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Teaching, consulting, dealing with research and practical projects in more than 50 countries is certainly an amazing professional experience! I have been working on diverse and complex international projects with businesses, nonprofit organizations and governments in countries with different economic and political systems, social structures and multicultural environment. This gives me the special privilege to have a broader perspective, to understand diverse viewpoints and to compare different realities in my consulting, teaching and research work.

I am an endless learner and I do not believe anyone of us is “an expert” or “a trainer” as the world changes much faster than we could understand it and we could accumulate knowledge. What I do as a trainer, consultant or researcher is to help my clients and audiences to find solutions to problems, to assist their organizational and/or personal growth, to analyzse rich and diverse practices and knowledge from other corners of the world. I assist them to think and act strategically, to find new supporters and stakeholders, to implement innovative methods in their work, to explore hidden resources and to have joy in their work by networking and partnership.

Areas of professional interest include: strategies, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, organizational change and capacity building,  innovative fundraising and marketing, international cooperation and networking – in the field of business, but also in the arts, culture, entertainment, social sector and the not-for-profit sector.

Teaching and facilitating is what really lifts me up and makes me happy! I work with professionals and students in Canada and internationally and I have secrets how to actively involve them in the learning process, with a lot of fun and using interactive learning methods. In our seminars and classes, we combine theoretical approaches with practical experiences, with a strong international angle, considering also the multicultural diversity, cross-cultural approaches and individual differences.

I am an active member of several recognized Canadian and international associations and networks.

My current research project
 

I am currently a Research Associate with David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Concordia University.  My current research (to be completed at the end of 2012) is on incorporating sustainability into strategies and management functions of arts organizations in Canada.  The research is based on a combination of research methods, such as: desk research, qualitative analysis of selected cases and targeted focused interviews with key managers and directors.

My recent book

The many years of profound academic research and international practical experience in my professional career resulted in my latest book “Strategic Management in the Arts”, to be published by Routledge (Taylor & Francis) in November 2012. The book focuses on innovative thinking and entrepreneurial actions in the arts sector as two primary vectors in strategic management and discusses the necessity to cultivate an intrapreneurial climate in the arts. It is structured to walk the reader through each element of the strategic plan systematically. It also emphasizes that an effective strategy is the one that constantly responds to dynamic external changes, preparing the organization to act accordingly by utilizing its full capacity and resources.  The book is a result of my international collaboration with professionals and partners, the knowledge gathered from my academic research, consulting work, training sessions, as well as my ongoing involvement in international projects.

I am now a proud member of the Management Department of John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, located downtown Montreal. Watch here  my recent interview on the topic of entrepreneurship, done by JMSB, as well as interviews with my colleagues from the management department: http://johnmolson.concordia.ca/en/faculty-research/departments/management/videos.

I enjoy much living in Montreal - an incredibly vibrant, multicultural, cosmopolitan and friendly city, offering every day a variety of fresh cultural and artistic programs. This is the best and most liveable city which I have experienced by now. Our exciting community of friends, colleagues, artists, students, art lovers and business ccircles will be pleased to meet you. So, whenever you find yourself in Montreal – contact me. I guess there is a lot to share and talk about!

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Website header images: Darina Velkova

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