O T A V A L A

Welcome to the home of Otavala Consulting. We are a Chicago based consulting firm and serve primarily Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York areas. We are also available for specific assignments nationwide or internationally.

We specialize in strategic management, human resources, organizational development, and business psychology. We focus primarily on higher education, non-profit sector, travel industry, and social services. However, we can also help organizations in other business sectors, and work particularly well with professional services and health care. Among many services that we offer are leadership coaching, strategic planning, teambuilding, conflict management training, and development of business ethics and corporate social responsibility programs. We have worked in many states including California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Florida, and Illinois, as well as internationally in Asia and Europe.

The name Otavala comes from Finnish language. Otava is the Finnish name for Ursa Major, or what is known as Big Dipper in English. In Finland, Otava is widely used as a cultural symbol as it is the most visible constellation in the Northern sky. The word ending -la (as in Otava -la) is used in Finnish to designate a place. Thus, Otavala is the place of Big Dipper. Big Dipper is significant because the stars in this constellation point towards the North Star (Polaris). Polaris stands almost motionless on the sky, and all the stars of the Northern sky appear to rotate around it. Therefore, it makes an excellent fixed point from which to draw measurements for celestial navigation and for astrometry. It has helped navigators through the beginning of humanity to find their destinations. In Hindu astronomy, Big Dipper is referred to as (Vrihat) Sapta Rishi meaning "The Seven (Great) Sages".  Also, in Tolkien's Middle-earth mythos, it is called the Sickle of the Valar, the sign of Hope signifying doom for Evil, while in T.A. Barron's Great Tree of Avalon series, it is called the Wizard's Staff, symbolizing Merlin's staff. Therefore, Otava, or Big Dipper, can be seen as a true guiding principle and a source of hope and wisdom, and Otavala as a place for this direction and advice (or consultation).

Business Model

The business model of Otavala is firmly rooted in the same principles we teach to others. In today's rapidly changing business environment, we aim to "help people at the world of work" by forming collaborative partnerships towards success. We aim not merely to be experts to address your challenges but to teach you the needed skills to resolve them on your own. We operate with integrity and honesty, and maintain the highest level of business ethics in everything we do. Our services are custom designed for our clients, and all recommended implementations are based on detailed analysis and assessment.

We also value diversity and community involvement, and support social entrepreneurship. As an intercultural firm, we understand the different points of views of people from different cultural backgrounds. We follow the seven guiding principles (seven stars of Big Dipper) closely related to the commonly accepted principles for organizational development practitioners.

At Otavala Consulting, we are...

1. Value Based (respect, collaboration, authenticity, self-awareness, and empowerment)
2. Supported by Theory and Informed by Data
3. Open Systems Focused
4. Action Research Oriented (continuous improvement and learning) 
5. Process Focused (creation of positive change)
6. Client Centered (supporting needs of clients)
7. Focused on Effectiveness and Health (social responsibility)

Otavala Consulting is a member of Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Finnish-American Chamber of Commerce, and Latin-American Chamber of Commerce.  

The Lead Consultant at Otavala Consulting, Dr. Tomi Wahlstrom, is a professional member of:

initial consultation:

We are available to discuss your specific challenges and opportunities. Please call us for a free no commitment initial consultation at 312-753-5727 anytime.