Businesses across the world are rapidly increasing their investments in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence to stay competitive in a changing market, yet many organizations still struggle with one important challenge — building trust, connection, and strong leadership within teams. This is where Westwood International has created its identity.
Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Westwood International is a leadership development and organizational consulting firm that focuses on helping companies strengthen teams, improve communication, and build healthier workplace cultures. The company works with organizations across industries and designs customized leadership programs that focus not only on business results, but also on the people behind those results.
At the center of Westwood International’s journey is Gregory Zlevor’s (founder) deep experience in group dynamics and community building. The inspiration for the company began years ago while working alongside renowned author and leadership thinker M. Scott Peck, best known for books like The Road Less Traveled and The Different Drum. During postgraduate work at Boston College, the founder was trained in methods of group dynamics, communication, and community-building practices that later became the foundation of Westwood International.
What started as workshops and consulting projects eventually grew into a full-time organization. As companies began requesting leadership support and team development services, Westwood International expanded its work with corporations, professional groups, and organizations around the world.
A Customized Approach to Leadership Development
One of the company’s biggest strengths is customization. Rather than offering the same training program to every client, Westwood International studies the specific needs, goals, and culture of each organization before designing a solution. According to the company, every industry and every team functions differently, which means leadership development must also be tailored to fit the environment.
The organization follows a simple but structured process: discovery, design, facilitation, and evaluation. During the discovery stage, the team conducts interviews, observations, and assessments to understand workplace behaviors, communication patterns, and leadership challenges. After gathering insights, they design customized programs and leadership experiences aligned with the organization’s goals. Once the training and facilitation are delivered, the programs are continuously evaluated and improved to ensure long-term impact.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Leadership
A major focus of Westwood International’s work is emotional intelligence and community building. The company believes strong leadership is built on three qualities — connection, candidness, and wisdom. Leaders who trust one another are more likely to communicate honestly, solve problems effectively, and make better decisions for employees, customers, and stakeholders.
The company also recognizes the growing challenges businesses face in the modern workplace. Remote and hybrid work environments have changed how teams communicate. Employees are more isolated, and digital communication often lacks emotional cues and personal connection. At the same time, concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs have increased uncertainty within organizations.
To address these issues, Westwood International emphasizes listening and observation as key leadership skills. The organization helps teams create environments where employees feel heard, psychologically safe, and confident enough to speak openly. The company believes that in hybrid workplaces, leaders must work even harder to ensure every employee feels included and valued.
Major Achievements and Client Success Stories
Over the years, Westwood International has delivered measurable results for global clients. One of its most notable achievements involved working with a Fortune 50 company that struggled with leadership succession. At the time, less than 20 percent of new vice presidents were promoted internally. The company partnered with Westwood International to create a vice president development program. Within three years, the organization increased its internal promotion rate to more than 80 percent, significantly improving morale and reducing hiring costs.
In another project, Westwood International helped a client improve its product delivery process. The delays the company faced reportedly cost nearly one million dollars every 24 hours. By improving team communication and operational alignment, the consulting firm helped reduce delays and save the organization millions over time.
The company has also worked with government agencies internationally. In Singapore, Westwood International collaborated with the Singapore Police Department and other agencies to support community policing initiatives. The organization helped train nearly 2,500 civic leaders to facilitate discussions and encourage stronger citizen involvement in community safety efforts.
What Makes Westwood International Different
Despite operating in a competitive consulting industry, Westwood International believes its long-term client relationships set it apart. Some clients have continued working with the company for more than two decades, returning year after year for leadership development programs and consulting support.
The organization says its impact extends beyond workplace performance. According to past participants, the programs have helped create lasting friendships, professional networks, and personal growth that continue long after the training ends. Many leaders who completed the programs credit the experience with transforming both their careers and personal lives.
Leadership Trends Shaping the Future
Looking ahead, Westwood International sees several major trends shaping the future of leadership. The company believes organizations will need to invest more deeply in employee development, mental well-being, and continuous learning. Younger generations entering the workforce are also placing greater importance on purpose-driven companies that align with social and environmental values.
Another area the company highlights is the balance between cultural insight and data analytics. Organizations today rely heavily on dashboards, surveys, and digital tools to monitor employee engagement and performance. However, Westwood International believes data alone is not enough. Human understanding, communication, and cultural awareness remain essential for building successful organizations.
The Hopemakers Initiative
One of the company’s most inspiring initiatives is the Hopemakers project. The idea began when a client asked whether it was possible to train 50,000 employees to bring more hope into the world. In response, Westwood International gathered dozens of global experts to create a long-term plan focused on hope, leadership, and positive impact. The initiative later evolved into the Hopemakers Collective, a growing network focused on creating meaningful social change.
Building Human-Centered Organizations
Today, Westwood International continues to focus on helping organizations strengthen leadership, improve human connection, and create lasting impact. In a business environment increasingly shaped by technology, the company’s philosophy remains rooted in a simple idea — strong organizations are ultimately built by strong, connected people.
Greg Zlevor’s Global Experience and Community Mission
Greg Zlevor is the President and Founder of Westwood International. With more than 25 years of experience in executive leadership development and education, he has worked as a coach, consultant, and facilitator for organizations across Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Australia. He is also a seven-time Amazon best-selling author.
Under Greg Zlevor’s leadership, Westwood International has remained committed to giving back to communities by supporting nonprofit organizations focused on helping homeless children and at-risk youth in the United States, Mexico, Thailand, India, and South America.
“We design our programs so that the leaders we work with can inspire and mobilize.”
