TJ LONDAGIN

CEO and Co-Founder

With more than 20 years of experience in management consulting, TJ brings deep skills in organizational change management, strategy development and business transformation. TJ assists leadership teams in building consensus across diverse stakeholder groups to improve business results, increase adoption and realize project outcomes. He has a proven track record of designing and implementing programs that balance the needs of complex organizations driven by competing priorities. TJ focuses on helping organizations launch new initiatives with an eye toward risk mitigation, communications, leadership engagement, stakeholder buy-in and training support.

TJ’s thoughts on …

Work
Nothing changes unless the people change. Oh, and it doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Our People
Totem doesn’t make widgets. We don’t build cars. We don’t cobble shoes. Our people are our best product. We strive to build the most engaged, challenged, balanced consultancy team on the market. Totem believes happy teammates result in happy clients which result in positive impact and growth.

Balance
Work/life balance isn’t about a 40-hour week. No project manager is a precise enough to perfectly plan 40-hours of work consistently from entering the workforce until retirement. We believe in “best life.” Best life is about finding balance that services client needs while creating the most comfortable work environment for our team. We adapt to a client’s culture so if the client gathers daily we join, and likewise on working remotely. So step out for a dental appointment or to see your kid’s band recital – no need to check-in with me. Just make sure client needs are exceeded and always on-time.

Email
Like it or not, email is a business staple. Respond quickly. Address questions specifically. Keep emails short. Also, including photos of cats makes emails more fun. I send a lot of cat photos.

MALARIE MIRSKY

Director

With 14 years of experience in management and IT consulting for government, commercial, and non-profit clients, Malarie brings expertise in strategic communications, change management, and technology adoption. As an experienced project manager and strategist, she also loves solving people-related challenges for clients and leading the roll-out of those solutions. Malarie offers a deep knowledge of project communication methods and change theory. She specializes in bridging the gap between technical and non-technical teams and crafting visual stories to motivate people to action — creating lasting, meaningful change.

Malarie’s thoughts on …

Work
You should enjoy what you do, but always determine and communicate your boundaries. It’s a constant give and take. When you feel supported by those around you, the give and take feels organic. You’re more inclined to volunteer for a late-night review one day if you feel comfortable leaving early the next for a kindergarten graduation. Life happens, and Totem proudly meets its people where they are.

Belonging
This reminds me of what I loved about high school sports. Each employee brings their own strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds, and that’s what makes Totem stronger. We compete together and celebrate our collective wins. We each have the opportunity to find our own position among the team, even if our professional aspirations differ. Not everyone can be the power forward, and that’s okay. Especially if you’re 5’2, like me.

Oxford Commas
Always. Hear that, TJ?

MARGIE OTTO

Director

With over 20 years of experience helping clients solve challenging business problems, Margie brings deep expertise in process improvement, data analytics, program management and business transformation. Margie has a hands-on approach, working side by side with clients to develop and implement impactful solutions that improve business operations while enhancing employee and customer experiences. She helps quantify the business impact of solutions enabling clients to see the value she brings to their organization.

Margie’s thoughts on …

Work
While work should challenge us to develop and grow, you should also have fun along the way. The best days at work are when you feel like you’ve accomplished what you planned for the day and had chances to connect and laugh with your colleagues.

Collaboration
I love to develop solutions that will be the best fit for our clients and I’ve always found that the most innovative, creative, and impactful ideas come from teams with different experiences and backgrounds, working together to solve a common problem. True collaboration happens when leaders empower team members to bring their authentic selves and diverse ideas to the table.

Curiosity
My favorite thing about consulting is getting to learn about different organizations and what makes them tick. Curiosity drives me to understand why challenges arise and how to fix them.

LAUREN BLACK

Director, People Operations

Lauren is a seasoned People Operations leader with 14 years of expertise in business operations, talent management, and human resources. As a certified Prosci and SHRM-SCP professional, she is committed to driving positive change within organizations. With a passion for helping companies scale their operations, Lauren excels at creating culture and workforce strategies to empower employees. Her focus on employee satisfaction leverages data-driven insights to make people-centric decisions. Recognizing that great talent is the key to successful businesses and thriving cultures, she is dedicated to cultivating a highly-engaged workforce through a strengths-driven culture of development with unique experiences tailored to individuals. Her ultimate goal is to fuel the firm’s growth through the growth of its employees.

Lauren’s thoughts on …

Work
Most of us spend as much time with our colleagues as with our family; this is why it’s critical to find a job and company that aligns with your values, and provides opportunities to stretch and grow. Data tells us that employees are more satisfied when strong personal relationships exist at work. Find people that you enjoy working with in a position that allows you to use your strengths, and you’ll always find a reason for gratitude.

Authenticity
Some days, 80% might be your personal best, and that’s okay because we’re not machines. Working for an organization that values authenticity creates an environment where it’s safe to make mistakes and learn. Some days you’re the bug. Some days you’re the windshield. The most effective leaders are those who make room to celebrate our best days, and give grace on the worst.

Performance and Leadership Styles
I believe people are inherently good and want to contribute in meaningful ways. The power lies in finding connection points, building trust, appreciating strengths, but not straying from difficult conversations that grow the individual. Business can care about the people AND the business; the two are not mutually exclusive.

BROOKE COSE

Director

Brooke has over 25 years of experience in change management, organizational development, talent development and employee engagement spending the last 20 years in healthcare developing change strategies for EHR implementations and improving the patient experience. With over 15 years of director level experience, she has coached organizations to achieve top decile employee engagement and patient experience results. Her sweet spot – facilitating leadership alignment and coaching executives to ensure sustainment of organizational change.

Brooke’s thoughts on …

Work
We are all in for our clients and have fun while doing it. It starts with building strong relationships and listening. After that we deliver exceptional results – together.

Authenticity
I thrive in an environment where I have fun at work. For my team, this creates genuine relationships and allows me to lead with transparency and intention. For my clients, this allows me to quickly build credibility and rapport to provide transparent feedback and address the often-unspoken truths. An authentic work environment increases creativity, engagement and performance. If we can’t be real, we really aren’t at our best.

Curiosity
Always. I talk a lot, but also ask a lot of questions. This is how I get to know a new team, a new process or a new organization. Don’t worry, it’s not a formal interview, it’s fun!