Hi, my name is

Arthur.

Talent enabler.

I help cutting-edge distributed tech companies build strong cultures and develop a future-ready workforce by implementing adaptable talent management and development solutions that actually work in fast-paced, uncertain environments.

About Me

How do we unleash the full potential of people to address humanity’s most pressing challenges? This question is the guiding force of my career.

It is what led me into the world of organizational development, talent management, learning and development, and leadership coaching.

Most of my career unfolded over 13 years at the Wikimedia Foundation, the global remote-first organization behind Wikipedia. After starting out as a software engineer, I found my way into HR where I led talent management and learning and development programs. I departed as Director of Learning and Development.

Since then, I began a private coaching and consulting practice. But I quickly realized I prefer to work from the inside of an organization. My current aspiration is to find a managerial role at a mission-driven technology company where I can leverage and expand my skills.

When I’m not working, you can find me either in the mountains (skiing, hiking, backpacking, fly fishing), on a meditation coushin, in the kitchen, or binging scifi.

Click to learn more…

Experience

Principal Coach and Consultant - Arthur Richards LLC
January 2024 - Present

Leadership development coaching for leaders in mission-driven companies. Current and past clients in:

  • Nonprofit
  • Biotech
  • Fintech
  • Opensource software companies

Talent management and development consulting. Deliverables have included:

  • Leadership and skill development programs at a major fintech company.
  • Manager and management-curious training workshops.
  • Talent strategy for a biotech startup.
  • Team offsite design and facilitation.
Director of Learning and Development - WMF 2021-23
October 2021 - December 2023

The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) is the globally distributed company behind Wikipedia.

Co-led HR department through 18-month C-level vacancy. Managed learning and development and talent maangement teams. Led and scaled related programs and processes such as employee development, leadership development, manager training, performance management, promotions, and employee engagement. Facilitated major leadership, planning, change management, and all-staff meetings. Led values refresh process and integrated updated values with talent management processes. Supported org design and change management of 15% workforce reduction.

Senior Manager of Learning and Development - WMF 2017-21
June 2017 - October 2021

The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) is the globally distributed company behind Wikipedia.

Built and led the Learning and Development team. Owned employee development programs. Scaled high-potential leadership development program. Overhauled and continually talent management processes including OKRs, performance evaluation, employee development, promotions, job leveling, and compensation adjustments. Oversaw bi-annual employee engagement survey and action planning with company leadership. Created data-driven feedback loops for all programming to measure impact and improve. Coached organizational leaders on people management and professional development. Designed and led cultural orientation program.

Manager of Team Practices Group - WMF 2014-17
July 2014 - June 2017

The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) is the globally distributed company behind Wikipedia.

Build and led a team of agile coaches deploying performance improving practices for product and engineering teams, which persist today. Developed team health evaluation framework for data-driven and targeted improvement interventions. Adapted agile practices to support distributed teams. Cultivated prodcut development and engineering culture of data-driven continuous improvement.

Senior Software Engineer - WMF 2010-14
July 2010 - July 2014

The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) is the globally distributed company behind Wikipedia.

Spearheaded implementation of org-wide practices to enable fully remote staff by 2020. Led development of Wikipedia’s first mobile device-friendly web interface. Led engineering team responsible for technical infrastructure of fundraising operations, A/B testing for messaing, credit card processing, and fraud detection enabling millions of dollars in online donations.

Contact

If you are interested in working together, coaching services, or to learn more, please be in touch!