CCMP Designation Certified Change Management Professional

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In May 2022, Bellwether Strategies principal Natasha Chetty became a Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)!

Developed and granted by the Association of Change Management Professionals in 2014, the CCMP designation is a globally recognized measure of proficiency in managing the “people side” of organizational change initiatives. The credential has been developed to meet ISO and ANSI standards.

More than a thousand organizational change management professionals have now earned the CCMP designation.

In the professional services sector, CCMPs help firms with a multitude of change initiatives, from strategic planning to IT infrastructure transformations to mergers, reorganizations and minor operational changes.

“I want my clients to feel confident in the change management leadership that I offer. CCMP is one way to convey that I take a thoughtful, qualified and well-informed approach to my work for them.”

While change management professionals customize each initiative to suit organizational circumstances, most follow a standard set of processes and content to structure their work. CCMPs ensure that change is implemented in a way that is sustainable and that brings measurable value to firms and people.

 

 

Bellwether Strategies client featured in CPA Canada Magazine Humanity Financial is the first Certified B Corp accounting firm in western Canada

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Gordon and Megan Holley, co-founders of Humanity Financial Inc., western Canada’s first B Corp certified accounting firm were featured in the January 2021 edition of CPA Canada’s “Pivot” Magazine.

The interview asks about what inspired the Holley’s to pursue B Corp certification, how it factors into their

business model as a professional service firm and the advantages they’ve enjoyed as they’ve aligned purpose with principle.

I’ve been proud to work with Humanity Financial since 2014 on communication, brand development and reputation building strategies. It’s a privilege to be part of their team!

Read the article on the CPA Canada website.

Change Manager Certification Helping clients create individual and organizational change

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Professional firms constantly face changes in the business environment. Both the pace and complexity of these changes are increasing, which requires organizations to have a structured approach. This not only assures clients, employees and partners of your commitment to excellence; it also reduces risk through careful planning. In the end, it costs less, too.

In May 2018, Bellwether Strategies principal consultant Natasha Chetty completed the Prosci (pronounced “pro-sigh”) change management certification program in Banff, Alberta.

Change management is often described as “the people side” of project management.

Benefits for Bellwether Strategies clients include:

  • A structured approach to facilitate change initiatives of any size, from  a simple work process change to enterprise technology updates.
  • Customizable tools and resources based on credible research
  • Integration with project management capabilities within client firms
  • Training opportunities for firm managers

The certification complements Natasha’s background in strategic planning, communications and legal project management skills training.  She looks forward to working with clients on organizational change initiatives, individual development and other projects that demand a thoughtful approach to transition and, ultimately, continued success.

The Blog is Back An extended break is good for the soul. And for business.

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Hello dear readers!

The Bellwether Blog is back in action after a long hiatus. Thanks for your patience.

For those of you wondering about the radio silence in this space, I spent the latter half of 2017 working on a fascinating, labour-intense client project. More importantly though, I spent time with my dad after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and took time to grieve after he passed away.

What I learned this winter:

  1. Clients are people first, business people second. My main client project last year involved a huge firm with multiple moving parts and tight project deadlines. I always knew my clients were nice people, but I didn’t fully appreciate the extent of their loyalty until I was in the middle of an emergency. More about how behaviour signals brand in an upcoming post…
  2. Sometimes you need to look away to look inside. I went to Hawaii with my husband for a few months. Normally, spending this much time doing “nothing” would drive me nuts. I’d panic about the potential work I was missing out on. I’d worry about what potential clients might think. Instead, I  read a lot of books and ran almost every day. I made new friends. I kept in touch with connections. I rested. And I learned a lot.
  3. There’s nothing like a crisis to put things in perspective. I reprioritized and reached a level of efficiency that I didn’t think was possible. Essentials and client care remain at the top of my to-do list. Everything else ends up in the “nice, but not necessary” list. Good enough.

Look for more blog posts in the near future. I’ll publish a post at least once per month. Upcoming topics include good reads, change management how-to’s and “Bellwether Interviews” with experts at the leading edge of innovation in professional services.

If you’d like to read about a specific topic, just let me know.

ACMP Vancouver Member Profile Natasha Chetty featured in December Newsletter

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The Association of Change Management BC Chapter (ACMP) interviewed Bellwether Strategies principal Natasha Chetty for its December member newsletter.

ACMP is dedicated to advancing the discipline and the profession of change management, while supporting its members in developing individual and organizational change capabilities.

Read the interview below and learn more about ACMP by visiting their website or attending one of their events.

MEMBERSHIP PROFILE – NATASHA CHETTY

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I started in marketing and communications and gradually realized that most of my work involves change management, from strategic planning to internal communications to branding and reputation management. Many of my clients are trying to honour unique workplace cultures, but they realize they need to embrace change if they want those cultures to remain successful. The principles of change management offer a credible path forward.
Why did you decide to join ACMP Vancouver?
I joined for the camaraderie and to learn from others in the field. I also appreciate the resources that ACMP offers – webinars, networking events, etc.
What are you working on?
I’ve been working with a national law firm on a rebranding project. It was exciting to get involved at the early stage and see how deeply they’ve been able to implement changes. I’ve also been helping one of my smaller accounting clients merge with a larger firm; it’s gratifying to know that the reputation building program we worked on over several years created real equity in their organization.
Do you have any recommended change management books/resources to share?
Humble Consulting by Edgar Schein. He reinforces the need for consultants to recognize the messy, human aspects of change management and to be more concerned with being perceived as practical and helpful, rather than being impressive.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Travelling, running and eating (not necessarily in that order). I’ve also been trying to make jewellery and expand my culinary skills to varying degrees of success. My partner and I spent six weeks in Africa in 2016; we enjoyed it so much we’re planning a return trip next year.

 

Change Management for Communications Consultants IABC/BC Meeting - May 31, 2017, Vancouver, BC

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Join the IABC/BC Independent Communicators Special Interest Group on May 31, 2017 for our last meeting of the IABC programming year.

Consulting and freelance communicators are often involved in projects that involve organizational change initiatives. Whether you’re facilitating a process change or full-scale merger, you need to have a sensitive approach and a well-considered plan.

At this interactive session, we’ll learn and share some of our best experiences in communicating and managing organizational change initiatives.

Members: FREE
Non-members: $20

The IABC/BC Independent Communicators Special Interest Group (SIG) is open to communication professionals who work as self-employed freelancers or in a consulting role.

Registration for this event is limited to 16 participants. Please visit the IABC/BC website to sign up or contact SIG chair Natasha Chetty of Bellwether Strategies with any questions.

Bellwether Strategies Client wins Community Service Award Recognition for Gordon Holley, CPA, CA of Humanity Financial Management

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On February 15, 2017, Gordon Holley, CPA, CA and President and CEO of Humanity Financial Management in West Vancouver was honoured with the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC).

A lifelong volunteer, Gordon was recognized for his leadership with the West Vancouver Community Foundation, the Ambleside Dundarave Business Improvement Association, Vantage Point and the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada, among other organizations. He has served on the board of directors of each organization, helping to strengthen their financial capabilities and transform their services to meet future challenges.

Humanity Financial Management has been a client of Bellwether Strategies for several years. Together, we have developed his firm’s brand, reputation and communications activities that align with Gordon’s vision for increasing the financial capacity and capabilities of Canada’s non-profit, charitable and social enterprises.

It was wonderful to attend the CPABC award ceremony and celebrate this well deserved honour with Gordon and his team.

Read more about the CPABC Recognition Awards.

IABC Independent Communicators SIG Meeting October 5, 2016, Vancouver, BC

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The IABC/BC Independent Communicators Special Interest Group will meet in Vancouver on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. The group is open to self-employed communications professionals working in freelance or contract arrangements.

Topic:          Managing Organizational Change Throughout the Life of a Contract
Date:           Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 5:30pm – 7:00 pm
Location:    225 West 8th Avenue, Suite 300, Vancouver, BC

Bellwether Strategies principal consultant, Natasha Chetty, chairs the group.

To register or learn more, please visit the IABC/BC website.

IABC/BC Independent Communicators Special Interest Group Meeting

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The next meeting of the Independent Communicators Special Interest Group will be held on February 2nd, 2016 at the Water Street Cafe in downtown Vancouver.

The group comprises members and non-members of the International Association of Business Communicators (British Columbia) chapter. Bellwether Strategies principal Natasha Chetty currently co-chairs the group.

Registration and further details can be found on the chapter website. We hope to see you there!

IABC/BC Independent Communicators Special Interest Group

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Beginning in September 2015, Bellwether Strategies principal Natasha Chetty will co-chair the Independent Communicators Special Interest Group for the B.C. Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Chris Freimond, a public relations professional and past IABC B.C. President will share leadership duties with Natasha.

Read more →