We partner with organizations of all sizes to plan for the future, solve stubborn challenges, and grow.
We take a comprehensive approach, which leverages data and client insights – with a particular emphasis on the intangibles and market nuances often overlooked by traditional consulting firms.
Caroline is a strategist with 15+ years of experience in healthcare and public affairs. She leads CDB Strategy, formerly led enterprise strategy at MUSC, holds an MBA, and thrives on impact-driven work.
We cut through the noise and spot what traditional consulting firms miss. The market signals. The political nuances. The cultural friction points. We get you where you want to go — quickly, and without the overhead or complexity.
CDB is owned and led by Caroline Brown, a strategist with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare and public affairs. Focused on life sciences, education, and other mission-driven sectors, we do work that drives meaningful progress and leaves a lasting mark.
High-Impact Strategy, Execution, and Advisory Services—Tailored to Where You Are and Where You’re Going
From vision and mission to go-to-market plans, we help organizations set direction and move fast. Our trademarked ADD Value Strategy Model simplifies the process and drives results — with support from market research, facilitation, workshops, retreats, and stakeholder engagement.
We coined the term for a reason: the best partnerships don’t just share risk — they drive mutual reward. From strategy to launch, we help organizations build affiliations, M&A deals, and joint ventures that fuel growth and impact.
Investment follows strategy. Your structure should reflect what you’re trying to achieve. We help clients define their future state and build a step-by-step path to get there — aligning teams, roles, and resources for impact. This often includes designing new departments, refining org charts, or restructuring operations to support growth.
We provide fractional executive support to help organizations navigate strategy, growth, and change. Our services include leadership advising, executive coaching, and speaking engagements at retreats and industry events — delivering clarity and momentum without the overhead of a full-time hire.
We do work that matters — for our clients and the world around us.
We lean into challenges, solve tough problems, and don’t give up.
We build lasting relationships and communicate clearly with empathy & respect.
Caroline Brown is a strategist, advisor, and builder with more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of healthcare, education, and public affairs. As the founder of CDB Strategy, she partners with mission-driven organizations to position themselves for the future, tackle complex challenges, and drive lasting impact.
A former Chief Strategy Officer at a $7 billion, 30,000-employee organization, Caroline led enterprise-wide strategic planning and built cross-sector partnerships that accelerated growth and advanced institutional goals. Her career spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors — from national political campaigns to leading academic health systems — giving her a unique and versatile perspective.
She is the creator of the ADD Value Strategy Model™ and coined the term Shared Value Partnerships™, reflecting her belief that great strategy doesn’t just solve problems — it creates opportunity. A recognized thought leader, she’s frequently invited to speak at conferences, events, and on podcasts.
Caroline holds an MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina. A Charleston native with deep community roots, she’s also a wife, mom of two, and aunt times seven. She finds joy in art, tennis, travel, and time spent near the ocean with her large extended family.
Here’s what our clients are saying about their experiences with us and our collective impact.
“We’ve had the pleasure of bringing Caroline in to speak to two distinct audiences, and each time, she delivered strategic insights that were both inspiring and actionable. Her ability to tailor content to different teams while staying grounded in real-world expertise made a lasting impact. She doesn’t just deliver a talk. She helps shift mindsets and move teams toward clarity and confidence.”
“I’ve worked alongside Caroline for nearly a decade, and her ability to execute is outstanding! She brings sharp thinking, clarity, and a rare ability to guide ‘a group-think’ toward meaningful and executable outcomes. She’s a trusted partner, total professional and works creatively to achieve success.”
“Working with Caroline has been instrumental in helping Marvin Behavioral Health navigate the complexities of partnering with health systems. Her deep understanding of pricing & budget models, coupled with her ability to bring clarity to the C-suite perspective in hospital settings, has empowered us to refine our strategy. Caroline’s insights have not only advanced our approach but have also positioned us for long-term success in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.”
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We prioritize ourselves so we can show up at our best for each other and our clients.
We prioritize ourselves so we can show up at our best for each other and our clients.
We prioritize ourselves so we can show up at our best for each other and our clients.
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A One-Day Intensive for Leading Strategic Planning with Clarity and Confidence
Date: Friday, September 19
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Cost: $2,000 per participant
Limited to 20 participants to ensure a high-impact experience.
A One-Day Intensive for Leading Strategic Planning with Clarity and Confidence