Bernadette is an inspirational speaker whose areas of expertise include self-development, leadership, engagement, culture and organizational transformation, among others. With over 30 years as a senior executive and leader in the Ontario Public Service (OPS), the not-for-profit sector and international agencies, Bernadette’s career has focused on leading and implementing major transformational initiatives, with a focus on people impacts. She has a track record of exploring unchartered territory, building start-ups where strategic visioning and collaboration are foundational elements of the change. She has led multiple mergers, divestments and integrations with user design and the voice of the customer as the focal strategy. Skilled in strategic planning, she is a genuine people leader and motivator, inspiring all levels of professionals while grooming and nurturing diverse talents. In the past, Bernadette was an international diplomat, working in liaison, program management and disbursement roles at the United Nations New York, the U.N. (FAO) in Rome, Italy, the World Bank in Washington D.C., and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Bernadette majored in Biochemistry, and her graduate studies focused on Business and International Relations and Organizational Management at George Washington and Georgetown Universities respectively in Washington D.C. She is an alumnus of the Disney School of Service, Harvard Business School Executive Program, and is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business/OPS Leadership Enrichment and Advancement Program. Bernadette is a Certified Professional Coach and Management Consultant, specializing in Executive, Career Transition and Life Coaching. She is a skilled facilitator and conducts strategic business planning and team-building workshops for leaders and other professionals. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Quarter Century Club and is involved in several not-for-profit community initiatives. Strongly committed to personal growth and learning, Bernadette constantly seeks ways to expand her knowledge. She has traveled extensively in her personal life (100+ countries) and as a diplomat, learning about cultures, history, art and music. Her whole family is musical, having a family band that performs for special events and for seniors and other disadvantaged groups. She and her family live just outside Toronto. They enjoy traveling, sports, performing music, and are active volunteers in the community.
