The Ascendant Group

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the CEO of a pharmaceuticals company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

At Belhaven Biopharma, our focus extends beyond immediate solutions to pioneering a future where emergency medications are more affordable, effective, and user-friendly.

Our mission is to ensure that life saving medications are universally accessible and simpler to use through the development of dry powder nasal formulations.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Increase PR
• Grow social presence

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Their media outreach has secured dozens of high-impact placements, ensuring that Nasdepi® and our mission to transform emergency medicine are reaching the right audiences—from healthcare professionals to industry leaders and potential partners. They’ve also led the rebranding of our website, refining how we present ourselves to the world, and have driven significant growth on LinkedIn, expanding our reach and engagement within the biopharma community.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The results of our PR and branding efforts have been both measurable and impactful. Through strategic media outreach, we’ve secured dozens of placements in key industry publications, significantly increasing awareness of Nasdepi® and Belhaven Biopharma’s mission.

On the digital front, our website rebrand has improved how we communicate our value proposition, leading to increased engagement and time spent on site. Meanwhile, our LinkedIn growth has been substantial, with higher engagement rates, a growing follower base, and more meaningful industry conversations—critical as we move toward commercialization.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

We had biweekly meetings with comprehensive reports and were able to make adjustments along the way.

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their ability to problem-solve with us real time and shift courses at the pace that was required for our success.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

Not that I can think of. Maybe more initial education on the process.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive of 1 Ahead Technologies

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Innovative security, access. and logistics technology solutions for e-commerce and beyond. A technology solution that meets this unprecedented moment in our economy. lAHEAD LLC provides next-generation technology solutions that enhance security, access, and logistics capabilities for a broad range of end users in today's mobile-driven marketplace. lAHEAD's signature technology prioritizes efficiency in the e-commerce industry. 

Our Al-powered solutions software is adaptable and expandable into marRets such as real estate, property management, and corporate/commercial access and logistics. GLO's Al system (VALT) autonomously manages entryway interactions and facilitates safe and secured package delivery, all while proactively protecting your home from common household threats. 

GLO facilitates verified access to secured areas so that pacRages are never left unprotected, autonomously oversees robotic in-home and hands free pacRage delivery, and has a theft deterrent system that provides audio and visual alerts to alert neighbors and to stave off trespassers. GLO's Al system also has the capacity to detect and react to criminal activity by deploying drones to survey, trail and report. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Increase PR exposure
• Investor Relations

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

• High ratings
• Referred to me

How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Ascendant increased our media exposure:

• Helped us launch the business.
• Helped us get ongoing media attention, including:

1. Forbes
2. Local TV
3. Many industry publications

• They introduced us to a number of investors!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Significant media exposure
• Connections with key investors
• Increased valuation and investment capital

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

• They provided updates on progress
• They made great connections
• They continued to communicate when we paused the retainer for a few months

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

• The Ascendant Group's great connections, ongoing ideas, and willingness to keep building connections are impressive. 
• They advise even when we had to take a pause for several months.  

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

It was my first experience with a PR firm. Far as I am concerned they met expectations.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of WDG

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Wagner Denuzzo Global (WDG) stands as a beacon of transformative leadership and organizational excellence, blending their rich experience as a Psychotherapist, Executive Coach, Human Capital Consultant, and Transformational Leader with a deep commitment to shaping the future of work. 

Their journey is marked by significant roles, including being the Global VP, Head of Leadership & Management Development at IBM, and exploring the Future of Work as the VP Head of Capabilities for the Future of Work at Prudential Financial. WDG is actively advising and coaching start-ups on team leadership, critical capabilities and talent architecture.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Build a web site
• Grow my linkedIN
• Develop my brand

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• We started with a Communication Retreat & Strategy Development, which laid the foundation for everything that followed. This retreat helped clarify my messaging and set a clear direction for my brand.
• On the digital front, the Web Design project revamped my online presence. It’s now a strong reflection of my personal brand.
• We also worked on getting me listed with a Speaker Bureau, which has been pivotal in increasing my speaking engagements and getting my voice out there.
• We also focused on expanding my professional network by securing strategic LinkedIn Connections. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Lead generation on LinkedIn
• A web site that speaks to my brand
• Overall more confidence in my brand positioning

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

• They were very responsive
• Multiple team members engaged
• They are great fun to work with

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They went out of their way to be helpful. Every time I had a question, the team's responses were thoughtful and innovative. I was happy with the experience.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

They have very high standards. Every organization can improve; however, there is nothing glaring that comes to mind.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder and Executive Director of a family rights safeguarding company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are committed to safeguarding the rights of children and their parents.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Develop a strategy
• Build a brand
• Increase exposure

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Referral

Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Ascendant has provided comprehensive support to us in his pursuit of justice and reform. They have developed and executed a multi-faceted strategy that includes drafting critical strategic documents. Additionally, they have:

• Directed strategic planning sessions to refine advocacy initiatives
• Crafted high-impact press releases
• Managed our public representation

Their deliverables encompassed:

• The creation of branding materials for our initiative
• Coordination of media efforts
• Social media
• Design

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• High quality web site
• Great PR work
• Unique overall positioning
• Social media growth

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The delivery was impeccable—often ahead of schedule. If any issues arose, I was promptly informed, and they were resolved without causing multiple delays.

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The team demonstrates exceptional dedication. One member worked 35 hours in three days to ensure we stayed on track. Several team members, including the CEO, displayed an extraordinary level of engagement. The overall experience was outstanding. 

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

I found the team to be very well rounded.  They are a great collaborator.  

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of a company that focuses on personal growth.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Ascendant Group, and what were your goals?

I put together the web site on my own and was seeking expertise to develop a stronger brand and get more exposure.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred by a PR person I respect.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

They interviewed me and then we did a photo shoot, had multiple strategy sessions, and then they helped me with developing a book proposal, significantly growing my social media, securing many media opportunities for me, and helping me uplevel the brand.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I got to work with the following:

• CEO
• A couple of publicists
• Director of Social Media
• A partner in the company
• President of the Literary side
• A ghostwriter.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

My social media has grown from about 2,000 to nearly 30,000. I had national media booked and it has helped generate new client leads. The brand looks more how I've always wanted it to look.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We had regular meetings, multiple touchpoints monthly, and ongoing updates via email.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They really care about the success of my company. They took the time to have several members of their team take my training and I know they read my materials and believe my success is important.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

A little more upfront detail about what to expect from the engagement.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of the company. We are a communications and leadership training company with over 20 years in the marketplace. Our clientele includes over 40% of the Fortune 500.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Ascendant Group, and what were your goals?

We hired Ascendant for multiple areas. PR for myself, the founder, and the company. Book concept idea development, proposal writing, and securing a book deal. Social media for myself and the founder. Brand strategy for the company. Brand design for myself and the founder. Ongoing strategic branding advisement and management for the company. Our goals were to help transition from being an in person training company to be more well known for our technology solutions.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Our app developer recommended them.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

We generated over 100 media placements, some key strategic partnerships, social reach in the millions, and saw some great business growth. They also played a key role in helping us reshape our vision for it to be more marketable.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

We had a brand manager, the CEO, 4 or 5 publicist, and a social media person assigned to us. I'm not sure beyond that who else worked on the account.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We've seen growth in the core and new business. We've had a significant uptick in traffic. We've seen an increase in brand recognition.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

There is a biweekly meeting and once they are properly orientated to a campaign direction we get results quickly.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The flexibility, brainstorming, and collaborative nature. I liked that I could grab the CEO anyday for a conversation.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Sometimes its important to ensure clarity has been achieved before going full speed into a direction.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Global Advisor for an HR company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Ascendant Group, and what were your goals?

I was interested in building my personal brand.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I heard the CEO speak on a webinar and decided to reach out to explore a conversation.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

They developed a brand message for me and then created a web site, book proposal, social media, and did public relationship. They then ended up securing a book deal for me with a major publisher and marketing the book.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked directly with the CEO, a couple of the brand managers, and their head of entertainment who is a literary agent. I know they had several other people work on the project. All together I had a team of 8-9 people.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They secured for me multiple national media hits, a book deal with an advance, best seller for the book, my LinkedIn and Facebook accounts grew by a collective of over 25,000 (initially being under 2,000).

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

They were good on email, we had strategy calls, and the team was available as much as I needed them.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I was impressed with their unique ideas, flexibility, and commitment to success.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I can't think of anything. I renewed multiple times, have referred them, and plan to work with them again.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the CEO. Three Squared, Inc. is a Detroit-based architecture and design firm whose revolutionary technology uses steel cargo shipping containers to build eye-catching and resilient mixed-use spaces, condominiums, and apartment complexes faster and more cost-effectively than traditional construction.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Ascendant Group?

To help us announce our hiring of Eric Lloyd Wright the grandson of Frank Lloyd Wright as our chief architect. It expanded into several engagements over six years as they helped us grow our social exposure, publicity, and helped us do our seven figure raise.

What were your goals for this project?

To get exposure for our firm as a budding company entering the Cargo container building space.

SOLUTION

How did you select The Ascendant Group?

Through our network at CEO Space. We vetted several companies and Ascendant demonstrated a high level of drive, expertise, and uniqueness.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

The Ascendant Group has been with us from pre-revenue to generating a significant pipeline for us through securing PR with USA Today, ABC News, and Huffington Post.

We've also utilized them to generate meaningful leads on LinkedIn. Much of our 7 figure raise and several of our clients came from the exposure we received. Even after our formal engagement we periodically comeback to Ascendant for special projects and I consider them among my most trusted advisers.

What was the team composition?

We got great engagement from the CEO as well as having two publicists, two social media people, a designer, and another Senior Partner at the company working on our behalfs.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Seven figure investment raise Multimillion dollar contract signed Exposure on ABC News, Yahoo Finance, USA Today, and placement on reality TV show on HGTV

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Excellent they were proactive in their thought process and collaborative.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They are always are thinking about the next thing. The positioning work that was done was pretty clever. I would have never thought about positioning my role as CEO and the company overall in the way they did.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They learned a lesson about extending themselves to far and I learned it as well. We did some SEO work with them which isn't their sweet spot but we trusted them. I learned to lean on people to do what they do best.

Which in Ascendant's case is already so many great things brand strategy, PR, design, advising, and social media. I should have been satisfied with that.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive of Quantum Clinic

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Serenity begins within. Our mission is to facilitate healing, growth, and transformation in every individual we serve. We know that genuine well-being stems from coherence — a harmonious synergy of mind, body, and spirit.

Our specialized services and safe, inclusive environment empower you to reach tangible milestones in stress reduction, self-discovery, and longevity. Recognizing the nonlinear nature of healing, we adopt a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. Every client is supported by a dedicated clinician who guides them on their journey to inner-harmony.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Increase Awareness for the Quantum Clinic
• Develop a Stronger Branding Presence
• Receive advisement on growth strategies

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Online Search

Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

Company values aligned

How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

There was a mix of strategic advisement and execution that included photography, brand strategy, and social media growth. We have done two engagements with them so far.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The work has led me to grow my social media following and the advisement helped us convert leads on social media for our business. We also increased web site traffic and get alot of compliments on our photos and web site.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Ascendant’s project management was efficient. They consistently delivered key items on time and demonstrated flexibility when adjustments were needed. Throughout the process, they were attentive to  evolving needs and responsive to feedback, ensuring the final deliverables aligned with our vision. Their proactive communication helped keep everything on track, making things productive.

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Adjustments were made without complaints. There isn't a ton of pushback.  There is wanting to ensure their service meets the need as opposed to force feeding a solution.

Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

It took a while to nail down the voice. However, once it was done things took off.

UPDATED REVIEW

This review was published on 8/16/2024
CEO, Mental Health ClinicHealthcare

Los Angeles, California

1-10 Employees

Jan 2022 - Ongoing

Verified
Project summary
The Ascendant Group creates social media content for a mental health clinic. The team also solicits podcast and speaking appearances, develops a book proposal and pitch, and aims to secure its publication.

Feedback summary
The Ascendant Group is still working on the project and is responsive, considerate, and excellent to work with. The team consistently meets deadlines, provides heart-centered care for the client, and maintains supportive communication through in-person and virtual meetings.

Quote
"The heart-centered care that The Ascendant Group provides to clients sets them apart from others in this space."

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of a mental health clinic
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Blending ancient wisdom with modern technology, our team of mental health clinicians use bio-feedback driven coherence techniques to foster healing, growth, and transformation in every individual we serve.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire The Ascendant Group to accomplish?

• Social Media Content Strategy
• Speaking and Podcast Appearances
• Book publication

SOLUTION

How did you find The Ascendant Group?

Instagram
Why did you select The Ascendant Group over others?

Fate
How many teammates from The Ascendant Group were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Ascendant Branding agreed to:

• Support ongoing social media content creation
• Identify and solicit podcast and speaking appearances
• Develop book proposal and pitch
• Secure publication contract

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project is ongoing.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project team requires some oversight and client led follow up. In general the team is:

• Responsive
• Timely
• Supportive in their communications
• A pleasure to work with

What was your primary form of communication with The Ascendant Group?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The heart-centered care that The Ascendant Group provides to clients sets them apart from others in this space. My experience of working with Ascendant has been largely supportive and considerate.
Are there any areas for improvement or something The Ascendant Group could have done differently?

I felt that communication between the literary team and the client was not great when initially pursuing publication for an existing book. The team has a process and strategy for working with new clients, and I felt my proposal did not fit into their framework, so the ball was dropped a bit. This was a disappointment, but it did not stop me from bringing them on for additional scope of work.
STAR RATINGS
Overall rating: 4

Quality: 4

Cost: 3

Schedule: 5

Willing to refer: 4

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Director, Marketing & Communications for a healthcare system.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire The Ascendant Group, and what were your goals?

Public relations outreach for company and senior management team Develop branding and marketing strategy Develop, create and implement social media campaigns Photoshoot for corporate executives Establish thought leadership for senior leaders Media training

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Request for proposal

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

• Social media from the inside out workshop and eventual employee monitoring plan
• Branding from the inside out

Enhancing employees interactions with public, immediate solutions include:

• Customer Service Training
• Getting Employee feedback Integrated robust advertising initiative
• Continual PR and social growth
• Glassdoor review improvement, social media response planning, and improvement of other review web sites
• Leverage CMO/CEO and other execs brand even more.
• Media training for senior management team (One virtual sessions and two in-person sessions)

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

The following individuals were involved in our project:

• Raoul, President and CEO
• Neil, senior brand manager
• Danielle, social media
• Merilee, senior public relations manager
• Lynn, public relations

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Here are some of the outcomes from the project:

We achieved reach of 4.8 million on social media with NYC focus Double digit or triple digit growth in 4 out of 6 web site measures Through media the equivalent advertising value of over $5 million was earned when calculating UVM as worth $0.007  Total media placements 97 Total of 17 pickups from News 12 and affiliates Five WPIX 11 links Newsweek and Fast Company contributorship/ongoing articles

The average domain authority of PR hits thus far is 71 and total unique monthly visitors is 675,914,964 –great for SEO and brand visibility Growth Twitter from 10 to 912 Instagram from 668 to 2,479 YouTube from 40 to 216 Total on these platforms Growth 718 to 4,217 (487%) Reach of 4.8 million Over 100,000 engagements Additional Outcomes

• Wrote bios for all senior team members and key doctors
• Designed a media kit
• Secured contributorships to Newseek and Fast Company for the company’s founder and CEO
• Provided on-going consultation for other lines of business on public relations and marketing strategy

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We worked very closely with the Ascendant team in a collaborative manner. They were extremely responsive and patient at times as my very shorthanded team had to manage our internal team to provide feedback to many projects. We held weekly check-in meetings to discuss current and new projects We had access to a Google Drive Folder where we could easily access minutes from each meeting, newly created bios of senior team members, social media metrics reports.

We received weekly updates on media outreach For interviews, we worked closely with the PR team to make our executives and other doctors available for interviews. The PR Team also communicated with us via email and phone to inform and update us on media covering one of our events or scheduling interviews with our team members.

For the media training, we did one in person session, but then worked with Ascendant to secure one of their senior partners to conduct two live, in-person trainings that were very effective

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The company’s owner, Raoul, is extremely experienced, knowledgeable and responsive. He listened to our needs, and continuously provided us with insights, new ideas and approaches on how we could strengthen and extend the Healthcare organizations brand. They addressed our need to raise our media profile locally, but also helped position our founder and CEO as a thought leader who contributed articles to Newsweek and Fast Company.

Other team members also provided us timely and thoughtful advice and executed projects in a timely and thorough manner.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

I have no specific recommendations to the Ascendant team.