Barbara Ross-Denroche, President & CEO ↑ back to top

Barbara Ross-Denroche, President, CEO and Co-Founder of The Refinery Leadership Partners Inc. has been actively engaged in, and responsible for, the development of leadership strategy in many organizations. An accomplished entrepreneur and executive, Barbara is passionate about building enduring organizations which provide purpose, meaning and impact. This spirit and intent drives the vision, culture and values of The Refinery internally, and extends through to The Refinery’s work and purpose to transform organizations through developing leadership capacity. Barbara holds an MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University. Prior to The Refinery, Barbara held executive positions in organizational and leadership development where she focused on creating cultures that support high performance and transformational leadership development. In recognition of this work, Barbara has received several awards. She is a frequent speaker on topics related to entrepreneurs, building a values-driven organization, and women in leadership. Active in the community, Barbara has presided on boards, including President of Special Olympics (BC), and is currently a board member with The Minerva Foundation for BC Women. For many years, Barbara has mentored a young doctor in Uganda, East Africa assisting with the development of his medical clinic and community initiatives. She is a member of the global organizations including Women’s Presidents Organization, International Women’s Forum and a member of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs BC. barb@refineryleadership.com

Dr. Mark Frein, Partner ↑ back to top

With a passion for designing performance improvement systems that have a profound effect on the way we think, act and work, Mark Frein has developed innovative management and leadership programs for a diverse set of organizations across multiple industries. Mark holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of British Columbia. During his studies, he received the prestigious Killam Predoctoral fellowship for research on imagination and learning. Before joining The Refinery, he spent seven years as a Senior Associate in the Learning Strategies Group at Simon Fraser University where he earned a reputation as one of Western Canada’s leading executive educators and learning designers. Today he continues at SFU as an Adjunct Professor in Business Administration, teaching organizational structure, change and learning, and researching organizational culture. Mark also speaks at professional associations on emerging trends in strategic human resource management, organizational learning and development, and learning design. mark@refineryleadership.com

David Gibbons, Partner ↑ back to top

As Partner, David oversees the Client Service and Business Development efforts for The Refinery Leadership Partners. In this role, David and his team, partner with clients to build truly customized corporate leadership development programs. Over the past 10 years David has done this for many the top businesses, not-for-profits and governmental organizations in North and South America. David has an MBA and has pursued PhD studies in strategic decision making.  His teaching expertise is in, decision science, financial analysis and planning, and strategic decision-making. In addition to his role at The Refinery Leadership Partners Inc., David teaches for Simon Fraser University’s and UBC’s Faculty of Businesses in their undergraduate, MBA and Executive programs. David also serves as the Treasurer on the board of the Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres. Prior to joining The Refinery Leadership Partners Inc. in February 2008, David Gibbons held the positions of Executive Director of the Learning Strategies Group at SFU Business, and Director of Finance at Steeves and Associates. david@refineryleadership.com

Lisa Eckmyn, Practice Lead, Canada ↑ back to top

Lisa Eckmyn is The Refinery’s Practice Lead, Canada. She has over 18 years experience in organizational development and learning including coaching, leadership development, group facilitation, organization wide training and mediation. Lisa helps her clients, which include BC Hydro, BCRTC, Goldcorp, Coast Capitol Savings and BCAA, to build healthy, thriving organizational cultures. She interacts closely with her clients to understand the unique needs of their organization. Integrating this with The Refinery’s leadership philosophy, current thinking and personal experience, she helps to create a process that suits each client organization’s own way of developing leaders. In addition to consulting, Lisa was also the Executive Director of The New Learning Society which ran Pacific Spirit School, a unique elementary school that aims to educate the whole child with a specific emphasis on developing each student’s emotional intelligence. Lisa is certified to deliver several assessment tools including Emotional Intelligence in Action, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. In addition to a Master’s degree in Applied Behavioural Science, Lisa has a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute and her Coaching Certification from Newfield Network.
lisa@refineryleadership.com

Terence Dillon, Director ↑ back to top

Terry has over 20 years of experience developing and educating people. His work at The Refinery includes facilitating, teaching, coaching and consulting with client organizations to improve leadership effectiveness as we are all increasingly required to deliver excellent results through times of personal and professional pressure. Drawing on his background in education, high performance and coaching, Terry brings an understanding of what it takes to sustain personal performance and create the conditions for others to be successful. His work results in leaders that create accountability, drive alignment around key priorities, and foster collaboration across an organization. Terry is originally from the UK and began his professional life as a school science teacher. In parallel with his teaching career, Terry rowed for Great Britain and competed at two Olympic Games. He left his post as Head of Department to study for an MBA at Cranfield School of Management and went to work for Barclays Bank as a management consultant. In 2003 Terry joined Lane4 Management Group, a leadership development consultancy, and worked worldwide for clients such as Coca Cola, 3M and Nestle. Upon moving to Canada in 2006, Terry started his own consulting business and was Western Practice Lead for a Toronto based consultancy prior to joining The Refinery. terry@refineryleadership.com

Krysty Wideen, Consultant ↑ back to top

In 2008 Krysty joined The Refinery and began a career in organizational and leadership development. In defining and discovering her strengths, passions, and offerings in this field, she draws on her experiences. Krysty has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and continues to seek development opportunities in areas such as Emotional Intelligence and Program Evaluation. She also draws on her past work experience in Human Resources and Project Management roles and she is continuing to build her repertoire working on projects that span from facilitating leadership development, to designing and measuring learning experiences. She also enjoys staying involved with the BC Human Resources Management Association hosting mingles and writing on the Fireside HR Blog. In her work, she strives to bring groups back to the basics, challenge assumptions, and explore new, different, and inventive perspectives. krysty@refineryleadership.com

Stephanie Enns, Consultant ↑ back to top

Stephanie re-joined The Refinery in 2011 after completing her post-baccalaureate degree in education. This fulfilled a long term goal of returning to The Refinery to work alongside their talented and innovative team of consultants and clients. Drawing on her background in Sociology and her four years’ experience teaching in various sectors and countries, she brings a passion for leadership development, teaching, and adult learning to her new role as Consultant. This passion and experience allows her to create impactful and effective experiences for our clients. Strong and authentic relationships in all her work are paramount and she brings enthusiasm and energy to each client that she works with as she partners with them and fellow refinery consultants to design innovative approaches to leadership and organizational development learning. Currently, Stephanie is pursuing her certification in the Emotional Intelligence in Action assessment and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. She is eager to put these tools to use as she explores the challenge of designing experiences which transform organizations and people. stephanie@refineryleadership.com

Valerie Nishi, Consultant ↑ back to top

With a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, Valerie enjoys the challenge of designing experiences that have a profound impact on how people see, learn and perform. Valerie brings a diverse background in business and social enterprise to her coaching and consulting work with leaders. She has held leadership and senior consulting roles at TransCanada, in talent and succession management, workforce planning, learning and development, and employee engagement.  At TELUS, Stentor and BCTel her contributions spanned strategic planning, organizational development, international alliance management, marketing and customer service.  Co-founder of the Women’s Leadership Foundation, Valerie and the WLF team delivered four leadership forums, impacting over 3000 leaders across Canada. She is also past director and special advisor to Youth In Motion, and the Top 20 Under 20 program.  Valerie leads The Refinery¹s Calgary office, serving Alberta and Saskatchewan, and is pursuing her Ph.D in Human and Organizational Systems. vnishi@refineryleadership.com

Katie Wyka, Consultant ↑ back to top

Katie’s work at The Refinery includes facilitating, teaching, coaching and consulting with client organizations on performance management, leadership development, team integration and functioning, and interpersonal and emotional intelligence. Drawing on her passion, training and experience in psychology, organizational behaviour, human resources practices and human systems, Katie designs and leads workshops, facilitates team and group sessions, coaches 1:1 and partners with clients to rethink and enhance their people practices. Katie is certified to administer the EQ-In-Action emotional intelligence assessment. Prior to joining The Refinery she worked in a variety of HR roles with D-Wave Systems, Radical Entertainment, Creo Inc., MacDonald Dettwiler & Associates, BC Hydro and Ballard. She’s had the great fortune to work in an HR and OD capacity for projects in Canada, the US and Hong Kong. She sees her role as helping organizations discover and cultivate the capabilities and culture that inspire exceptional performance. Katie is past Secretary for the BC Organizational Development Network and is currently working on her Masters degree in OD at Fielding Institute. katie@refineryleadership.com

Ahmed Rahim, Consultant ↑ back to top

Ahmed is passionate about education and the role of social and emotional intelligence in individual and organizational success.  To consummate this interest, he has completed a Masters degree in Human Development, Learning, and Culture (Educational Psychology) from The University of British Columbia, with a focus on social and emotional learning.  Currently, Ahmed is working towards a certification in the EQ-in-Action assessment instrument.  Ahmed’s previous education includes a Masters degree in Economics, earned at The University of Texas at Austin.  Prior to UBC and the Refinery, Ahmed was responsible for managing a highly visible program of operational risk management in fifteen countries across Asia as senior VP at a global financial institution.  Ahmed’s career in financial services spanned a variety of functional areas, during which he created a leadership development program for new entrants, partnered with internal clients on governance, performance measurement, systems development, and training matters, and trained professionals from around the world and at all levels of the organization. Originally from Karachi (Pakistan), Ahmed has additionally lived and worked in Austin (Texas), New York, San Francisco, and Hong Kong. ahmed@refineryleadership.com

Russell Hamilton, Consultant ↑ back to top

Russell Hamilton has an award winning history in broadcast and content production, and brings 25 years of experience to group and individual coaching engagements, guiding present and future leaders to their best practices as communicators. He has worked at the senior level developing and delivering programs for executive universities in Moscow, Laussane and Majorca and collaborated with world leading organizations like Bertelsmann, The Boston Consulting Group, Monsanto, The Corporate Executive Board, Massachusetts General Hospital and Buildon.org. Russ was also recently engaged to write and host both the World Video Game Championships in Dubai and the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Russ believes that individuals must experience the principles of effective communication in order to transform into the executives and leaders they want to be. Expanding the quality of relationship with audiences large and small, inviting the audience to inform the content and knowing what one wants to cause are all principles that are more powerful in experience than in concept. To create an environment where experiential learning is possible requires dedicated team work between coach and client, an articulation of objectives, an atmosphere of trust and a mutual willingness to learn. Best practices are as unique to the people that explore them as their values and ethics – and discovering them can require some vulnerability and courage. Russ is dedicated to creating a safe space where individuals and groups get on their feet to face their own assessments in an effort improve, understand and live at the very center of what makes them great. russell@refineryleadership.com

Rhonda Kohnen, Consultant ↑ back to top

Playing a critical role as part of The Refinery’s Calgary office, Rhonda is passionate about partnering with clients to co-create high quality leadership programs. Core to Rhonda’s values is helping to build capacity in others to create meaningful and exceptionally impactful performance. Using coaching and inquiry, Rhonda is able to promote strategic alignment, collaborative learning and successful change within her clients. With over 25 years in the energy sector, Rhonda brings wide-ranging business and consulting experiences to her work, helping to deepen participant understanding and knowledge. Her cross-functional roles in Finance, Marketing, CRM, Project Management, Change Management and Organizational Effectiveness have enabled her to develop an integral framework for thinking critically and creatively about organizational systems and leadership. Rhonda has designed and facilitated leadership, team and organizational initiatives across multiple geographies and cultures.  With a strong belief in societal leadership, she also serves as the Board Chair for Aspen Family and Community Network Society and was the past Board Chair for the Alliance for Capitalizing on Change. Outside of the corporate realm, Rhonda has taught Business Management at the University of Calgary for several years and has spoken at professional associations on change management, diversity and ethical leadership. Rhonda has a Masters of Business Administration and a Teaching Certificate (Adult Learning) from the University of Calgary. rhonda@refineryleadership.com

Melody Taylor, Consultant ↑ back to top

The foundation of Melody’s practice is her commitment to helping people get better at what they do. Her work with her clients is practical, personal and context driven. She helps leaders understand how to strike the right balance of people, ideas and discipline for the situation, knowing that what works one day, doesn’t the next. To Melody, that’s what makes leadership fun… and challenging. Melody brings twelve years of professional services experience to The Refinery. She began her career as an environmental engineer and later moved into management and business consulting. She has worked with clients across a wide array of industries to design, facilitate and guide their strategic planning, management and people practices. In creating and delivering leadership development programs, she has a knack for taking all angles and facets of the specific business environment into consideration. Melody has a BSc (Eng.) in geological & environmental engineering from Queen’s University and a MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University. melody@refineryleadership.com

Mike Mazur, Consultant ↑ back to top

Michael Mazur joined The Refinery in 2011; his diverse background accounts for the creative approach to his work. A culture-builder, thought-leader, and entrepreneur, Mike has already earned Export Development Canada’s (EDC) award for International Business. A prairie farmer by birth, Mike not only contributes organizational learning and development theory to the Refinery team but also a clear understanding of what it means to learn by doing—a “get your hands dirty” approach to learning. Using music, film and storytelling as his platforms, Mike started his professional career on a year-long global apprenticeship with Soul Survivor, a non-profit organization headquartered in London, UK. Here he had the opportunity to travel throughout the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia to work with and learn from promising young leaders. This experience eventually led Mike to volunteer with The Oaktree Foundation, a youth-run international development NGO in Melbourne, Australia; Mike attended the 2010 UN Millennium Development Goals review summit in New York City on behalf of the Oaktree Foundation. Drawing on his lived experience, Mike has produced significant academic work on social enterprise and cultural branding. As he graduated from Mount Royal University in 2011 having studied international trade, he was recipient of multiple awards from scholarly, cultural and entrepreneurial organizations. mmazur@refineryleadership.com

Patrick McNamara, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

The Refinery welcomed Patrick to the team in January 2012. He brings a solid background of consulting expertise and an integral, innovative approach. With ongoing international interests and a fluency in Spanish, French, and English, Patrick has led consulting assignments in Europe, South America, Asia as well as the United States in the areas of strategy, culture change, and organizational development. Patrick has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, is leading a project with the Presencing Institute (MIT), and is a facilitator in the interpersonal dynamics course at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In recent years, Patrick’s long-lasting passion for social innovation, sustainability, and social impact lead him to help design and co-facilitate the annual United Nations Social Innovation Summit, an institutional learning and change process with a 2,500-employee government agency, and a UNDP leadership development program with a multi-sector cohort. His experience convening multi-disciplinary teams to create breakthrough initiatives for solving complex challenges and adeptness in collaborative leadership for profound innovation and change bring highly-valued assets to The Refinery team. patrick@refineryleadership.com

Marcelo Reynal, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Marcelo’s entrepreneurial background paired with a passion for leadership development and organizational improvement generates his knowledge, talent, and dedication to his role on our Latin American team. Born in Argentina, Marcelo has established roots in Chile with active engagement in esteemed roles in Chilean corporations. Prior to joining The Refinery, Marcelo was the Director of the Revenue Management Best Practice Center at LAN Airlines S.A. in Chile and responsible for managing their talent program and international benchmarking in joint work with their Oneworld Alliance partners. Additionally, in 2011,
he co-founded Ingeagro, a company focused in promoting the use of new technologies in the agriculture sector in Chile, experience that gave him the opportunity to understand the dynamics of building a start-up. His corporate experience brings a business-orientated perspective to some of the challenges and opportunities faced in organizations today. Marcelo has a B.S. in Economics and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. marcelo@refineryleadership.com

Juan F. (Paco) Castellanos, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Paco brings over ten years of experience teaching leadership for a variety of US and Mexican government agencies, NGOs and educational institutions. As a faculty member for the National Outdoor Leadership School, he led expeditions in remote wilderness areas of Mexico, United States and South America before becoming branch director based in Baja California. He also has wide-ranging experience managing and developing partnerships with regional NGOs, state and federal public land management agencies in Southern Nevada and the Eastern Mojave Desert for the Great Basin Institute. He was principal investigator and project coordinator for research projects funded by Earthwatch Institute, The Nature Conservancy, US Fish and Wildlife Service and The National Commission for Protected Wildlands in Mexico. Born and raised in Mexico City, Paco has a BSc in Marine Biology and a Masters in Coastal Resource Management from the State University of Baja California Sur. paco@refinery.com.mx

Will Tynan, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Will joined The Refinery in July of 2011, after completing his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in the United States. His passion for education has led him to work as a tutor, rock climbing instructor, and career advisor during his undergraduate career–experiences which have solidified his interest in group dynamics and social psychology. His senior thesis used agent-based computer models to explore the roles of leadership and social identity in asymmetric conflicts, and he has been a contributing researcher on several projects focused on cultural pluralism in Minnesota. Will has gained valuable experience working with non-governmental organizations in Washington, DC and Valparaíso, Chile. In addition to his studies at Carleton College, he has lived and studied in Spain, Chile, and Peru and has traveled throughout the Americas. He is thrilled to join the US/Latin America team, and to broaden and deepen his understanding of the region and of organizational learning and leadership. will@refineryleadership.com

Sergio Montiel, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Sergio Montiel is an organizational learning consultant, executive coach and facilitator for systemic organizational change, leadership and team development. He is a certified executive coach with Newfield Network and a senior ontological coach with Newfield Consulting. Sergio is currently pursuing his PhD in human and organizational development. Sergio works internationally with Fortune 500 companies, and social innovation start-ups and has ample multicultural experience. One of his key areas has been developing global educational and developmental programs for Latinamerica. As a consultant at The Refinery he is part of the design, delivery and coaching team for Goldcorp, Inc., in Mexico and Central America. He recently taught at OCAD University in Toronto for the Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation. Sergio has participated as a speaker in the first Iberoamerican Coaching Congress in Argentina. He has also collaborated in the facilitation team for the Authentic Leadership in Action Institute (ALIA) in Nova Scotia, Halifax, and facilitated dialogue processes for the Professional Coaching Association of Venezuela, Ryerson University in Toronto, and Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.  sergio@refinery.com.mx

Itzel Orozco, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Itzel recognizes the importance of strategic planning along with transformational change; she is passionate about helping businesses move creatively and innovatively towards a more sustainable future. Itzel is an associate consultant with The Refinery Leadership Partners where she leads finance workshops. She has more than 15 years of combined international experience in banking, business, and social entrepreneurship in the Americas and Europe She is also a collaborator at University for the Environment, México, and taught the Sustainable Enterprise class at both Iberoamericana, and Anahuac Universities in Mexico City. Previously, she worked as an economist at Banco de Mexico (central bank), and at GE Money as risk analyst in the Consumer Finance business unit. Itzel holds an MBA from University of Oregon, with a specialty in Sustainable Enterprise, a Master’s in Strategic Leadership toward Sustainability from Blekinge Insitute of Technology, in Sweden, and a BA (Honors) in Economics from Universidad Tecnológica de México. iorozco@refineryleadership.com

Juan Pablo Rico, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Juan Pablo is passionate about the study and implementation of Integral Theory and applications that catalyze personal and organizational development. He holds an MSc in Environmental Policy (Imperial College, London, UK) and a BA in Economics (ITAM, Mexico City, MX). His professional experience includes being senior economist analyst for Apolo Prudential Mexico; managing director of Ecogrupos Adventure Travel; founder and managing director of Hostel Moneda, the first hotel with environmental technology (water and energy efficiency) in Mexico City and strategic planning consultant for New Ventures Mexico, a program of World Resources Institute that accelerates the transfer of capital to businesses that deliver social and environmental benefits at the base of the economic pyramid. Juan Pablo was born in Mexico City and speaks Spanish and English; his main areas of experience are strategic planning, organizational culture, leadership development and Integral Life Practice mentoring. juanpablo@refineryleadership.com

Lisette Reyes-Paulino, Consultant - Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Lisette is a PhD Candidate in Learning Design & Technology at Purdue University and a former grantee of the worldwide prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. She holds a MBA and a BS in Information Systems from PUCMM University (Santiago, Dominican Republic). Capitalizing on her unique cross-disciplinary expertise, Lisette excels at designing learning solutions and performance improvement interventions that successfully address individual, team and organizational development needs. She is an award-winner learning designer and researcher with significant experience collaborating in a wide range of educational projects across various industries and cultural contexts. Lisette is also a qualified educator with a specialization in University Pedagogy and over a decade of adult teaching experience. As an Adjunct Faculty at PUCMM she has facilitated courses in Business Administration, Education and Faculty Development. Lisette has presented multiple times at conferences of leading international associations in performance improvement, training and organizational development, and learning design. In her consultant role at the Refinery, Lisette brings a passion for partnering with organizations in their efforts to support and develop talented adaptive leaders. lisette@refineryleadership.com

Javier Careaga, Consultant, Mexico/Latin America ↑ back to top

Behind success lie capable and motivated people. Javier´s passion is assisting individuals to develop their unique potential.He has translated his experience as an Olympic Swimmer representing Mexico at the Seoul and Barcelona Games into useful concepts that have  inspired individuals and teams to overcome obstacles in order to deliver high performance results. As a Life / Business Certified Coach, Javier has helped many executives successfully serve their organizations out of personal power, meaning and well-being. As a consultant, his previous work includes developing and delivering tailor made solutions for clients such as: Médica Sur (Hospital), Santander (Bank), Unilever, Banco Compartamos (Bank), Banamex (Bank), Mabe, Cardif (BNP Paribas) and The Peruvian Swimming Federation among others. He has a depth of experience in areas such as emotionally-intelligent-leadership, teamwork/team dynamics, effective communication, negotiation and personal-quality-work. In addition to his experience as a consultant and a coach, Javier has more than 15 years of experience as a motivational speaker. As President of the Mexican Swimming Federation for a period of 8 years, Javier led a team of about 40 people -including staff and coaches of all 5 aquatic disciplines- and achieve Olympic and World Championship medals. Academically, Javier holds a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Texas at Austin (UT), a Masters Degree in Energy and Environmental Analysis form Boston University (BU), a Certificate by the International Coaching Community as Business/Life Coach and is currently accepted at the Masters in Integral Theory (JFK University in California). As a human development specialist, Javier knows that as adults we can go beyond our limiting beliefs and unleash the leader we all have within. javier@refineryleadership.com

Andrew Ng, Accounting Lead ↑ back to top

Andrew began working with The Refinery in June of 2009 shortly after the completion of his Bachelors of Business Administration with Honours at Simon Fraser University.  Having worked in accounting roles with several organizations including CWS Industries and James Stafford Chartered Accountants, Andrew brings a wide variety of accounting and administrative experience from both the public and private sectors of the accounting industry. andrew@refineryleadership.com

Daniel Chow, Operations and IT Support ↑ back to top

Daniel brings with him a passion for technology.  Ever since opening up his first computer he has used his technical skills to steer him to work as a CAD designer for a structural engineering firm, and eventually to study Management Information Systems at Simon Fraser University.  While working as a teaching assistant at SFU, he developed an interest in helping others understand the benefits of new technology.  Daniel completed his BBA with Honours before joining The Refinery in June of 2010. daniel@refineryleadership.com

Marina Zimmerman, HR Consultant ↑ back to top

Marina joined The Refinery in May 2011, shortly after completing her BBA at Simon Fraser University. While in school, she concentrated her studies in Human Resources. Marina is a self-motivated individual who has superior planning and organizational skills which is why she was chosen to introduce HR into our firm. She has the ability to find effective solutions to problems and works very well both individually and with teams. Marina’s responsibilities include recruitment, ensuring our growing team is connected and engaged, compensation, benefits and relocation efforts. Her position in the company will allow her to further her skills and gain some hands-on experience in her field while helping our company hold our values as we grow.  marina@refineryleadership.com

Kelli Mulder, Administrative Assistant ↑ back to top

Joining The Refinery’s administrative support team in September of 2011, Kelli recently graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BA in Criminology. Bringing a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, Kelli will be putting her strong organizational and planning skills to work supporting The Refinery’s current and future efforts. Previous to The Refinery, Kelli has contributed to a number of major initiatives and projects in diverse sectors including work as a researcher within the Health Services industry and PA efforts within production design field. Looking forward, Kelli is eager to contribute her skills and experience to The Refinery to ensure high level of service to clients. kelli@refineryleadership.com

Mike Bruner, Manager, Business Development & Marketing ↑ back to top

Mike joins The Refinery in July 2010 with a diverse background in Business Development. Originally from Toronto, Mike has worked with a number of flagship brands and media groups developing marketing strategies and live events. With Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, he developed and executed high profile special events and initiatives under the Maple Leaf and Toronto Raptors brands for corporate partners such as Rogers, Esso, McDonalds and Adidas. In recent years, Mike has relocated to BC where he worked with Vista Radio managing existing client accounts and creative development along with building new client relationships to drive revenue. Additionally, Mike has worked in a consulting role for a number of business services firms, lending his expertise to specific communication projects. mike@refineryleadership.com

Valerie Gowing, Marketing Lead ↑ back to top

With the growth and changes that are happening at The Refinery, Valerie is assisting the company with marketing. With experience in administration, graphic design and customer relations, she will assist in taking The Refinery to the next level of commitment to clients by keeping them well informed. Valerie continues to update the website; prepare newsletters; plan events and ensures quality in our commitment to bringing the best to the meaning of leadership development.  val@refineryleadership.com

Jenny T.A. Nguyen, Marketing, Creative Services ↑ back to top

Jenny joined The Refinery’s talented team in September 2008 with a wide range of technological, design and communication skills. Her passion for self growth and leadership development had her working in collaboration with The Refinery and Ipsos Reid in the spring of 2008 on behalf of Simon Fraser University (SFU)’s LEAD program. Pursuing a desire to be a part of the sustainable change that The Refinery creates with its clients, she joined the team bringing a specialized knowledge. In particular, she is continually exploring opportunities to apply a joyful curiosity and ardor for creative solutions to every aspect of her work, whether screen, web or print based.  Jenny is currently working towards a degree with a joint major of Communications and Interactive Arts and Technology and a minor in Business Administration from SFU. jenny@refineryleadership.com

Moira van den Akker, Marketing Coordinator ↑ back to top

Joining The Refinery’s marketing team in January 2012, Moira excels in the critical role of Marketing Coordinator. With an enthusiasm for building relationships she plays an active role in facilitating internal and external connections around The Refinery’s exceptional work. Moira has a joint-major in Marketing, International Business, and Communications from Simon Fraser University and her passion for learning has and will continue to bring about a perpetual interest in further growth in her field. A longstanding fascination with cultures, interpersonal communication, and international business took her overseas where she studied for a year in the Netherlands at Maastricht University School of Business and Economics. Bringing a strong and varied background in public relations and event planning  Moira has previously excelled through a wide-range of promotional activities including working for such notable brands as Labatt, Coca-Cola, and PMA Canada. With high expectations for results she brings energy and enthusiasm to every endeavour at The Refinery. Her interest in authenticity and innovation paired with passion for excellence provide a suitable fit to the team. moira@refineryleadership.com

Angelica Tellez, International Manager of Business Development ↑ back to top

Playing a critical role on the Business Development & Marketing Team, Angelica is primarily responsible for developing new client relationships in Latin America. Building on the strong experience and relationships Angelica fostered in her previous position as International Projects Manager, her new role will continue to evolve. Joining The Refinery in the fall of 2009, Angelica has successfully taken on a number of responsibilities within the Latin American team. She brings with her a strong and varied background in client services, marketing and administrative management, these together with her Mexican heritage allow for a unique perspective on business challenges in Latin America. Prior to The Refinery, Angie worked in a variety of business sectors. Her work spanned the Americas and this adds to her already deep knowledge of business relationships across cultures. angelica@refineryleadership.com

Melanie Heida, Project Coordinator ↑ back to top

Mel joined The Refinery in December 2010, bringing energy and her organizational skills to the team. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree with distinction in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Management & Technology from Simon Fraser University. Mel developed an interest in project management during her time at SFU, often coordinating group activities and acting as a leader amongst her peers. The role of Project Coordinator at the Refinery was the perfect opportunity for her to use her skills and take them to the next level. melanie@refineryleadership.com

Monica Trejo, Project Coordinator ↑ back to top

Joining the firm in March 2011, Monica brings with her a wealth of experience in Human Resources from different companies she has worked with in Mexico and also by working in the administrative area in Vancouver, she has solid knowledge and ties to the Latino community. Monica obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology for UNAM, Mexico City which combined with her extensive experience performing problem resolution and communication, allows her the ability to build strong client relationships. She believes that just as companies invest in the latest technology for best results, they should also invest in innovative tools and solutions in human resources to help maximize the value and engagement of each and every employee. Monica joins The Refinery to assist in projects resourcing for our Latin American clients. monica@refineryleadership.com

Rocio Olvera, Project Coordinator ↑ back to top

Rocio was born and raised in Mexico City. She received her BA in Accounting at the University of Salle Pedregal, and in her last semester began working at Viacom Outdoor Corporate Mexico as a credit and collections assistant.  She was introduced into the world of outdoor advertising and customer service. After a year and a half she joined TBWA Mexico’s team, as a General Accountant for five years and Production Accountant, for one year. During those six years with the company, she  realized the serious impact of working for a company with defined values ​​and goals. In March 2010 she moved to Vancouver with the intent to advance her career in Canada. Looking for new horizons and a workplace that would allow her to increase her knowledge and develop the skills she had acquired along this journey called life,  Rocio joined The Refinery  as a Project Coordinator in August 2011. This position gives her the opportunity to advance her skills in the fast moving, growth phase of an organization – an organization that also has defined values and goals. rocio@refineryleadership.com

Mishka Heimowski, Assistant Project Coordinator ↑ back to top

Mishka joined The Refinery in October 2011 after receiving her BFA from Emily Carr University. While completing her studies, she worked as a flight attendant for Air Canada, where she developed an acute attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Being fluent in Spanish and French has proven very useful to her, particularly in her experience working as a translator and interpreter in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It was in these first experiences where she began to develop her passion for international relations and travel. Mishka is excited about being able to apply her creative and diverse expertise in helping The Refinery team as a Project Assistant, focusing on our Latin American clients. mishka@refineryleadership.com

Tina Ho, Project Coordinator, Austin, TX ↑ back to top

Joining The Refinery’s Austin office in December 2011, Tina brings lots of energy and a strong previous experience into the crucial role of Project Coordinator. Tina received her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese. With a background in the fast-paced and constantly evolving news industry, Tina carries exceptional organization skills and strong initiative, which served her well as Senior Assignment Editor for local 24-hour news station YNN. As a board member of a local non-profit, ACE Foundation, Tina served as the events committee chair responsible for organizing the group’s 2011 community health fair. She’s excited to join the Refinery as it establishes roots in Austin, Texas. tina@refineryleadership.com

Reilly Dow, Associate, Graphic Recorder ↑ back to top

Reilly is a graphic recorder, visual artist and educator. She uses her abilities to listen, synthesize and communicate through visuals in her work as a graphic recorder, and has worked with groups from diverse sectors including the public, private and social. Her clients range from health care organizations, educational institutions, architectural firms and philanthropic organizations to privately held businesses, and she is able to work and record in English, Spanish and French. As an educator, Reilly has worked with young children and adults. She taught at the Modern American School in Mexico City, where she also volunteered at CODIC (Copilco Integral Development Community). In adult education, she designed and taught a training program for adults, certifying them to teach English to young children as a second language. Reilly has taken courses in collective intelligence, systems thinking, integral theory and education, visual thinking and alternative schooling. She is currently pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Education at Ryerson University with plans to graduate in fall 2012. rdow@refineryleadership.com

Greg Nichvalodoff, Associate ↑ back to top

Greg specializes in Organizational and Leadership Development, Executive Performance Coaching, Business Diagnostics and Strategic Planning for all types of businesses. Greg understands organizations and the unique challenges and opportunities they possess. He is a former CEO and COO, with over 25 years of organizational experience in areas of corporate development, business process optimization, team building and organizational leadership. Greg is a skilled facilitator who designs custom learning experiences for executive and management teams. A significant portion of Greg’s coaching work is in the area of executive performance coaching. As an ICF accredited executive coach with over seven years and in excess of 3,500 coaching hours of experience, Greg tailors his approach to the senior executive’s or manager’s needs, co-creating and developing personal and professional solutions and strategies. His vision and message inspire, engage, and motivate leaders of the future to lead their organizations with passion and skill. Greg is accredited in a number of psychometric assessments such as MBTI, FIRO-B and EQ-in-Action (Emotional Intelligence) allowing him to help explore and build upon each individual’s talent and strengths.Greg holds an MBA (2005) in Business Management with a specialty in Leadership Development from Royal Roads University of Victoria, British Columbia. greg@refineryleadership.com

Benjamin Leavenworth, Associate ↑ back to top

Ben is an associate consultant with The Refinery Leadership Partners where he consults and teaches leadership and cross-cultural awareness for many of the Refinery’s Latin American clients.  Ben is an entrepreneur, in addition to his responsibilities with the Refinery, he has a number of other pursuits.  He is the Founder and Executive Director of the international consulting services firm Chispa Group LLC.  Ben has also consulted for an American private equity group to obtain an iron mine and its corresponding operations and led a team tasked with creating a business investment case for a major copper reprocessing operation in Chile. Leveraging his experience in cross-cultural awareness, Ben developed tools to analyze international negotiation processes. Findings from these tools were used to facilitate joint-venture negotiations between senior executives of a major American company and a Japanese firm.  Beyond the business realm, Ben is a Proud Chilean. He was appointed by the President of Chile Honorary Consul of Chile in Philadelphia, becoming one of the youngest in Chilean diplomatic history. It is these international and business experiences that Ben is able to bring to our clients every day, enriching the teaching for all.

Tim McGrady, Associate ↑ back to top

Before joining The Refinery, Tim spent ten years designing and managing experiential outdoor leadership development programs in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He took his leadership training classroom to some of the most remote parts of the planet from the glacial fiords of Alaska to the Sierra Gigante Mountains of Mexico to the offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean. In these places he taught participants to lead their peers and negotiate the myriad interpersonal and environmental challenges of extended self-supported wilderness expeditions. Tim has grounded his outdoor leadership development work with more traditional corporate management experience in the tourism sector. He has also co-authored a monthly series entitled ‘Leadership Lessons’ in a prominent Vancouver business publication. Tim is also certified to deliver the Emotional Intelligence in Action assessment and the MBTI. He holds a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia and an MA in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and he is based on Vancouver Island. Besides the corporate work that Tim does, his passion for coaching is evident in the more than 100 hours a year he dedicates to volunteer youth athletic coaching in his community. tim@refineryleadership.com

Linda Dobson, Associate ↑ back to top

With over 20 years experience partnering with for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Linda is an accomplished organizational consultant, dispute resolution specialist and Master Certified Coach. Linda specializes in executive leadership, emerging leaders, teambuilding, strategic planning, and change management. When clients partner with Linda, they benefit from her significant experience in adult education, nonprofit organizations, fashion, retail, marketing, sales, hospitality, service, tourism, and entrepreneurship. In addition to working with a variety of small and mid-sized companies, Linda has extensive experience collaborating with leaders in the military, education, utilities, legal, finance, sales, government, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and retail industries. Client companies she has worked with include Accenture Business Services, British Columbia Center for Leadership, City or Richmond, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, Justice Institute of British Columbia, and a number of government ministries such as the Ministry of Forest and Land.

Linda has advanced training in facilitation and corporate coaching and is certified to administer and interpret assessments including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ^® (MBTI), Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI), and a range of 360-degree feedback instruments. Linda has led workshops and training sessions regarding coaching for mentors, coaching for leaders, communication skills, mediation, and negotiation. Additionally, Linda consults on a variety of topics such as team dynamics and strategic planning.

Linda earned her master’s degree in leadership and management from Bastyr University. She has received the Master Certified Coach (MCC) designation from the International Coach Federation and the Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) designation from the Coaches Training Institute. Linda also has certifications in conflict resolution,  mediation, and negotiation. She is currently writing Conflict Made Easy, A COACH Approach to Managing Conflicts in Work and Life. ldobson@refineryleadership.com

Manuel Manga, Associate ↑ back to top

Manuel Manga is an organizational designer and leadership coach with international experience in consulting for big and small organizations.  He has worked in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, and Europe for private and non-profit organizations.  He speaks Spanish and English. Mr. Manga’s work focuses on evolutionary leadership, organizational effectiveness, and the development of learning cultures.  He has specialized knowledge on leadership development, management skills, strategic conversations for effective team and project coordination, individual and team coaching, systemic thinking, sustainability, social responsibility of businesses, and on creating intelligent organizations. To some extent, his work is about human and organizational transformation and about creating sustainable social systems.

Mr. Manga has worked with AngloAmerican, Conoco, Chrysler, Givaudan, the World Bank, BankBoston, Ben & Jerry’s, Plan International, Import Products,  PNUD, USAID, Genzyme.  He has coached leaders and executives from Conoco, Cemex, PNUD, Import Products, Maseca Group, Bank Boston, DEC, Plan International, among other.  He was a guest speaker at the third International Conference on Organizational Learning in Recife, Brazil, and at the AGG Conference in Guatemala.  His talks dealt with leadership and learning systems. He has facilitated programs in Spanish for JP Morgan Chase and Citibank in Argentina and Chile, Maseca Group and Givaudan in Mexico, Plan International in Colombia, Guatemala, and Ecuador, Oxfam America in Peru, ENAP in Chile.

Mr. Manga previously worked as Human Resources Manager and Organizational Consultant at Digital Equipment Corporation, where he trained manufacturing and engineering managers on leadership of technical organizations, quality management principles, performance management and effective team building. During his eleven years with Digital Equipment Corporation, he received several awards including the Excellence in Management Education Award. Before working at DEC, Mr. Manga worked as a psychologist in Boston where he practiced individual and group therapy.

Mr. Manga has been a participant in the following courses: the Learning Organization with Peter Senge, the Ontological Coaching and Ontological Design program with Fernando Flores, the Biological and Cultural Matrix of Human Existence with Humberto Maturana and Ximena Davila. He is a founding member of SoL, the Society for Organizational Learning and an adjunct professor at the Boston College Leadership for Change program.

Bob Elton, Associate ↑ back to top

Bob Elton has extensive senior executive experience, including his position as CEO of BC Hydro, an electric utility with 5,000 employees and $10 billion of assets, where he focused particularly on leadership development and coaching of senior personnel. Previously, he was CFO of BC Hydro, Powerex and Eldorado Gold Corporation. Since 2009, he has acted as the Executive chair of Powertech, a research and development firm. Bob has a wealth of experience in consulting, including more than 20 years with Price Waterhouse Coopers, 10 of which he was a Partner. He is also an active coach with several CEOs of mid-sized companies. Bob is very involved in the community and acts as Chair of the Simon Fraser University board of Governors. He is also an adjunct professor at the UBC Sauder School of Business, Chair of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, Chair of the World Economics Forum Global Agenda Council for the New Energy Architecture, Director of the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions. belton@refineryleadership.com

Fernando Lopez, Associate ↑ back to top

Fernando Lopez is president of Bridgespace Consulting Inc., an executive coaching firm that specializes in helping clients create the space for powerful collaboration. Fernando coaches clients in North America, Latin America, and Europe (in English or Spanish). Fernando is well known for his expertise in organization and relationship systems coaching. He is a faculty member of CRR Global and the Coaches Training Institute, an industry leader that has trained over 20,000 coaches worldwide. Motivated by discovering new coaching approaches and sharing them with others, he has been a speaker at both Toronto OD Network and International Coach Federation conferences and workshops. Fernando’s mission is finding often-surprising solutions to leadership and relationship challenges. Before founding Bridgespace, Fernando was at Medsite Inc. (now part of WebMD) where he bridged technology and business teams. Having lived in Mexico, Toronto, New York, Hawaii, Munich, Brazil, and Chile, Fernando is comfortable operating in different cultures. Fernando has a dual degree in Management and Technology from the Wharton School and the School of Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania. flopez@refineryleadership.com

Carlos Mota Margain, Associate ↑ back to top

Carlos Mota Margain is an international learning consultant for TMA World, based in Mexico City. He is a consultant, strategist and facilitator of transformational processes in leading global businesses. Carlos has wide line experience as General Manager, Strategic Planning and  Marketing Director in international and national companies. He has over 15 years experience as a consultant to private, public and social organizations. He holds a MBA from Stanford University and is a qualified consultant that combines the inside knowledge of large organizations with a wide world view developed through disciplines such as Systems Thinking, Future Scenario Planning, Dialogue and Organizational Evolution. Carlos has developed a personal and organization transformational model: Evolving to Transcend that contributes to harmonizing the Being, Purpose, Doing and Impact of businesses for the benefit of the organization, society and the planet. His passion is to engage in deep organizational change, working in the intersection of strategy, processes and the human side of the organization to create sustainable value through a win-win culture.

Geoff Scales, Associate ↑ back to top

Geoff is an experienced Organization Development Consultant focused on leadership development, team development, strategic planning, and change management. He is an accomplished facilitator, workshop designer and consultant. His goal is to maximize return on human capital through a variety of OD practices, including employee engagement, leadership development and team development. He analyzes and identifies organizational challenges, helps to develop effective teams and strong leadership, and supports the successful implementation of organizational change.  

He has experience supporting Senior Executives (CEO and VP-level) and front-line supervisory leadership. He has been the OD lead on four major corporate initiatives (each affecting up to 1000 staff) including two cross-Health Authority mergers; two office lease consolidations; and the introduction of a Flexible Workstyles initiative for the largest Health Authority in Western Canada.