What is Mizudo?
Mizudo was born from clarity amidst chaos—an intentional shift from high-stakes, high-output environments to something more meaningful. After over a decade navigating risk-heavy landscapes that demanded sharp analysis and strategic foresight, I stepped back—not to retreat, but to reassess.
In that space, I found resonance between my analytical capabilities and a deeper drive to contribute creatively and purposefully. What began as an experiment in applying my expertise to one small business quickly evolved into something far greater: a realization that my ability to distill complexity into clarity could transform operations, unlock growth, and redefine possibility for others.
This work naturally expanded—first helping smaller ventures streamline and flourish, then guiding larger enterprises beyond stagnation into measurable success. The throughline was clear: I wasn’t just offering strategy—I was offering direction, momentum, and the tools to flow forward with intention.
The philosophy is embedded in the name. Mizudo, drawn from the Japanese characters for “water” (mizu) and “way” (do), reflects our core ethos: flow as a principle, not just a state. Water doesn’t force—it adapts, shapes, and endures. It’s in that spirit that Mizudo Consulting was built: to help businesses move with purpose, meet challenges with resilience, and carve pathways toward potential—with fluidity, foresight, and form.
Who is Mizudo?
Mizudo Consulting is the culmination of a life lived at the intersection of instinct, discipline, and creativity. Founded by me, August Fleer, I serve as both Principal Consultant and Creative Director—roles that reflect not only the duality of my background, but the philosophy that drives my work.
Raised along the shores of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, I left home in search of challenge and perspective, ultimately spending over a decade guiding in some of the most formidable mountain ranges on earth—from the Rockies and the Wasatch, to the Alaskan backcountry, Hokkaido’s powder-filled peaks, and the dramatic terrain of Queenstown, New Zealand. In these roles as a ski patroller and mountain guide, I developed a visceral relationship with risk, decision-making, and systems thinking—skills that now form the bedrock of my consulting practice.
But even then, my mind was always crafting, designing, and problem-solving. Whether managing marina operations, directing vineyard production in California, or shaping administrative systems for medical spas, I was quietly building a methodology that merged structure with imagination. Over time, I realized my greatest strength was in translating complex environments into elegant, efficient, and human-centered systems—often by seeing what others couldn’t.
As Creative Director at Mizudo, I lead with vision. I help clients articulate the essence of their brand, uncover untapped potential, and craft compelling narratives that move beyond business strategy into something deeper: identity, experience, and flow. As Principal Consultant, I bring structure to that vision—offering clear guidance, measured analysis, and hands-on solutions that allow businesses to thrive in alignment with their goals and values.
Mizudo is more than a consulting firm—it’s a reflection of my belief that creativity and clarity, when combined with discipline and direction, can move mountains.
Why Mizudo?
That’s the core of Mizudo: to equip entrepreneurs with the clarity, structure, and creative direction they need to build not just businesses—but lives of autonomy and purpose. My background in business, neurobiology, and risk assessment allows me to approach every challenge through multiple lenses—blending data-driven strategy with an intuitive understanding of human behavior and operational flow.
I believe that owning a business is one of the most powerful ways to reclaim your time—and with it, your life. But that freedom is only available when the business itself is optimized. Without clarity, alignment, and intentional structure, even the most passionate founders can find themselves trapped inside inefficiencies that drain energy and erode momentum.
That’s where Mizudo comes in. With every engagement, I offer highly personalized consulting—built on deep partnership, rigorous analysis, and visionary thinking. Whether you're launching from the ground up or recalibrating an existing business, I bring both creative insight and operational precision to guide your journey.
You’re not just getting a consultant—you’re gaining a collaborator. A thought partner. Someone who is as invested in your success as you are. I operate from a goal-oriented stance, but I’m rooted in process—because it’s in the day-to-day crafting, refining, and imagining where the real transformation takes place.
At Mizudo, our mission is simple: to help you create a business that runs with intelligence, elegance, and intention—so you can spend less time putting out fires, and more time doing what matters most.
I’m here to help, get in touch and let’s create