Helping organizations work better

Organizational strategy, governance and leadership

I help senior leaders understand how their organizations are working and where improvements could make the greatest difference. My experience in organizational strategy, governance and executive leadership brings a practical, independent perspective to complex decisions.

When is it time for a fresh look?

Sometimes the need is clear. At other times, leaders sense that something isn't working as well as it could.

Common situations include:

  • Changes in leadership, mandate or strategic direction

  • Questions about organizational structure, roles or accountability

  • Governance arrangements that need clarification or updating

  • Significant transitions requiring independent advice and careful planning

I bring an independent perspective to these challenges, helping leaders understand their options and make informed decisions about what comes next.

Organizational and Governance Reviews

Independent advice to support important decisions

An organizational review provides an opportunity to step back, understand what's working well and identify where changes could strengthen effectiveness.

I work with senior leaders and boards to examine organizational structures, governance arrangements, leadership practices and relationships. Each review is tailored to the questions facing the organization and provides practical recommendations to guide decisions and action.

My approach combines confidential conversations, document analysis and facilitated discussion to build a clear picture of the organization and its opportunities for improvement.

  • I help boards and senior leaders prepare for leadership changes, identify future leadership needs and strengthen succession planning.

    For example: Helping a university plan for executive transitions and develop a stronger pipeline of future leaders.

  • I help organizations review their structures, leadership roles and accountabilities to ensure they support strategic priorities.

    For example: Reviewing executive portfolios and reporting relationships following a leadership change.

  • An organizational review helps leaders understand what's working well, where problems are emerging and what could be improved.

    I work with senior leaders and boards to review organizational structures, governance, leadership responsibilities and succession planning.

    Each engagement is tailored to the organization's needs, with practical recommendations to support decisions, policies and action.

  • I help leaders identify what needs to change in their organizations to put strategic priorities into action.

    For example: Aligning leadership responsibilities, resources and ways of working with a new strategic direction.

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What we examine

Every engagement starts with the questions your organization needs to answer. Depending on the scope, we may explore:

  • Organizational structures, roles and reporting relationships

  • Governance responsibilities and decision-making

  • Leadership capacity and succession risks

  • Alignment between strategic priorities and resources

  • How people work together across teams and functions

What you receive

The goal is to give leaders useful information they can act on. Depending on the engagement, this may include:

  • An independent assessment of strengths and challenges

  • Findings drawn from confidential interviews and document reviews

  • Clear options and practical recommendations

  • A facilitated discussion to help leaders consider the findings

  • Priorities and next steps for putting decisions into action

Examples of our work

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Modernizing University Governance

Governance Review | Canadian University

A university commissioned an independent review of its Board of Governors' governance framework and practices. I led a ten-week assessment involving document analysis, research into governance best practices and confidential interviews with governors, faculty and staff.

The review produced recommendations to streamline board and committee structures, clarify decision-making responsibilities, improve consistency across governance policies and bylaws, and strengthen board orientation and evaluation.

The final report provided a practical foundation for decisions about more effective, inclusive and sustainable governance.

Aligning an Organization with Changing Priorities

Organizational Review | Public Sector

A provincial ministry was navigating major shifts in energy policy, economic development and environmental priorities. I conducted an organizational assessment involving 27 interviews with internal and external stakeholders, supported by a review of strategic plans, organizational structures and resources.

The assessment explored how the ministry's mandate, structure, leadership and culture supported its changing responsibilities. I identified opportunities to clarify roles, strengthen coordination across divisions and address organizational risks.

I then facilitated an executive team discussion to consider the findings, explore options and identify priorities for further action.

Helping a Governance Team Have Strategic Impact

Organizational Review and Implementation Coaching | Canadian University

A university governance office wanted to strengthen its advisory services, improve collaboration and make better use of limited resources. I worked with senior leaders to map core functions, assess the skills required and examine how responsibilities were distributed across the team.

The review identified opportunities to improve consistency, reduce reliance on individual staff members and develop stronger advisory capabilities.

Following the assessment, I facilitated a team retreat and provided group coaching to help staff put the recommendations into practice.

Testimonial

“Kate immediately engaged in exploring and “mapping” our organization… this was extremely helpful on many levels… the process allowed us to see the gaps and challenges that faced us going forward.

Kate worked closely with the executive team around improving our ability to think strategically. She combines excellent listening skills with a strong strategic orientation… She assisted me greatly in positioning our executives to be much more strategic in their work.”

— Dr. Moura Quayle, Provost and Vice President Academic, University of British Columbia

Let's Talk

If you're working through questions about leadership, structure or succession or considering a governance or organizational review, I'd welcome a conversation.

We can talk about the challenges you're facing, what you're hoping to accomplish and how I might be able to help.