For over 20 years I have been exploiting innovations, ideas, and opportunities, building businesses, implementing change, and cleaning messes for large and small organizations. I've been a serial entrepreneur in the online travel industry, as the first VP of a mutual fund company, and in a host of technology start-up environments.
“Strategic” is my default position. But my greater strength is making strategy real and achieving objectives at an operational level by implementing and adjusting plans as they encounter inconvenient reality. Functionally, I have experience in product development, operations, business development and sales, and (interactive) communications and marketing.
Whatever the functional domain, I’m best in high-visibility, fluid, and difficult situations leading people to face then overcome hurdles, getting teams to rise up to deliver concrete results. I try to model vision and steadiness through the turbulence and ambiguity that typifies the early stage of a business opportunity whether within a large organization or in a true start-up.
I have been called an engaging presenter, having delivered papers and pitches at colloquia, conferences, customer events, and in the most intimate small group settings. The evangelist in me persuades while the academic lectures and the debater argues.
In addition to a mass of white papers, essays, magazine and newspaper articles, HarperBusiness published a business book I wrote.
Disruptive business innovation and change (getting things going), strategic planning, product development, business development (selling), orchestrating relationships and activities, communications.
I have developed specific knowledge in digital identity, GIS, and multi-channel (including online and mobile) communications.
Director, Emerging (Growth) Services Development and Management, Canada Post (December 2009 – Present)
I am leading an expanding team to develop and implement a roadmap for non-traditional (electronic) services. Moving a number of key initiatives for secure digital storage, secure email, simplified electronic delivery induction, and credit card PIN change ahead rapidly. Also leading a growing 20-person task team for an expected 24-month deployment on a multi-million dollar electronic infrastructure evolution to create a secure, geographic address-connected electronic delivery network.
Senior Advisor, Transaction Mail Strategy, Canada Post Corporation (January 2006 – December 2009)
I was a special strategist to the SVP of a $3.3-billion business unit in transformation creating and presenting strategic plans and annual scorecards for 5 business units, and maintaining future scenarios. Also administered business operations, governance, policy, and communications. Led a multi-million dollar development to implement chip/PIN credit card acceptance for a 6,000-location retail network and build a new service for PIN management.
Sr. Mgr, Product Development (electronic), Canada Post Corporation (April 2001 – December 2005)
I created and shaped disruptive business innovation, typically Internet-based and relevant to the postal future. Determined value propositions and directed the creation of prototypes and market tests. Lead author of a transition strategy, designing organizational structures and initiating several key projects pending deployment of the new organization. Led a project including assembly of a market test consortium, take-to-market plan, and securing participants for a 12-week in-market concept, technology, business process, and market positioning test, coordinating 20 organizations. I share a patent-pending invention for systematically creating and managing content delivery to a secure electronic box that is persistently connected to a known geographic address.
Proprietor, Templar Technologies Inc. (1992 – 2001)
Operated a successful business providing business modelling, action planning, and marketing for small and mid-size enterprises in financial services, entertainment/media, manufacturing, retail, and not-for-profit. Developed several innovative devices and new business ideas. During this period (1999-2001), I was the COO of an online travel startup overseeing and directing technology development, marketing, business development, and staffing. From 1992 to 1996, I created the corporate brand and position for a regional mutual fund company (now part of a top-50 fund company) as its founding Vice-President Marketing.
Director, Marketing and Sales, Chartersoft Corporation (1990 – 1992)
Managed brand development, promotion, and lead generation for a presentation graphics (think PowerPoint before PowerPoint) start-up. Spent final 8 months effectively as COO to 15 employees and contractors.
Communications Manager, Nygard International (1987-1989)
Managed a staff of four reporting directly to Peter Nygard, CEO of a $200-million international women's clothing manufacturer/retailer. Orchestrated the national launch of "Peter Nygard Signature Collection," leading to unprecedented first season order bookings.
Education
University of Manitoba (1998 – 2000), MA History (Philosophy of)
University of Manitoba (1983 – 1987), B.Comm (Hons)
