From Service to Strategy
Meet Dr. Dale
Dr. Dale Foster’s leadership journey spans more than four decades of real-world command, academic mastery, and strategic transformation. From earning his blue helmet as a 19-year-old Officer Candidate to serving as a U.S. Army Colonel in combat environments, his career was forged in moments where clarity, decisiveness, and accountability were not optional — they were survival. These experiences shaped his lifelong passion for the world of work and his commitment to helping leaders perform at their best when pressure is highest.
A Doctor of Strategic Leadership and a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Dr. Dale is widely respected as a strategic foresight futurist and a trusted authority in organizational performance. He completed advanced war-fighter and leadership coursework while deployed in active combat zones, carrying academic texts alongside operational gear — a testament to his discipline, resilience, and relentless commitment to excellence. His work integrates sociotechnical systems, Lean thinking, Theory of Constraints, and Strategic Foresight to help organizations align people, process, and purpose.
Today, Dr. Dale serves as the driving force behind Cardinal Ridge Enterprises while also building his presence as a trusted expert voice for executives, government leaders, and organizations seeking clarity in complex environments. His mission is simple: transform pressure into performance, and vision into measurable results.
Dr. Dale Foster
Strategic Leadership Expert & Founder, Cardinal Ridge Enterprises.
Dr. Dale Foster as an Officer Candidate during U.S. Army training (1979).
Dr. Dale Foster in U.S. Army Colonel uniform while deployed in Tikrit, Iraq (2003).
Seasoned Leadership and Development Expert
Dr. Dale Foster draws from decades of leadership across the military, government, and private sectors, consistently guiding organizations through remarkable periods of growth and transformation. Recognized as a retired US Army Colonel, US Army OCS Hall of Fame inductee, and adjunct professor, he fuses deep operational discipline with academic rigor. His approach is built on sharing actionable insights, driving meaningful change, and ensuring clients gain lasting skills - all through a balance of real-world achievement and inclusive coaching.
Digital Learning and Consulting Solutions
Discover curated digital courses, interactive workshops, and downloadable resources designed for real organizational impact. Dr. Dale Foster's offerings cover leadership development, process improvement, conflict management, and cultural agility. All materials blend academic depth with actionable strategies, so learners at any level can grow skills or organizations can scale results. Explore flexible options suitable for virtual, remote, or in-person needs.
Our Key Organizational Offerings
Our services empower leaders, teams, and organizations to achieve meaningful results by combining practical experience with the latest thinking. Every solution is tailored to address pressing workplace challenges and support long-term capability building.
Organizational Development Consulting
Comprehensive consulting in organizational development targets change management, effective leadership, and conflict resolution. This approach develops high-performing cultures and guides organizations through complex transitions, delivering quick wins and sustainable strategies.
Leadership Mentoring and Coaching
Personalized mentoring and executive coaching bridge the gap between theory and practice, equipping leaders with both technical and soft skills. Sessions blend sociotechnical development to build confidence, communication, and future-ready leadership.
Digital Educational Products
Scalable, evidence-based digital resources - including Canvas courses, eBooks, and guides - offer on-demand leadership and organizational learning. Material is practical, accessible, and tailored to promote continuous professional development for individuals and teams.
Strategic Consulting and Learning Paths
Each solution is built upon decades of experience, ensuring relevance for today's leaders and systems. Whether you seek targeted consulting, hands-on coaching, or digital resources, every offering adapts to your needs for immediate impact and lasting change. Choose a proven path to elevate skills and drive results.
- Price on quotation
- Price on quotation
- Price on quotation
- Price on quotation
Our Sociotechnical Methodology
We unite academic models - such as Lean, Theory of Constraints, and Foresight - with hands-on leadership and workplace experience. This sociotechnical method looks beyond simple fixes to root causes and human factors, letting organizations adapt faster and embed growth. Clients leave with practical tools and a clearer vision, supported by transparent knowledge transfer every step of the way.
What Clients Are Saying
Latest Insights for Change Leaders
Explore fresh perspectives on organization development, leadership strategies, and adapting to disruption in the modern workplace. Dr. Dale's articles and resources are designed to keep business professionals, HR leaders, and executives equipped with actionable tips and industry trends so every visitor stays a step ahead.
Insights for Leaders Like You
Subscribe to receive updates when new leadership insights, case studies, and expert articles are published. Be the first to explore practical strategies, real-world lessons, and thought leadership designed to strengthen your impact and help you navigate today’s organizational challenges.
