Where it All Began

BreakThrough Performance Systems builds on the legacy of organizational psychologist Dr. John Rom (1933-2000).

For over 30 years he used a transformative process for companies and individuals to achieve lasting and revolutionary change. He developed Strength RealizationTM to help individuals discover their unique strengths and experience higher levels of energy and fulfillment through their work.

Prior to forming Rom & Associates in 1978, Dr. Rom was an internal consultant for General Motors, where he developed and implemented an effective process for managing large-scale organizational, system, and technological change.  

Michael Rom
Michael Rom
Founder and CEO

Michael Rom founded tru™ with a mission to help companies unlock productivity by providing meaningful work to their employees. He’s committed to helping people become their best selves by bringing their unique gifts to the world at large. As an entrepreneur and founder, Michael previously formed Pension Insight to provide retirement plans for small/mid-sized companies. Michael has served in senior management roles at Franklin Templeton, Equitable Distributors and SunAmerica and started his career with PNC in Pittsburgh, PA. He’s a proud father, avid reader and optimist in the ability for people to achieve their greater dreams. “I’m most aligned with my truSelf when achieving an ambition that I’m convinced will make a difference – that’s why tru™ really energizes me.”

Vince Phelan
Vince Phelan
Marketing and Strategy Lead

Vince experienced Strength Realization with Dr. Rom in the late 90’s and brings extensive marketing and sales experience across several industries. He has built and led marketing teams which managed content, communications, customer advocacy, creative, events, public relations, social media, and product management. Among his peak experiences are several occasions where he coached and helped develop team members who went on to achieve career success in expanded roles. Vince graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he was an Academic All-American punter for the Fighting Irish. Vince's truSelf includes being energized and satisfied when collaborating to develop innovative solutions, and he greatly values commitment in serving others.

Rhonda Scher
Rhonda Scher
Vice President, Business Development & Partnerships

Rhonda Scher serves as Vice President, Business Development and Partnerships focused on go-to-market strategy and execution. Rhonda is a sales professional with extensive experience driving revenue growth and leading go-to-market teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the University of California, Chico. Rhonda leverages her Achievement DNA every day, finding energy and satisfaction in her commitment to learning, building trust, and strategic thinking. She values competitiveness in herself and others with a strong commitment to advocacy and making a difference.

Michael McGrath
Michael McGrath
Senior Advisor

Michael R. McGrath, Ph.D. is a Senior Advisor to BreakThrough Performance Systems and an Adjunct Associate Professor at USC's Bovard College (M.S. in Human Resource Management) Michael is recently retired from the Marshall School of Business at USC. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Executive Education at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan where he had the opportunity to design and deliver leadership development programs in over 40 countries. Michael also was a Vice President of Executive Education & Development at Charles Schwab Company and Senior Vice President & Executive Consultant at Personnel Decisions International (now part of Korn Ferry).

Teresa Milich
Teresa Milich
Senior Advisor

Teresa Milich is a Senior Advisor to BreakThrough Performance Systems, bringing over 30 years’ practical experience in organization development and management development training with the American Medical Association and Northern Trust. She holds an M.S. in Organization Development from Loyola University Chicago and studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. Teresa carries on the legacy of her father Dr John Rom through her passion for working with managers and leaders to optimize their employees’ satisfaction and contributions by tapping into their unique strengths. She brings a results-oriented approach in advising the company’s development of tools to help drive organizational and personal transformation. Teresa expresses her truSelf when collaborating with others to come up with creative ideas and solutions and when she believes her work will make a positive difference in people’s lives.