About
20+ years helping organizations build the foundations for sustainable growth
Experience
I've spent 20+ years as CEO, COO, and Executive Director across mission-driven organizations. I've built and sold a technology company, led an environmental nonprofit, and developed impact measurement frameworks for Indigenous-led organizations.
I've been in your seat. I know what it's like to manage a board, build a team, make payroll, and try to hold the long-term vision while putting out daily fires. That experience shapes how I work with clients today.
Recent Work
Raven Indigenous Capital Partners (2020–2024)
Impact Director. Co-designed Indigenous Impact Measurement framework across 20+ portfolio companies. Facilitated story sessions, built measurement systems, created impact narratives.
Enliven Leadership (2024)
Coached founder through organizational transformation. Board activation, operational support, team transition.
Kiss the Ground (2014–2017)
Founding Executive Director. Built operations, developed board, managed successful transition to new ED.
InnovaWorks Corp (2002–2012)
Founder/CEO. Grew to 50+ employees across US and Macedonia. Successfully sold company in 2010 and managed leadership transition.
Principles
Listening
Deep understanding before action. Full attention to what's actually happening, not what we hope or fear. I spend more time asking questions than giving answers.
Relationship
Connection drives change. The quality of our working relationship determines the quality of the outcomes. Real transformation happens through relationship, not technique.
Simplicity
Clear action, minimal complexity. If it works, don't optimize it. I'm looking for the smallest intervention that creates the biggest shift—not adding layers, but revealing what's already there.
Background
I've lived across 5 countries over 24 years (India, Japan, Russia, Macedonia, Canada), which gives me perspective on how differently organizations can work while still being effective.
My training includes ICF coaching certification (in progress), executive board management (University of Calgary), impact measurement (Impact Frontiers), facilitation (Art of Hosting, Circle Way), and mediation (Ken Cloke). I also have a permaculture design certificate and studied organic farm management—which taught me more about systems thinking than any business school.
Best Fit
I work best with organizations that are:
- Ready to move beyond putting out fires toward sustainable systems
- Committed to both the human and operational dimensions of change
- Open to honest conversation about what's working and what isn't
- Willing to do the work, not just talk about it