Melissa W, PMP

Experience

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  CI Global Asset Management

  Oct 2004 - Nov 2008

  Marketing and Business Development Consultant

  I began my journey as a Client Services Representative, where my dedication and performance led to multiple promotions, ultimately advancing to the role of Marketing Consultant. In this role, I leveraged my deep understanding of the organization to deliver high-impact events and conferences tailored to diverse business and technical needs.I cultivated strong relationships with senior financial advisors, centralizing event activities to ensure seamless, consistent, and cost-effective execution. My focus was on delivering events that not only met but exceeded expectations in terms of timeliness, quality, and alignment with organizational goals.Key Achievements:- Demonstrated a track record of career growth through recognized performance and multiple promotions.- Successfully led the planning and execution of events, driving consistency and value across all initiatives.- Strengthened collaboration with senior stakeholders to optimize event strategies and enhance client engagement. Show less

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  Aird & Berlis LLP

  Dec 2008 - Aug 2011

  Marketing and Business Development Consultant

  In my role at Aird & Berlis, I partnered with lawyers to develop and execute strategies aimed at strengthening and expanding client relationships while ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals. I led key client teams, providing guidance and direction to foster sustainable growth and deepen engagement with our most valuable clients.I played a crucial role in supporting the firm's Tax Group by identifying new opportunities and cultivating relationships with international law firms and referral networks. Working closely with partners, management, and the Proposals team, I developed customized pitch materials and crafted strategic responses to RFPs that drove new business.Additionally, I implemented robust CRM standards to elevate client relationship management and provided strategic oversight to the Events and CRM teams in organizing impactful business development events. I also led group meetings, workshops, and conferences, empowering lawyers with insights and resources to advance their business development initiatives.Key Contributions:- Advised and collaborated with legal teams to establish innovative strategies for client growth and retention.- Spearheaded initiatives that enhanced the firm's visibility and built valuable connections within the global legal community.- Developed and executed high-impact business development events, aligning efforts with broader marketing goals. Show less

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  GoodLife Fitness

  Oct 2010 - Mar 2022

  Group Fitness Instructor

  Les Mills programs. Bodypump and Bodyattack

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  CIBC

  Aug 2011 - Feb 2020

  Marketing and Communications

  During my tenure at CIBC, I led high-impact marketing and communications projects supporting the bank’s international capital markets conferences and investment roadshows. I collaborated closely with senior executives and cross-functional teams, managing everything from event planning and venue coordination to budgeting and content management. My role was pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of large-scale events while aligning them with corporate marketing objectives.I was responsible for end-to-end project management, including risk mitigation, resource management, and the development of strategic communication plans. I also contributed to the design and implementation of a transformative event management system, improving data analytics and operational efficiency across the bank.Key Responsibilities:- Managed project planning and delivery for international conferences and investment roadshows, ensuring alignment with corporate marketing strategies.- Led day-of teams of up to 300 staff, overseeing logistics, communications, and on-the-ground execution.- Developed and managed budgets exceeding $20M, achieving annual cost reductions of 10-15% while maintaining program quality.- Partnered with internal teams (PR, marketing, technology) and external vendors to deliver top-tier events.- Championed the customization and integration of a new event management system, improving CRM capabilities and data insights. Show less

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  Whiteboard Consulting Group Inc.

  Feb 2020 - Feb 2021

  Project Delivery Manager

  At Whiteboard Consulting Group, I led business development efforts and project management for a range of learning and development initiatives tailored to both private and public sector clients. My role involved writing detailed bid packages that outlined project scope, budgets, and timelines, positioning the consultancy as a partner of choice for organizational development and leadership training.I was also responsible for designing and delivering instructional courses, co-facilitating engaging sessions in both in-person and virtual formats. My work included direct consultation with key stakeholders to align project expectations and ensure seamless delivery of customized training solutions.Key Responsibilities:- Spearheaded the business development function, writing comprehensive bid packages for new projects.- Managed the design and creation of instructional courses focused on organizational and leadership topics.- Co-facilitated training sessions, delivering content effectively in both in-person and online settings.- Consulted with clients to communicate project scope and align their expectations with deliverables.- Built strong relationships with stakeholders to drive business growth and enhance client satisfaction. Show less

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  Canadian Tire Corporation

  Feb 2021 - Sept 2021

  Senior Delivery Consultant - Project Frontier

  As the Senior Delivery Consultant for Project Frontier at Canadian Tire, I served as the primary point of contact for change management during software deployments across multiple store locations. I developed and executed detailed change delivery plans, ensuring that all milestones were met and risks were proactively managed to achieve seamless implementation.My role involved coordinating change management activities, facilitating communication between stakeholders, and providing go/no-go recommendations based on store readiness. I was responsible for driving continuous improvement by documenting issues and resolutions, optimizing the deployment process, and enhancing the overall project delivery framework.Key Responsibilities:- Led change management efforts during software deployments to ensure smooth transitions across stores.- Developed comprehensive change delivery plans, meeting all deliverables and mitigating risks.- Coordinated regular updates, check-ins, and communication to manage stakeholder expectations.- Implemented strategies to resolve deployment issues, enhancing process efficiency and reliability.- Facilitated the decision-making process for store readiness and deployment outcomes. Show less

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  Fasken

  Sept 2021 - now

  Project Manager, Marketing and Business Development (Firm Wide)

  In my role at Fasken, I lead the successful delivery of complex marketing and business development projects across multiple disciplines, including consumer products, corporate services, and regulatory initiatives. I develop and execute strategic project plans that align with business objectives, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders from Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management.My focus is on driving business transformation through process improvements, leveraging data analytics and critical thinking to foster growth and optimize operations. I maintain strong relationships with senior management and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.Key Responsibilities:- Spearheading the development of strategic project plans to align with business goals.- Leading cross-functional teams using Agile, Waterfall, and Scrum methodologies to drive project success. - Proactively identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery. - Driving continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and business outcomes.- Building strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the project lifecycle. Show less