Beyond the Vision: Leveraging a Thinking Partner to Identify Blind Spots

In our latest episode, we welcome James Grieve, Founder & Principal Strategic Advisor at Catalyst Strategies Consulting and Past President of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia. Join us as we discuss the significance of humility, curiosity, and a purposeful process in uncovering blind spots, fostering alignment, and preparing businesses for successful transitions. James stresses the power of a strong strategic foundation, effective change management, and the vital role of the community in enabling leaders to leave a lasting legacy. James' approach to developing purposeful strategies and managing change underscores the importance of having a trusted thinking partner to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family enterprises.By showing up, being present, and giving his all, James provides effective guidance and support to his clients. He encourages an innate curiosity and the ability to pull together the right people and resources to deliver the best outcomes. About James GrieveJames Grieve is a Certified Management Consultant and Past President of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of British Columbia (CMC-BC). He is passionate about strategy and has a keen understanding of working with organizations of all sizes, in a variety of industries, including clean technology, bioenergy, renewable energy, natural resources management, agriculture, manufacturing, and professional services. He has extensive experience in working with First Nations communities on economic development and empowerment initiatives in a variety of geographical regions and business models, including co-operatives. James is also a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), a Certified Sales Professional (CSP), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and a Professional Farm Advisor (CAFA), and a Qualified Business Consultant - Agri-Foods Business Development Program - Agri-Business and Indigenous Agriculture. He brings a creative and customer-first approach to working with clients. He also holds an ISO 20700:2017 certification for management consultancy services. His Kelowna-based boutique consulting firm Catalyst Strategies Consulting specializes in strategy, succession planning, customer experience, and organizational transformation, and together with his team of consultants, he works with clients to analyze their operations, diagnose challenges, uncover blind spots, and mitigate risks in their businesses. James is also the co-creator of SuccessionReady, a simple, effective, and real-world approach to creating tailored Succession Plans for your founder and family led businesses.Providing trusted advice, Catalyst Strategies Consulting and SuccessionReady help clients plan effectively, create processes to reach peak performance, and reach impactful, and sustainable outcomes. James holds an MBA, a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Design and Development, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Winnipeg. He holds Graduate Certificates in Circular Economy and Sustainable Strategies from Cambridge University, Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) program from Simon Fraser University, and Employee Ownership as a Wealth Sharing Tool from Rutgers University. He is currently enrolled to become a Family Enterprise Advisor with Family Enterprise Canada. James resides in Kelowna and loves all that the Okanagan has to offer. He gives back to his community by mentoring business students at UBCO, Okanagan College, and female and aspiring entrepreneurs at We BC, Futurepreneur Canada, and Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.Contact Cory Gagnon | Beacon Family Office at Assante Financial Management Ltd. Website: BeaconFamilyOffice.comLinkedIn: Cory GagnonLinkedIn: Beacon Family OfficeEmail: [email protected] James Grieve | Catalyst Strategies Consulting: Website: www.successionready.ca | www.catalyst-strategies.comLinkedInJames GrieveCatalyst Strategies ConsultingSuccessionReadyEmail: [email protected]: (778) 214-6010 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.