There is a community of mentors that guide OLA.
Co-Founder, Lead Coach & Mentor
Connor Paone
MBA, PM, CPCC & ACC (2024)
Hi!
I'm Connor.
I am a professional strategy coach and consultant for impact-oriented individuals, businesses, social purpose enterprises, and Indigenous organizations.
My passion is to learn from change-makers, Indigenous cultures, and impact oriented organizations about how to create abundance.
I work and play at the intersections of health and wellness, regeneration and cultural revitalization, social and environmental impact, and business and community development.
I am currently undergoing a rigorous coaching certification program with the Co-Active Training Institute and International Coaching Federation (March 2023 - 2024) .
Co-Founder, Data Scientist
Michael Ford
M.Sc, B.Sc
Hi!
I'm Michael.
I am a data scientist and consultant specializing in AI automation and algorithmic solutions.
My passion is to learn from complex systems, cutting-edge technology, and the natural world about how to solve impactful problems. I work and play at the intersections of data science, AI automation, technical innovation, and social impact.
My curiosity-driven approach is shaped by everything from developing novel algorithms to captaining a sailboat across the Atlantic.
OLA’s Partners
CEO of Imagination FX, Master Strategist, Creative, and Expert in Decolonized Strategy & Planning
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Nene Kraneveldt is CEO of Imagination FX, an Indigenous-owned consultancy specializing in strategic planning, facilitation, and leadership coaching.
A member of the Hupacasath Nation, Nene has worked with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and federal and provincial governments for more than 20 years. She holds a Master's Degree in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and brings extensive expertise in trauma-informed facilitation, workplace wellness, and community-centered development.
Nene leads strategy sessions addressing complex organizational challenges, from navigating workplace conflicts to supporting Indigenous-led planning initiatives. Her approach emphasizes authentic Indigenous representation, cultural integrity, and relationship-building.
She has committed her entire professional career to improving social, community, and economic conditions for Aboriginal people in British Columbia and Canada.
We act as a bridge, passing on the teachings of our mentors, bringing decades of wisdom.
The OLA Network
Ask us how OLA’s mentors may be able to support.
We support you to build your network and team of specialists.
Part of a great strategy is identifying the team of specialists that you want to enrol, in order to level-up. OLA’s mentors are specialists across a wide range of industries. If our mentors offer professional services, we are happy to help you connect.
Our mentors also guide, coach, train, and provide critical feedback to OLA on our services, products, and media.
*The mentors in the OLA Network are independent from OLA Strategy but work with OLA and our clients on mentorship and bespoke strategy consulting services.
Hereditary Chief, Cultural Advisor, Mentor, Teacher. Tour Guide Operator and Photographer.
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Hiishka is a well known leader from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island. As a direct descendant of the infamous warrior chief Situkanum, Hiishka was raised in his Tla-o-qui-aht language with the strength and teachings of his ancestors. Alex enjoys sharing these teachings with his whole community, especially with all of the children and youth, and with visitors to his traditional territory while he professionally guides whale watching and bear watching tours in Clayoquot Sound.
Hiishka is well known by everyone in his community and among many other communities along the west coast for his leadership, mentorship, and guidance of both the important leaders in the region and the youth within his community.
Credentials: Traditionally raised and trained as a hereditary leader, mentor, and teacher.
Website: Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations
Indigenous Elder, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Therapist, Traditional Leader & Healer
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Dr. Williams is a hereditary leader from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations and is renowned for his leadership in the Indigenization of mental health services across Canada. Dr. Williams is fluent in the Nuu-chah-nulth language, has been a leader in integrating traditional teachings into clinical therapy and healing, served as a lead Elder Advisor with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2008-2015), and continues to be an invaluable Indigenous Strategist helping shape reconciliation and indigenous organizations.
Dr. Williams continues to advise the hereditary and elected leader of his Nation, the Prime Minister, the Federal Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and senior executive at the First Nations Health Authority.
OLA Strategy is currently working with Dr. Williams to publish his oral autobiography and life’s teachings.
Credentials: Traditional healer and historian, honorary doctorate of laws.
Principal Negotiator (BC EMLCI), Indigenous Strategist, Coach & Mentor, Executive
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James is Coast Salish and Nuuchahnulth, a member of the Snaw naw as First Nation, and has roots in the hereditary lines of the Pacheedaht First Nation. James has over 20 years’ experience working with First Nations communities across Canada, industry, and all levels of government. James holds an MBA in International Business with additional education in Project Management and the Physical Sciences.
James is a master strategist, negotiator, communicator, consultant, coach, and mentor and specializes in projects at the intersection of organizational development, cultural revitalization, and community engagement for complex, high risk, or challenging situations.
Credentials: MBA, PMP
Senior Executive Coach, Mentor, Consultant, Master Strategist
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As a master strategist, executive coach, leadership mentor, and the president of Environment For Change, Anita is known for bringing "Backbone and Heart" to her coaching, team development, and practice of co-creating Indigenous community development strategies. Anita has works with senior government executives and Indigenous organizations that are looking to design and implement strategies unique to their community and culture.
With over 25 years experience, Anita uses presence-based Somatic Coaching and practices to support leaders to enhance their executive presence, courageous authenticity, and mastery of strategy, while concurrently building clarity, skills, and resilience. Leaders walk away knowing what matters to them and their organization and what steps they need to do to bring everyone together successfully.
Credentials: MBA, PCC, MSC, RPF, LEED® AP
Website: Environment for Change