"This River I Step In Is Not The River I Stand In"

The above quote arches over the Queen Street Viaduct (often rereferred to as the Queen Street Bridge) that spans the Don River and the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. For those of you who may not know, I have a passion for the urban environment and have always admired this truss bridge...and how it effortlessly links communities. But I have always admired the message. I still remember the connection I had with my former boss (and tremendous leader), Richard Peddie, who at the time was the President and CEO of MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership) , when he made reference to the quote.

It is taken from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. It reminds us of the fact that everything in our world is in a constant state of change and flux. Simply put, the river you step into is always different from the one you stepped into before. It is constantly flowing and thus, changing.

Our world is in many ways like that river - always in a state of transformation.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to prepare for that change and to seize the opportunity to maximize it's potential. To embrace the growth that comes from change. To appreciate the beauty of the present moment, as it will never be the same again.

Amplifying Organizations & Capitalizing on Every Opportunity

The above is a good way to preface why I am here writing this.

I have chosen to leverage the vast expertise, friendships, relationships, and connections I have amassed over 30 years in sport, to build every opportunity before me into positive and illuminating change globally. So, I launched Kinova Solutions .

What does Kinova mean?

Kinova is a simple compound word that marries the Japanese word Ki (the energy that flows in every living thing / the source of life and one of the three elements (blood and water are the others) that all humans possess) with the New Latin word Nova (which describes a newly visible star or nebula that appears due to a sudden burst of brightness.

Kinova will seek opportunities that may not have been visible and deliver results and sustainable growth by combining the right energy from any situation, with the people from any organization, to maximize potential. It ensures that organizations are living and breathing their vision, mission, and values.

Kinova Solutions will work with you to amplify your organization and to capitalize on every opportunity. We understand that change is difficult - it can be equal parts anxiety-inducing, exhilarating, stressful, and costly. It's our goal to mitigate the negative and enhance the positive.

Our focus will be on four key areas -

Corporate Advisors

For over 30 years, we have effectively worked in the foreground and the background with senior leaders and influencers throughout the corporate world. From global brands, innovative tech start-ups, and leading academic institutions and nonprofits. Drawing on our deep understanding and insights, our team specializes in protecting and enhancing brands and reputations through...

• Organizational Structure & Design
• Talent Acquisition, Retention, & Human Capital Needs
• Strategic Counselling & Planning
• Fractional Leadership
• Governance Modelling & Refinement

Crisis Management

We've been involved in very high-profile engagements over the last three decades, involving some the most high profile events on the planet, complex investigations, government hearings, worldwide health scares, and integrity, legal, and global governance matters. We can find solutions to any challenge and ensure you and your brand are not only protected but elevated through...

• Crisis Response & Planning
• Media Training & Readiness
• Risk Assessments & Planning
• Management Training & Preparedness
• Investigations

Sport Diplomacy

Sport can be a vital tool to help an organization realize it's social and economic goals. Sport Events and it's participants are important vehicles in promoting agendas and helping encourage positive socio-cultural change. Athletes are ambassadors of our age and can be advocates for positive change. We can use this to improve your brand and its perception on a global level through... 

• Global Exchange & Partnerships
• Global Program & Event Planning
• Sport Mentorship, Ambassadors, & Envoys
• Greening / Sustainability Initiatives
• Values and Policy Sharing through Anti-Hate / Equity and Diversity / Youth Engagement / Health & Wellness / Conflict Resolution

Sports & Entertainment

Our varied and vast experience in every facet of the sport and entertainment industry opens new doors of opportunities both on and off the field. Through our connections to some of the world’s most high-profile and influential athletes and entertainers, brands, clubs & leagues, partners, federations and major events, we can help our partners elevate and grow by developing connections through...

• Partnerships & Relationship Building
• Talent (On-field & Off) Identification and Assessment
• Mergers & Acquisitions (Buyers / Sellers) Evaluation and Assessment
• Domestic and Global Competitions and Event Planning
• E-Sports and Sport Betting Planning and Programs
• Integrity and Safesport Planning and Investigations

If any of this resonates and you are looking for assistance and guidance please reach out and we can discuss how we can grow and build together. The list above is not exhaustive of course. We can tailor what the needs of your organization is to what's required.

As those who know me well can attest to, I am willing to talk with anyone about how I can help. I look forward to connecting, engaging and leaving an indelible mark on the world.