Not Just Advisors. Partners in Progress.
Guiding businesses through strategic growth, data-driven transformation, and people-first leadership.
You don’t need another consultant—you need a partner who’s invested in your success. At Black Antler, we combine sharp strategy, real-world experience, and people-centered leadership to help businesses grow smarter and faster. We don’t just advise; we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Meet the Team
The people behind the strategy.
Kira Barclay
Founder & Managing Partner
Kira is the founder of Black Antler and the strategic force behind its people-first, data-smart approach. With over two decades of experience in data strategy, executive leadership, and organizational transformation—including a standout career at John Deere—she brings a rare blend of technical proficiency and business acumen to every engagement. Known as a “firestarter,” Kira is especially skilled at helping leaders move from insight to activation, guiding complex organizations through growth, change, and alignment with clarity and conviction.
At Black Antler, she leads client partnerships, shapes thought leadership around data and transformation, and coaches executives to lead with both courage and precision. Whether she’s speaking to a boardroom or walking alongside a leadership team, her focus never wavers: making sure clients feel seen, heard, and equipped to meet their goals. Kira is based in Des Moines, Iowa and works from her home office—traveling to client sites as needed to build the trust and momentum that in-person connection allows.
Kevin Juhl
Partner & Senior Advisor
As a partner at Black Antler, Kevin brings deep expertise in data strategy, business integration, and data product management. With leadership experience across product, marketing, and analytics, he has a proven track record of helping organizations align their data efforts with real business outcomes. Known for his perceptive, opportunity-focused mindset, Kevin helps clients see possibility in both their challenges and their potential.
Kevin values clear communication, collaboration, and delivering results that are both useful and actionable. He works remotely from the Kansas City area, partnering closely with clients across industries to design strategies that lead to meaningful progress.
Matt McNamara
Senior Advisor
Matt is a seasoned financial services executive with over 20 years of leadership experience at John Deere Financial, where he led teams across credit, leasing, market development, customer management, and global portfolio strategy. At Black Antler, he brings a rare ability to navigate seamlessly between stakeholders—whether he’s engaging with operational teams, senior executives, or board members. With a sharp eye for strategic alignment and a steady hand in high-stakes environments, Matt partners with clients to uncover opportunities and drive results.
His approach is grounded in curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for client goals. Matt thrives on building strong working relationships and collaborating closely to identify what success looks like—and how to achieve it. Based in Waukee, Iowa, he works comfortably across in-person, hybrid, and remote settings. When he’s not working, you’ll find him traveling with his family (and tracking down escape rooms in every city they visit).
Sheila Oliver
Senior Advisor
Sheila brings over three decades of leadership experience in the agriculture industry, spanning global corporations, fast-paced startups, and everything in between. With a background that includes roles in commodity trading, operations, business development, credit management, and enterprise software implementation, she draws on her broad expertise to help clients solve complex problems from multiple angles. Her leadership journey has taken her through respected organizations like Purina Mills and John Deere, where she honed her ability to drive results, inspire teams, and build trust in every relationship.
At Black Antler, Sheila is known for her high energy, sharp analysis, and commitment to creating clear, achievable paths forward. She partners closely with clients to understand their goals and map out tailored strategies for success—bringing a results-driven mindset and a genuine passion for connection. Based just outside Des Moines, Sheila splits her time between remote and in-person work, with a strong preference for showing up face-to-face when relationships are being built. A fun fact? Her international travels have taken her across Asia more than any other region in the world.
Every Name Has a Story—Here’s Ours
The name Black Antler is more than just a combination of words—it’s our reflection of where we’ve been, the experiences that shaped us, and how we’re shaping our future.
Black stands for strength, depth, and calm authority.
Antler symbolizes growth, wisdom, and resilience—qualities earned through challenge, time, and renewal.
Just as antlers shed and regrown, we do not just copy the old, but identify what is needed for the year ahead. We keep the strong, release the outdated, and build to the future.
From Insight to Action
At Black Antler, we help leaders transform data investments into real business impact by bridging the gap between strategy and execution. We believe that data alone doesn’t drive change—people do. That’s why we focus on activating both: aligning teams, clarifying strategies, and empowering organizations to turn insights into meaningful results.
We envision a future where businesses don’t just collect data—they confidently act on it. A world where leadership is aligned, teams are energized, and every investment in information fuels momentum and growth. Our work sits at the intersection of clarity and capability, helping organizations turn potential into performance.
Just like our favorite cup of coffee, aligning data strategy to business strategy is what we wake up for. ☕️
Ready to activate what’s next for your business?