WHO WE ARE
Icarus is a consulting firm specializing in workforce strategy and business management. We provide expert services designed to help organizations achieve unique and lasting enhancements in their performance.
We accomplish this by helping our clients foster a culture that attracts, develops, excites, and retains outstanding talent.
VISION
WE ARE BIGGER THAN OUR BOTTOM LINE.
We believe how we do our work is more important than what we do. We provide an unmatched experience for our clients, anticipating their needs and exceeding their expectations.
MISSION
We assist our clients in achieving unique, sustainable, and significant enhancements in their performance by fostering a culture that attracts, develops, excites, and retains outstanding talent.
We accomplish this by unleashing the power of human potential, helping people and organizations defy gravity and soar. We drive organizational excellence through inclusion, ensuring that employees at every level contribute to the organization’s success.
Shelton J. Goode
CEO, Icarus Consulting
Message From The CEO
Our values establish the principles that define who we are and how we build and maintain trust. They guide how we live our firm’s purpose, mission, and actions every day. They represent our commitment and obligation to our clients, our communities, and one another.
Our values form the foundation for advancing our clients’ objectives, improving their organizations, and doing the right thing. As the world and the way we do business evolve, we remain more committed than ever to these ideals.
Our values outline our expected personal and professional conduct—unquestionable trust, total commitment, and superior performance. They, along with our code of ethics, guide us to act in ways that create a high-performance team and help us thrive in a dynamic, competitive environment. When we put our values into action, we strengthen our partnerships with clients, build trust among teammates, and motivate each other to perform at the highest level.
— Shelton J. Goode
Chief Executive Officer, Icarus Consulting
Join us as Dr. Shelton Goode, President & CEO of ICARUS Consulting shares the unique journey and vision that is ICARUS Consulting.
OUR VALUES
We act with honesty, respect, and fairness, demonstrating trustworthiness in all we do. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.
Every associate touches the customer. Customer satisfaction is job number one.
We are not afraid to chart a new course, challenge the status quo, or try something new. We innovate, finding a better way every day.
We are nimble, responsive, and quickly pivot to meet emerging needs and solve what’s next.
We keep customers at the center of everything we do, with a focus on continuous improvement. We provide exceptional service and deliver innovative solutions that benefit our clients.
We believe every voice counts. Our people are our greatest advantage, and we treat them that way.
We add the extra chip to the cookie. We deliver unexpected value and delight, adding a “wow” to all that we do.
We collaborate, break down silos, and pitch in where needed. We don’t stand by and let others fail. We encourage teammates to strive for greatness. We believe everyone was meant to fly.
The Icarus Strategy:
Flying High Without Falling
In Greek mythology, Icarus soared into the sky with wings made of feathers and wax. Ignoring his father’s warning, he flew too close to the sun, melting his wings and falling into the sea. For centuries, the story has been told as a cautionary tale—“Don’t aim too high, or you’ll crash.”
But what if we’ve been telling it wrong?
In business, fear of failure keeps too many entrepreneurs from taking flight. They stay grounded, playing it safe, afraid that pushing boundaries will lead to disaster. But the real lesson of Icarus isn’t just about flying too high—it’s about flying smart.
Here’s how to apply the Icarus Strategy to business growth:
Icarus didn’t fail because he had big dreams—he failed because his wings weren’t built to withstand the journey. In business, your foundation (systems, team, strategy) needs to be strong enough to support rapid growth. Invest in the right tools and processes before you scale.
Icarus had a map but ignored the conditions around him. Businesses that grow successfully pay attention to the market, customer needs, and trends. Before you launch big, test your ideas, gather feedback, and adjust accordingly.
The goal isn’t to avoid risk—it’s to manage it. Flying too low (playing small) keeps you in the shadows, while flying too high (reckless scaling) can burn you out. Smart businesses grow at a sustainable pace, balancing ambition with strategy.
Daedalus, Icarus’ father, was an experienced craftsman who gave him guidance—but Icarus ignored it. In business, mentorship, learning from successful leaders, and following proven strategies can make the difference between soaring and falling.
The real failure isn’t flying too high—it’s never taking off at all. The smartest businesses know when to take risks, when to pivot, and how to stay in the air for the long haul.
