Hello.  I am a passionate, driven person who loves to learn and share with others.  I love to work with leaders and their organizations to navigate the changes presented in today's fast paced world.  When my clients have engaging workplaces, great systems and strong business growth I know we have achieved the right results.  I love to volunteer and mentor others, in addition to spending time with family and friends.

Ignite Leadership is a team of professional consultants focused on removing business growth roadblocks.  We assist leaders and organizations navigate change through a comprehensive offering of consulting, training, coaching and hands-on execution.  We are certified partners with Actionable Conversations, and certified DISC practitioners. These tools offer clients tools to monitor and measure behavior change in real time while also linking to hard business metrics.  Ignite Leadership has the ability to navigate business challenges in every department of your organization, get everyone engaged, solve problems, activate and execute critical projects, and implement sustainable improvements.

I don't know if I chose my career path as much as I think it chose me.  I started my career in the food service and health care industries which offered amazing opportunities to learn and grow as a leader.  Entrepreneurship was the logical next step when I realized I was motivated to "set things up and get them working" but not as passionate of maintaining the status quo.  My passion for people, leadership, and accountability during a change process is fed through my focus on teams, communication and business development.

I prepared for this career by earning my MBA in Managerial Leadership and Project Management, my BScHEc in Food and Nutrition. I am also a Certified Food Executive, Registered Dietitian, Organizational Change Management Professional, Master Certified Coach Trainer and a Certified Executive & Business Coach.    The underpinning is life-long learning.  The world doesn't stop changing so I cannot stop learning!

The biggest challenge was in the beginning of my career as a young woman where there were some biases.  Self promotion as an entrepreneur, networking and recognition for what I bring to the table have posed challenges because I am an introvert, yet I have learned to navigate these challenges to be successful in what I do.

My greatest strength is having the ability to breakdown complex scenarios into simple processes and assist others to grasp and implement those concepts. I ensure that all areas of an organization from people to systems to processes can effectively operate at their greatest potential.  Establishing measurable parameters strengthens the results I can achieve with clients.

Looking back over the past year, I realize my resilience in the face of adversity has been my greatest accomplishment.  Having to step away from my business for more than 9 months was a personal, professional and financial challenge, yet it delivered so many "ahas" and inspiring moments that have lead me to be more focused and determined in all aspects of what I do.  Being an entrepreneur in business for over 25 years shines bright, and definitely prepared me well to face the roller-coaster ride I've experienced.

My professional goals are to grow my own businesses in a way that integrates my MoreThanGreen approach for environmental and social responsibility.   I want to be a leader for others and to share insights and ideas on a personal and professional level as well.

There is no one person who has inspired me.  It has been a collective of leaders & amazing people who I have met, read about or observed who fuel my passion to be a better person.  Much of my inspiration also comes from within as I have a very strong inner drive. When you have the ability to help people and companies excel and see things get better it validates what I do and why.

I want to be remembered for making the world a better place and for helping others be successful in making a difference too.

I am currently a member of the following organizations.

• Global Society of Empowered Women - Delagate
• Burnaby Board of Trade  
• Women's Speakers Association
• Women's Executive Network
• Professional Women's Network
• National Academy of Best Selling Authors
• International Coach Federation
• College of Dietitians of British Columbia
• Dietitians of Canada

2014 -- Quilly Award at the Association of Best Selling Authors' gala event in Hollywood CA in recognition of the best seller book, The Winning Way, co-authored with Brian Tracy.

1995 -- Food Executive of the Year in Western Canada Award  (and National finalist)

1997 -- President's Award from the Canadian Food Service Executive Association.

I support and volunteer my time mentoring students at the local business programs and I have sat on many committees and boards. I also have a give back program called "More Than Green". My company donates 1% of all gross earnings to four charities yearly which are dear to my heart. My charities include "Soldier On"; "Alzheimer's Society of Canada"; "KidSport Canada" and "Canadian Athletes Now".

I also regularly mentor young professionals and students in local colleges to become stronger leaders and contributors to the community.  I have been a mentor for the Burnaby Board of Trade Access Program for the past 5 years.

I have sat on many boards and committees in the past for professional and community organizations and charities.  These have included  

• Burnaby Board of Trade  (Ambassador & Membership Committee)  2011- present
• BBOT Women's Business Success Network (Policy Committee) 2016 - present
• Program Advisor - Professional Advisory Council for Business, Sales & Marketing - Ashton College 2014- present
• Grey Cup Committee -- Volunteer Orientation and Training - Co-Chair  2011 & 2014
• Gastrointestinal Society (Board Chair),
• Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (Board Chair),
• Canadian Society of Food Service Executives (National Director, Vancouver Vice President)
• British Columbia Dietitians Association (President - Elect),

I enjoy travel, friends, family a good red wine and fine dining, watching football, hockey and curling. I am also an olympicaholic,  Time with my great-nieces in the pool or outside having fun nurtures my sole.