How I Did It: The Leadership Victoria Podcast

Ian was born and raised in Victoria, BC and is an excellent exemplar of a local community service; with his professional career spanning multiple fields; government, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness. the Victoria Open Golf Society, Our Place Society, and currently, Police Victim Services of British Columbia. Ian is all about directing his efforts to supporting the community he grew up in – whether he is assisting the homeless, supporting "100 men who give a damn" or more recently enhancing services to victims of crime and trauma. Ian believes in the power of personal community philanthropy. Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

A conversation with Buncy Pagely. Buncy is a lifelong volunteer and champion for health of women and minority communities, volunteering since the age of 17. Buncy’s lifework has been the epitome of providing service for essential healthcare workers; through founding a seniors advocate board to combat racism in the health care community; providing ethnic food to people on long term care; and advocating for women’s health increasing access for women to Pap smears and breast exams within communities. She has also created a ‘traveling’ cancer assessment clinic to spread awareness to immigrant women; and most recently has led Hathowrne H.E.L.P committee, a group whose efforts are aimed at improving living conditions of seniors being affected by the pandemic. Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

A conversation with Charlayne Thornton-Joe. Charlayne is a councillor for the City of Victoria, a role she has held for the last 19 years. In addition to municipal office, Charlayne previously served as chair of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria and has held board positions in organizations supporting people experiencing homelessness – a cause that Charlayne is passionate about. Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

Kim currently serves as Executive director to two Vancouver Island chambers of commerce, Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre as well as Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre. This multi-focus approach has been part of Kims philosophy of ‘taking care of business’; Kim’s past business ownership ventures include a taxi company, construction company, halfway house for federal offenders, and an attendance program for young offenders. During the pandemic, Kim started a Chamber Enterprise called Delvi; a warehousing and fulfillment facility for Island businesses. Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

A conversation with Kim Smythe, the CEO and President at Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Following ‘a blow-up with the boss’ with an ad agency Kim worked for (that included the Edmonton Oilers account), Kim started his own ad agency when he moved tp the West Coast in his 30’s looking for a fresh start. Since then, Kim has been responsible for organizing various events and festivals for the community in Vancouver Island, including a spectacular new Nanaimo Night Market. He believes the best leaders only achieve recognition or status because of what they do for others, not for themselves Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

A conversation with Holly Wright, singer, song writer and musical director of the SoundWave choir.  Holly began her musical journey years ago as a solo performing artist that included time at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival. Following time in a corporate job as operations/safety manager at an engineering company in the Alberta oilfields of Alberta, Holly spent two years in South Africa as a supervisor, It was then that she moved to Vancouver Island and where she bought a café with her partner in Nanoose Bay. This change of pace helped her to start SoundWave in 2015, a choir that has helped connect a group of 80 singers and 5 bandmates. Holly loves music and is hard at work re-releasing and recording new songs for the community. Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

James is the former CEO and current principal owner of Monk Office . The first office products dealer in North America to achieve the ISO 9002 international quality standard registration in 1996. More recently, Monk has achieved the coveted ISO 14001 registration for Environmental stewardship. James is resilient and after weathering a “life or death” challenge to his business in the 90s successfully came through for his team and his community. This devotion to community service continues as he works hard to nurture a healthier business climate in Victoria and is actively mentoring his two children to own and operate the businesses.

James has numerous director and chair roles in the community, highlighting a few such as the honorary treasurer of Victoria Symphony, Vice chair of First West Credit Union, and the patrons council of the Victoria Hospital foundation. James is a believer in the entrepreneurial spirit and wants to actively contribute to encourage and enhance the lives of all members of the community.
Leadership Victoria helps leaders stand out and change the world, starting here.

A conversation with Del Manak, Police Chief for the Victoria Police Department. Chief Del Manak is in his 31st year of policing and has been the Chief of the Victoria Police Department since July 2017. Chief Manak is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy Program, the Dalhousie University Police Leadership Program and recently completed his Masters of Arts in Terrorism, Risk and Security Studies from Simon Fraser University. Del remains active in the community, coaching baseball, hockey and soccer and has proudly coached over 30 teams through the years.
Learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca 

A conversation with Lisa Mort-Putland, Executive director of Volunteer Victoria Volunteer Victoria’s mission is to inspire everyone to volunteer, and they do that by making it easy to connect to quality local volunteer opportunities right here in Victoria. Lisa joined the Volunteer Victoria team as Executive Director in June 2011. Lisa holds a B.A. in Drama and a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management. Prior to working with Volunteer Victoria Lisa was the Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and spent more than 25 years working and volunteering in the museum and heritage sector. Lisa is often asked to speak at conferences, events, and celebrations.
Learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca 

A conversation with Saul Klein, Dean and Professor of International Business in the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria

Born in Zimbabwe, Dean Klein has had a broad-ranging career in Canada, the USA, Singapore and South Africa with consulting assistance to over 60 different organizations. He has led strategic planning workshops for organizations in a variety of sectors and is a recipient of teaching awards from all over the world.

Learn more about us at www.LeadershipVictoria.ca