Hi, I’m Brenna Holmes. 

I ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and help people and organizations discover what they’re truly capable of. I believe progress doesn’t come from playing it safe; it’s built by people willing to think differently, lead bravely, and act with intention. That’s the space I live in. It’s where I do my best work, and where I help others do theirs. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, but I do believe in systems that work better, for people, for teams, and for the world we’re building.

Who I Am

I'm an advisor, a catalyst, and a pattern-spotter who thrives in complexity. My work (and life) are powered by purpose, a hunger for learning, and a refusal to settle for surface-level change. I’m known for my ability to zoom out, identify trends, and translate ambiguity into action. I don’t shy away from tension or tough conversations, because that’s where the breakthrough lives.

Before D.C., I called Napa, CA home—working in French restaurants, managing a boutique inn, and collaborating with wine makers to curate nightly tastings. I loved creating immersive experiences that brought people together and told a story... something that still drives my work today. I came to Syracuse University on a teaching scholarship to earn my master’s in public relations, originally planning to return home and lobby with organizations like Free the Grapes, a nonprofit advocating for consumer choice and direct-to-consumer wine shipping reform. But while diving into public administration, new media, and policy coursework across SU’s iSchool, law school, and Maxwell School, I discovered I was even more drawn to systems-level change. That shift in focus shaped how I lead, how I think, and how I help others find clarity in complexity. You can explore more of my background and past roles over on LinkedIn.

What I Believe

• Curiosity is a strength. When we stop asking why, or what if, we stop growing.

• Progress takes courage. Real change doesn’t always feel comfortable, but it’s always worth it.

• People matter more than process. Strong culture makes everything else possible.

• Recognition isn’t vanity. It’s a powerful tool for visibility, equity, and motivation.

• Technology and humanity aren’t at odds. In fact, the future depends on both.

Across every role, every challenge, and every client, my mission is the same: To help people and teams get unstuck, see the full picture, and move forward with purpose.

Whether I’m coaching senior leaders, auditing programs, or helping a team rethink how they work ... I bring strategic focus, fearless honesty, and move bold ideas from vision to action to elevate people. I show up fully, I ask a lot of questions, working in partnership with bold thinkers, big-hearted leaders, and values-driven organizations ready to evolve.

I do this work because I believe in people and their power to create change. I’m fueled by purpose, energized by momentum, and relentlessly optimistic about what we can build together. 

So please, take a look around and if you're ready to do good differently, and want a thought partner who’ll push you, champion you, and help you lead with intention, let's talk.