Our Name

What is an Axletree?

"Strong as the axletree / On which heaven rides".
 ~ Shakespeare, Troilus & Cressida

Axletree: an ancient word for a beam of wood or rod of iron that connects two wheels.

An axletree is a fixed axle – one which doesn't rotate. Instead, it remains steady, providing a firm axis for the wheels and adding extra structural support to the frame of the vehicle. This type of axle was solid, dependable, and strong – particularly useful for very heavy vehicles such as cannons or war chariots.

In Greek mythology, and in later poetry, an axletree supports the chariot of Phoebus as he crosses the sky, and metaphorically forms the axis along which the heavens themselves are aligned. Shakespeare, Milton, Sydney, and T.S. Eliot all use the word this way.

It's about alignment.

We think that this name nicely captures what we do for our clients – leaders like you.

We won't do your work for you, because we believe that you belong in the driver's seat. But we will support you and help you find the alignment, momentum, and direction you need to navigate your way through the leadership challenges you face.

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