About

Here’s a little bit about my experience: I’ve worked in health care for over 25 years and 20 of those years involved leading groups, teams and individuals. My leadership focus began when I was 25 years old as the Assistant Head Nurse of an open heart surgical unit. Since those days, (ok, I’ll admit I’m over 30)I have honed my leadership skills through roles as an educator, classroom instructor and manager. I completed my master’s degree in 2004, from the University of British Columbia, with a focus on leadership. In my first year as manager, I somehow managed 500 employees between two offices and was nominated for a prestigious “Above and Beyond” award for my leadership skills.

I thought being a manager was going to be the leadership position I always dreamed of. You know what I’m going to say, don’t you? You’re right. It wasn’t. I resigned. People said I was crazy. I agreed. I resigned anyway. Then I got scared when I realized what I had done. There was only one question to answer – Now What?

To make a long story short because I only have so much space (and you’ll only read for so long), I pursued leadership from a different angle. I worked with organizational gurus to become certified in Clear Leadership, Power and Systems and Managing Transitions. Now I routinely run these workshops for leaders. I also invested a lot of money (I refuse to add up the running total) in my own growth. I’ve been a participant in Landmark, numerous Peak Potential courses, Embodied Leadership, Fire Walking Institute of Research and Education, Harmonic Wealth and I have been coached extensively. I even walked on fire 108 times (in one evening) as part of the process in becoming a certified fire-walking instructor (here’s the best part, no burns)!

I’ve been coached in my speaking by a world champion of public speaking (made a world of difference – no pun intended). This coach suggested I also begin to write as a way of sharing my expertise. The result of his suggestion?

I am a published author. My feature article “Power Up: 10 Strategies for Positivity” was showcased in the January 2011 issue of Alive (a Canadian Health & Wellness magazine). I was also highlighted in the October 2010 issue of Alive as a contributing author for my article “Not Now I’m Too Busy: Overcome Procrastination in 3 Easy Steps.” My article “Break Through Your Fears” was published in two professional nursing journals (publisher’s decision): Nursing Management 2009 and Nursing 2009.

I love to share what I’ve learned and I’ve had lots of opportunity. I’ve addressed audiences and groups at the Canadian Nurses Association Leadership Conference, Canadian Nurses Association Biennial Conference, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, BC Nurses Operating Room Nurses Group, Fraser Health Authority, Providence Healthcare, Northern Health Authority, Interior Health Authority, Xi Eta Honour Society, Soroptimist Group, and lots of Chamber groups. I strive to make my keynotes and workshops engaging, dynamic and filled with resources for everyday life.