Founder’s Message
… to create a space beyond constraints, fostering impactful change both inside and outside conventional systems.
The Story behind Our Story
As we launch our reimagined website, we reinforce our vision of limitless transformation, and renew our commitment to lead with authenticity. Reflecting on our journey with clients and our team’s evolution, I cannot overlook the imperative to share the underlying purpose behind the existence of Changing Gear Consulting.
I’m a settler in Canada; I live, work, and play on the unceded territories of the skwxwú7mesh and shíshálh Nations on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful British Columbia. When I first migrated to Canada almost 25 years ago, with our proximity to the United States of America, I imagined the experience would be a close second to that of achieving the “American Dream.” Naïve as I was, I soon realized the Pan-American culture held stark differences, yet the common thread of persistent glass ceilings and encircling walls remain. As a woman of color, working in healthcare, I found myself stuck and typecast in roles which didn’t have much autonomy and impetus for social impact. This led me to create a space beyond constraints, fostering impactful change both inside and outside conventional systems. CGC emerged from my personal experience, a desire to empower and transform without bias. When I started to think out aloud, I welcomed likeminded game changers (system disruptors), and together we started to challenge the status quo.
In 2017, after living, playing, studying, and working in Canada for nearly 2 decades, I encountered my first Indigenous based client. Within my initial weeks at First Nations Health Authority, I learned the history of Canada which subsequently reshaped my global perspective. I was humbled. I also knew I had to do more.
Organization design solutions are intrinsically linked to how each of us has internalized our connection, or its absence, with the concept and entrenched practices of “colonization.” Often unconsciously, we adhere to practices deeply rooted in historical colonization—some of these practices are advantageous, while others are not as beneficial.
But unless we can extricate ourselves from these conventional patterns and genuinely explore new perspectives, the primary challenge remains: how to break free from established norms and initiate transformative, disruptive change. It was within this context that I found myself dedicated to revolutionizing organizational systems, profoundly entangled in the very core of the issue that bolsters conventional systems thinking and hierarchy.
Drawing a parallel to urban planning, overlooking the anticipation of population growth within a city can lead to future predicaments such as traffic congestion and strained electrical grids. This analogy further extends to the realm of designing, evolving, and expanding organizations. Our workforce is undergoing a transformation, becoming increasingly diverse and globally aware. They seek more than mere assimilation into a company’s culture; they yearn for engagement that recognizes their multifaceted identities. In parallel, legal landscapes are evolving. There’s a heightened requirement for businesses to align with regulations that prioritize cultural well-being in organizational design. Knowing this, Executives and Leaders are challenged to foster innovation, departing from traditional systems, and embracing a human-centered revitalization of culture, all to shape a more promising future of work.
Our inception was deeply rooted in a personal need, and CGC’s early days saw a receptive audience embracing our approach to project management, learning and development, and system transformation. As we fast-forward to 2023, CGC remains dedicated to upholding the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, seamlessly integrating these principles into every facet of our work. This evolution has transformed us into a catalyst for change and a beacon of process excellence.
With our unwavering commitment to service, personalized approach, and a harmonious fusion of creativity and strategic prowess, we empower you to unleash your full human potential. With great anticipation, we look ahead to the continued journey of audacious creation, exploration, and transformation. Together, let us create, play, and change.
Yours truly,
Mele
The Story behind Our Story
As we launch our reimagined website, we reinforce our vision of limitless transformation, and renew our commitment to lead with authenticity. Reflecting on our journey with clients and our team’s evolution, I cannot overlook the imperative to share the underlying purpose behind the existence of Changing Gear Consulting.
I’m a settler in Canada; I live, work, and play on the unceded territories of the skwxwú7mesh and shíshálh Nations on the Sunshine Coast in beautiful British Columbia. When I first migrated to Canada almost 25 years ago, with our proximity to the United States of America, I imagined the experience would be a close second to that of achieving the “American Dream.” Naïve as I was, I soon realized the Pan-American culture held stark differences, yet the common thread of persistent glass ceilings and encircling walls remain. As a woman of color, working in healthcare, I found myself stuck and typecast in roles which didn’t have much autonomy and impetus for social impact. This led me to create a space beyond constraints, fostering impactful change both inside and outside conventional systems. CGC emerged from my personal experience, a desire to empower and transform without bias. When I started to think out aloud, I welcomed likeminded game changers (system disruptors), and together we started to challenge the status quo.
In 2017, after living, playing, studying, and working in Canada for nearly 2 decades, I encountered my first Indigenous based client. Within my initial weeks at First Nations Health Authority, I learned the history of Canada which subsequently reshaped my global perspective. I was humbled. It was within this context that I found myself dedicated to revolutionizing a system, profoundly entangled in the very core of the issue that bolsters conventional systems thinking and hierarchy.
Our inception was deeply rooted in a personal need, and CGC’s early days saw a receptive audience embracing our approach to project management, learning and development, and system transformation. As we fast-forward to 2023, CGC remains dedicated to upholding the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, seamlessly integrating these principles into every facet of our work. This evolution has transformed us into a catalyst for change and a beacon of process excellence.
With our unwavering commitment to service, personalized approach, and a harmonious fusion of creativity and strategic prowess, we empower you to unleash your full human potential. With great hope, we look ahead to the continued journey of audacious creation, exploration, and transformation.
Together, let us create, play, and change.
Yours truly,
Mele