TEAM FORWARD>>

Meet Kevin Ward
Coach, Inspirational Speaker and Motivator

Human Potential Coach, Former Athlete, Businessman, Inspirational Speaker, and Visionary, Kevin Ward is best known for his undeniable coaching ability that inspires individuals and communities to get from where they are to where they want to be. Recognized for empowering individuals to become powerful playmakers, Kevin thrives on helping people channel their passion and make the most of their natural abilities to transform their
lives.

Kevin attended Fork Union Military Academy, where he excelled on the football field and earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. Playing the toughest position on the field, nose guard, for some of the top Division I coaches, Kevin learned discipline, responsibility, individual contribution, and teamwork. The lessons he learned on the field have propelled him forward in life, and he uses those same game-winning strategies in coaching clients to move forward into lives of true fulfillment.

After earning his bachelor’s degree, Kevin entered corporate America, where he continued using his playmaking abilities to work his way up in Fortune 500 companies GE Capital and SC Johnson Wax. Although successful, Kevin longed to do work that was closer to his heart, and deeply meaningful in the big picture of his life. He found that opportunity when he attended United Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master’s of Divinity Degree, serving three years as Associate Pastor of College Hill Church and working extensively with the young professional congregation members. During this experience, Kevin developed his coaching skills in spiritual development.

Harnessing a dynamic blend of experience in sports, business, and personal and spiritual growth, Kevin ultimately channeled his talents and energy into The FORWARD Group, an innovative personal and business development organization that was established to help create and sustain FORWARD movement in life and business. Armed with his unique coaching and training experience, Kevin works closely with individuals, companies and communities who are stuck, by coaching them to MOVE FORWARD® powerfully and become winning PLAYMAKERS for life.

Meet Anne Sempowski Ward
Executive, Consultant, Speaker, and Coach

Anne Sempowski Ward is currently President and CEO of The FORWARD Group. In this role, she is responsible for developing the overall company strategy and overseeing various aspects of operations. She also leads the company’s FORWARD Consultancy, where she and other members of Team FORWARD assist clients with developing winning corporate, operational, and marketing strategies.

During her almost two decades in corporate America, where she has held senior and c-suite positions at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Johnson Publishing – parent company of iconic Ebony, Jet, and Fashion Fair brands – Anne has built strong business acumen and a wealth of expertise in the areas of corporate and brand strategy, operations, and overall business leadership. She has led challenging business turnarounds, high-profile acquisitions, classic rebranding efforts, corporate reorganization and restructuring, and multicultural marketing. She has worked across beauty, media, food & beverage, baby care, technology and a number of other consumer product categories. Her unique “insider” operational experience has equipped her and the FORWARD Consulting team to help a wide range of clients on a vast number of business issues.

In addition to leading the consulting group, Anne also coaches individuals and speaks to groups about the lessons she has learned throughout her career. Her honest and experiential speaking style has been well received by large and small groups alike, and across a diverse group of audiences including Fortune 500 corporations, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. She commonly speaks on topics related to linking your career to your passion and various aspects of The FORWARD Group’s signature PLAYMAKER Series. She is also recognized and often sought out by young corporate executives for her individual coaching on how to accomplish unbelievable career success by declaring and living your personal passions and holding true to your principles.

A native of Detroit, Ward received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Duke University. She also earned a Global MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

As an active member and role model in the civic and business communities, Ward has received numerous acknowledgements for her work. She has been recognized as a YMCA Black Achiever, YWCA Rising Star, and a “Top Black Executive in a Major Corporation” and “Woman at the Top”.

Anne currently resides in Chicago with her husband, Kevin, and their son Kevin John.