Our Approach

Competitive Edge HR is recognized for impactful coaching and advisory processes that make a positive difference. Don’t expect to focus on symptoms or experience a cookie-cutter approach! We combine a practical approach and business expertise with objective assessments and insightful questions to identify and focus on core issues and opportunities. Services are designed to meet your needs and integrate meaningful metrics that build confidence in the process and results.

FOUNDER & LEAD COACH

Cheryl Ricketts

A dynamic, results-oriented executive, Cheryl brings over 30 years of diverse and progressive experience in executive roles in Sales and HR, consultative business-to-business sales, strategic HR leadership, and problem resolution with Executives and Boards of Directors to client engagements. She has impacted the success of organization across multiple industries including agribusiness, insurance, government, energy, and finance. Leaders say, “She takes a comprehensive, inclusive approach to problem solving that makes her an integral part of your team. Cheryl understands the nexus between inclusive problem solving and achieving long-term goals. She is a strategic thinker and strong communicator who is highly motivated to solve a challenge. ”

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Our Philosophy

We use a direct and spontaneous approach that enables clients to clearly see their strengths, investigate opportunities, and address barriers. To maximize impact, clients contribute to each agenda, are held accountable for action items, and are partnered with a coach who is fully committed to their overall success. Our coaches are described as focused, astute listeners, strategic, approachable, full of intriguing questions and ideas, and adaptable. 

When consulting, we challenge boards and executive leadership to position their organization for long-term success. We ensure directors have a diverse and appropriate mix of backgrounds, evaluate board and CEO performance, and then recommend appropriate process improvements, development, and/or coaching to maximize results. Our years in executive roles, consulting and sales enable us to adapt to the culture of the firm and the personality of our clients.

Our Beliefs

Each person brings significant capabilities and at least one blind spot or unconscious bias to coaching. Courageous clients are willing to explore both as they determine their path forward. We will provide support that’s appropriate during the journey.

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding…” Sharon L. Adler  

I.

As coaches, we must care deeply enough to ask the thoughtful (and sometimes difficult) questions because they create the insights and energy for clients to move forward and thrive.

“It’s not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” Eugene Ionesco

II.

Change comes from identifying actions that should be adapted and then committing to integrate a series of small new habits into your routine. Our coaching and advisory services always focuses on changing actions vs. changing people.

“Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” Mandy Hale

III.

  • “Cheryl’s facilitation in a board room is exceptional. She helps coalesce divergent thoughts into a focused strategy and then assists the board in development of a tactical plan to implement, measure and adapt to the ever changing business environment.”

    — Robert Clark

  • "I had the pleasure of working with Cheryl Ricketts when I served on the board of the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. We engaged her services to assist with our search for a new Chamber President. Cheryl provided amazing guidance through each step of the process. She facilitated a process to identify key capabilities, created and placed the posts for the position, screened the candidates and presented two strong “pre-qualified” candidates from which to choose. Her process was both efficient and very effective to secure a great person for the position. We were incredibly grateful for her stewardship and the successful result.”

    — Alison Forche, Board Member of the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce

  • “Cheryl is a very knowledgeable and experienced person in leadership, and at first, I was intimidated. She quickly turned that into drive and action. I have been able to interview skillfully and with purpose because of the coaching and guidance she provided. Together we crafted a resume that showcased my skill set for a new position by amplifying the transferable competencies and expanding them to show my expertise. Her counsel and instruction helped me to receive multiple promotions and I landed the position with positive feedback from the interviewers. She coaches with intent to build you up so you can be the best you in all components of your life.”

    — Lilianne Adams Fuller

  • “I have known Cheryl professionally for a number of years and have a great respect for her work ethic. Her dynamic personality makes her a natural leader, mentor, and coach. She excels at building, training, engaging and motivating teams.”

    — John D. Clark Sr, CEO and Founder The Whitestone Group

  • "During 2017, the Buckeye Insurance Group Board of Director’s faced the difficult decision to terminate and replace the Company’s CEO. The Buckeye Board retained the services of Cheryl Ricketts, President of Competitive Edge HR, to advise, assist, and lead the Board throughout the CEO resignation, transition, interview process, and hiring of the new CEO. Simply stated, Cheryl’s advice, leadership, and direction set the stage for the Board to successfully navigate and execute a difficult and delicate CEO transition.”

    — John S. Haldeman, Buckeye State Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors, March 2008 through March, 2022.

  • "I couldn't be happier with the service I received from Cheryl at Competitive Edge HR. She overhauled my resume and catered it to the type of job I was seeking. She provided detailed guidance on how to effectively market myself in this ultra competitive job market. Her expertise is second to none. I highly recommend her!"

    — A. McLaughlin