Who We Are.
Elyssa Jechow
CEO & Founder
Hi, I’m Elyssa—strategist, coach, big-idea chaser, and founder of The EJ Idea Lab.
I’ve built my career by asking “What if?”—and then actually going for it. From walking away from a comfy corporate role to launching my own ventures and navigating life between two countries, I’ve learned that bold moves, creative thinking, and strong foundations can take you anywhere.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across management consulting, nonprofits, startups, art spaces, and media—bringing strategy, heart, and structure to every challenge. I combine deep expertise in org design, transformation, and leadership with an intuitive, human-centered approach to help people and organizations turn bold ideas into real momentum.
At The EJ Idea Lab, I help changemakers get clear on where they’re going, why it matters, and how to get there—without burning out or selling out. Whether you're building a business, launching a project, or figuring out your next big step, I’m here for the messy middle and the magic moments.
Let’s build something great—your way.
Elyssa holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and an M.A. from Carnegie Mellon University—but it’s her ability to blend bold vision with grounded strategy that truly sets her apart.
Amaris Whitaker
Advisor for Data & Technology
Meet Amaris—data designer, systems thinker, and tech translator for social good.
Amaris Whitaker brings 15 years of experience designing user-friendly, cost-smart, data-driven solutions that help organizations make better decisions and drive meaningful impact. Whether working with public agencies, nonprofits, or private companies, she sees the possibility inside existing systems—and helps teams expand what’s possible through smart metrics, tech upgrades, and intentional reporting strategies.
With a background in both tech and psychology, Amaris has a knack for translating human needs into powerful digital tools. Her approach is thoughtful and empowering—guiding organizations through change step by step, and making sure people feel confident and supported every step of the way.
She’s especially passionate about using data and technology to fuel social change, aligning tools and systems with values, vision, and strategy.
Amaris holds a B.A. from Duke University and an M.S. from Carnegie Mellon University—but it’s her ability to turn complex systems into accessible solutions that truly sets her apart.
More About Our Story.
Our business was born of the pandemic. Recognizing the opportunity for our target clients to make change as big businesses struggled to adapt and workers questioned their circumstances, we began thinking about how to empower small and nonprofit enterprises with accessible strategy and future-ready organization development tools.
Just as we advise our clients to build for adaptation, we have also built our own organization, over time and with careful thought and consideration, to have a clear vision and strong foundational and operational elements. Finally, we embrace the opportunities of the constantly evolving business landscape by creating a deep and equally evolving awareness of our environment, while understanding and adapting to its implications for us and our clients.