Strategic Leadership for Global Impact

Catalyst Global Advisory helps organizations and leaders worldwide build effective, sustainable systems—from strategic transformation to responsible AI implementation to executive excellence.

ABOUT

WHO I AM

Catalyst Global Advisory was founded on a conviction: equitable systems are more effective systems. Organizations that serve all stakeholders fairly are more sustainable, less risky, and better positioned for long-term success.

I'm Antoinette Davis, and I bring 15+ years of cross-disciplinary expertise to help organizations and leaders worldwide navigate complex challenges and achieve meaningful impact.

My career has taken me from data center infrastructure at Emerson Network Power (where I gained practical understanding of the physical realities of technology systems) through strategy and operations roles in government, education, healthcare, and non-profit sectors, to founding Catalyst Global Advisory.

This path- spanning technology infrastructure, policy development, healthcare, organizational leadership, and executive coaching-gives me a rare comprehensive perspective. Where others see separate domains, I see interconnected systems. This cross-disciplinary lens enables me to solve problems that require both depth and breadth.

MY APPROACH

Strategic Rigor Meets Equity Principles

I don't believe in trade-offs between excellence and equity. The most effective organizations build fair systems, make inclusive decisions, and center outcomes for all stakeholders—not just the most powerful.

My work integrates:

  • Strategic thinking from 15+ years leading organizational transformation across multiple sectors

  • Legal and governance expertise (LLM) for policy development, compliance, and risk management

  • Business acumen (EMBA) for organizational effectiveness, operations, and sustainable growth

  • Social systems understanding (BSW) for equity, power dynamics, and stakeholder engagement

  • Behavioral science (MIT Neuroscience for Leaders) for decision-making, leadership development, and change management

  • Operational excellence including EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) principles and proven management frameworks

This comprehensive approach allows me to help organizations with challenges that span traditional consulting boundaries—from fractional COO services to AI ethics audits to executive coaching to strategic planning.

WHY "CATALYST"

A catalyst accelerates transformation without being consumed by it. That's how I work with clients- I help you accelerate change, build capacity, and create sustainable systems that outlast any single engagement.

Whether providing fractional leadership, executive coaching, strategic planning, or AI ethics guidance, I'm focused on implementation and capacity building—not reports that sit on shelves. You won't get deliverables without action plans. You'll get hands-on support, transferable expertise, and real organizational change.

For engagements requiring additional capacity or specialized expertise, I collaborate with trusted partners from my professional network- ensuring you receive comprehensive support while maintaining senior-level oversight throughout.

FROM ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE TO AI STRATEGY: A SYSTEMS VIEW

My career foundation spans critical infrastructure—five years in liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations followed by work at Emerson Network Power with data center infrastructure and cooling systems. This grounding in large-scale energy systems, operational complexity, and physical infrastructure now informs my perspective on AI's environmental and operational realities in ways most strategists miss.

Having worked inside the energy and technology infrastructure that powers our digital economy—understanding energy consumption at scale, cooling requirements, operational interdependencies, and systems-level complexity—I bring a rare, grounded lens to AI strategy and organizational transformation that goes beyond abstract principles or purely technical approaches.

I understand that AI transformation isn't just about algorithms and models. It's about data centers consuming energy equivalent to small countries, operational systems under unprecedented strain, environmental and sustainability implications, workforce disruption, and the complex interplay of technology, business strategy, ethics, and societal consequences. This systems-level perspective—connecting energy infrastructure, operational excellence, technology strategy, and human impact—shapes everything I do.

This background, combined with legal training (LLM), business strategy expertise (EMBA), and behavioral science (MIT), positions me to help organizations navigate responsible innovation with both idealism and realism.

WHO I SERVE

Geographic Focus: Canada, United States, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and emerging markets worldwide

Sectors: Healthcare & public health | Financial services & fintech | Government & public sector | Education | International development | Social impact enterprises | Technology companies | Small and medium enterprises

Organization Types:

  • Government ministries & agencies

  • Regional development banks & international organizations

  • Health systems, hospitals & public health departments

  • Financial institutions navigating AI and digital transformation

  • Educational institutions

  • Non-profit organizations & NGOs

  • Boards and leadership teams

  • Small and medium enterprises

  • Individual executives and leaders

CREDENTIALS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Certifications:

  • Master of Laws

  • Executive MBA

  • Bachelor of Social Work

  • Neuroscience for Leaders Certificate (MIT Sloan)

  • Leading With Behavioral Science: Creating Breakthrough Customer Experiences (Northwestern-Kellogg)

  • Neuroscience for High Performers Certification (Neurozone)

Ongoing Learning: Currently completing: Elements of AI (University of Helsinki), UNESCO AI Ethics Certificate, IBM AI Ethics, Google Responsible AI

Professional Experience: 15+ years in strategy, operations, and leadership roles including:

  • Strategic planning and governance consulting (proven RFP success)

  • Executive coaching and leadership development

  • Fractional executive services (COO, Strategy roles)

  • Policy development and implementation

  • Healthcare systems and health equity

  • AI ethics and technology governance

  • International development and cross-cultural work

  • Operations and organizational systems

Experience includes full-time leadership roles, fractional executive services, consulting projects, and advisory engagements.

WHY CATALYST

What Makes Catalyst Different

Cross-Disciplinary Depth

Legal expertise, business strategy, social systems thinking, and neuro- behavioral science, combined with 15+ years in strategy and operations roles. This comprehensive perspective allows me to see how challenges connect across domains—where others see silos, I see systems.

Implementation Focus

I don't deliver reports that sit on shelves. Whether providing fractional leadership, executive coaching, or strategic planning, I'm focused on execution and capacity building. For engagements requiring additional capacity or specialized expertise, I collaborate with trusted partners to ensure comprehensive support while maintaining senior-level oversight throughout.

Global Market Expertise

Deep understanding of complex organizational contexts across North America, Europe, Caribbean, Africa, and emerging markets worldwide. I bring cultural competence, practical insights, and adaptability to environments where context matters as much as content.

Equity as Strategy

Equitable systems are more effective systems. My approach integrates equity principles with strategic rigor—not because it's nice to have, but because organizations that serve all stakeholders fairly are more sustainable, less risky, and better positioned for long-term success.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Catalyst Global Advisory delivers strategic rigor and intellectual depth comparable to top-tier consulting firms-with the flexibility, cultural competence, and cost-effectiveness that large organizations can't match.

You get:

  • Senior expertise without inflated overhead-I lead every engagement personally

  • Implementation focus with hands-on support, not just strategic recommendations

  • Cultural competence in complex, cross-border contexts spanning developed and emerging markets

  • Integrated approach that bridges strategy, operations, equity, and innovation

  • Long-term partnership orientation, not transactional relationships

I'm committed to delivering McKinsey-level thinking and execution-without the McKinsey price tag or the junior associates doing the actual work.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

If you're facing complex organizational challenges requiring strategic thinking, governance expertise, leadership development, or responsible innovation guidance, I welcome the opportunity to explore how Catalyst Global Advisory can support your success.

[Schedule a Consultation] [View Services] [Download Firm Overview]

Services That Drive Results

THREE CORE PILLARS

ORGANIZATIONAL ADVISORY

Strategic counsel and fractional leadership for institutions navigating transformation.

Services:

  • Fractional Executive Services (COO, Chief Strategy Officer)

  • Strategic Planning & Governance

  • AI Ethics & Responsible Innovation

  • Health Equity Consulting

Ideal for: Government ministries, health systems, financial institutions, development organizations, boards

→ [Learn More]

EXECUTIVE COACHING

Science-based coaching for leaders building sustainable high performance.

Services:

  • The Neural CEO Method™ coaching framework

  • Executive presence and leadership development

  • High-performance optimization

  • Specialized support for women executives

Ideal for: C-suite executives, senior leaders, women navigating systemic barriers, high performers facing burnout

→ [Learn More]

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY

Strategic planning and operational systems for growing enterprises.

Services:

  • Strategic planning for growth

  • Operational excellence (EOS principles)

  • Founder/CEO coaching and advisory

  • Governance and organizational systems

Ideal for: Small and medium enterprises, social enterprises, founders scaling their businesses

→ [Learn More]

SELECT EXPERIENCE

Trusted By Organizations Across Sectors

Over 15+ years, I've provided strategic advisory, leadership, and consulting services across sectors and geographies, including work with:

  • Ontario Health Team

  • The City of Toronto

  • Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities

  • Elections Ontario

  • Elections Canada

  • Seneca College

  • George Brown College

  • The John Howard Society

  • Durham Non-Profit Network

  • CU Media

  • Emerson Network Power

  • UPS

  • Vincam Healthcare

Experience includes full-time leadership roles, fractional executive services, consulting projects, and advisory engagements.

Strategic Advisory Services

Catalyst Global Advisory offers integrated services designed to address the complex challenges facing organizations and leaders in today's rapidly changing environment. Services can be engaged independently or combined for comprehensive organizational transformation and leadership development.

  • Strategic Counsel for Institutional Excellence

    Organizations navigating transformation, governance challenges, or responsible innovation need sophisticated strategic thinking combined with practical implementation support. Catalyst's Organizational Advisory practice provides fractional leadership, strategic planning, and specialized expertise to help institutions achieve their most ambitious goals.

  • Interim or ongoing executive leadership (COO, Chief Strategy Officer, Operations Director) for organizations that need senior expertise without full-time commitment. I step into your organization, assess systems, drive strategic priorities, build team capacity, and create sustainable infrastructure for continued success.

    Drawing on 15+ years in strategy and operations roles—from technology infrastructure at Emerson Network Power to policy implementation in government and education sectors—I bring comprehensive operational and strategic expertise to fractional leadership engagements.

    Ideal for:

    • Organizations scaling rapidly or undergoing transformation

    • Institutions needing strategic leadership during transition periods

    • Boards seeking interim executive support

    • Organizations building capacity for long-term excellence

    Typical engagements: 3-12 months | Retainer-based

  • Comprehensive strategic planning and governance frameworks that create organizational alignment, clarity, and accountability. I facilitate stakeholder engagement, analyze your environment, and develop strategies that are both ambitious and achievable—grounded in evidence and designed for implementation.

    With legal expertise and practical experience developing governance structures for public sector, educational, and non-profit organizations, I bring both rigor and practicality to governance work.

    Services include:

    • Multi-year strategic planning processes

    • Board governance and development

    • Policy development and implementation frameworks

    • Stakeholder engagement and consensus-building

    • Performance measurement and accountability systems

    Ideal for:

    • Government agencies and ministries

    • Boards strengthening governance capacity

    • Organizations launching major initiatives

    • Institutions responding to changing environments

    • NGOs and development organizations

    Typical engagements: 2-6 months | Project-based

  • As organizations deploy AI and digital systems, ensuring these technologies serve all stakeholders fairly isn't just ethical—it's strategic. Poor AI implementation creates legal risk, reputational damage, operational inefficiency, and missed opportunities.

    Catalyst's AI Ethics practice combines legal expertise (LLM), behavioral science insights (MIT), and practical organizational experience—including background in data center infrastructure (Emerson Network Power)—to help organizations navigate AI responsibly.

    Having seen technology infrastructure from the inside, I bring grounded, practical perspective to AI strategy that goes beyond abstract principles. I understand that AI transformation isn't just about algorithms—it's about data centers, energy consumption, operational systems, and the complex interplay of technology, business, and impact.

    Services include:

    • AI Equity Audits: Comprehensive assessment through legal, equity, behavioral, and business lenses

    • AI Governance Frameworks: Policy development and implementation support

    • Responsible AI Strategy: Integration of ethical AI practices into organizational planning

    • Technology Impact Assessment: Evaluation of AI systems' effects on stakeholders and operations

    Currently completing: Elements of AI (University of Helsinki), UNESCO AI Ethics Certificate, IBM AI Ethics, Google Responsible AI

    Ideal for:

    • Government agencies deploying AI in public services

    • Health systems implementing clinical decision support

    • Financial institutions managing algorithmic risk

    • Technology companies building responsible AI practices

    • Organizations navigating AI regulatory requirements

    Typical engagements: 4-8 weeks for audits | 2-4 months for governance frameworks | Ongoing advisory retainer

  • IHealth systems and public health organizations face persistent challenges achieving equitable outcomes across populations. Catalyst combines healthcare sector experience with equity expertise and strategic planning capabilities to help organizations design and implement interventions that reach all populations effectively.

    Services include:

    • Health equity strategic planning

    • Program design and evaluation

    • Health system transformation consulting

    • Policy development for equitable access and outcomes

    Ideal for:

    • Health ministries and departments

    • Hospital systems and health networks

    • Public health organizations

    • International development health programs

    • Health-focused NGOs

    Typical engagements: Project-based or ongoing advisory

    Schedule Consultation

    Download Services Overview

  • The Neural CEO Method™:

    Science-Based Leadership Coaching

    High-performing leaders face unique pressures: constant decision-making in ambiguous environments, managing stakeholder complexity, maintaining executive presence, and sustaining performance without burning out. Traditional executive coaching often falls short because it relies primarily on conversation without addressing the underlying neuroscience of how we think, decide, and perform.

    The Neural CEO Method™ is different.

    A SCIENCE-BASED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE EXCELLENCE

    My executive coaching integrates neuroscience, behavioral science, and strategic leadership principles to help leaders achieve lasting transformation—not just temporary motivation.

    The Neural CEO Method™ uses evidence-based techniques to:

    • Rewire limiting patterns through neuroplasticity principles

    • Optimize decision-making under pressure using cognitive science

    • Build sustainable high performance that prevents burnout

    • Develop authentic executive presence grounded in self-awareness

    • Lead with purpose in an increasingly complex, AI-augmented world

    Unlike generic executive coaching, this approach is grounded in:

    • Neuroscience training (MIT): Understanding how the brain processes stress, makes decisions, and creates lasting change

    • Behavioral science: Evidence-based frameworks for behavior change and habit formation

    • Strategic expertise (EMBA): Business acumen and organizational systems thinking

    • Social systems understanding (BSW): How power, identity, and context shape leadership effectiveness

      HOW IT WORKS

      Assessment & Foundation

      We begin with comprehensive assessment using validated tools:

      • EQ-i 2.0 (Emotional Intelligence)

      • DISC (Behavioral Assessment)

      • 360-Degree Feedback (Leadership Effectiveness)

      • Hogan Assessments (Personality and Leadership Derailers)

      • StrengthsFinder/CliftonStrengths

      • Custom assessments based on your specific needs

      This establishes baseline, identifies patterns, and defines clear coaching objectives aligned with your strategic goals.

      Structured Coaching Partnership

      Engagements typically run 6-12 months with:

      • Bi-weekly or monthly 1:1 sessions (60-90 minutes)

      • Structured development plans with measurable progress markers

      • Between-session support as needed for real-time challenges

      • Confidential, judgment-free space for authentic exploration

      • Science-based tools and practices for sustainable change

      Transformation, Not Just Conversation

      Coaching addresses:

      • High-performance optimization: Sustaining excellence without burnout

      • Strategic decision-making: Making better choices under pressure and uncertainty

      • Executive presence: Leading with authentic confidence and authority

      • Emotional intelligence: Self-awareness, regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness

      • Organizational navigation: Managing politics, stakeholders, and complex dynamics

      • Purpose and meaning: Connecting work to deeper values and impact

      • Building equitable, high-performing teams: Leadership practices that drive both excellence and inclusion

      SPECIALIZED SUPPORT FOR WOMEN EXECUTIVES

      I specialize in coaching senior leaders managing high-stakes transformation, complex stakeholder dynamics, and the unique challenges of leading through systemic change. Having navigated these environments as a Black woman in strategy and operations roles, I bring both professional expertise and lived understanding to coaching relationships

      IDEAL FOR:

      • C-suite executives and senior leaders navigating strategic transitions or high-stakes challenges

      • High performers experiencing burnout or loss of purpose despite external success

      • Women leaders (especially Black women) breaking through systemic barriers and building authentic leadership

      • Leaders managing transformation in their organizations or industries

      • Executives in the age of AI navigating how technology changes leadership, decision-making, and organizational dynamics

      • Anyone seeking sustainable excellence grounded in science, not just willpower

      INVESTMENT & ENGAGEMENT

      Coaching partnerships represent significant investment in your leadership development and organizational impact. Engagements are customized based on your goals, timeline, and needs.

      Contact us to discuss your specific situation and explore whether The Neural CEO Method™ is right for you.

      Schedule Coaching Consultation

      Learn About Assessment Options

Book

Proven Results

Track Record of Impact

Strategic Planning & Governance Successfully secured and delivered strategic planning and governance consulting projects for government agencies, health systems, and organizations across sectors, bringing clarity, alignment, and actionable roadmaps to complex challenges.

Executive Leadership 15+ years providing executive leadership in strategy, operations, and organizational transformation roles, delivering measurable improvements in organizational effectiveness, stakeholder outcomes, and leadership capacity.

Cross-Sector Impact Extensive experience spanning healthcare systems, financial services, government agencies, educational institutions, international development organizations, and technology infrastructure—from data centers (Emerson Network Power) to policy frameworks to executive coaching.

Ready to Build Systems That Work?

Whether you need strategic leadership, governance excellence, executive coaching, or responsible innovation guidance, Catalyst Global Advisory brings comprehensive expertise and commitment to your success.

Schedule a Consultation: Whether you need strategic leadership, governance excellence, executive coaching, or responsible innovation guidance, Catalyst Global Advisory brings comprehensive expertise and commitment to your success.

Schedule a Consultation.

View Our Services & Pricing strategy Page.

SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY

Strategic Planning & Operational Excellence for Growing Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises face distinct challenges: limited resources, rapid change, founder-led decision-making, and the need to build scalable systems while maintaining agility. Catalyst provides strategic advisory services that help SMEs achieve sustainable growth without losing what makes them special.

Ideal for: Small and medium enterprises, social enterprises, founders scaling their businesses

→ [Learn More]

STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR GROWTH

Comprehensive strategic planning designed for businesses that need clarity, alignment, and actionable roadmaps—without the expense and complexity of Big 4 consulting.

I help you:

  • Define clear strategic direction and priorities

  • Assess market opportunities and competitive positioning

  • Develop growth strategies that are ambitious yet achievable

  • Align leadership teams around shared vision

  • Create implementation plans with accountability

Grounded in proven frameworks (including S-Curve analysis, discovery-driven planning, and strategic inflection point methodologies from thought leaders like Rita Gunther McGrath), combined with practical business expertise.

[Schedule Strategy Session]

OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS & EOS PRINCIPLES

Many growing businesses struggle with operational chaos: unclear accountability, inconsistent processes, reactive decision-making, and leadership bottlenecks. Using principles from the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and other proven methodologies, I help businesses build the systems and disciplines that enable sustainable scale.

Services include:

  • Organizational structure and accountability design

  • Process documentation and optimization

  • Meeting rhythms and decision-making frameworks

  • Key performance indicators and tracking systems

  • Leadership team effectiveness

FOUNDER/CEO COACHING & ADVISORY

Leading a growing business is lonely. Founders and CEOs need confidential space to think strategically, test ideas, and develop as leaders. I provide ongoing advisory and coaching that combines:

  • Strategic thinking partnership: Sounding board for major decisions

  • Executive coaching: Leadership development using Neural CEO Method™ principles

  • Operational guidance: Practical problem-solving for business challenges

  • Accountability: Support for following through on commitments

IDEAL FOR:

  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) scaling from $1M to $20M+ revenue

  • Social enterprises balancing mission and sustainability

  • Founders transitioning from operator to CEO

  • Businesses building leadership teams and organizational infrastructure

  • Companies needing strategic clarity during rapid growth or market shifts

TYPICAL ENGAGEMENTS:

  • Strategic planning projects: 6-12 weeks

  • Operational systems implementation: 3-6 months

  • Founder/CEO advisory: Ongoing retainer or project-based

  • Custom combinations based on your needs

Add your pricing strategy. Be sure to include important details like value, length of service, and why it’s unique.

[Explore SME Services]

FOUNDER/CEO COACHING & ADVISORY

Leading a growing business is lonely. Founders and CEOs need confidential space to think strategically, test ideas, and develop as leaders. I provide ongoing advisory and coaching that combines:

  • Strategic thinking partnership: Sounding board for major decisions

  • Executive coaching: Leadership development using Neural CEO Method™ principles

  • Operational guidance: Practical problem-solving for business challenges

  • Accountability: Support for following through on commitments

IDEAL FOR:

  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) scaling from $1M to $20M+ revenue

  • Social enterprises balancing mission and sustainability

  • Founders transitioning from operator to CEO

  • Businesses building leadership teams and organizational infrastructure

  • Companies needing strategic clarity during rapid growth or market shifts

TYPICAL ENGAGEMENTS:

  • Strategic planning projects: 6-12 weeks

  • Operational systems implementation: 3-6 months

  • Founder/CEO advisory: Ongoing retainer or project-based

  • Custom combinations based on your needs

[Schedule Strategy Session] [Explore SME Services]

Our Work & Impact

Catalyst Global Advisory delivers strategic impact through equity-centered approaches.

Explore examples of our work transforming organizations and building evaluation systems.

CASE STUDY 1: Transforming Organizational Culture Through Equity-Centered Leadership

The Challenge

A major post-secondary educational institution in the GTA ( Greater Toronto Area) serving 24,000+ students across multiple campuses faced significant organizational challenges: fragmented operations, unclear accountability structures, absence of formal HR infrastructure, low employee engagement, and difficulty retaining diverse staff. The organization needed comprehensive cultural transformation to align operations with its equity and inclusion values while improving organizational effectiveness.

Context:

  • Budget: $12M+

  • Staff: 100+ employees across 4 campuses

  • Stakeholders: Students, faculty, staff, board, community partners

  • Timeline: 3-year transformation period

The Approach

As Executive Director, I led a comprehensive organizational transformation centered on building people systems and culture from the ground up, applying current leadership principles and equity-centered design.

Building HR Infrastructure:

  • Designed and implemented comprehensive HR policies, procedures, and systems where none previously existed

  • Created performance management framework emphasizing development, not punishment

  • Established employee onboarding, professional development pathways, and succession planning processes

  • Developed workplace culture practices aligned with equity, transparency, and accountability

Centering Equity in Organizational Design:

  • Implemented participatory decision-making processes and flattened hierarchies

  • Created mechanisms for student and staff voices to inform strategic decisions

  • Designed values-based recruitment and retention strategies specifically targeting women and diverse staff

  • Established mentorship programs and affinity spaces for marginalized employees

Governance & Safety:

  • Created and led Joint Health & Safety Committee, ensuring compliance with Ontario employment legislation

  • Developed governance frameworks reinforcing best practices and board accountability

  • Implemented innovation initiatives rewarding creativity and new approaches

Change Management:

  • Facilitated organizational-wide culture shift toward transparency, collaboration, and shared accountability

  • Built learning culture through recognition systems, professional development, and employee wellness initiatives

  • Managed resistance and navigated complex stakeholder dynamics throughout transformation

The Results

People & Culture Impact:

  • Increased retention of women and diverse staff by 30% through values-based systems and inclusive workplace culture

  • Improved employee engagement by 12% (measured through annual surveys)

  • Reduced turnover and increased organizational stability during period of significant change

  • Created sustainable HR infrastructure that outlasted leadership transition

Organizational Effectiveness:

  • Successfully launched $2M grant and scholarship program (first in organization's history)

  • Supervised construction and delivery of 2 new student buildings (total value: $6.5M), saving $110K through rigorous oversight

  • Generated 390% ROI on facility remodel through strategic positioning and operational optimization

  • Improved operational efficiency and service delivery across all campuses

Strategic Impact:

  • Transformed organizational culture from reactive/hierarchical to proactive/collaborative

  • Embedded equity principles into daily operations, not just stated values

  • Built organizational capacity for continued evolution beyond individual leadership

  • Established model for feminist leadership in educational institutional context

Key Learnings

Building people infrastructure requires both systems and culture: Policies alone don't create change. Sustainable transformation requires simultaneously building formal structures (HR systems, policies, accountability mechanisms) AND shifting organizational culture (relationships, power dynamics, daily practices).

Equity must be embedded, not added: Equity work fails when treated as separate initiative. Successful transformation integrates equity principles into all organizational systems—recruitment, performance management, decision-making, resource allocation—from the start.

Transformational leadership delivers organizational results: Participatory decision-making, transparency, and centering marginalized voices aren't just ethical—they're effective. Organizations that share power and build trust outperform hierarchical, top-down structures on both engagement and outcomes.

Change requires both urgency and care: Leading transformation in mission-driven organization means balancing strategic urgency with attention to human impact. Sustainable change happens when people feel supported through transition, not bulldozed.

Methodology & Approach

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Extensive consultation with students, staff, faculty, board, and community partners

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Employee engagement surveys, retention metrics, performance data

  • Equity-Centered Design: All systems designed with explicit attention to power, access, and inclusion

  • Change Management: Phased implementation with clear communication, training, and support

  • Capacity Building: Training and mentorship ensuring sustainability beyond individual leadership

CASE STUDY 2: Equity-Centered Program Evaluation for Workforce Development

The Challenge

A multi-site community-based organization serving justice-involved individuals across Ontario needed comprehensive evaluation framework to assess workforce development programming serving highly marginalized populations. The organization lacked baseline data, clear success indicators, and systematic approach to measuring outcomes—making it difficult to demonstrate impact to funders, improve programming, or ensure equity across diverse participant populations.

Context:

  • Target population: Formerly incarcerated individuals with complex barriers (mental health, addiction, housing instability)

  • Program scale: 150+ participants annually across multiple sites

  • Funding: Multiple government and foundation sources requiring outcomes reporting

  • Stakeholders: Participants, employers, corrections partners, community health centers, funders

Challenge Complexity:

  • Participants faced multiple intersecting barriers requiring holistic measurement approach

  • Traditional employment metrics (job placement rates) didn't capture full impact

  • Need to measure both individual outcomes AND systemic/equity impact

  • Limited organizational capacity for data collection and analysis

The Approach

As Director of Operations, I designed and implemented comprehensive evaluation framework integrating quantitative metrics with qualitative understanding of participant experiences, explicitly centering equity in all measurement.

Framework Development:

1. Stakeholder-Engaged Design

  • Conducted consultations with participants (current and alumni), employers, program staff, corrections partners

  • Used focus groups and interviews to understand what "success" meant from multiple perspectives

  • Ensured evaluation questions reflected participant priorities, not just funder requirements

  • Engaged community health partners in indicator development

2. Equity-Centered Indicators Developed multi-dimensional success metrics across four domains:

Employment Outcomes:

  • Job placement and retention (traditional metrics)

  • Quality of employment (wages, benefits, growth potential)

  • Employer satisfaction and willingness to hire more participants

Holistic Wellness:

  • Housing stability

  • Health service connection and utilization

  • Reduction in justice system involvement

  • Social connection and community integration

Equity Impact:

  • Disaggregated outcomes by demographics (race, gender, age, offense type)

  • Identification of disparities in access, engagement, or outcomes

  • Assessment of barriers faced by specific populations

Systems Change:

  • Employer attitude shifts toward hiring justice-involved individuals

  • Policy changes resulting from program insights

  • Community perception changes

3. Mixed Methods Approach

  • Quantitative: Baseline and follow-up surveys, administrative data tracking, outcome metrics

  • Qualitative: Participant interviews, employer focus groups, case studies, staff observations

  • Participatory: Participant advisory committee providing ongoing feedback on evaluation design and interpretation

4. Data Collection Systems

  • Designed practical data collection tools integrated into program delivery (not burdensome add-on)

  • Trained staff on trauma-informed data collection practices

  • Created database for tracking participant progress across multiple touchpoints

  • Established data quality protocols ensuring accuracy while respecting participant privacy

The Results

Program Impact:

  • Exceeded target metrics by 82%: Served 273 participants vs. 150 target

  • Demonstrated strong employment outcomes: 68% job placement rate, 71% 6-month retention

  • Documented holistic impact beyond employment: 84% housing stability, 76% health service connection

  • Identified and addressed equity gaps: Created targeted supports for women participants who showed lower initial engagement

Organizational Capacity:

  • Built sustainable evaluation infrastructure that continued beyond individual leadership

  • Trained staff in data collection and equity analysis

  • Created feedback loops between evaluation findings and program improvements

  • Established organizational culture of evidence-based decision making

Funder & Stakeholder Value:

  • Secured $125K in additional community investment based on demonstrated outcomes

  • Strengthened partnerships with 4 community health centers through shared data

  • Influenced corrections policy through evidence of program effectiveness

  • Provided model for other organizations serving similar populations

Systems Change:

  • Engaged 30+ employers, shifting attitudes toward hiring justice-involved individuals

  • Documented policy barriers and advocated for changes based on participant experiences

  • Created evidence base for scaling program to additional sites

Key Learnings

Equity-centered evaluation requires disaggregated data: Aggregate "success rates" hide disparities. Effective evaluation examines outcomes by demographics, identifies who's being served well vs. poorly, and drives program adaptations addressing inequities.

Participant voice must inform evaluation design: Evaluation designed solely by funders/staff misses what matters most to participants. Engagement throughout process—from indicator selection to results interpretation—ensures evaluation serves participants, not just organizational needs.

Mixed methods provide fuller picture than metrics alone: Quantitative data shows WHAT happened; qualitative data reveals WHY. Understanding participant experiences, barriers faced, and contextual factors enables meaningful program improvement beyond surface metrics.

Evaluation must be integrated, not added on: When evaluation feels like burden separate from program delivery, data quality suffers and staff resist. Effective evaluation integrates into workflow, serves program improvement (not just reporting), and becomes tool for staff, not surveillance.

Holistic indicators better serve complex populations: Single-dimension metrics (job placement) miss reality for people facing multiple barriers. Evaluation measuring housing, health, social connection, and justice involvement alongside employment provides truer assessment of impact.

Methodology & Approach

Design Phase:

  • Stakeholder consultation (participants, staff, employers, partners)

  • Literature review of workforce development evaluation practices

  • Equity analysis of existing data systems

  • Collaborative indicator development

Implementation:

  • Baseline data collection at program entry

  • Ongoing tracking through program participation

  • Follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 months post-program

  • Quarterly focus groups with participants and employers

  • Annual comprehensive analysis and reporting

Analysis:

  • Quantitative analysis with demographic disaggregation

  • Qualitative thematic analysis of interviews/focus groups

  • Comparative analysis across sites and cohorts

  • Equity impact assessment

Utilization:

  • Regular feedback loops to program staff for real-time improvements

  • Annual reports to funders with recommendations

  • Community presentations of findings

  • Policy advocacy based on evidence

Application to Future Work

This evaluation framework approach is adaptable to diverse contexts including:

  • Workforce development programs for any marginalized populations (newcomers, women in non-traditional sectors, youth, people with disabilities)

  • Skills training and employment programs

  • Social service program evaluation requiring equity lens

  • Community-based participatory research

  • Program design informed by evaluation findings

Core principles transfer across sectors:

  • Stakeholder engagement in design

  • Equity-centered indicators

  • Mixed methods approach

  • Practical, integrated data collection

  • Results utilization for continuous improvement

CASE STUDY 3: Scaling Operations for Exponential Growth

The Challenge

A rapidly growing media and advertising company faced the operational challenges of explosive scaling: doubling markets from 25 to 60+ while nearly quadrupling staff from 12 to 47+ employees within 12 months. The organization's informal, entrepreneur-led systems couldn't sustain this growth pace. Without operational infrastructure, the company risked quality inconsistency across markets, financial leakage, team overwhelm, cultural dilution, and strategic misalignment. Leadership needed sophisticated COO-level expertise to build scalable systems while maintaining the agility and entrepreneurial energy that drove initial success.

Context:

  • Budget: $11.3M with aggressive growth targets

  • Geographic expansion: 25 → 60+ markets (140% increase)

  • Team scaling: 12 → 47+ employees (292% increase)

  • Timeline: 12-month transformation during active expansion

  • Industry: Media, advertising, and marketing services

  • Business model: Multi-market operations requiring consistency and local adaptation

The Approach

Engaged as Interim Chief Operating Officer with full P&L accountability, delivering comprehensive operational transformation while simultaneously supporting rapid expansion. Combined strategic planning, operational excellence frameworks, financial stewardship, and people-centered leadership to build scalable infrastructure without sacrificing growth momentum.

Strategic & Financial Leadership:

P&L Management & Financial Stewardship:

  • Assumed full accountability for $11.3M budget including revenue forecasting, cost management, and profitability optimization across 60+ markets

  • Developed financial models for multi-market expansion including market-specific P&Ls, break-even analysis, and ROI projections for new market entry

  • Implemented rigorous budgeting processes, variance analysis, and cost containment strategies identifying 15-18% efficiency opportunities without compromising quality

  • Created real-time financial dashboards providing Executive Committee visibility into revenue performance, cost trends, and profitability by market and service line

  • Built scenario planning models enabling leadership to make data-informed decisions about expansion pace, resource allocation, and investment priorities

Strategic Planning & Business Development:

  • Served on Senior Leadership Team providing strategic input on market selection, competitive positioning, and growth strategy

  • Developed operational models for new market entry including launch timelines, resource requirements, and success metrics

  • Created sponsorship and revenue generation frameworks scaling from 25 to 60 markets while maintaining quality standards

  • Established KPIs and measurement frameworks linking operational activities to business outcomes (revenue per market, client retention, profitability per employee)

  • Designed business development processes ensuring consistent sales approach, pricing strategy, and client onboarding across geographically dispersed markets

Operational Excellence & Infrastructure:

Building Scalable Systems:

  • Designed organizational structure and accountability frameworks enabling 4x team growth without chaos: clear reporting lines, decision rights, role definitions, and escalation paths

  • Implemented operational rhythms including leadership meetings, market reviews, financial check-ins, and strategic planning sessions ensuring alignment across rapidly growing organization

  • Created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for core business processes: client acquisition, project delivery, quality assurance, financial management—enabling consistency across 60 markets while allowing local market adaptation

  • Developed performance management systems including individual and team goals, regular check-ins, feedback mechanisms, and accountability structures supporting both performance and development

  • Built technology infrastructure and systems integration enabling real-time visibility into operations, finances, and performance across distributed markets

Quality & Consistency Across Markets:

  • Established quality standards and monitoring systems ensuring brand consistency and service excellence despite rapid geographic expansion

  • Created market performance dashboards tracking key metrics (revenue, client satisfaction, delivery quality, profitability) enabling proactive intervention before issues escalated

  • Designed peer learning and best practice sharing mechanisms allowing high-performing markets to accelerate growth in newer markets

  • Implemented client feedback systems and continuous improvement processes adapting offerings based on market-specific insights

Process Improvement & Efficiency:

  • Applied Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt certified) to identify and eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and optimize resource utilization

  • Redesigned core processes reducing redundancy, improving handoffs between teams, and accelerating delivery timelines

  • Created capacity planning models ensuring appropriate staffing levels across markets avoiding both understaffing (quality risk) and overstaffing (profitability risk)

  • Identified cost containment opportunities through vendor consolidation, process automation, and strategic resource allocation

People Strategy & Culture:

Workforce Capacity Planning:

  • Oversaw comprehensive people processes for 292% employee growth: workforce planning, recruitment strategy, onboarding design, performance management, and succession planning

  • Designed hiring frameworks ensuring quality talent acquisition at scale: competency-based selection, structured interviews, culture-fit assessment, and diversity considerations

  • Created onboarding system accelerating new employee productivity and integration: role clarity, training pathways, mentorship pairing, and 30-60-90 day success plans

  • Built internal communications strategy keeping distributed, rapidly growing team aligned on vision, priorities, and performance expectations

Culture During Hypergrowth:

  • Maintained organizational culture and employee engagement while scaling 4x—most difficult operational challenge during rapid expansion

  • Designed recognition systems, team connection opportunities, and culture-reinforcing practices ensuring new hires integrated into existing values and ways of working

  • Established employee engagement feedback mechanisms and responsiveness to team concerns preventing burnout and turnover during intense growth period

  • Created leadership development pathways identifying and developing high-potential team members into market leaders and functional managers as organization matured

Leadership Team Development:

  • Built senior leadership team capability to manage increasingly complex, multi-market operations

  • Established accountability structures, decision-making frameworks, and collaborative problem-solving processes enabling leadership team to function as cohesive unit

  • Coached and mentored functional and market leaders developing operational excellence mindset and capability throughout organization

The Results

Financial Performance:

  • Managed $11.3M P&L with full accountability for revenue growth, cost management, and profitability optimization

  • Identified and captured 15-18% efficiency improvements through operational optimization, process redesign, and strategic cost containment

  • Developed financial forecasting models with 95%+ accuracy enabling confident expansion decisions and resource allocation

  • Improved cash flow management and working capital efficiency supporting growth without excessive capital requirements

Operational Scaling:

  • Successfully scaled operations 140% (25 → 60+ markets) while maintaining service quality and brand consistency

  • Built organizational infrastructure supporting 292% employee growth (12 → 47+ employees) without operational chaos

  • Established scalable systems and processes positioning company for continued expansion to 100+ markets

  • Created real-time operational dashboards providing leadership visibility and enabling proactive decision-making

Team & Culture:

  • Maintained employee engagement and culture quality despite 4x headcount growth—rare achievement during hypergrowth

  • Reduced time-to-productivity for new hires by 40% through structured onboarding and clear role expectations

  • Developed internal leadership pipeline promoting 8 team members into market leadership and functional management roles

  • Established remote work systems and distributed team practices supporting geographically dispersed operations

Strategic Impact:

  • Positioned company for sustained growth beyond 60 markets through scalable infrastructure and proven operational playbook

  • Created competitive advantage through operational excellence: faster market launches, consistent quality, superior profitability per market vs. competitors

  • Built data-driven decision-making culture replacing gut instinct with metrics, analysis, and evidence-based strategy

  • Established foundation for potential exit or investment by demonstrating professional management systems, financial discipline, and growth sustainability

Business Development:

  • Designed new sponsorship and revenue generation models contributing to overall growth targets

  • Established client success frameworks improving retention and expansion revenue

  • Created market entry playbook accelerating new market launches from 6 months to 6-8 weeks

Key Learnings

Hypergrowth requires intentional infrastructure building: Companies scaling rapidly often prioritize revenue over operations, creating technical debt that eventually stalls growth. Successful scaling requires simultaneous building of infrastructure (systems, processes, structure) alongside revenue growth—requiring COO-level leadership, not just entrepreneurial hustle.

Financial discipline enables sustainable expansion: Growth without profitability is a treadmill. P&L accountability, rigorous forecasting, cost management, and efficiency optimization ensure expansion is sustainable and creates enterprise value—not just top-line vanity metrics that collapse under scrutiny.

Culture is operational asset, not HR program: During rapid scaling, culture dilution is primary risk. Maintaining engagement, values alignment, and team cohesion requires operational systems (onboarding, communication, recognition, feedback) not just inspirational speeches. Culture work is COO work.

Scalable doesn't mean rigid: Best operational systems balance consistency (quality standards, core processes, accountability) with flexibility (local market adaptation, innovation, entrepreneurial problem-solving). Over-systematization kills agility; under-systematization creates chaos. Balance is art.

Data-driven operations outperform intuition at scale: What works at 12 employees doesn't work at 50. Informal communication, gut decisions, and personal relationships must evolve into dashboards, metrics, structured decision-making, and systematic management. Leaders who can't make this transition limit their companies' growth.

Methodology & Approach

Strategic & Financial:

  • P&L management and financial forecasting

  • Strategic planning and scenario modeling

  • Business development and revenue optimization

  • Market analysis and competitive positioning

Operational Excellence:

  • Organizational design and accountability structures

  • Process improvement (Lean/Six Sigma methodologies)

  • Performance management and KPI development

  • Quality assurance and consistency frameworks

  • Technology systems and operational infrastructure

People & Culture:

  • Workforce planning and talent acquisition at scale

  • Onboarding design and employee integration

  • Performance management and development systems

  • Culture maintenance during rapid growth

  • Leadership team development and coaching

Change Management:

  • Stakeholder engagement and communication

  • Resistance management and adoption strategies

  • Phased implementation and quick wins

  • Continuous improvement and iteration

Application to Growth-Stage Companies

This operational transformation approach is transferable to:

Company profiles:

  • SMEs scaling rapidly (50-500% growth)

  • Entrepreneur-led companies outgrowing informal systems

  • Multi-location businesses requiring operational consistency

  • Professional services firms expanding geographically

  • Technology/SaaS companies scaling customer success operations

  • Any organization transitioning from startup chaos to scale-up discipline

Operational challenges addressed:

  • Building scalable infrastructure during active growth

  • P&L management and financial discipline

  • Multi-site operations and geographic expansion

  • Team scaling and culture maintenance

  • Process design and operational excellence

  • Performance management and accountability

  • Strategic planning and business development

Fractional/Interim COO model:

  • 6-12 month intensive transformation engagements

  • Part-time/fractional ongoing operational partnership

  • Interim leadership during transitions or executive searches

  • Project-based operational improvements

  • Advisory + implementation (strategy AND execution)

CASE STUDY 4: Healthcare Systems Integration & Strategic Transformation

The Challenge

A regional health system spanning multiple organizations across Ontario faced significant integration barriers: fragmented service delivery, inconsistent care coordination, systemic inequities in access for marginalized populations, and lack of accountability frameworks across partner organizations. The initiative required designing system-level integration that would improve patient outcomes, reduce redundancies, and ensure equity-centered care delivery—all while navigating complex stakeholder dynamics across government agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Context:

  • Multi-organizational health system integration initiative

  • Regional Ontario Health Teams (multiple municipalities)

  • Diverse patient populations including marginalized and equity-deserving communities

  • Complex regulatory environment (Ministry of Health oversight, quality standards, compliance requirements)

  • Timeline: 18-month system planning and integration project

The Approach

Led comprehensive health system integration project as Project Manager, combining strategic planning, operational coordination, and equity-centered design to transform fragmented healthcare delivery into coordinated, accessible system.

Strategic Planning & Systems Design:

  • Designed integration framework aligning multiple healthcare organizations around shared accountability, performance metrics, and patient-centered outcomes

  • Conducted stakeholder analysis and facilitated cross-organizational strategic planning sessions with hospital networks, community health centers, home care providers, and social services

  • Developed performance management frameworks establishing clear KPIs, quality standards, and equity indicators across integrated system

  • Created governance structures ensuring shared decision-making while maintaining organizational autonomy

Equity-Centered Implementation:

  • Centered health equity throughout integration design-every system component assessed for impact on marginalized populations (newcomers, racialized communities, low-income patients, people with complex health needs)

  • Designed service delivery models explicitly addressing barriers to access: transportation, language, cultural competency, coordination across social determinants of health

  • Partnered with community health centers serving diverse populations to ensure integration didn't replicate existing inequities

  • Built accountability mechanisms measuring not just volume metrics but equity of access and outcomes across demographic groups

Operational Coordination:

  • Coordinated system-level initiatives across multiple partner organizations, ensuring alignment on priorities, timelines, and resource allocation

  • Facilitated regular partnership meetings, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving across competing organizational interests

  • Developed communication protocols and information-sharing systems enabling real-time coordination

  • Managed pilot programs testing integration approaches before full-scale implementation

Quality & Compliance:

  • Ensured integration design met Ministry of Health requirements, quality standards, and patient safety protocols

  • Built evaluation frameworks measuring clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and patient experience

  • Created continuous improvement processes allowing system to adapt based on data and stakeholder feedback

  • Established risk management protocols for complex, multi-organizational initiatives

Cross-Sector Partnership Building:

  • Leveraged previous experience building healthcare partnerships (4 community health centers: St. Michael's Hospital, Kingston CHC, Unison Health, Regent Park CHC) to design effective collaboration models

  • Integrated health services with social services, housing supports, and justice system navigation for populations with complex needs

  • Created referral pathways and care coordination protocols ensuring patients didn't fall through gaps between organizations

  • Built trust across traditionally siloed sectors through transparent communication and shared accountability

The Results

System Integration Impact:

  • Successfully integrated multiple healthcare organizations into the new coordinated with shared accountability frameworks and performance metrics

  • Designed and implemented system-wide initiatives improving care coordination, reducing service duplication, and enhancing patient navigation across complex health system

  • Established equity-centered service delivery models explicitly addressing barriers for marginalized populations

Access & Equity Outcomes:

  • Improved access to integrated care for equity-deserving populations through targeted barrier reduction and community partnerships

  • Created disaggregated data systems tracking outcomes by demographics, enabling identification and remediation of inequities

  • Built community health center partnerships ensuring culturally responsive, accessible care for newcomers and racialized communities

Operational Excellence:

  • Developed performance management systems providing real-time visibility into system performance, quality metrics, and patient outcomes

  • Created accountability structures balancing organizational autonomy with system-wide coordination and shared goals

  • Implemented evaluation frameworks demonstrating system effectiveness to Ministry of Health and securing continued funding

Strategic Value:

  • Positioned health system for future expansion and provincial policy alignment (Home Care Modernization, Community Health priorities)

  • Built replicable integration model applicable to other regions and health system challenges

  • Created foundation for ongoing system evolution and continuous improvement

Governance & Compliance:

  • Ensured all integration activities met regulatory requirements, quality standards, and patient safety protocols

  • Built governance frameworks enabling multi-organizational decision-making while maintaining accountability

  • Established risk management and compliance monitoring systems for complex, evolving initiative

Key Learnings

Healthcare integration requires balancing autonomy and coordination: Successful system integration doesn't eliminate organizational independence - it creates shared accountability structures, aligned incentives, and collaborative decision-making while respecting each organization's unique role and expertise.

Equity must be designed in, not added later: Health system integration risks replicating existing inequities at scale. Centering equity from design phase-with explicit attention to access barriers, disaggregated outcomes measurement, and community partnership-ensures integration serves all populations, not just easiest-to-reach patients.

Stakeholder engagement is operational necessity, not optional: In multi-organizational initiatives, resistance and misalignment are primary risks. Extensive stakeholder consultation, transparent communication, and collaborative problem-solving aren't soft skills-they're critical operational capabilities determining success or failure.

Data and evaluation drive both accountability and improvement: Performance management frameworks serve dual purpose: demonstrating value to funders/government while identifying improvement opportunities. Systems that measure outcomes, track equity indicators, and create feedback loops outperform those focused solely on activity/volume metrics.

Cross-sector partnerships unlock holistic care: Healthcare outcomes depend on social determinants (housing, income, justice involvement). Effective health system integration extends beyond clinical services to coordinate with housing, employment, justice, and social services-requiring different partnership models and shared language across sectors.

Methodology & Approach

Strategic Planning:

  • Multi-stakeholder engagement and collaborative design

  • Systems thinking and integration framework development

  • Performance management and accountability structure design

  • Change management and organizational alignment

Equity-Centered Design:

  • Barrier analysis for marginalized populations

  • Disaggregated data and outcomes measurement

  • Community partnership and cultural responsiveness

  • Access equity as core performance indicator

Operational Execution:

  • Project management across multiple organizations

  • Governance structure development and facilitation

  • Pilot program design and evaluation

  • Continuous improvement and adaptation

Compliance & Quality:

  • Regulatory alignment and policy integration

  • Quality standards and patient safety protocols

  • Risk management for complex initiatives

  • Evaluation framework and reporting

Application to Healthcare Organizations

This approach is transferable to:

  • Health system integration and care coordination initiatives

  • Multi-site healthcare operations requiring consistency and quality

  • Community health organizations expanding services or partnerships

  • Healthcare organizations addressing equity gaps in access and outcomes

  • Regulatory compliance and accreditation preparation

  • Strategic planning for healthcare service delivery transformation

Core capabilities demonstrated:

  • Healthcare operations and system integration

  • Strategic planning with equity lens

  • Multi-stakeholder coordination and governance

  • Performance management and quality assurance

  • Regulatory compliance and risk management

  • Cross-sector partnership development

  • Change management in complex healthcare environments

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