About Olivia Fermi, M.A.

The combination of my training and life experience enables me to see a situation from many different angles. My work has involved small and large organizations, career change, and successful business startup. New ventures in which I have been a key player include:

• as an entrepreneur launching businesses (including my own computer training company providing courses to business and government)
• as a business systems analyst and project coordinator implementing electronic document management for a local municipality.
• as a volunteer building one of the first recycling centers in North America
• as an artist sharing my love for expression in many forms

I've explored many different cultures, and observed how people learn and adapt more or less successfully in a variety of contexts, including looking at my own patterns, strengths and weaknesses through over 20 years of personal growth work. I integrate all of these experiences into my work with clients.

Currently, I coach individuals, and facilitate and train groups in strategic planning, interest-based decision-making, leadership development, communication and conflict resolution skills, cross-functional teams, business process improvement and related areas of organizational development. I offer a systemic understanding of change and growth in groups and organizations.

I have been a conflict resolution skills coach at the Centre for Conflict Resolution, Justice Institute of B.C. and a negotiation skills coach and assessor for S.F.U. Harbour Centre management training programs.

Education:

• Master of Arts, Applied Behavioral Science, Leadership Institute of Seattle, specializing in Leadership in Human Systems, Bastyr University, Seattle, WA, 1999.
• Certificate in Conflict Resolution earned via 210 hours of coursework in interest-based negotiation and mediation, live practice and rigourous assessment process, Justice Institute of B.C., New Westminster, BC, 1997.
• Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art & Theater, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH., 1977.

I love that moment when someone responds to a challenge... embraces the possibility of change. I live for those moments myself -- those moments when I'm reawakened.