Post secondary journalism and writing courses provided me with a fundamental skill required for this industry; however, my real education in the business has evolved through working with hundreds of organizations on three continents over a period of more than 20 years.

I began my career in international banking as a foreign exchange trader for the Bank of Montreal. From there I moved into production and management in Canada’s growing music industry. Building on the fast-paced analytical and strategic planning skills developed in those industries, I transferred into the field of public relations (PR). Following a two year industry apprenticeship I was named vice-president, general manager of the Canadian PR division of Grey Advertising where I worked for four years. The past 15 years, Bart Mindszenthy and I have partnered in our own consulting firm, specializing in crisis, issues, strategy, conflict and change communications. Since founding our firm we have worked on some of Canada’s most significant crises. In addition, we have a training division that specializes in customized communications-based management training.

I have served as senior associate at The Niagara Institute, a senior faculty with the Centre for Conflict and Crisis Communications Management, and as associate faculty at Royal Roads University. With my partner, Bart Mindszenthy, we have conducted professional development workshops across Canada, in the United States and in Hungary.

I also serve as chair of the Speech Foundation of Ontario, a not-for-profit organization that provides highly specialized therapy to the most communication disabled children and stuttering therapy for both adults and children.

Contact Information:
E-mail: Gail.Roberts@Royalroads.ca