How SagaciousThink Started
SagaciousThink grew from an awareness that many small and medium sized companies lacked the operational structure and rigor needed to drive their businesses forward. SagaciousThink was founded to address companies' needs when they are at inflection points, either they want to break a downward trajectory or scale their organization and require expert assistance to realize their goals.
While every company is unique in terms of challenges, opportunities and culture, they share a common need for a strong operational foundation which if not met leads to challenges in achieving strategic and operational goals.
Reach out
Finding the right partner is essential to achieving your goals—and I’m here to help you determine if SagaciousThink is the right fit. I’m always happy to have an open conversation about your needs and objectives to see how we can best support you.
And if we’re not the perfect match? I’ll gladly connect you with someone who is. Over the years, I’ve built trusted relationships with a network of talented experts, many of whom I’ve collaborated with on past projects. Whatever your challenge, I’m committed to helping you find the right solution.
Experienced Pattern Finder
I started as operator, not just an advisor—so I get it. I’ve lived the day-to-day realities my clients face, which means my guidance is grounded in practical, real-world experience, not just theory. From the front lines to the C-suite, I’ve worked across every level of an organization, giving me a deep understanding of the people dynamics that drive meaningful change.
Having partnered with nearly 100 companies across industries and continents, I’ve developed a keen eye for patterns others might miss. This breadth allows me to surface emerging trends, uncover overlooked opportunities, and spot hidden risks—often before they become problems. I help clients shift perspective, build essential capabilities, and unlock solutions that create real, measurable impact.
Founder
SagaciousThink Founder, LouAnn Conner
Founder
LouAnn Conner
With a career spanning leading firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Honeywell, LouAnn has built a track record of driving complex initiatives—from overseeing the buildout of Teleglobe’s European network, to managing operations for a NASA satellite system, to scaling multiple organizations from the ground up. But the most rewarding milestone came in 2008 with the founding of SagaciousThink.
LouAnn launched SagaciousThink to address a critical gap: many small and mid-sized businesses lacked access to the operational and strategic expertise needed to grow and evolve. What began as a boutique firm focused on empowering these organizations has since grown to serve global enterprises, including Fortune 100 companies. Today, SagaciousThink partners with clients on strategic planning, business process optimization, post-merger integration, and large-scale transformation efforts—delivering practical solutions grounded in real-world experience.
LouAnn also teaches MBA courses in International Business and Strategy, ESG, Managerial Analysis, and Team Dynamics and Entrepreneurship.
Education
Kedge Business School (France) with RANEPA (Russia) and Hong Kong Baptist University
D.B.A., Thesis - Isomorphic Influences on Board Decision Making Related to Risk Governance
The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business
M.B.A., International Business and Entrepreneurship
Iowa State University
B.S. Civil Engineering
Publications and Presentations
NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) NACD Directorship Magazine - Spring 2025 - Building a Board for Startup Success
Research Handbook of Corporate Governance and Business Ethics published by Edward Elgar. The chapter is the Risk Perceptions of Corporate Directors; isomorphic influences and ethical implications (2023).
Presented research on The Risk Perceptions of Board Directors in the Semiconductor Industry at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (August 2023).
Activities & Affiliations
Member of NACD - National Association of Corporate Directors
Corporate Governance Fellow
Directorship Certification
Part of NACD’s advisory service to public and private boards
Member of PDA - Private Director’s Association
PDA Director’s Certification
Member of the Board of Directors of The Club (an incubator for women leaders) (2017-2019)
Member of the Board of Directors for The California Spain Chamber of Commerce (2012-2015)
Member of the Board of Advisors for PulpWorks a sustainable packaging company
Member of the Board of Advisors for Squishy Robotics a cutting edge remote sensing company
Vice President, Executive Committee of the Alumni Counsel, The Johns Hopkins University (2010-2016)
Dean's Alumni Advisory Board, The John's Hopkins University, Carey School of Business (2008 - 2016)
Certifications + Training
Directorship Certification from NACD and PDA
Fellowship for Corporate Governance from NACD
Project Management Professional (PMP) through PMI
Cyber Risk Management and Strategy Certification (Diligent)
Masters Certification in Business Process Engineering
Masters Certification in Change Management
Six Sigma and LEAN trained