Leadership Works® was founded with a bold vision to redefine leadership excellence in Hawai‘i.
Our team takes a distinctive approach to leadership development – one that blends the timeless wisdom of Eastern, Western, and Polynesian cultures with modern leadership practices. The result? A powerful, holistic methodology that empowers individuals and organizations to achieve sustained growth and success.
Our mission is to create real transformation in how people think, behave, and lead, through a combination of hands-on workshops, engaging exercises, and a connected community. Through colorful metaphors, creative acronyms, and practical insights, we help leaders make complex ideas simple and actionable – and it’s what sets us apart.
In 1982, the company was founded with one goal in mind: to create leaders who are impactful, visionary, and purposeful.
With over 40 years of experience in professional development, Leadership Works’ President and Founder, Glenn Furuya, believes that excellence comes from understanding patterns, building connections, and unlocking one’s full potential.
“Three things inspire me every day: discovering the key patterns that create great leaders, teaching in ways that stimulate minds and inspire hearts, and sharing how Hawai‘i’s unique cultural blend holds the perfect ingredients for effective leadership. Through ongoing research, I uncover the most practical and transformational principles, tools, and skills that deliver consistent results. My goal is to help you succeed and empower our community.”
Partner and Vice President, Debbie Bacon, brings her background as a CPA and expertise in process improvement to the team, with a heart for building genuine connections and community among clients and course participants.
“I've always had a passion for both people and processes, and I’m grateful to bring these two focuses together at Leadership Works. My background as a CPA and extensive experience in process improvement allows me to offer a fresh perspective on how organizations operate. But what drives me most is building community and supporting leaders on their journey of growth and transformation, and I look forward to helping you too.”
But true leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish – it’s about the legacy you leave behind.
In 2014, following a chance encounter with a special wish kid, we began a magical journey with Make-A-Wish Hawai'i. This led us to sponsor the wish of a young man named Taiyo. His wish was simple but powerful: he wanted a hydraulic dump trailer to begin a hauling business, which he used to deliver a tracked wheelchair for another local wish child. This act of selflessness captured the essence of what leadership is all about — lifting others up and making a lasting impact.
Sadly, Taiyo passed away in 2022 shortly after his wish was granted. To honor his spirit and legacy, we partnered with his family to create The Wishes Forever Endowment Fund, preserving his generosity in perpetuity by granting future wishes to local children and their families.
Our success, however, isn’t just defined by our vision or our methods…
It’s ultimately a reflection of the incredible clients we’ve had the privilege to work with. Their trust, collaboration, and commitment to growth are what drive us forward and allow us to create meaningful impact.
We are honored to have partnered with the following esteemed organizations:
AUTOMOTIVE
Aloha Petroleum
American Tire Company
Big Island Toyota
Kama‘aina Motors
Kona Auto Center
NAPA Hawai’i
Pearl City Auto Works
Servco Pacific
Windward Auto Group
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING
Goodfellow Bros.
Hawaiian Cement
Hawaiian Dredging
HC&D
Koga Engineering & Construction
Makai Ocean Engineering
Service Rentals & Supplies
Swinerton Builders
Witz Construction
Yamada and Sons
EDUCATION
After-School All-Stars Hawai’i
Graduate School USA
’Iolani School
Kama'aina Kids
Kamehameha Schools
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
FINANCIAL
Hawai’i Central Credit Union
Hawai’i Community Federal Credit Union
Hawai’i Federal Credit Union
Hawai’i National Bank
Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union
HFS Federal Credit Union
Gather Federal Credit Union
Territorial Savings Bank
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Aloha Shoyu
McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawai’i
Y. Hata & Co.
GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SERVICES
American Samoa Department of Commerce
City & County of Honolulu
County of Hawai‘i
County of Kaua‘i
County of Maui
Hawai‘i Government Employees Association
Republic of the Marshall Islands
State of Hawai‘i
Health Care
Accredo Health Group
Adventist Health Castle
Clinical Labs of Hawaii
Hawai’i Permanente Medical Group
Hawai’i Radiologic Associates
Hilo Benioff Medical Center
St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai’i
The Queen’s Health Systems
University Health Alliance
HOSPITALITY
Atlantis Adventures
Hawai’i Visitors & Convention Bureau
Hilton Grand Vacations
Kualoa Ranch
Lāna’i Resorts
Parker Ranch
NON-PROFIT
Child & Family Service
Hawaiian Humane Society
Lanakila Pacific
Legacy of Life Hawai’i
Mālama ʻĀina Foundation
Movers & Shakas
Partners in Development Foundation
Professional & Other Services
Fukuya Hasegawa Partners
Hawai’i Employers Council
Hawai’i Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company (HEMIC)
Pacxa
Title Guaranty of Hawai’i
Retail
American Floor & Home
Big Island Candies
C.S. Wo & Sons
HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts
KTA Super Stores
TRANSPORTATION
Elite Parking
Hawaiian Airlines
Horizon Lines
Matson Navigation Company
Pacific Transfer
UTILITIES
Hawaiian Electric
Hawaiian Telcom
Par Hawai’i Refining
Whether you’re ready to take your leadership to new heights, build a high-performing team, or tackle complex challenges, we’re here to guide you.
If you’re ready to unlock your leadership potential, let’s make it happen. Let’s work together to build a strategy tailored to your unique needs – and create an impact that lasts. Reach out today, and let’s get started.