Frank Okunak is a distinguished business leader and advisor with more than 30 years of experience guiding multinational corporations, start-ups, and restructured businesses. Throughout his career, he has held key senior leadership roles in finance and operations, focusing on helping companies scale operations, enhance client service, and achieve sustainable expansion. His deep expertise lies in transforming business models and implementing strategic initiatives that lead to long-term growth and operational excellence. Frank’s ability to provide clear, actionable guidance has made him a trusted resource for leadership teams aiming to drive meaningful change.
Beyond his professional achievements, Frank is passionate about giving back to his community. He has dedicated his time to volunteering at homeless shelters and at Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson, New Jersey, supporting individuals and families in need. This commitment to service extends to his mission of mentoring young professionals. He enjoys sharing the valuable lessons learned from his career, helping the next generation navigate their own paths to success.
Frank believes in the importance of continuous self-improvement and carries with him core principles of resilience, accountability, and a dedication to serving others. These values guide his personal and professional life as he strives to improve each day. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He firmly believes in the right to fix things that need fixing and approaches every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset.
You’ve spent over 30 years leading organizations across different industries. What has been the key to maintaining long-term success in such diverse environments?
The key has always been adaptability grounded in core principles. No matter the industry, success depends on understanding people, aligning strategy with purpose, and maintaining financial discipline. I’ve learned that while markets evolve, the fundamentals of leadership like clarity, accountability, and empathy remain constant. My approach is to listen first, identify what drives value, and then execute with precision. Every business faces unique challenges, but those that adapt quickly while staying true to their mission tend to achieve sustainable success. It’s about balancing strategic agility with operational stability to ensure both short-term performance and long-term growth.
You’ve helped transform many organizations. What’s your process for guiding a company through major change?
Transformation begins with clarity and understanding where you are, where you want to be, and what’s standing in the way. I start by assessing the company’s financial health, operational structure, and leadership alignment. From there, we develop a roadmap that prioritizes measurable, achievable goals. Communication is critical; people must understand the “why” behind change to fully commit. I also believe in empowering teams to take ownership of solutions rather than imposing directives. Transformation succeeds when it becomes cultural, not procedural. My role is to create momentum, instill confidence, and ensure every action aligns with long-term strategic objectives.
You’ve held senior leadership roles in finance and operations. How has this dual expertise shaped your approach to business growth?
Finance provides the language of accountability, while operations translate strategy into results. Having worked across both areas allows me to see the full picture: how numbers reflect behaviors and how processes drive outcomes. When finance and operations work hand-in-hand, companies make smarter, faster decisions. I use financial insights to inform operational improvements and operational data to validate financial assumptions. This integrated perspective helps businesses scale responsibly, balancing innovation with control. Ultimately, it’s about using metrics not just to measure performance, but to inspire action that creates real, sustainable value for customers, employees, and shareholders alike.
Many describe your leadership style as clear and actionable. How do you approach decision-making in complex situations?
I believe complexity often hides simplicity. The first step is to gather facts, not opinions. Once I have a full picture, I prioritize based on impact and feasibility. I’ve found that decisions grounded in principles rather than preferences produce better outcomes. Clarity comes from aligning every choice with long-term goals, even when short-term pressures tempt compromise. I also make it a point to involve the right people early in the process; collaboration strengthens commitment. Whether leading a turnaround or scaling growth, I focus on action over analysis paralysis by making decisions that are timely, transparent, and aligned with purpose.
You’ve worked with both multinational corporations and startups. How do leadership challenges differ between the two?
Large corporations struggle with agility; startups struggle with structure. In big organizations, the challenge is cutting through bureaucracy to keep innovation alive. In startups, it’s about creating discipline without stifling creativity. I’ve found that both environments require clarity of vision and consistency in execution. The best leaders balance speed with sustainability. They know when to take calculated risks and when to pause for alignment. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 or a two-person startup, success comes down to building a culture that values accountability, curiosity, and resilience. Great leadership adapts its methods while maintaining unwavering principles.
Beyond business, you’ve dedicated time to volunteering at homeless shelters and Eva’s Kitchen. What motivates your community work?
Service keeps me grounded. Working with people who face daily challenges reminds me that leadership is about empathy as much as strategy. Volunteering at Eva’s Kitchen and local shelters connects me to the human side of impact and the lives behind the statistics. It’s a humbling experience that puts success into perspective. My motivation comes from a belief that we all have a responsibility to help where we can. Giving back isn’t separate from business; it’s part of being a complete leader. The lessons I learn in service often inform how I lead with compassion, patience, and gratitude.
You’ve mentioned mentoring young professionals. What advice do you most often share with them?
I tell them to embrace learning, especially when it’s uncomfortable. Growth happens in moments of challenge, not convenience. I emphasize resilience because things rarely go as planned, but how you respond defines your career. I also remind them that credibility takes years to build and seconds to lose, so integrity must guide every action. Networking matters, but relationships matter more. Finally, I encourage them to stay curious. The world moves fast, and continuous self-improvement is non-negotiable. Success isn’t just about titles or money, it’s about making a positive difference and leaving every team or project stronger than you found it.
What personal values guide your approach to leadership and life?
My guiding values are resilience, accountability, and service. Resilience allows me to navigate uncertainty without losing focus. Accountability keeps me grounded in responsibility to results, people, and to my own principles. Service reminds me that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about impact. These values create balance between ambition and humility. I strive to lead by example, maintaining discipline while showing empathy. Every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate integrity and improve. Whether in business or community, I believe consistent values are what turn short-term wins into lasting success that truly benefits others.
You often speak about the “right to fix things that need fixing.” What does that mean to you?
To me, it means taking ownership and never walking past a problem you can solve. In any organization or community, issues linger when people assume it’s someone else’s job. I’ve always believed that leadership is about action, not titles. The “right to fix things” is also the responsibility to contribute. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to make improvements, no matter their position. When people take initiative instead of waiting for permission, progress accelerates. I’ve seen this mindset transform companies and communities alike. It builds trust, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, what continues to drive your passion for leadership and growth?
I’m driven by the belief that progress is always possible. Every organization, no matter how successful, can find new ways to serve, innovate, and improve. What excites me most is helping others unlock their potential, seeing teams gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. Leadership, for me, is a lifelong journey of learning and giving back. I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation and supporting communities that need a hand up. Growth isn’t just about expansion; it’s about creating value that endures. As long as there are problems to solve and people to help, my work remains deeply meaningful.