Currently, the Chief Operating Officer of AIRO | Annapolis Investments in Rural Opportunity, previously an entrepreneur running my own Internet marketing and communications consulting company, and always a reader, writer, and advisor (both business and personal) my purpose in life is to use my optimism and wisdom to cultivate and support the growth of people – leading them to vibrant and creative lives, businesses and communities.
In the past, as an Internet consultant, I aided hundreds of clients in identifying and then implementing the most effective Internet solutions for their unique projects. Roles mastered included front-end developer, producer, art director, copywriter and social media community manager on projects for a wide range of clients. My practice of strategizing an effective project and then delivering its key message in interesting and often unexpected ways left my clients – and more importantly – their customers with a smile on their faces.
Now, as the COO of an investment and advisory firm in rural Nova Scotia, I get to bring all of my business and marketing experience to the aid of the community I love! The primary focus of my work with AIRO is to significantly increase entrepreneurial activity in Annapolis Royal and Annapolis County. We do this by funding new or existing businesses and providing support to develop business plans and marketing strategies, with advice and mentoring along the way – we act as the business advisory board for several of our clients. Additionally, we support marketing initiatives that further our mission by collaborating with local governments and community organizations.
The 2014 Ivany Report Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians, and the recommendations of its 2015 follow-up playbook We Choose Now made it clear that like it or not, Nova Scotians have to “step up” if we want to survive and thrive. We have to change our attitudes, welcome innovation, attract new people, and retain our younger population if we want our communities to survive. AIRO’s founder and CEO, Jane Nicholson and I have spun rural economic development on its head. We’ve created a new model of impact investing rooted in old ideas about community and social responsibility.
I am also currently working on two book projects. The first is related to AIRO and how our impact investing model can be replicated in any rural community. The second is diving into the topic of women and aging, using our own collective wisdom to demystify this sensitive subject. Additionally, I write newsletters, book reviews, articles, and posts for myself and others on a regular basis.