he excels in leadership by:
Being creative, different and innovative
Being likable, funny and humorous
Encouraging failure
Being knowledgeable and smart
Being encouraging and motivating
Acting like “one of us”—one employee commented that “He’s not afraid to walk into the fire for you, no matter your position.”
Being non-hierarchical and trusting
Acting with integrity and honesty
Treating people well and building relationships
Hiring well and being a great “casting agent”
Being passionate about the work
Creating a great culture
From those interviews, I also learned that some of the things that make Howie, “Howie,” which others can learn are: how to reframe perspectives, how to be empathetic, how to give direct honest feedback and how to be assertive. On the flip side, two of the things that simply make Howie, “Howie,” and cannot be replicated are his talents and his humor.
Interacting with Howie leaves me engaged, reflective and energized.
Laura D., President & Chief Alchemist, ALCEMIS
Learning & Growth
“There is no shortage of creative thinking and engaging banter when working with Howie. As a colleague, I have watched Howie “in action.” Whether coaching individuals, engaging in staff meetings and events, or speaking, he is focused on building relationships, authentic communications, and engaging/collaborating for mutual learning and growth. Howie mixes humor and honesty—never shying away from what needs to be said. He challenges respectfully and holds leaders accountable. ”
Sue N., Executive Consultant, Navigate Forward
Happily Employed
Simply put, career coaching with Howie is fun. Howie uses unique and powerful tools to reawaken personal values and skills to develop greater self-awareness. He helped quiet the static in my mind regarding my career, provided fresh perspectives and helped me identify the optimal next steps to take to land a position best suited for me. Howie's unique and energetic approach to coaching works! He placed me on the right path and I am happily employed. Thank you Howie!
Julie C., Director
Healthcare Management
Brings People Together
I first met Howie a few years ago when he was introduced as the new COO. He made it clear that his first priority was to build and develop relationships within the organization. His reasoning was that as trust is created and strengthened, we become more comfortable holding ourselves and others accountable, but also want to help each other succeed. When we do this, we become a truly, high functioning team. Howie is a leader who brings people together, and makes them feel like they want to be together, rather than working simply because they have to. I learned so much from Howie in terms of being a better leader, and continue to cherish his advice and friendship to this day.
Erik M., Medical Device Engineer
Unique Perspective
It’s always great to work with Howie. One will find his unique perspective on things to be refreshing, creative and out of the box. Howie’s motto is to not take one’s self too seriously because life is too short for that. If you get a chance to collaborate with Howie, you will also enjoy his positive attitude and energy!
Divya G., Labeling and Packaging Specialist
Easily Accessible
Howie was a huge help in determining what I wanted to do, as well as what kind of environment I wanted to do it in. He was easy to work with and brought me up to speed on current job-hunting methods and etiquette. In between meetings he was always easily accessible via email or text for any questions that came up.
Kathryn "Kat" B., Customer Technology Specialist
This Guy Called Howie Is Quirky, Quick-Witted, Emotionally Intelligent & Colorful.
After working with a different set of coaches back in 2020, I realized that I wasn't getting the guidance that I needed to move my life and business in the direction that was required after George Floyd's murder. Many things needed to change for me to pivot, but I didn't realize that much of those things were in my mind and how I'd been in my own way.
I was referred to Howie Milstein in 2021, we clicked immediately I believe because his approach wasn't "I know everything, so listen to me." Howie coaches me by asking questions, validating my answers, then challenging me to accept another perspective. This guy literally makes me laugh with his "out of nowhere" corny jokes. Great guy to work with, but make sure to bring a pair of shades to not be blinded by those bright, colorful jackets!
Teto W., Founder of: Wilson's Image Barbers and Stylists and Wilson's Image College Scholarship
Fantastic Experience
Working with Howie was a fantastic experience. He led me through an exhaustive process to narrow in on career direction and helped me better understand the power of network building. Best of all, his attitude is perpetually optimistic and realistic at the same time. He knows what he's doing.
Paula W., Sr. eCommerce Manager
Unshakeable Belief That Work Can Be Fun
Howie’s leadership begins with always having a vision of what could be, then inspires people to join him to make the vision a reality. His passion is for people: developing them, creating an environment for them to excel and providing the support they need to succeed.
I have had the distinct pleasure to work with Howie Milstein for 5 years, and he is the most authentic, positive and successful leader I have met in my life.
Many leaders talk about change, but Howie really lives it. He is continually seeking ways to transform his organization, and create meaningful, sustainable and positive change in systems, processes and people.
Howie also has a unique combination of high-level strategic thinking and authentic connection with individuals. His real strength is the joy he brings to the work and the people. As a result, he creates organizations that operate the same way: with courage, with authenticity, with positive passion, and with the unshakeable belief that work can be fun.
Ronn L., Speaker, Consultant, Human Factors
Wonderful Motivational Style
Howie is a CEO with tremendous depth. He has a range of skills that include strategic and creative vision, sales and marketing savvy, finance and operational know how, and a wonderful motivational style that stems from his upbeat personality. He is also a leader with a keen sense of integrity—a character strength that comes from a moral gyroscope that spins true. It is a privilege to work with him and even more so to call him my friend.
Brad L., Attorney
Breathes Life Into Our Company
Howie comes in as an independent 1099 consultant and immediately ingratiates himself as a W-2 team member. He helped us identify our brand, articulate it, and make it come alive throughout our operation. He understands our DNA and reflects it back to us in ways that help us connect our personal values with the company’s. He’ll forever be a trusted ally and resource.
Meg G. and Steve F., Owners, Sterling Retirement Resources
Howie Milstein is Not a Normal Human Being
Ten minutes after meeting him you will realize that yourself. People normally don’t care so much about their clients’ well-being beyond what will happen to their own bottom line.
Howie will set you up to find employment, but he cares about so much more than that. He takes a whole person point of view. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and Howie keeps that in mind. Maybe you don’t have that perfect job in your back pocket yet, but what else will make you happy?
Howie instills confidence in his clients. By examining yourself, you find out what makes you happy. What makes you tick? He may suggest a book to help in the exploration. In the grand scheme of things, by knowing your own needs as well as your strengths, you find what will work for you.
No one can guarantee that you will find perfect employment. Howie’s attitude is that you will find a job, and he will put you in the best possible position to do that. What makes Howie different is how he makes you look at life and happiness in the meantime. Pursue your goals, but don’t neglect what truly makes you happy.
Stephen W., Quality Chemist, Medical Devices
Howie has a point to make