Celebrating 5 Years of Framework Leadership

This October marks a significant milestone for Framework Leadership as we celebrate five years in business. Since our inception in 2019, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to better leadership, workplace culture, and business growth for clients across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Our diverse range of clients includes small- and medium-sized professional services firms, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Many return to us year after year, relying on our expertise to navigate organizational changes, from staff promotions and succession planning to instituting new systems and processes. We are deeply grateful to each client who trusts us to help them thrive.

At Framework Leadership, our value lies in our tailored, holistic approach—one that goes beyond treating projects as "cookie-cutter" solutions. We take the time to understand each client’s business, workplace culture, people, history, and goals, ensuring that our strategies align with their long-term vision.

Combining People-Leadership with Business Growth

One of the unique aspects of Framework Leadership is that we don’t just focus on leadership and workplace culture—we also help businesses grow through marketing, business development, and branding. For companies to provide opportunities for advancement and long-term success for their employees, they need a solid foundation of business growth and sustainability.

By aligning people and business strategies, we ensure that organizations and their teams have the support they need to thrive together.

Leadership Development with a Personal Touch

When developing leadership programs, we focus on building strong relationships with each participant. Whether through one-on-one coaching or group sessions, we equip individuals and teams with the skills they need to collaborate effectively, even when we’re not there. Since our involvement is often temporary, it’s crucial that the behaviors and group dynamics we help develop can be sustained after our direct involvement as facilitators and educators ends.

Our goal is always to create lasting change, empowering teams to contribute meaningfully to their organization’s success.

Tailored Workplace Culture Assessments

While we ask a set of standard questions during our workplace culture assessments, we also take a deep dive into each client’s specific situation. It’s essential to understand where the organization is on its journey, what changes are happening or planned, and what issues need to be addressed. Leadership may have assumptions about their workforce that need testing before implementing new organizational changes.

By tailoring our assessments, we provide leadership teams with the critical insights they need to make informed decisions—supporting both their people and their business.

Research and Industry Engagement

In 2021, we conducted a comprehensive survey on workplace culture, leadership, and inclusion in various industries. This research, published in Canadian Architect magazine and our own report, provided key insights into how employees from underrepresented backgrounds experience leadership and workplace dynamics. The findings have helped us and our clients focus on what can be done to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful ways.

Over the years, we’ve also been invited to speak at prominent associations such as the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Canada, the Society for Marketing Professional Services in the U.S., and the Museum of Architecture in London. Engaging with these organizations has allowed us to contribute to industry discussions on leadership and organizational culture, furthering our commitment to creating better work environments.

Special Projects and Partnerships

Beyond our regular work, we’ve been fortunate to take on special projects with organizations such as JVS Toronto, the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario (ACIDO). These projects often focus on developing strategies or creating resources that help their members achieve their mandates.

In 2022, we launched the Pride Talks series, which started as a single presentation and has since grown into a series of 11 presentations featuring nine speakers and reaching more than 30 employers. Each year, employers can select topics to engage their staff and support 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Topics range from workplace culture and human rights to how these communities can be represented and supported in the spaces AEC professionals create in the built environment.

Collaborating with Consulting Partners

Over the past five years, we’ve worked with a wide network of consulting partners to meet our clients’ objectives. These individuals include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals, marketing and business development experts, and others with unique approaches to organizational change. Their expertise has been crucial in helping us shape inclusive workplace cultures that foster engagement and growth.

A People-First Approach

As a business owner, I am incredibly proud of leveraging my platform and connections to support others in their careers. While we don’t engage in recruiting, I often help individuals start out on their own or find new opportunities by offering advice, making introductions, and boosting their confidence. For me, the greatest joy comes from connecting with and supporting people. This passion is at the core of how I support clients in shaping employee experiences, fostering career progression, enhancing staff engagement, and creating a true sense of belonging.

Standing Firm on DEI

In a time when some businesses are stepping back from DEI initiatives, we remain steadfast in our commitment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just peripheral concerns—they are essential drivers of success in today’s world of work. These principles fuel employee engagement, drive innovation, and foster the diversity of thought that allows people and organizations to thrive.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As we celebrate this milestone, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all the individuals, organizations, clients, and industry friends who have supported Framework Leadership over the past five years. We look forward to continuing our work to support businesses, industries, and, most importantly, the people within them, as we move forward together.

Thank you!

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Connect with Russell to learn more about how we can support you and your business.