Executive Coaching

These days it seems there are a great many executive coaches who have little or no actual first-hand leadership experience. First-hand executive experience, across a wide variety of markets and challenges, is the unique asset I bring to each executive coaching client.

As the president at the Calgary Herald I led a team of 700 employees, resolving a difficult labour dispute and taking the newspaper to record levels of performance. As president at the St. Catharines Standard, I led Southam's most successful integration. As director of sales at Southam's corporate office I led the turnaround of 11 advertising departments across the country. My executive leadership career was all about building high performance teams and leading change. I have a considerable body of experience in integrations. (See Bio). You'll have the confidence of knowing you are working with someone who has been there, done it, and been successful.

With entry-level to mid-level leaders, I work to provide the teaching, mentoring and encouragement needed to become truly skillful leaders, drawing on my own years developing and teaching skills including feedback, communication, strategic planning, performance management, coaching, interviewing and more. The same skills I passed on to the men and women who were a part of my leadership teams.

With senior executives, I offer the kind of trustworthy sounding board that can only come from someone who has been in the seat. With these clients the conversation often turns to the challenges of building an executive team, leading change and integrations, and shaping corporate culture.

My passion has always been team development. I am convinced the best leaders with the brightest futures are the ones who become impact players – those who can build a team and not just manage it. This is the perspective I take with each client. If you are considering an executive coach call or write and we'll get together to explore the possibility of a fit.

"Dan has the ability to bring all aspects of leadership into sharp focus by bringing his wealth of personal experiences blended with his currency in current leadership thinking. One on one as a coach-mentor or in a team building workshop Dan brings instant credibility to topics that one does not normally think of in daily routines. He provides ample insights where one can improve upon current practice. Dan's passion for the role of a Leader is truly stimulating and instills a sense of renewed purpose."
– Les Panek, Senior Vice President, Environment, AMEC Earth and Environmental