“Mike gets systems change. Whenever I'm in a bind and need some help to get in-stuck, I do what I can to involve Mike in the process. His consultancy has been invaluable and there are so few people in the world that are able to really see the whole system, to articulate it and be able to do something about it. Cannot recommend Mike highly enough for any complex change process.”
Andrew Lamb - Humanitarian entrepreneur, Chair - Internet of Production Alliance former | CEO of Engineers Without Borders UK
“Mike is a fantastic thought-partner and practitioner around issues of systems change, organizational development, complex problem solving and social entrepreneurship/development. His work on-the-ground in difficult contexts along with his knowledge of policy change, government and philanthropy means he can find new ways to generate new ideas, create linkages and build bridges. Mike's thinking is informing the systems change movement in important ways and has certainly influenced the work of my organization, the Accountability Lab.”
Blair Glencorse - Global expert on issues of accountability, anti-corruption and citizen engagement
“I had the pleasure of being coached by Mike while working for Engineers Without Borders Canada in Malawi. Mike supported me to make sense of the complex challenges I faced in the field, which ranged from micro-level issues such as district staff motivations, to macro-level, system architecture challenges including program designs and donor-government interactions. He was a patient and empathetic coach with an uncanny ability to analyze large sets of information at a time, and from multiple perspectives. I would highly recommend him as a thought partner and coach to anyone working on complex and systemic challenges.”
Jolly Ann Maulit - Strategist | Manager | International Development, Public Health, PPPs, and WASH at UNICEF
“I would hire Mike in an instant. I say that without a contextual caveat because Mike's compassion for individuals, his adeptness when building teams and his intellect are applicable in any group endeavour. I worked with Mike for a short time and I quickly gained a lasting respect for him.”
Don McMurtry - Former VP Sales at Research in Motion | “Voluntrepeneur” at Engineers Without Borders Canada
“Mike is an exceptional thought partner and collaborator. Even though we worked on different teams he was often the person I would go to for strategic advice on the most complex challenges I was facing. He has a unique ability to simultaneously be a supportive and caring coach while also fostering intellectual rigour and excellence. His insights never failed to help me see the challenge from a new perspective and I always walked away from our conversations feeling wiser and more capable of charting the right path forward.”
Ashley Good - Founder of FailForward | Consultant and facilitator
“Michael is an exceptional leader with the ability to understand coworkers and people on a deep level. Through managing and navigating complexity, Michael uses his emotional intelligence to coach others through issues they face. His balance of technical and qualitative skills allow him to excel in building strong relationships and networks within the entire system of his role. While working with Michael I learned the value of systems thinking, how to use it, and implement it in multiple areas of my work. His work work ethic is exceptional and is driven by his passion for change. It truly was a pleasure to work with Michael. ”
Beth Borody - Founder & CEO The Femina Collective | Mining Executive | ESG Strategy | 2021 Top 50 Changemakers Globe & Mail
“Mike has an inquisitive and enquiring mind, coupled with a powerful ability to analyse complex environments. But as importantly, he has grounded 'real world' experience to bring to the table, allowing him to go from theory to practice and thereby maximising the impact of new ideas and social innovation. Mike has a real passion to improve the world around him and is committed to using his skills to help the poorest and most disadvantaged. I would recommend Mike as a positive disrupter to have on any team seeking to solve complex problems and to come up with viable solutions.”
Harold Lockwood - Director at Aguaconsult Ltd.
“Mike is a perceptive leader and collaborative colleague, who led several complex strategic initiatives during the time we were both at Engineers Without Borders Canada. His ability to build understanding and shed light on an issue by asking insightful questions and listening to multiple perspectives makes him an incredibly effective strategist and facilitator, particularly in complex situations and organizations. Although we didn't work together day-to-day, Mike was one of the first people I would turn to when facing a challenging decision and I learned a great deal from his guidance and support. I'd happily work with Mike again if the opportunity arises, and I would highly recommend anyone do the same.”
Sam Burton - Senior Policy Advisor at Canadian Digital Service
“Mike's energy is contagious! Mike was the President of the Engineers Without Borders UBC chapter when I first joined the organisation, and he is a key reason for my involvement. From my first meeting Mike was eager to find a way for me to contribute, and invited me to the organisation's national conference. His commitment to supporting me continued throughout this year as he invested in my leadership potential and my connection to the organisation. EWB has been incredibly lucky to have had Mike's leadership over the years. I have seen him thrive in developing strategy for the Water and Sanitation Team, collaborating with other organisations and individuals to tackle tough challenges, and facilitating groups and workshops to help support individuals and bring about transformative change. I look forward to working with Mike again in the future and continuing to learn from him!.”
Annelies Tjebbes - Executive Director at Roots & Rivers Consulting | Strategic Planner | Facilitator | Evaluator | Social Innovator
“Michael is an extraordinary system change thinker. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for 4 years with Engineers Without Borders. We worked together on outreach activities in Canada for a year and then spent 3 years working on systemic change in Malawi. Michael excels at building relationships in complex environments. He’s creative, patient, hardworking, and dedicated to his work. I’ve seen him lead and inspire his team in complicated and challenging environments. I have no hesitation in recommending Michael, he would be a true asset in any systems change focused organization.”
Anna-Marie Silvester - Head of Technology, Electric at ECOA
“Mike is a phenomenal coach and leader. As a coach, his ability to be a thought partner while working on challenges, and provide frameworks that enabled me to see problems in new ways was exceptional. His coaching combined presence, depth of thought, and the feeling of partnership. As a leader, Mike was hardworking, pragmatic, communicative, and able to provide a clarity of strategy in the face of complexity and change. I would recommend Mike for any role that values these traits.”
Dan Beck - Product Manager at Asana