Our People

Douglas Franco

Among the world’s most highly respected systems scientists and thinkers, Doug is a leader of management dynamics. Framing corporate issues dynamically and getting to the core of their toughest problems, he has assisted senior executives in tackling issues while developing their skills in grappling with management complexities.

Doug’s consulting, research, and teaching careers span over 30 years in Europe and The Americas. He has designed and implemented high-performance management systems for multiple industries including dairies, education, energy, healthcare, media, metals, and telecommunications as well as for federal and local governments. A few of the clients he has served include CANTV Wireline, Carabobo, CargoPort, Dow Chemical, EconoInvest, Lara, MovilNet, P&G, Prolaca, Telefonica Spain, SFL Investment, Ven-Aluminum, and Verizon.

As a field researcher and executive educator, Doug has developed cutting-edge models of management systems and industry dynamics. While a University Professor and chairman of graduate studies at Technologico de Monterrey in Mexico, he pioneered R&Ds in the simulation of complex multi-functional time-sensitive processes, including: consumer pricing dynamics, healthcare flow optimization, options and investment pricing, farming supply chains, and synchronizing multi-modal transportation systems.

Doug started as a chemical engineer in oil and gas fields. He earned a Master’s and doctorate with distinctions from Michigan State University. He pursued post-doctoral studies under Jay W. Forrester at MIT System Dynamics Group. He has received academic awards and professional recognitions including an order imposed by the Venezuelan president. He was also elected to the Electrical Engineers’ Honor Society. He is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Applied Sciences and Arts. He lives with his wife in the U.S. and Venezuela, and has highly-accomplished children also working in The Americas.

Why did you decide to work at ConfluCore?

I am profoundly impressed by Usman’s pioneering work on confluence and the quality of thinking he has bred here. He has the exceptional ability to assess client needs holistically, frame problems systemically, and integrate teams to implement original, outstanding solutions.

What’s the biggest transformation you have been a part of?

For one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, I developed and implemented a sustainable growth model that optimized their networks, grew their customer base, and – applying dynamic insights – saved capital investments over 5 years.

What challenges do you most enjoy helping clients address?

Amazingly, many simple solutions are often overlooked by busy managers. I like to facilitate clients in discovering these solutions, while I also solve those complex problems for which they feel there are no practical answers.

What do you like doing in free/personal time?

I love to swim and work out regularly. I also like to read, both fiction and nonfiction. And, on weekends and for special events, being with my family and friends is pure joy for me.

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