Optimizing strategy, Measuring Success,
Maximizing Impact

About Akeish

Akeish L. Forsythe

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Akeish Forsythe is a Chief Strategist and Consultant with over 18 years of experience in organizational development, strategic visioning, and program analysis. She has partnered with national and international governments, as well as state and local agencies, to lead succession and transition planning, strategic implementation, and leadership coaching centered on equitable data management.

Akeish is an international thought partner who has driven change across 500+ cities in North and South America, Europe, and Asia, working with governments, non-profits, higher education institutions, and schools. She is a trusted advisor to executive leadership teams, guiding them in adopting equitable and effective practices to advance their missions. Known as a leader and connector, Akeish excels in building transformational relationships with high-stakes stakeholders, including post-secondary institutions, social impact initiatives, philanthropies, and government agencies. Her expertise and influence have made her a key figure in shaping strategies that lead to sustainable, high-impact outcomes.

About Mykella

Co-Founder | Chief Culture Officer |
Executive Director, The Work Well Studio

Mykella Auld is a culture strategist, leadership coach, and systems thinker committed to building organizations where belonging fuels innovation and community care drives lasting change. As the Co-Founder and Chief Culture Officer, she leads work that bridges strategy with impact – centering people, relationships, and purpose at every level of impact.

With over a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives across public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, Mykella has supported more than 100 mission-driven organizations in strengthening their leadership capacity, workplace culture, and community impact. Her work is grounded in the belief that when people feel safe, seen, and supported, they are empowered to drive transformational change.

Mykella holds advanced degrees and certifications in leadership, well-being, and innovation, and has personally navigated the intersection of chronic illness and high-impact work. She brings a rare blend of lived experience and systems-level strategy to her partnerships, always centering care, connection, and courage in the work ahead.

A letter from the Founder

The origin of the Name

The name Odyssey Alliance is inspired by the epic journey of Odysseus, whose path was filled with unexpected challenges and diversions. Much like Odysseus needed guidance to navigate his way home, we partner with organizations to help them stay on course through their own complex journeys. But we are more than just an alliance; we are The Odyssey Alliance—your trusted navigators in turning vision into reality. We don’t just set your goals; we guide you through every twist and turn, anticipating and overcoming obstacles, ensuring your journey is successful and transformative. Together, we chart the course for your organization’s odyssey, turning challenges into achievements and aspirations into impactful outcomes.

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The Work Well Studio: Our Specialized Center for Culture and Leadership

Launched in 2022 under the leadership of Mykella Auld, The Work Well Studio was founded on the belief that organizational culture and social culture exist in a symbiotic relationship – each continuously shaping and being shaped by the other. In this view, the values, beliefs, and practices within an organization are both informed by, and contributors to, broader social norms and behaviors.

With this core belief, The Work Well Studio rooted itself in the conviction that “working well” is a shared responsibility, a collective commitment that enriches both our professional lives and personal wellbeing. The concept of a “studio” emerged as a natural expression of this idea: a space dedicated to creativity, reflection, experimentation, and community building. Thus – The Work Well Studio.

The Work Well Studio empowers community-serving organizations to cultivate bold leadership, center lived experience, and build caring cultures. We help build environments where individuals are supported and invested in one another’s wellbeing laying the groundwork for sustained, community-led transformation.

In 2025, The Work Well Studio became a specialized center for leadership and culture at Odyssey Alliance. By blending leadership development, culture strategy, and wellbeing-informed practice, The Work Well Studio strengthens the internal capacity of organizations to create environments rooted in trust, care, and shared accountability. This work fuels lasting, community-led change, grounded in the belief that how we work is just as important as what we work toward.

Today, The Work Well Studio serves as both a resource and a catalyst, helping mission-driven teams align their values with daily practices, and build cultures that sustain people, purpose, and progress. Because our impact has more to do with how we do our work than what we do. It hinges on building systems and practices that are strong enough to hold the weight of our missions.