Public Speaking, Consulting

I am an independent business consultant, strategic planner and educator with expertise in developing and implementing business, marketing and strategic plans.  I can assist in creating applications for financing and government investment, as well as provide management assistance and advice. I have lead stakeholder driven processes, given inspirational speeches, and facilitated change.

I am also an opinion(ated) writer, published on website Halifax Politics dot ca, republished on Haligonia.ca and Infomonkey.net.   Occasionally my opinion pieces are published in the “traditional” press, like the Chronicle Herald and Halifax Magazine.  I provide periodic radio commentary on CBC Radio in Halifax, in the Maritimes, and nationally, and on Rogers News Radio in the Maritimes.  Some recent public speaking engagements including Cape Breton University, Halifax Pop Explosion, New Brunswick Music Week, and Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women and Song.

I also have additional skills as diverse as how to throw a good live event, get sponsors to invest in punk rock shows, and convincing government to invest and support not for profit organizations.

Contact me for more information about consulting or public speaking.  I like to travel and to try new things.

SOME RECENT ACTIVITY

• March 16-18, 2011 – CBC Mainstreet Halifax & Moncton, CBC TV Nova Scotia, Live 105 Halifax, Rogers News Talk Radio Halifax, Chronicle Herald – Discussed HRM concert scandal, issues of concert funding and transparency.
• March 2, 2011 – CBC Mainstreet Halifax – Discussed the lack of entertainment industry representation on the HRM Stadium Steering Committee.
• February 21, 2011 – Rogers News Talk Radio Halifax- Discussing provincial government’s Arts Nova Scotia proposal and discussed the history of the Arts Council fight in Nova Scotia.
• February 2&3, 2011 – CBC Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton; Live 105 Halifax; Rogers News Talk Radio Halifax/Moncton/Saint John; CTV News at 6pm – Interviews around Halifax/Moncton mega concert rivalry.
• October 8, 2010 – New Brunswick Music Week workshop – “What Festivals Are Looking For…”
• October 5, 2010 – CBC Mainstreet Nova Scotia – commentary on collapse of Power Promotions.
• April 2010 – Halifax Magazine – “Afterthought: $800 for 20 minutes of work“
• April 8, 2010 – CBC Nova Scotia Provincial Budget special – guest commentary on culture and education budgets
• March 6, 2010 – Cape Breton University Centre for Cape Breton Studies – Discussion/ lecture “Art and Industry: the Music Sector Strategy & the Future of Music in Nova Scotia.”  Also broadcast on Eastlink’s PodiumTV.

WORK EXPERIENCE

July 2007 to present
Faculty, Music Business - Nova Scotia Community College
Completed the design and first delivery of the curriculum for the launch of the Music Business Certificate program.  Advised on hiring of adjunct faculty for program and provided support and coordination for staff.  Organized students industry work experience opportunities at major industry events and end-of-year work placements.  AwardedEducator of the Year at Nova Scotia Music Week, 2008, 2009  and 2010.

October 2004 to present
Business Consultant - Waye Mason Consulting
Operates business consultancy, leveraging broad experience in all aspects of business management.  Representative projects include facilitating and writing the 2011 Debut Atlantic strategic plan review, completing the 2007 revision of the Music Nova Scotia Music Sector Strategy, and developing business and financial plans for DRUM! Live Inc in 2005/06 and 2006/07

June 2001 to April 2010
Executive Director - Halifax Pop Explosion Association
Secured corporate and government investment, developed and delivered strategic, business and marketing plans, produced event, hired staff.  Developed overall vision and direction, growing the organization from a $35,000 to a $450,000 annual event.  Awarded Best Event at the East Coast Music Awards 2009, Nova Scotia Music Week 2008 & 2009.

August 2006 to January 2008
Director of Operations, Atlantic Canada -Ticketpro Canada 
Designed and implemented market entry into Atlantic Canada for Montreal-based multi-national event ticketing company.  Grew company over less than two years from having no presence in the region to significant revenue, 16 POS locations in two provinces, and five significant exclusive major venues.

October 2004 to July 2006
General Manager - Gigantic Entertainment
Created business plan, secured Nova Scotia Equity Tax Credit, booked talent, marketed and produced events.  Responsible to owner for overall management and operations.

January 1993 to August 2004
Owner and Operator - No Records & Distribution Limited
Responsible for strategic and business planning, and securing financing and investment.  Managed operations, including sales, marketing, manufacturing, client and supplier relationships.

OTHER EXPERIENCE   

August 2005 to present
Commentator, Writer, Public Speaker - Various
Employed as a freelance contributor to CBC Radio One andOpen File Halifax, with occasional published opinion pieces in other publications. Recent public speaking engagements including New Brunswick Music Week,  Nova Scotia Music Week, POPular Music Conference, Cape Breton University and Harmony Bazaar Festival of Women and Song.

October 2001 to September 2004
President, Board Member - Music Industry Association of Nova Scotia
Lead author and negotiator of the 2002 Music Sector Strategy that resulted in a $3.6 million dollar provincial program delivered over four years.  Once achieved,  lead transformation of the association’s administration and structure.  Oversaw growth from two staff, $320,000 budget to a five staff organization administering over $1 million a year, including the administration of provincial grant programs.

AFFILIATIONS, VOLUNTEERING AND RECOGNITION

• Board Member, Nova Scotia Right to Know Coalition, 2011 to present
• Member, Cultural Human Resource Council of Canada - 2007 to present
• Member, National Training Advisory Council for the Music Industry - 2008 to 2011
•  Board Member, Music Nova Scotia - 2001-2004, 2008-2011
•  Educator of the Year, Nova Scotia Music Awards- 2008, 2009, 2010
•  Juror, Juno Awards - 2004 to 2010
•  Member, Gottingen Street Merchants Association - 2004 to 2009
•  Chair, School Advisory Council, Gorsebrook Junior High- 2007 to 2008
•  Organizer, North End Community Festival - 2007 & 2008
•  Member of Stages Committee, East Coast Music Awards - 2006, 2007
•  Participant, Team Atlantic Canada Trade Mission to New York City - 2002