About SOVA Strategies
SOVA Strategies partners with visionary executives to transform organizations for the greater good. Our approach is rooted in the knowledge that strategy and change must be led by leadership from within an organization. Grounded in design thinking principles, the SOVA mindset turns challenges and constraints into opportunities. SOVA provides objective insights and targeted collaboration to drive bold, high-impact business pivots that unlock long-term success. SOVA works with a team of seasoned intrapreneurs and designers who drive internal innovation and sustainable growth through deep expertise in design thinking and lean management.
SOVA Founder Credentials
17 years of experience in corporate strategy, organizational design, business transformation, business development, and strategic growth.
Advised C-Suite at a $1.6B+ professional services firm for 10 years in roles designing and leading enterprise capabilities for innovation, investment, operational excellence, and more.
Designed and launched $5.9 million Kabul-based shared services center encompassing Finance, Legal, HR, IT, and Security support for $500+ million portfolio of federal contracts in Afghanistan and Pakistan that decreased operational risk while improving business standards and client satisfaction.
Led or counseled 30 business transformation projects that impacted 5,000 staff in more than 150 offices across 100 countries, contributing to doubling of professional services firm during a six-year period.
Managed adherence to internationally recognized business management standards through oversight of an ISO-9001 quality management system and led annual compliance audits of ISO certification at $1.6B+ professional services firm for seven years with zero major non-conformances.
Supported business development that generated $500M in sales over 20-month period for a newly established geographic portfolio, and designed key qualifying capability that led to a $9.5B award.
Co-designed and managed startup incubator that supported the launch and growth of 320+ early-stage, social impact ventures over 5 years that collectively impacted the lives of 5M, achieved Net Promoter Score higher than industry average, and utilized resourcing 5-10x less than similarly sized programs.
About Lauren
Lauren Behr
Founder & Advisor
SOVA Strategies Founder, Lauren Behr, is an advisor to C-suites of social impact organizations and government contractors of all sizes. Lauren offers 17 years of experience in corporate strategy, organizational design, business transformation, business development, and strategic growth.
Prior to launching SOVA, Lauren was a C-suite advisor for 10 years at Chemonics International, a $1.6B+ professional services firm in the global development sector. During that time, Lauren designed, launched, and managed enterprise capabilities for innovation, investment, venture building, quality management, change management, operational excellence, and more. For five years, she also co-designed and co-ran innovation programs with sustainability non-profit, UNLEASH, including an incubator that supported the launch and growth of hundreds of early-stage, social impact startups.
Lauren received her MBA from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles. She is a professor of social innovation and entrepreneurship at The Washington Center in Washington D.C. A native Californian, Lauren now lives with her partner in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is an avid reader, a passionate wellness advocate, and a proud coach to social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs around the world.
