Community Highlights: Meet Sonja Elcic of Citrine Research and Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonja Elcic.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I came to Arizona, when I was 5, as a refugee from Bosnia. I never had access to the best resources or the finest education, but I worked hard. I have always been an opportunist. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s in psychology, and am finishing up my Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology.

I managed within organizations for a decade and became the go-to person for friends, colleagues, and family for work advice. I decided to launch my consultancy in 2019 and really ramped it up in 2021 by marketing my services. I currently offer customer satisfaction surveys, employee engagement surveys, stay interviews, executive coaching, and workplace assessments.

Throughout my experience, I worked in the air ambulance, education, restaurant, facilities maintenance, and construction industries, so I have had the privilege to meet a lot of wonderful people and get exposure to some awesome organizations. Nothing fulfills me more than helping and guiding others.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I thrive on organized chaos, so there weren’t too many struggles along the way.

I was lucky to have a strong support system. I had to refine my marketing skills, increase my networking efforts, continue learning, and really put myself out there to be successful. I have been a fairly private person, so putting myself out there and being vulnerable to others has been the most challenging part, especially in the face of rejection.

However, I am very gritty and I don’t give up easily, especially when I know that so many people can benefit from my services.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Citrine Research and Consulting (CRC) is a management consultancy, founded in 2019, in the sunny state of Arizona, with service offerings such as customer satisfaction surveys, employee engagement surveys, executive coaching, stay interviews, and workplace assessments.

What sets CRC apart from other consultancies is the founder. Consultants typically function in a solo capacity, with the occasional analyst, salesperson, or assistant helping run the show. We, consultants, are the brand. So, my authenticity and personality set me apart from others.

I founded CRC, with a vision in mind. I chose the word “citrine” because citrines are vibrant. They symbolize joy and abundance, which are components I incorporate in all that I do every day. Citrine also symbolizes creativity and clarity, which I build around my authenticity. At CRC, our relationships, ideas, and products are built from the heart.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My current favorite podcasts are Consulting Success Podcast and The Marketing Millenials.

Consulting Success Podcast is an excellent resource that teaches me sales skills, new business tools, strategy, and new information about the consulting world.

The Marketing Millenials podcast invites a myriad of great guests who share their marketing experiences, tips, and tricks. Some of my favorite books are The Work of Leaders, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Presence, Boundary Boss, Crucial Conversations, and You are a Badass.

Contact Info:

• Email: sonja@citrineresearchandconsulting.com
• Website: https://citrineresearchandconsulting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citrineresearchandconsulting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citrineresearchandconsulting

Image Credits
Aaron W Photography