Patrick McCreesh | Managing Partner | Simatree
Patrick McCreesh, a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in the consulting arena, serves as the managing partner at Simatree. His journey in the industry began with a focus on marketing research for nonprofits and political campaigns, eventually evolving into a multifaceted role encompassing performance management, data science, and change management. With the founding of Simatree, Patrick has dedicated himself to assisting clients in aligning their data and technology with strategic objectives, fostering growth and success. We, at EliteX, are honored to introduce Patrick McCreesh as one of the Impactful CEOs: Making a Difference, 2024.
Simatree’s mission revolves around the core principles of alignment and growth. Patrick emphasizes the importance of aligning strategy, technology, people, and processes to drive organizational success. By providing superior alignment, Simatree enables clients to achieve sustainable growth and maintain a competitive edge in their respective industries.
“The future belongs to those who understand that doing more with less is compassionate, prosperous, and enduringly wise.” – Paul Hawken
Patrick’s inspiration to lead Simatree towards creating meaningful change within the industry stems from a vision of offering a comprehensive approach to data science and organizational management. Recognizing the need for a complete toolkit for Chief Data Officers and a better approach to organizational incentives, he and his partner Wes embarked on a journey to establish Simatree. Their focus on employee rewards and professional development reflects a commitment to a holistic approach to business management, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization.
When addressing sustainability within Simatree’s business strategy, Patrick McCreesh emphasizes a pragmatic approach that focuses on minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Recognizing the limitations faced by professional services companies in directly influencing sustainability, Patrick prioritizes measures such as reducing travel and optimizing the use of physical resources, including office space and commuting. Central to this approach is the concept of intentional collaboration, as advocated by colleague Tim Creasey, where gatherings are purposeful and contribute meaningfully to individual development and company objectives.
Moreover, Patrick underscores the significance of social responsibility within the company’s operations. This extends beyond mere philanthropy to encompass the holistic treatment of individuals throughout the organization. Simatree is committed to recruiting, training, and promoting talent from diverse backgrounds, providing opportunities that may not be readily available elsewhere. Additionally, the company allocates financial resources to support initiatives that align with its philanthropic values, further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility.
In Patrick’s view, corporate leadership plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. Guided by Simatree’s core values of Sharing Openly, Supporting Completely, and Driving Progress, Patrick emphasizes the importance of incremental change and community engagement. Rather than aspiring to grandiose ambitions of changing the world overnight, the focus is on making tangible progress within the organizations supported by Simatree and the surrounding community.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
To this end, Simatree has established a volunteer and philanthropy committee, driven by the initiative of team members. Through this platform, various initiatives have been undertaken throughout the year, aligning with the interests of employees and addressing diverse community needs. From winter holiday gift campaigns to summer health kits, each endeavor combines both in-person and virtual elements, fostering a culture of engagement and impact within Simatree and beyond.
To foster a culture of innovation and social responsibility within Simatree, Patrick McCreesh emphasizes the importance of listening to the market and aligning with the passions of employees. By identifying opportune areas for exploration and activating talent accordingly, Simatree stays at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies. For instance, recognizing the growing interest in generative AI among team members, Patrick encouraged deeper exploration into the subject. A dedicated tiger team was formed, with members undergoing training and research to assess the potential implications and applications of AI within the company and its partner organizations. This proactive approach not only cultivates innovation within Simatree but also positions the company to lead in shaping the future of AI for societal benefit.
For aspiring CEOs seeking to lead organizations with a strong focus on making a positive impact, Patrick offers valuable advice grounded in the principles of authenticity and alignment. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that organizational initiatives are genuinely reflective of the company’s values and strategic objectives. While acknowledging the need for impact, Patrick advises against adopting popular trends solely for the sake of appearances. Instead, he encourages CEOs to identify tangible areas where their organizations can effect meaningful change and to prioritize those areas authentically. For Simatree, this means prioritizing initiatives such as sustainability, inclusion, and diversity, which are not only aligned with the company’s values but also have a tangible impact on its operations and stakeholders.
“Innovation is the specific instrument of entrepreneurship. The act that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.” – Peter Drucker
