Our story

The meaning
behind NAGA.

A cultural connection. A consulting philosophy. A commitment to turning shared purpose into meaningful action.

NAGA emblem in forest green and gold

Why the name?

Rooted in culture.
Carried into the work.

In Lao culture and across Southeast Asia, the Naga has long been associated with water, protection, continuity, and transformation.

For me, the name connects this work to culture, memory, and community. It is a reminder that organizations do not move forward without carrying their histories, relationships, and responsibilities with them.

It also reflects the way I practice consulting: navigating complexity, aligning people and priorities, guiding decisions, and turning shared intention into action.

Founder & principal consultant

Meet the founder

Saengmany
Ratsabout.

My work spans nonprofit leadership, organizational strategy, governance, facilitation, and community engagement. I understand the tension between what an organization hopes to accomplish and what its people, structures, and resources can support.

I bring structure to complex conversations without losing sight of the people and relationships at their center.

NAGA is intentionally personal: a practice built around thoughtful partnership, honest questions, and practical follow-through.

How I work

Purpose first.
People throughout.

Good consulting should strengthen an organization’s ability to act, not create dependence on the consultant.

01

Listen before prescribing.

Understand history, context, and the people shaping the work.

02

Ask the real question.

Look beneath symptoms and clarify what needs to change.

03

Share ownership.

Create the conditions for honest participation and sound decisions.

04

Build for follow-through.

Leave behind priorities, tools, and next steps people can use.

The NAGA approach

Four connected
movements.

From understanding the situation to making choices people can carry forward.

N

Navigate

Complexity

A

Align

People & priorities

G

Guide

Strategy & decisions

A

Act

Move work forward

A good place to begin

Let’s move your work forward.

Tell me what your organization is navigating. We can start with a conversation.

Start a conversation