Paul Christiansen

Paul Christiansen is the former President and CEO of Vortex Data Systems. For 23 years Mr. Christiansen, grew and developed Vortex from a sole proprietorship to a leading technology-focused company specializing in the training of IT staff on leading computer, networking and application development technologies. Paul was the co-founder of United Training and until recently served as its vice-president. United Training is the nations largest consortium of best of breed IT training centers which are all locally owned and operated. He holds a degree in Chemistry, and graduate degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Business Administration. He was a Naval Aviator, Chemical Sales Person and Real Estate Agent. Paul has the unique ability to integrate the technical, the business and the interpersonal dimensions of enterprise focused on forging innovative and creative solutions. He has been a member of TEC, TAB, Renaissance, 20/20 and True Profit groups over the years. Paul is committed to the executive forum process as a key factor in maximizing the potential for business success.

Focused Executive

The Focused Executive (or Hot Seat as it has become known by those who have participated in this experience" is a segment where a member makes a formal presentation to the group outlining the nature of their company, the focus and projects of IT and the major issues that are being dealt with. It normally includes the definition and presentation of a critical issue that the executive desires the groups feedback and the formation of potential solutions. In this exercise, the members of Quorim function as members of an outside board of directors. Each member has the opportunity to ask tough questions designed to understand the business and to uncover specific weaknesses. More importantly each board member then has the opportunity to provide the top 2-3 specific recommendations which have the potential to have the maximum impact on the Focused Executive's business.

Special Projects & Great Idea

Special Projects and Great Idea

Special Projects are identified by the group as something important to focus time and energy toward solving. They can be best practices, new products ideas, business research or any number of other things. The idea of the special project is to bring to bear the collective resources, energy and expertise of the group in developing innovative and creative solutions toward solving.

The Great Idea Exchange is an opportunity to come up with a idea that other members of the group can use to increase revenue, decrease expense or create competitive advantage. Each member presents their idea and then the group votes for the best. Each member puts in $50 to the pot and the winner takes the pot.

Round Table

Round Table Discussion

The Round Table Discussion is a time set aside to deal with issues of the day. They could involve any aspect of the business and can be either highly tactical or very strategic. Each member with a round table item makes a presentation to the group defining the issue, the business impact and provides any supporting information necessary. The entire group will then spend time focusing on clarifying issues, providing feedback, crafting potential solutions and helping to define a solution or a course of action. When there are critical issues that arise, the group not only provides immediate feedback and ideas, but there is future accountability that the group expects and follows through by getting updates at future meetings.