Hi, we're the Barcanic Group.
We're an expert advisory firm that lives at the intersection of strategy, leadership, growth, and execution.
Inviting an outsider into your business can be unnerving. You need to be sure they understand what you need, can really help you, and, frankly, that you get along.

Our Style
Here are some ways that others have described the way we work.
Easy Rapport
When you’re deep in the trenches you produce better results when you know, like, and trust those you’re with. We take our work very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Real-world Experience
We’re not a bunch of suits with MBAs who talk about the work like we read it in a book. We’ve owned companies, sold services, hired and fired team members, grown organizations, and led teams through lean times.
Transformational Conversations
We are committed to telling you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. We promote interactions that get to the root issues, reveal real concerns, and surface the most creative ideas. As a result you can be sure you’re making the best possible decisions.
Experienced Discernment
We see more than what’s right in front of you. We see what’s in the lanes around and behind you and what might be around the next bend or on the other side of the hill. We think ahead, considering implications, contingencies, and unintended consequences so unpleasant surprises are minimized.
Calm Confidence
With more than 200 years of combined experience there isn’t much we haven’t seen. We’re comfortable standing by your side in the middle of the whirlwind when only one choice can be the right one.
Our Staff
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John Barcanic
Founder and Leadership Strategist
John has been growing leaders and organizations for decades. A catalyst for new ways of thinking and working, he understands that the soul of an organization is its people, and that long-term impact requires high-trust, high-performance leaders and teams.
Recognized for his ability to turn deep insights into practical solutions, John’s work brings early wins and sustainable change. His skills have delivered results for global organizations, national companies, small businesses, and creative startups. He has been a guest lecturer at Northwestern University, Trinity International University, Wheaton College, and North Park University. John has helped leaders and organizations in 20 countries on six continents.

Lyn Barcanic
Director of Operations, Professional Rubber Duck
Lyn is the behind-the-scenes magician who makes much of the Barcanic Group successful. As a widely talented professional, she handles everything from operational details to design, copywriting, strategy, and execution. Her experience includes business management, theater and improv, product development, and marketing. An author and artist, Lyn is interested in how creativity impacts worldview and believes that every human deserves to be treated with dignity and empathy.
Naturally curious with a broad range of interests Lyn loves to talk about issues as diverse as representation in pop culture and the benefits of a four-day work week. When she's not helping the Barcanic Group provide the best service possible, you might find her writing science fiction, discussing women's hockey, or petting the felines at a cat cafe in her hometown of Chicago.
Our Strategic Partners
We partner with some of the best minds in small business consulting to provide you with the deep insights, clear plan, new capabilities, and expert guidance you need to break through. Often our partners work within the scope of your engagement with Barcanic Group. If your need for their expertise is more in-depth, we may recommend working directly with them.

Afroviti Guta, Finance
Afroviti Guta is the Founder of Axcel Financial LLC where she partners with CEOs, founders, and leadership teams to simplify their finances, uncover hidden opportunities, and make smarter, forward-focused decisions.

Becca Berkanstadt, Marketing
Becca Berkanstadt is the Founder of Worldly Strategies a results-driven, globally minded digital agency implementing online marketing strategies. Its core services include Social Media Management, Online Advertising, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Email Marketing and Website Design.

Katherine Daniel, SHRM-SCP
Katherine Daniel is the Founder of Montani Consulting, a fractional HR firm that helps small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S. build stronger teams, align their people practices with business goals, and lead with confidence.

Mary Biagini, Sales
Mary Biagini is the Founder of Mary Biagini Sales Consulting where she helps business owners build the follow-up systems and client connection strategies that bring people back, spark referrals, and turn trust into steady, predictable growth.

Sid Rothenberg, Technology
Sid Rothenberg is the President of Reliable Information Technology (RIT), Incorporated. He and his team provide reliable managed IT support, cybersecurity, Microsoft 365 management, data backups, compliance assistance, and responsive help-desk service.
