Strategists. Coaches.
Problem-Solvers.
We don’t just advise. We solve, build, and move things forward—with strategy that actually works.
Julia Cannell, MBAA, MSLD
Julia brings 25+ years of leadership experience across nonprofit and for-profit sectors, with deep roots in aviation. She holds degrees in Flight Technology, Leadership, and Aviation Business, and earned her Private Pilot’s License before college.
Driven by the industry-wide pilot shortage, Julia developed a recruitment and training model focused on compatibility—ensuring pilots align with both the role and the airline’s culture. Her research and real-world impact continue to shape how the aviation workforce is built.
.jpeg)
JD Wyneken, PhD, CHPC
Dr. JD Wyneken, a certified Human Potential Coach. With a talent for working with startups and high-growth companies, JD helps organizations develop their "bench" of talent—nurturing potential and guiding businesses to align their teams for long-term success. His ability to navigate everything from inspirational moments to difficult conversations makes him an invaluable partner across industries.
Why Baseball Drives Our Vision
The Bench Strategy was born from a conversation about Michael Lewis's book Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game and a shared belief that businesses could approach talent with the same strategic mindset as Major League Baseball.
JD’s background in talent development and Julia’s focus on workforce planning made the connection clear: knowing who’s on your bench matters.
Together, they created The Bench Strategy to help businesses and individuals build smarter, more sustainable pipelines for growth. With a practical, guided approach, they help clients plan, develop, and align talent—so teams are always ready to step up and succeed.