At 17 Percent, we provide advisory services,
expertly guiding transformations
that produce value.

Sounds simple, right?

17 Percent…
what’s the story?

The idea for 17 Percent came to my husband and I on our 20th wedding anniversary while strolling Chicago's Miracle Mile on 7/11. Having recently sold my change management firm, 71 & Change, to West Monroe, we were dreaming of our next venture.

Inspired by a recent article I wrote which emphasized investing 10-20% of a transformational budget on people proves significant ROI, we started pondering GenAI's impact on that equation. Our initial hypothesis was investment in people and behavior change would need to increase to maximize GenAI benefits - at least initially. Partnering with West Monroe's GenAI experts, we confirmed our hypothesis and got a bit kitschy—what’s between 15-20%? You got it, ~17%.

It felt like a sign, and we named our new business accordingly. Today, we offer advisory services for large, complex transformations to ensure value is realized. It's as simple as that.  

Beth Montag-Schmaltz

FOUNDER’S BIO

Beth is a recognized researcher, practitioner, innovator, and thought leader (aka geek) in the field of change management. Throughout her 30-year professional journey, she has designed and managed complex change management programs for countless strategic and high-risk corporate initiatives. Beth uses her wealth of knowledge, experience, and creative energy to guide organizations and their leaders through uniquely tailored change processes designed to produce concrete returns on their investments.

Beth’s early career was in the wireless industry, focusing on training and client solutions, which quickly led her into the world of consulting. In 2004, she led Hitachi Consulting’s Global Organizational Change Management practice before deciding to take an entrepreneurial route. In 2008, Beth co-founded PeopleFirm and led the Change Management practice. In 2016, she went all in and founded 71 & Change, a change management consulting firm with an impressive client roster of successful transformations. Beth and her team sold 71 & Change to West Monroe Partners in 2022, where she served as a Senior Partner of Transformation Enablement. Continuing her entrepreneurial spirit, Beth and her husband Chris have most recently co-founded 17 Percent, offering advisory services to senior leaders.

In addition to her professional career, Beth has been an industry leader in all things change-related. She was a founder of the PNW Chapter of the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) and was responsible for establishing the first US-based regional ACMP community of change practitioners.

Today, Beth is pioneering advances in two unique areas of change management: building strategic change roadmaps for all things data and GenAI-related. And of course, ensuring readiness, adoption, and value is measured along the way of any transformational effort.

Recent Publications:

The Real ROI of Change Management

Your workforce is using GenAI wrong—here's how to fix it

Speaking Engagements

Recent Speaking Engagements:
Women in Change Management
CDOIQ Conference Workshop

We love sharing about the value of people centered transformation. For speaking inquiries reach out to bethms@17percent.co.

Chris Schmaltz

FOUNDER’S BIO

Chris is a visionary leader known for his expertise in connecting strategic vision with successful execution, driving exponential revenue and EBITDA growth. He prioritizes building exceptional team dynamics and fostering a strong organizational culture. As the Founder of Enhanced Performance Solutions Group, LLC (The EPS Group, LLC), Chris specializes in Advisory Services, Interim Management, and Business Transformation, guiding organizations through pivotal change initiatives.

Recently, Chris has taken on significant roles in various sectors:

  • He joined the Board of Advisors for MTM, Inc., a leading non-emergent medical transportation broker, where he collaborates with other executives to support the company’s visionary initiatives.

  • Chris has been appointed as Executive Chairman at Accuhealth, following its acquisition by Sunstone Partners. In this role, he oversees RPM & CCM Services aimed at reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations, optimizing healthcare delivery.

  • Additionally, Chris serves as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey's SHaPE practice, specializing in Social Sector, Healthcare, and Public Sector consulting. His contributions support McKinsey’s mission to deliver impactful solutions globally.

Chris values his relationships with colleagues, clients, and friends, whose ongoing support fuels his passion for transformative leadership.