Principal Client Service Executive, Corporate Strategy

Catherine Gauthier, M.B.A., is President and founder of CoNavigant Enterprises, Ltd. Prior to forming CoNavigant in 2000, she served as Executive Vice President of Business Acceleration Services for Alitum, Inc. Her business history, spanning over twenty years, includes twelve years as a management consultant providing business advisory services to companies experiencing the acute challenges of growth. 

Her work has been particularly effective in emerging growth and turnaround situations, implementing needed change and structuring critical alliances. Industries served by Catherine include software, health care, financial services, manufacturing, engineering services, biotechnology, and others.

Catherine’s board-level activities include serving as a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for Alitum, as a member of the Board of Directors of the M.I.T. Enterprise Forum, and as an advisory board member for various San Diego companies. She has been honored as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of the Year award sponsored by Ernst&Young and NASDAQ.

Before joining Alitum (formerly RCG Management) in 1995, Catherine served as an advisor to clients including Mycogen Corporation, Doctor Design, Inc. (where she served as C.F.O. for two years), Grubb and Ellis, Young Minds, Inc., Alexis Biochemicals, and Blanchard Training and Development, among others. In 1987, she developed a Strategic Assessment process used in a number of turnaround and profit enhancement engagements resulting in measurable improvements in clients’ bottom-line performance. Prior to 1987, she held senior management and officer positions with E. F. Hutton and Company and Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation.

Catherine holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Applied Mathematics, San Diego State University. She has been awarded the Certified Management Consultant (“C.M.C.”) designation by the Institute of Management Consultants, New York.

Over the past several years, her activities have included serving as a member of the executive committee for the M.I.T. Enterprise Forum as well as co-chair, panelist search committee, she has served as a member of the Fee Arbitration Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association, as well as several other corporate and not-for-profit boards of directors. She has served as speaker and moderator for several organizations including the San Diego Venture Group, the M.I.T. Enterprise Forum, and the San Diego Software Industry Council.

2000 – Present CoNavigant Enterprises, Ltd., British Columbia, Canada.

Led business advisory practice focused on assisting high growth companies to establish strategic direction and leverage resources. Led offsite strategic planning sessions for executive leadership. Helped companies in the deployment of new tactics, including internet technologies, to position them for growth.

2001 – 2007 Upcoast Summers, British Columbia, Canada

Acquired seasonal retail and food service business in Refuge Cove, BC., tripling revenues in first years of ownership. Now leased to independent operator.

1995 to 2000: Executive Vice President, Alitum, Inc., a premier San Diego management consulting firm.

Revenues of this thirteen-year-old firm quadrupled in the first 3 years of Catherine’s tenure. Strategic activities included expanding the nature of services provided to include a strategic, senior executive function, and implementing a policy of people first, building on the value of the Alitum proven management methods with new professional staff selection criteria and processes. In 1999 and 2000, after writing Alitum’s business plan leading to the company’s first institutional venture investment, she led development of a corporate portal incorporating the knowledge of Alitum’s professional consulting staff, hosted applications including enterprise and knowledge management solutions, and an executive dashboard view of corporate performance. Catherine served as Alitum’s interim CEO for 9 months during 1999, during which the company transitioned from a loss position to profitability by the third quarter.

1993 to 1995: Principal, Catherine Gauthier and Associates, a San Diego management consulting firm.

Engagements included turnaround consulting for a Southern California software company, resulting in increasingly profitable revenue growth from $4 mm to $12 mm, and completing a strategic acquisition for Mycogen Corporation.

1991 to 1993: Chief Financial Officer, Doctor Design, Inc., a San Diego engineering design firm.

This assignment began as a strategic planning and turnaround consulting project on behalf of Catherine Gauthier and Associates, culminating in successful profitable growth by the end of 1993 and leading to the eventual profitable sale of the company. During her tenure as Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Gauthier restructured the capital base of the company and negotiated key supplier agreements enabling fulfillment of high-revenue contracts without additional equity or debt financing.

1987 to 1993: Principal, Catherine Gauthier and Associates, a San Diego management consulting firm.

Providing strategic planning and advisory services to clients including Grubb and Ellis, El Pollo Loco, Blanchard Training and Development, and Doctor Design. Built consulting practice of five professional staff and developed an effective process for improving corporate performance.

1986 to 1987: Assistant Vice President, Internal Audit, E.F.Hutton and Company, Western Region.

Reported to Executive Vice President, Internal Audit, E.F. Hutton in New York. Recruited during the aftermath of the company’s wire and mail fraud convictions to lead the technology and operations components of western region internal audits, successfully restructuring several business units and eliminating sources of fraud. Assisted in the divestiture of the E.F.Hutton Life Insurance Company to First Capital Holdings.

1983 to 1986: Director, Systems and Programming, for Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation. During her tenure, she shifted the focus of information technology from an exclusive accounting emphasis to include a clinical emphasis, introducing clinical information retrieval facilities for physician groups within the clinic. In addition, she led task forces including executive, physician, nurse, and administrative members for the implementation of the Green Hospital DRG management programs (software component of which was subsequently leased by HCA under a multi-million dollar contract spanning several years), and the implementation of the first managed care programs at Scripps Clinic.

Education

Master of Business Administration, University of San Diego. Beta Gamma Sigma.

Bachelor of Arts, Applied Mathematics, San Diego State University.

Certification

Certified by The Institute of Management Consultants, New York (inactive).

Professional Affiliations

M.I.T. Enterprise Forum: member, board of directors.

San Diego County Bar Association: Fee Arbitrator.

Various other board member and speaking engagements.

Other

Completed U.S. Coast Guard Captain training and qualifying exams

Principal Client Service Executive, Leadership Development

Dr. Ken Blue is a principal consultant with the CoNavigant Group and a popular conference speaker. For the past 25 years, Ken has helped organizations to change the way people are led and he has helped countless people dramatically improve their lives. He is known for moving audiences with powerful, provocative, and practical insights that are rooted in timeless principles.

Sought after as a conference leader, keynote speaker, and facilitator around the world, Ken Blue has given presentations and workshops on the Power of Optimism, Servant Leadership, Destined for Success, Conflict Resolution, Authority to Heal, and Foundations in Grace in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. An expert in the areas of personal and organizational effectiveness, Ken also serves as an advisor to top executives and board members of large corporations as well as closely-held family businesses.

Ken Blue understands the Power of Optimism. As a five-time All American, he set one American and one World Record in Swimming. He was also selected for the 1968 U.S. Olympic Training Team in Modern Pentathlon. As a world-class athlete, Ken learned early in his career that success is largely determined by the habits of thought. He teaches how we develop and can re-develop these habits.

Ken is also the author of several best-selling books that have been translated into over twenty languages. His published works include Authority to Heal, Church Discipline That Heals, and Healing Spiritual Abuse. His audio tapes have been translated into several languages and distributed worldwide.

Ken and his wife, Patti, have been married for 27 years and have eight children, ranging in age from 25 to 5 years. They live in San Diego, California, where they lead Foothills Church, a Christian church they founded in 1991.

Clients assisted by Dr. Blue include the following:

H&R Block
Hewlett Packard
Kyocera
Mary Kay Cosmetics
Morrison and Forester Lawyers Association
National Safety Association
Roman Catholic Church
San Diego Parole Board
Southwest Airlines

Workshops and Keynotes

Ken Blue’s workshops are interactive, insightful, fun and for the motivated…they are life changing.

Ken offers everything from a half-day seminar or keynote speech, to a daylong training seminar or series of seminars with follow up coaching and training.

• The Power of Applied Optimism
• You are Destined to Success
• Motivational Interviewing
• Conflict Resolution
• Self-Efficacy and Esteem
• Servant Leadership

The Power of Applied Optimism

This course is designed to help you take an accurate realistic view of your life and your circumstances. Forty years of scientific and medical research demonstrates that those who stand out in society – and in business in particular – do so mostly because their habitual thinking is optimistic. Not to be confused with positive thinking or self-affirmation, optimism deals with real life circumstances and events and focuses on how we explain those events. In his workshop, Ken Blue:

• Differentiates between optimism and positive thinking;
• Provides an assessment tool to help us determine our own level of optimism;
• Shares strategies for learning and applying optimism in our personal lives;
• Offers suggestions for increasing optimism in the workplace.

This training program will teach you how to permanently raise your level of optimism by reprogramming the way you explain events you can literally change your life.

You are Destined to Success

We all possess untapped potential. Ken shows how our thoughts and thus behaviors are up for grabs every day. An ancient writer said, “As a man thinks, so is he”. Ken teaches innovative ways to remove negative habits of thought and skills to properly interpret adversity. As we apply these principles we all become winners. The principles are simple and Ken presents them in a way that they will never be forgotten, helping us use and practice them from the moment we first understand.

Motivational Interviewing

You want to, you try to, but you can’t. Think of all the situations where you have wanted to do something but couldn’t: quit smoking, take courses, exercise regularly. You want the end result, but can’t seem to follow your plan through to completion. From the belief that each of us already has sufficient motivation to attain the goals we set for ourselves, Dr. Blue uses proven interviewing techniques to tap into our raw, hidden potential. Motivational interviewing is now employed by the San Diego Parole Board to help rehabilitate people with all kinds of negative habits, including drug addiction.

Conflict Resolution

This is a critical subject for the work place and our personal lives. Ken shows how resolving conflicts starts with determining our group non-negotiables, maintaining mutual respect and committing ourselves to open communication. He not only helps us understand the principles, but helps uncover the lies and habits of thoughts that keeps us from practicing these principles for success.

Self-Efficacy and Esteem

Most current success material is based on the formula talent + desire = success. Research shows however that people who are successful have high self esteem. Ken shows how to distinguish healthy self esteem from egotism and arrogance. Through describing the three aspects of self esteem, he demonstrates through practical exercises and examples how we can remove the layers and labels from our lives that keep us stuck.

Servant Leadership

We may all get what we want in life as we help others get what they want. Ken shows how some very simple, straight forward principles can transform your work place and personal relationships. Ken illustrates through many examples that we don’t need to keep looking for the complex new approaches because these principles, tried and tested, work.

Principal Client Service Executive, Not-For-Profit Management

Grant and Proposal Development

Education

1998 – 2007   Workshops and seminars related to fundraising, board development, marketing, leadership and management

2001             National Gallery of Canada: Getting Technical

1980 – 1982   Concordia University, M.F.A. 1985

1981             Banff School of Fine Arts

1978 – 1980   Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia, B.F.A. 1980

1968 – 1972   Vancouver School of Art (Film Animation), & Vancouver City College (Design)

Professional Experience

1998 – 2007   Director/Curator, Richmond Art Gallery, Richmond, BC

1982 – 1997   Concordia University, Faculty of Fine Arts

1996 – 1997   Assistant Professor, Fine Arts: Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Studies

1995 – 1996   Special Lecturer, Fine Arts: Director, Interdisciplinary Studies

1994 – 1995   Assistant Professor, Coordinator, M.F.A. Open Media

1987 – 1994   Lecturer, Director, Interrelated Arts; Coordinator, M.F.A. Open Media

1982 – 1987   Part-Time Appointments

1979 – 1980   Graphics Department, Province Newspaper, Vancouver

1979             Special Events Coordinator, Surrey Art Gallery, Surrey, BC

1975 – 1977   Coordinator/Producer, NFB/CBC Nunatsiakmiut (television program), Frobisher Bay (Ikaluit), NWT

Related Professional Experience

2006             Taiwan visit hosted by National Museum of Contemporary Art, Taipei, Taiwan

2003             The Banff Centre, Banff International Curatorial Institute

2000 – 2001   BC Museum Association Conference

1997             Translation (French to English) “Les voix du corps – Entre les voix, les images”, Nicole Gingras

1992             Curator, Catalogue Designer, Exhibition Essay, “Table des matieres”, La Centrale, Montreal, QC

1986             Instructor, TV Studio Workshop for students in Fine Arts, Concordia University

l984 – 1985    Relief Instructor, TV Production, Concordia University, Continuing Education

l984              Conference Coordinator, “The Computer and the Artist”, Concordia University

1981 – 1985   Technician, Concordia University, Audio-Visual Department TV Studio

1980             Technician, Children’s Festival, Festival Concert Society, Vancouver

1979             Production team member, Cable 10, TBA-TV, Vancouver

1978 – 1980   Usherette, Vancouver Civic Theatres (Queen Elizabeth, Playhouse, and Orpheum)

1976             Proof reader, “We don’t live in snow houses now; Reflections of Arctic Bay”, editor Susan Cowan, Canadian Arctic Producers Limited, Ottawa

1973 – 1974   Proprietor, vintage clothing store, The Roxy, Vancouver

1972             Film Animator, UNEEDA Films, Vancouver

1967 – 1969   Teller, Royal Bank of Canada, Vancouver.

1966 – 1972   Usherette and cashier, Famous Players Theatres, Vancouver

Professional Affiliations

1998 – 2007   Canadian Museum Association

1998 – 2007   BC Museum Association

1996 – 1998   Member, R.A.A.V. (Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels)

1995 – 1998   Member, Women’s Art Resource Centre, Toronto, Ontario

1991 – 1998   Member, Inter Access, Toronto, Ontario

1991 – 1998   Member, University Art Association of Canada

1988 – 1998   Member, La Centrale, Montreal, Quebec

1995 – 1996   Member, A.A.D.R.A.V. (Association des artistes du domaine réputé des arts visuels)

1988 – 1991   Member, Status of Women Committee, Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia

1983 – 1985   Board of Directors, Galerie Optica, Montreal, Quebec

Jury Membership

2004             BC Arts Council, Visual Arts Project Assistance

2003 – 2004   Visual Arts Development Award, Vancouver Foundation

2001             BC Arts Council, Visual Arts Scholarship

1993             Electronic Media Program, Ontario Arts Council

1992             The Canada Council for the Arts, Visual Arts “B” Grants

1991 & 1992   Selection Committee, Inter-university “Evénément d’art video”

1985             The Canada Council for the Arts, Multidisciplinary and Performance Art

Art Exhibitions

1982 – 1998   Solo Exhibitions – Installations

1980 – 1994   Group Exhibitions – Installations

1986 – 1997   Group Exhibitions – Various Media

1979 – 1985   Video Screenings

1978 – 1981   Performances

Grants and Awards

Gallery Direction and Exhibition Curation

2008 – 2009   Grant  and report writing, orgainzation advising, Dessolation Sound Salmon Enhancement Society

1998 – 2006   Federal, Provincial and Municipal Operating and Project Grants for the

Richmond Art Gallery

Special Project Grants from Foundations and Corporate Sponsorships for Richmond Art Gallery

Over these years I more than quadrupled the gallery’s operating budget.

Grants for Personal Artwork

1987, 1989, 1993, 1993, 1997       

Canada Council for the Arts Awards

1995             Counseil des arts et des letters du Québec, bourse de soutien á la pratique artistique

1993             Professional Development Grant, C.U.P.F.A., Concordia University

1992             C.A.S.A. Research Grant, Concordia University

Senior Client Service Executive, Finance and Accounting Management

Chartered Accountant

Professional Summary

Experienced financial executive with a proven ability to support and lead rapid business growth. Ensures financial controls and reporting are in place.  Strong ability to support, review, encourage, mentor and train a team. Innovative in business process improvement. Key member of the executive team in strategy, planning and building the business.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Chartered Accountant (Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC):  1992

Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), University of Saskatchewan: 1989

Professional Experience

CoNavigant Enterprises, Ltd.

Senior Client Service Executive, 2009 to present, Providing on-site Controller/CFO services to SME’s in the greater Vancouver area.  Recent and current clients include an industrial manufacturer, sustainability service provider, and a pension/benefits fund with over $200 million under management.

Bailey Group, Vancouver: Controller; 2006 – 2009

Privately held group of diverse companies with revenues over $35 million.

Reporting to the President, responsible for all finance and due diligence with respect to real estate holdings, raised over $31million for construction financing, purchase financing, operating lines and personal mortgages through mortgage brokers and direct banking contacts.  Strategic planning and corporate governance for all companies, formulating quarterly plans to focus each General Manager on key areas of development and monitoring progress monthly.

Flight Centre, Vancouver: Corporate Controller; 1997 – 2006

Travel Retailer wtih sales in excess of $500 million.  

Reporting to the President, helped grow the business from an initial 6 locations to over 50 locations by 2003 with 260 employees.  Assumed responsibility for all reporting and business processes of the company including financial planning, payroll & benefits, accounts payable, banking, treasury, risk management, profit share plan, fixed asset administration, inter-company transactions, internal audit, tax filings, eliminations and consolidation.  Coordinated documentation and support for the annual audit. Tighter controls halved audit fee.

Aragon Group, Vancouver: Financial Controller; 1995 – 1997

Privately-owned developer with 12 employees, and $15-20 million in annual revenues. Reporting to the President/Owner, was responsible for all financial matters including statement preparation, year-end audit, trust reconciliations, accounts payable, construction cost management, external audit liaison and banking relationships.  Led a team of 4 including accounts payable, accounts receivable and administration. 

The Keg Restaurants, Vancouver: Internal Auditor; 1993 – 1995

$200 million restaurant chain with 96 locations across Canada and the Western United States.

Managed the internal audit function for both corporate and franchise locations.  Visited all locations, ensuring proper cash management procedures, counting and verifying the existence of inventory and auditing general operational procedures. Assisted in system implementation rollout.

Deloitte & Touche, Vancouver; 1989 – 1993

Articled at the main downtown office, receiving the Chartered Accountancy designation in 1992. Financial audits of retail, wholesale and construction industries.

Software Skills;

Advanced Excel (pivot tables, queries, vlookup), MS Access, Sun Microsystems, Oracle, Accpac, Simply Accounting, QuickBooks, MYOB, Caseware, Cantax and Great Plains