About Us
We’re people who make people—and the systems they work in—more effective.
Clever Tern® partners with large domestic, multinational, and purpose-driven organizations to navigate the complexities of organizational change and growth. Founded in 2004 and inspired by the Arctic Tern—a bird that symbolizes long journeys and resilience—we thrive on guiding leaders and teams to sustainable success.
Our Core Values
Our values define the way we work—empowering us to drive meaningful, sustainable results with integrity and insight.
Click on each value, below, to learn more.
Collaborative Partnership
We're not just a ‘pair of hands.’ We work with you as your trusted partner; working alongside to co-create strategies that deliver lasting impact.
Transparent Dialogue
We believe in clear, candid communication—grounded in mutual respect; where feedback flows freely and constructively to build trust and enable meaningful change.
Integrity
We foster honest dialogue, especially around tough decisions, to ensure that every course of action is grounded in strong ethical principles. We prioritize thoughtful, customized solutions over cut/paste fixes, always acting in the best interest of our clients and their long-term goals.
Emotional & Cultural Intelligence
Understanding the nuances of your people and culture is at the heart of our work. We approach each project with empathy and respect; always striving for solutions that resonate deeply with your people.
Respect for Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every person. Inclusion isn’t a buzzword for us—it’s a core principle that shapes the strategies we design; ensuring that they work for the collective good of all.
Our Vision
To transform workplaces around the globe into high-functioning, inclusive, and collaborative environments where people want to work.
Our Purpose
To connect leaders and teams to their possibilities, through strategy, innovation, and human insight.
We empower leaders and teams to grow capability, strengthen connection, and lead meaningful change—with courage and respect.
Our Process
We work as an extension of your team—part-time, high-impact, and deeply collaborative. Our process is structured yet flexible—mindfully tailored to your people, purpose, platforms, and pace.
Our Story
From Strategic Ascent to Clever Tern
I founded Strategic Ascent, Inc. (SAI) in 2004 to fill a gap I saw in the consulting world. Large firms offered impressive credentials but often at the expense of genuine partnership—projects were handed down to junior staff, and clients rarely got the depth of expertise they were paying for. I wanted to do things differently: provide high-quality, senior-level consulting that was personal, practical, and centered on doing what’s right for the organization, not just what’s written in the brief.
Those first ten years were built entirely on repeat and referral business from Fortune 500 clients—proof that relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and results truly endure. My work spanned leadership development, culture transformation, and enterprise change initiatives—each one custom-built to meet the unique realities of the people and systems involved.
After more than a decade of intense, rewarding work, I took a semi-sabbatical to pause, refresh, and realign. I wanted to focus on the kind of work that creates real impact and has purpose—the kind that helps leaders and teams thrive in complex, evolving environments. Out of that reflection came a renewed vision and a new name: Clever Tern.
Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.
∼Heather
Clever Tern—What’s in a name?
It speaks to how we work—and why we exist.
The name Clever Tern is both symbolic and intentional. It’s a play on the phrase “clever turn”—representing the strategic pivots and transformations that we help organizations navigate—and a nod to the Arctic Tern, a bird known for the longest migration of any species on Earth.
Just as the Arctic Tern makes remarkable, long-distance journeys with precision and resilience, we help leaders and teams navigate complexity with clarity and endurance. Thoughtful strategy. Sustainable results. That’s the Clever Tern way.
Fun Fact: The Arctic Tern migrates annually from the Arctic Circle to the Antarctic Circle—an extraordinary journey that mirrors our commitment to going the distance for our clients.
Our People
At Clever Tern, we pride ourselves on our deep expertise and on the relationships that we build with our clients. While the majority of our work is led by Heather L. Jencks, Founder and President, we also have a curated network of highly skilled consultants who work with us on larger-scale projects. These professionals are carefully vetted to ensure that they align with our values and approach; bringing additional expertise and support, when needed, to deliver outstanding results.
Heather L. Jencks
Founder, President
Strategic Advisor in Organization Effectiveness, Change, & Learning
With 20 years of organization consulting experience, Heather specializes in workplace learning, organizational change, and team effectiveness. Her breadth and depth of experience allow her to deliver thoughtful, innovative talent strategies that drive performance and lasting change.