About - Matt Cross

About Matt Cross

For two decades, I helped Fortune 500, Inc. 500, and Government organizations grow by leading big, bold, enterprise-wide change initiatives.

Then, in 2015, I made a change of my own.

I quit my high-paying job, tossed stability to the curb, reinvented my career, and moved out of the big city. My wife and I started a business, moved to a quiet town in New England, and set out to create a new life.

Now, I run a boutique leadership development practice that helps executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders excel at leadership by making a series of subtle shifts.

“Matt is a great coach with a deep understanding of how people work together. His input was invaluable at this point in my career and helped me maximize my professional potential.”

Sean Keating

VP of Digital Strategy, Michael J. Fox Foundation

How I Help Leaders

At the core of my practice is the belief that meaningful change happens quietly, through a series of subtle shifts. By making conscious shifts in our identity, maturity, and productivity, we become exceptional leaders who model continuous improvement and professional growth. I am here to guide you every step of the way. Here are just a few ways I support leaders in achieving this transformation.

A Venn diagram illustrating how shifts in attention, assumptions, and actions intersect to drive meaningful leadership transformation.

Shifting Attention

Attention is a vital resource, but it is limited. By paying attention to their attention, leaders can cultivate a more strategic, holistic perspective that drives sustainable results.

Shifting Assumptions

Often, our assumptions hold us back. I work with leaders to uncover hidden beliefs, embrace new ways of thinking, and unlock new possibilities that drive innovation.

Shifting Actions

Actions are where subtle shifts become tangible. I help leaders make small, deliberate adjustments to their day-to-day actions to build momentum and cultivate a culture that supports long-term success.

My Approach

Every leader and team is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs. Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

Bespoke Solutions

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I’ll work with you to develop a program that meets your specific needs and goals.

Practical Frameworks

I use proven methodologies and systems to help you build momentum and achieve your goals.

Ongoing Support

I offer continued guidance to ensure that your growth is sustainable over the long term.

Matt Cross providing advie to a client on how to lead change with subtle shifts.

My Core Values

In a complex world we must stand on a foundation of core values.

Evolution 
Not 
Revolution

Sustainable change happens through gradual, thoughtful adjustments rather than disruptive overhauls.

Small Hinges
Swing Big
Doors

Small, intentional actions lead to significant and impactful outcomes over time.

Progress
Beats
Perfection

Consistent improvement is more valuable than striving for flawless outcomes.

Put People
Before
Process

Effective leaders focus on the needs and well-being of individuals, ensuring processes support people rather than hinder them.

Prioritize
Psychological
Safety

Leaders create environments where people feel secure to speak up, take risks, and share ideas without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Consideration
Cultivates
Connection

Thoughtful attention to others’ needs and perspectives fosters trust, respect, and stronger relationships in both life and leadership.

Book Matt

Book Matt as a Speaker

How I Can Help You

Three Subtle Shifts You Can Make Today

Every week, I send out The Subtle Shift, a personal letter to help you discover small changes that make a big difference. Packed with insights, stories, and strategies, it provides the support you need to lead at a higher level.

Subtle Shifts: A Simple Strategy for Sustainable Success by Matt Cross.

The Book (Coming Soon)

Subtle Shifts shows you how to get unstuck and achieve your goals without all the stress and hassle. Discover a proven system for leadership and life while unlocking practical strategies that drive meaningful and lasting change.

Matt Cross leading a Subtle Shifts strategy session on leadership and change.

Book a Strategy Session

If you are ready to make subtle shifts in your life or organization, a strategy call is the best place to begin. In this 90-minute call, we’ll map out a plan to help you make the shifts you need and clear the path toward lasting success.

Book A Session

Success Stories

What My Clients Say

Partnering with Matt has single-handedly been the greatest return on investment in my career. His coaching has helped me be a better communicator, strategist, and leader. If you lead people, processes, or strategies; I highly recommend working with Matt.

Emily Wood

Partner | Connecticut Wealth Management

"Working with Matt has shifted my entire work mindset. I can't believe how much I’ve changed and developed because of the techniques and subtle shifts that I learned during my 1:1 coaching."

Samantha Hutton

Vice President | The Michael J. Fox Foundation

“Matt's ability to provide a safe place to work through struggles and uncertainty about my next chapter in executive leadership was an unprecedented experience for me. I have clarity and a strategy for managing my career now.”

Renee Thompson

Security Operations Manager | Deloitte

"I have been working with Matt for over a year and his support has been invaluable in my first year as an executive of an international organization. He is an excellent coach and I highly recommend him for any new executive or manager, or simply anyone wishing to develop their leadership prowess."

Rhea Moss-Christian

Executive Director | Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission

“Conversations with Matt provided insights and awareness of my top professional strengths. An excellent listener, Matt's astute questions and observations allowed for the progressive appreciation of these strengths and the best environment and circumstances in which to optimize them.”

Linda Ekizian

Senior Vice President | Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

Hi — I’m Matt.