Bob Koonce, President and FounderHRG’s model for building a high-reliability organization factors in management systems, culture, leadership and feedback, all working in alignment. Through close collaboration with clients, primarily from the oil, gas and mining sectors, it provides customized programs to coach, mentor and train frontline leaders.
The competitive edge for HRG’s clients comes from applying proven principles of leadership and risk management used in the most challenging conditions at the U.S. Submarine Force. All of HRG’s consultants have decades of experience operating and maintaining nuclear submarines, which has equipped them with unique skills and perspectives.
“We bring decades of experience leading young, inexperienced teams in a high-risk environment during our time in the U.S. Submarine Force,” says Bob Koonce, president and founder at High Reliability Group. “This expertise has shaped our approach and problem-solving skills.”
Leveraging this experience, the HRG team provides bespoke programs for clients across diverse industries. These programs equip leaders with the skills and knowledge to overcome complex challenges and attain operational excellence.
Its leadership development programs particularly focus on four areas: communication, accountability, responsibility and engagement.
Through leadership training, HRG aims to equip new leaders with effective communication skills and the ability to lead by example. The program emphasizes the significance of accountability in leading a team.
It develops a sense of responsibility in leaders by offering direction on managing overlapping responsibilities within one’s sphere of influence. In addition, the company emphasizes the importance of personally engaging with team members to better understand their challenges.
Training programs on different management methods, including decision-making and risk management, are also offered. It empowers leaders with the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead effectively, foster teamwork and drive success.
The reputation of consistently delivering exceptional results, coupled with a customer-centric approach, gives HRG a distinct advantage over its competitors. In one instance, a recognized integrated oil and gas company sought the company’s services to address a series of incidents causing harm to individuals, equipment and the environment.
We bring decades of experience leading young, inexperienced teams in a high-risk environment during our time in the U.S. Submarine Force
Its meticulous process also allowed the client to focus on developing an internal culture of process safety and strategic growth. The senior leadership dedicatedly worked on higher-order strategic goals, which led to their successful merger with a large corporation. The outcome is a testament to HRG’s unparalleled expertise in tackling challenges.
With principles crafted based on their experience in the U.S. Submarine Force, the seasoned in-house experts are the powerhouse behind its success. Founder Bob Koonce is a former commanding officer who served on the force for over two decades. He is also the co-author of Extreme Operational Excellence, a book on the culture of excellence in the U.S. Submarine Force, the inspiration behind HRG’s launch.
In a complex business landscape, it is essential to have a partner who can ensure process safety and overall operational excellence. HRG’s tailored leadership development approach and focus on frontline management make it the ideal choice to build a culture of safety and reliability, essential for success in high-risk industries.

