Want something a little different? From custom facilitation requests to creating rapid innovation frameworks, product strategies, or research requirements, we’ve got you covered.
We strive to do the right thing and help you realize your vision. We believe in succeeding together, strengthening your business after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge.
PROJECT INITIATION
How do we get started?
We will work with you to design a custom solution that delivers the results you’re seeking. Is your organization faced with a difficult situation that might require an outside approach?
Feel free to book a complimentary discovery call with us.
We work with you to identify your needs and growth opportunities.
We partner to customize a dedicated solution for you.
We deliver a process to help you solve the challenge more easily.
We partner with businesses across all industries to provide learning and growth opportunities that may not be available through internal resources. Let us help your team move forward.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say
We’ve helped many teams and clients all around the world. Here’s what they have to say…
Martin Backes brings clarity to complex teamwork and leadership
I brought Martin Backes on board for the UX Growth Academy (UXGA) to create two new learning modules: communication complexity in teams and overcoming silo thinking. Martin brings rare expertise, structural clarity, and real innovative thinking. He has a sharp sense for team dynamics and knows how to make complex topics immediately usable. His work strengthens lasting collaboration. Our course "Designing Influence" gained real focus and impact through his contributions. Participants told us they felt more confident communicating and stronger in their teamwork. I recommend Martin to anyone who wants to genuinely rethink teamwork, communication, and leadership—not just tweak it. His approach to clarity and collaboration creates effects that last well beyond the course itself.
From complex AI challenges to promising pilot projects
I recently collaborated with Martin Backes on an AI Design Sprint® for a prominent German energy service provider. Martin is very open and refreshingly uncomplicated, which makes him incredibly easy to work with. His expertise in innovation facilitation and his structured, calm approach were instrumental in helping the teams navigate complex AI challenges, ultimately leading to the definition of promising pilot projects. His ability to create momentum, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and keep diverse groups aligned stood out throughout the session. I highly recommend Martin to any organization looking to drive innovation, improve collaboration, and bring clarity to complex topics — thanks to his tech-savvy expertise, proactive mindset, and sharp toolset.
This is what lasting organizational change feels like
Working with Martin Backes was a turning point for our organization. He helped us build real structures for leadership and collaboration, not just better meetings. Our team became more autonomous, decision-making got faster, and the dynamic shifted in ways that have lasted. If you want lasting organizational change, not a workshop high that fades after two weeks, Martin is the right partner.
From strategic fog to German Design Award
Martin helped us align our leadership team around our vision of becoming a worldwide-leading audio product. What would have taken months of back-and-forth took days. Over the following eighteen months, he stayed with us as a strategic partner, coach, and consultant, helping us navigate the execution and keep the team aligned. He brought the right structure to get a complex stakeholder group moving, and the results spoke for themselves. We executed, shipped, and won the German Design Award in the process.
Our go-to coach and trainer for years
Martin has a talent for explaining complex concepts in a clear and simple way, whether in UX, product strategy, design thinking, agile methods, or usability. He is skilled at tailoring programs to meet the unique needs of his participants and clients, providing actionable and practical takeaways for immediate application. Martin has been one of our go-to trainers and coaches for many years, and for good reason. I highly recommend him for any corporate training or facilitation role. He is an exceptional coach and trainer, and a valuable asset to any organization.
Martin is an exceptional mentor, teacher, and workshop facilitator
Martin is an exceptional Design mentor, teacher, and workshop facilitator. He has a remarkable talent for engaging and motivating his students while equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. As a creative and dynamic instructor, Martin is constantly seeking new ways to make learning fun and engaging. His passion for teaching and his commitment to helping his students reach their goals is unparalleled. He is a great asset to StartSteps, and I highly recommend him.
CONTACT
Get in Touch
You have identified a problem, or several? We are here to help. This call will identify your team/organization’s goals and priorities, current challenges and frustrations getting in the way, and ways our consulting services can deliver the solutions, results, and satisfaction you need.
Schedule a discovery call to learn more about the right consulting solution for you.