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“Neither of us had ever even been to
Cambridge before,” jokes Katie. “But after
looking all over, Cambridge was such a cute
place, especially with the river running
through it.”
The couple settled in a century home
about a 20-minute walk from downtown,
which has been ideal for them and their
children, now aged four and seven.
“We’re actually throwing a 175th
anniversary party for our house this
year because it’s so old and quirky,”
she laughs. “We have such a nice
little neighbourhood.”
After about four years of commuting to
She obtained her MBA around 2010 in Burlington, Katie decided to leave Deloitte “I think a good leader is someone who
Ottawa while her partner, Scott, studied and focus her talents on working as a thinks of their people and recognizes that
political science. The couple, who met change management consultant in one they are there to listen to their team and
through family friends while living in the organization, noting that having to travel help them,” says Katie. “They’re strong
Bolton and Tottenham area, spent two for business and be away from her young communicators and have vision and focus.”
years residing in the capital and in Montreal children, along with the pandemic, were She says leadership can also change
as Katie begun her career at Deloitte. factors in her decision. constantly which disrupts everyone
An international secondment in England “You really start to rethink your priorities because people must relearn each other’s
was offered to her, and Scott got accepted and what you really want,” says Katie, norms.
to a master’s program, prompting the pair noting the timing was right. “When I “Change management is about creating
to take this unique plunge. was with Deloitte there was variety and these mechanisms so people can talk
“We were there for five years. Scott did his different clients, but you’re still working for to each other and learn from each other
master’s degree (in International Relations) the same company and it’s good to change and help each other out through all this
at Oxford University, then his PhD at the it up.” change,” says Katie, explaining she often
London School of Economics and I had the Working in change management has approaches her work with various clients
chance to work as a consultant for Deloitte provided an opportunity for her to work as a problem-solving exercise.
all around the world,” says Katie. with a variety of clients and organizations, “People are less afraid of failure if they
“It was great fun and an amazing which she says has been the best part of approach things as an experiment. I think
opportunity that I would encourage to her new career. people get caught up in thinking they
everyone who can.” “You’re helping so many people and are going to fail, but if you run it is an
Approximately nine years ago when it helping a whole organization in one experiment, there’s no right or wrong and
came to return to Canada after her five- engagement, which is amazing,” says then you’re more open to opportunity and
year work visa expired, Katie took a job Katie, who has worked with various clients creativity and you empower people more.”
in Deloitte’s Burlington office, while Scott including some in healthcare and regional In terms of creativity, she says the
began teaching international politics, government. Cambridge business community is ideal
philosophy, security, and environmental “There’s a lot that goes into change for fostering success as an entrepreneur
politics, at Wilfrid Laurier University and management and to get people onboard because there are many avenues to obtain
the Balsillie School of International Affairs with it because projects can be much more free and helpful advice, including various
(BSIA) in Waterloo. successful when an organization uses organizations, and recommends any
“It was exactly what I wanted to do change management.” would-be entrepreneur take advantage of
and such a nice little office,” she She says strong leadership is key for what is available.
says of the company’s Burlington organizations to navigate changes and “It’s all about getting out there,” says Katie.
location. “It was a nice change from notes that leaders need to be role models, “Get advice and ask for help; talk to people
the Goliath of what Deloitte is in which can sometimes be difficult due and test your ideas because there are lots
London.” to the external and internal pressures of people that will encourage you.”
employers must learn to adapt to, such as
Initially, the couple considered other AI and hybrid work. For more, visit
surrounding communities to call home but www.adaptchangeconsulting.ca
felt Cambridge fit their lifestyle the best.

www.cambridgechamber.com Winter 2026 35