Russel Lolacher

Professional Speaker, Podcaster, Voice Talent Communications Kitchen

  • Victoria BC

I will help your leadership connect with employees and take steps to building a workplace we love.

Contact

Media

Biography

A self described "communication nerd", Russel believes in the importance of communicating better to improve customer and employee relationships. With 23 years of customer service experience and 12 years in communications (including 10 years leading organizations in social media) in private and government organizations, Russel has been leading engagement strategies and improving customer relationships for years. He's been recognized internationally for his work, including named “One of the Top 15 NPS and Customer Service Thought Leaders to Follow in 2017” by CustomerGauge, “One of Canada’s most influential experts on social media in the government sphere,” by Hootsuite and recognized as “Customer Service Thought Leader and Advocate” by Microsoft. 

Fun Facts:
- Born and raised Canadian boy with a constant itch to travel the world.
- Is continually amazed if he doesn't have to explain what "Pickle Ball" is.
- Rarely kills plants.
- Loves the energy of speaking to a crowd.
- Jumped from a perfectly good airplane.
- Played drums in a high school karaoke version of Meatloaf's "Paradise by the Dashboard Light"

Industry Expertise

Public Relations and Communications
Social Media
Consumer Services
Government Relations
Professional Training and Coaching
Media - Broadcast
Advertising/Marketing
Hospitality
Writing and Editing

Areas of Expertise

Communication & Culture
Communications
Team & Leadership Development
Employee Experience Strategy
Content and Media - the Future of Personalization
Social Media & Branding
Social Media & Content Marketing for Business and Non-Profits
Leadership
Government 2.0/Community Management
Public Service
Social Media
Branding
Customer Service & Customer Relations
Social Marketing
Public Relations
Employee Engagement and Empowerment
Podcasting
Internal / Employee Communication

Accomplishments

Social Media Customer Service in Government Leadership

Created the first social customer service team and lead the most engaged and furthest reaching social media presence in the BC government.

International Recognition for Customer Service

Identified as a customer communication leader by various global organizations, including:
- Recognized Customer Service Thought Leader and Advocate by Microsoft
- One of Canada’s most influential experts on social media in the government sphere. – Hootsuite
- Top 100 of Customer Service Pros on Twitter - Huffington Post
- Top 15 NPS and Customer Service Thought Leaders to Follow in 2017 - CustomerGauge
- Top 25 Customer Experience Leaders to Keep an Eye On in 2015 – Satmetrix

Travel

Travelled to 13 countries, including Greece, Costa Rica, Portugal, Germany, Dominican Republic, and am already planning those next adventures.

Education

Royal Roads University

Bachelor

Professional Communications

2008

Received Founders' Award for exemplifying leadership, sustainability and personal development among graduates of the program.

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Diploma

Radio Broadcasting

2004

Affiliations

  • TEDxJuandeFuca
  • Odd Fellows of Victoria

Testimonials

Manager of Hockey Communications

https://www.nhl.com/jets/

Winnipeg Jets

“I use Russel’s communication ideas as great reminders to enhance customer service, which is the basis of good public relations.”

Founder

http://www.socialmediacamp.ca

SOHOVictoria and Social Media Camp

“Event producers live or die by the content of our events. So when we re-invite speakers back for a second and third year, you know they’ve got to be good. Not only have we asked Russ to speak at multiple Social Media Camp events, but I also asked him to speak at the inaugural SOHO Victoria event. Russ is always among the highest rated speakers by delegates. If you are looking for a dynamic, professional speaker on the topic of customer service or anything related to it, look no further. Russ is your man!”

Organizer

http://tweetstock.ca/

Tweetstock Social Media Conference

"We organize Tweetstock in order to bring the best speakers available to our audience. We have been privileged to host some of the top social media influencers and speakers. I would add Russel to that list of unforgettable presenters and would not hesitate to have Russel speak again at future events."

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Media Appearances

Did I endorse a miracle diet on Twitter? - Roseman

Toronto Star  print

2013-08-06

After endorsing a miracle diet product through fake tweets, reporter Ellen Roseman changed her Twitter log-in and realized the need to pay attention at all times at the unscrupulous practices of some companies.

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Event Appearances

T.U.R.N. Up Your Social Customer Service

Speaker Series - Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce  Victoria, BC

2016-10-26

Small Business Customer Service Panel

SOHOVictoria  Victoria, BC

2016-01-21

T.U.R.N. Up Your Social Customer Service

TweetStock  Hamilton, ON

2015-06-18

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Sample Talks

Culture Change: How to Sell Social

Exploring the understanding and strategies necessary to encourage your organization to adopt and accept new social practices with take-aways you can use for your organization.

Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Panelist
  • Workshop Leader
  • Host/MC
  • Corporate Training

Fees

$0 to $2000*Will consider certain engagements for no fee