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Susan Low - Directis Consulting Group Ltd.. British Columbia, Canada, BC, CA

Susan Low

Principal Consultant (President/Owner) | Directis Consulting Group Ltd.

British Columbia, Canada, BC, CANADA

Bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to non-profit strategic planning

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Biography

My life's work is focused on strategic planning and growth strategies for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations. With a wide world of information out there, I help filter and interpret ideas and best practices that will make sense for the real world of small organizations with rapidly shifting challenges.

When your audience needs a blend of inspiration and fresh wisdom, my engaging presentation style and practical focus will get them thinking and feeling positively about change and growth. Naturally comfortable with groups of any size, I draw upon my early theatre background to keep audiences AWAKE and INVOLVED in presentations.

Topics of presentation for non-profit & charitable organizations include:
* Leading Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations
* What is the Change We Want to Be? Identifying and Measuring Impact of Non-Profits
* The Friendly Guide to Budgeting for Non-Profit Organizations
* Igniting the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Social Enterprise & Business Planning in Non-Profits

Topics of presentation for entrepreneurs and business groups include:
* Making Change Happen: Using Focused Conversations to Change Culture
* Leading Strategic Planning for Small Businesses
* Is Your Business Like a Teenager? Raising Responsible Businesses
* You Can't Manifest Diddly-Squat: Hard Work Makes Things Happen

I speak mainly on Vancouver Island and mainland BC, however I am happy to travel anywhere in the world!

Industry Expertise (2)

Management Consulting

Non-Profit/Charitable

Areas of Expertise (5)

Business Process

Marketing Strategy

Non-Profits

Strategic Planning Facilitation

Strategic Planning

Accomplishments (1)

Outstanding Customer Service - Business Award (professional)

2011-04-19

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Awards. My business was recognized as winner of "Outstanding Customer Service" from among over 400 nominees for this prestigious annual business awards program.

Education (3)

The University of Calgary: MBA, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Operations Management 2002

Recipient of Murray L. Davis Award for Entrepreneurial Ventures.

University of Victoria: Bachelor of Arts, English, Professional Writing 1999

International Association of Facilitators: Coursework, Facilitation Methods 2010

Affiliations (4)

  • Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
  • Gorge Rowing & Paddling Club
  • Dress for Success Vancouver (past volunteer)
  • Sales & Marketing Executives of Victoria

Testimonials (2)

Marg Rose, Community Initiatives Manager | Victoria Foundation

Susan has led strategic planning and social enterprise consultations for several charitable organizations upon our referral, to positive and enthusiastic reviews. She also co-facilitated two workshops to assess our own Community Advisor pro bono outreach program. She asked piercing questions gently and affirmatively, helping us to focus our objectives towards achievable outcomes that yielded immediate results. She is a friendly, caring catalyst for positive change, and a deep thinker about how lives can be improved in our community. Susan, you are making a difference. We are very proud to connect people like you to causes that matter!

Anthony Hamilton, Board Member | Home Office Support Team Victoria BC

We have had many speakers at our monthly business group. After your presentation last Friday, the board met and agreed that you are one of the best we have ever hosted. Thank you for your excellent presentation and the thoughtfulness with which you answered questions.

Event Appearances (5)

Leading Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations

Professional Gathering  Victoria, BC

2012-03-20

Human Alchemy: Create a Golden Life!

Victoria Business Moms Meetup  Victoria, BC

2012-01-31

Strategic Planning for a Company of One

HOST - Home Office Support Team Meetup  Victoria, BC

2011-11-04

Building & Using Competitive Advantage

Comox Web Posse Professional Gathering  Comox, BC

2011-08-31

Strategic Planning & Goal Setting

YoUnlimited 2011  Victoria, BC

2011-03-03

Sample Talks (1)

Leading Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations

Strategic planning is the backbone of a successful business or non-profit organization, big or small. Much like planning your route and destination for a road trip, choosing where you want your organization to go and creating a plan to get there is fundamental to your success. This 90-minute workshop equips you to embark upon strategic planning in your non-profit, for the first time or with renewed focus and purpose this year.

Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Workshop Leader
  • Author Appearance
  • Corporate Training

Fees

500 to 2000