George first discovered the real power of collaboration as an amateur actor in university. He was not that good at the theatre part but was entranced by the power of people working together towards a tough goal.
The passion for collaboration enabled George to get paired up with experts in leadership development, community development and group facilitation while still at university. These experiences set the stage for a career focused on building healthy and productive workplaces.
The workplaces varied a lot. In his early years George established the first leadership development programs for Alberta Power and Canadian Marine Drilling; designed and implemented Dome College for Dome Petroleum, led a leadership coaching program for the N.S. Youth Agency and acted as the Emergency Planning Coordinator for Canmar Drilling.
He has been the principal consultant at Fall Line Systems since its founding in 1986. His clients often ventured off on the lesser-trodden pathways, deepening George’s understanding of leadership, strategy, risk management, collaborative decision making, and grace under pressure. At times, the client adventures have been stressful for us all, but they helped sort out the difference between consultant-speak and useful action.
George has consulted to clients in the energy sector (oil and gas producers, oilsands companies, pipelines, electric utilities, research institutes, regulators); IT firms and departments; accounting firms and departments, social service agencies; First Nations; governments; and universities. Some of the work has been very large scale (the largest merger in Canada, for example, two different times), some has been micro-sized.
George continues to support collaborative workplaces where people can be both productive and healthy.
George has a BBA from Acadia University and a Masters, Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University.
George is a pretty good singer / guitar player / band leader; an accomplished cross-country and backcountry skier and an avid hiker. His recreation, community and family life provide inspiration and a solid base for his professional work.