What is your approach when determining and communicating a strategy to a new client?: To determine the strategy, it's crucial to learn the history of the organization and the goals it has moving forward. The strategy is useless without knowing "why" it's needed. Understanding the purpose of your work is critical before starting the strategy.

All stakeholders need to receive the strategy at the same time. The presentation should start by overviewing where the organization has been, where it's at now and the vision it has for the future. From there, it's important to separate facts from opinions/assumptions. Start by laying out the facts, following by the assumptions the project is based on. After overviewing the strategy, always open it up for a discussion and feedback.

Can you talk about a time you worked with a client and were able to determine the underlying root cause of a challenge they were facing?: At an agency, I helped manage a project with three parties; Scott's Miracle Grow, Buzzfeed and us. There were constant disagreements about nuances of the project. We decided this was a result of the three parties being unaligned about the goals of the project. We started having regular discussions to create a roadmap for the project. This roadmap was then referred back to as we continued to work together.

Can you describe a project you completed from start to finish (planning, execution, and outcome)?: I lead a team that created and launched a podcast that received 10,000 downloads in it's first three months.

What is your approach when determining and communicating a strategy to a new client?: First I need to fully understand the picture of the business. What can they do well, what is the relative share in their Market, what are their core capabilities, where the strengths and weaknesses. That I want to look at their competitors to understand their relative position in the market and then put together a strategy that will help them be number one or number two of the specific business category. I would then put all the research together combined with critical findings, put together the rationale and then show the company the various opportunities they might have in the rationale behind each one.

Can you talk about a time you worked with a client and were able to determine the underlying root cause of a challenge they were facing?: Should I work with a client in the Dental products space. They were having trouble hitting their sales numbers with one of their brands and products flying specifically. It was an ongoing issue. We started by looking at some of the complaints that we received regarding product lead times. We then realized but the problem was more of a supply chain and Manufacturing issue than anything else. The company wanted to be very lean when it came to inventory in place to build different equipment. But that made handling different levels of ordering almost impossible. An sop process was put in place and we were able to improve lead times and at the same time improve quality llevels.

Can you describe a project you completed from start to finish (planning, execution, and outcome)?: Yes most recently I was responsible for launching a new suite of products into the dental space. We started with voice of customer, focus group research and the other design inputs from dentists. With our NPD process in place we were able to design test and launched a new suite of products using the stage gate process. We also had to look at product pricing, messaging and positioning in the market versus our competition. We looked at design feature oh, different pricing levels, and different product configurations to meet virtually any need. This was all tested and researched with users of our product and with people who didn't currently use our product. We launched successfully about one year after initiating the project and revenue increases were between 4 and 5 million for the first year.

What do you do if you think you might miss a deadline?: Every project requires a timeline. If a timeline is managed correctly, there are no surprises. If there are delays or changes in scope, along the way, a heads up is needed if the timeline will be impacted. Sometimes, things just happen that are beyond anyone's control. If this is the case, and we are in danger of missing a deadline, I will do whatever is necessary to avoid missing a deadline (hiring additional help, working through the evening, reschedule other less important jobs, etc. If all else fails, I will find a solution or make-good opportunity and let the client know as soon as possible. The client needs to find out from me (or who I represent) before they hear it elsewhere.

Which tools do you find yourself using the most? (Excel, Google Drive, Project Management systems, industry-based software or tools, etc.): Google Drive and all Microsoft Tools (word, excel). I've worked with Basecamp, Agency and other Project Management Platforms. I work with Hootsuite for Social Media clients. Most Media Plans are managed in Excel and/or Google Chart.

Why should our clients hire you?: I am a highly qualified Advertising and Marketing Executive. I have the unique ability to work as a leader and manage all facets of "the big picture" and the teams that execute the work. I am also highly strategic by nature. I have a passion for market research and analysis that organically drives winning strategies. As much as I can identify objectives and KPI's, I can also follow through on the highly detailed elements that will help my clients achieve their goals. I also love what I do. It's fun. I love to work with like-minded individuals who have passion and are bold enough to lead and not follow.

How long have you been working in your specific industry (freelancing or non-freelancing): 20+ years with Advertising Agencies
2.5 years as a Marketing Consultant

Which industry-specific schooling or certifications have you completed?: Marketing/Advertising
George Brown College, Toronto, Canada

If you could give someone new to the industry advice on managing expectations with a client so that everyone is pleased with the experience and outcome, what would it be?: Always be truthful. Make sure you give your clients a chance to get to know you as you get to know them. You need to earn trust and respect. Treat all your clients equally, regardless of their status or title. This is particularly true in larger organizations where you will interact with multiple departments and tiers. Never overpromise what you can not deliver. Don't be a "yes" person just to make it easier on yourself. Be truthful and use your experience and knowledge to help guide clients in the right direction. Take everything with a grain of salt. We are not curing cancer, we are communicating. Take time to smile and to have some fun. Finally, take time to ask your clients if they are comfortable and happy with the service and work. Fix issues before they turn into pain points.