What people say about working with us…

Text excerpt about the positive experiences and approaches of Elevate the Path, a cultural development initiative.
Letter of appreciation from Toscha Turner, Manager of Cultural Development, City of Leduc (Alberta), 2025, praising a project team for their exemplary work, support, and cultural contribution.

“Our facilitation with Elevate the Path was the best facilitation experience I have ever had. Our organization was going through a transition that of necessity led to difficult decisions. Maureen and Ian guided us respectfully and efficiently, in a process that honoured our values and achievements, and enabled us to see clearly the path ahead. They were knowledgeable about our organizational culture, an aspect that I find is often lacking with facilitators. They are congenial and a joy to work with. I highly recommend Elevate the Path to anyone needing facilitation.”

Anne Carr-Wiggin, NEOS Manager | Indigenous Initiatives, University of Alberta Library

“Numerous individuals have shared with me in the past year in particular that Ian is the 'best leader they have ever had'. He has an ability to unite others for a common purpose or goal or event …. I believe and have heard that those Ian serves feel heard, understand clearly the work they perform, and that they all have a voice. He has strong facilitation skills … and is great at capturing others' opinions and voices in collaborative activities, having an ability to synthesize what has been heard and distill information that ideally others see themselves within.”

About Ian Howatt

“Ian is a very servant and empathetic leader that loves using a combination of humour, accountability (of himself and others), collaboration, and seeking understanding to build true connection with individuals. Ian is not afraid to challenge the status quo or simply ask with appreciative inquiry why things are done the way they are and have we thought of other ways to do things. He applies this continuous improvement in his own leadership practice, seeking feedback on himself to continually self reflect and improve.”

“Working under you was very inspiring. You lead with your values which encouraged me to do the same. Since doing this, I have found that my relationships are stronger and people understand me better. Thank you for always being a great role model.”

“To work with Ian is to benefit from his relationships-plus-results approach. The business outcomes will be met (results) in a connected, respectful way (relationships). He is so effective at stewarding and distilling ideas and perspectives. And he’s clear about deliverables and next steps, adding assurance, progress, and accountability to processes. He does remarkable, insightful work.”

“As a transformational leader, Ian operates from a place of purpose, clarity, and positive impact. He embraces complexity and uncertainty, and guides others to find their way collaboratively through the fog. He sets an example for others to follow by co-designing, experimenting, and embracing a continuous learning mindset. ”

“I believe that the impact you leave has everyone walking away feeling seen/heard and full of energy. You are so passionate and kind. It radiates off of you and makes everyone feel the same way.”

About Maureen Parker

“Maureen creates transformational change. She is an agent of that change - guiding individuals and organizations through what can be very difficult processes - planning, facilitating and communicating sensitive conversations in ways that promote psychological safety and courageous vulnerability.”

“Maureen brings calm, reflection and time for thinking to every conversation. She brings openness, no judgment, a true desire to listen….and a logical approach to complex situations.”

“Maureen built a community among senior leaders, creating connection and trust. As a result, I feel we could speak to one another and work through operational challenges. Her enthusiasm and passion were contagious.”

“When it comes to people dynamics and complex situations, Maureen seems to be able to assess the whole picture and then simplify it, creating new awareness and insights for others.”

“Maureen is skilled at organizational crisis support, workplace culture improvement, anything that supports people stopping, accepting a problem without blame, working through it intentionally in the spirit of genuine improvement to prevent it from occurring again….
Seriously - her facilitation skills are other-worldly.”

“Maureen is skilled at breaking down complex problems into pieces and finding solutions for them. This has been proven time and again.”

“Maureen’s skills are needed at the table:
1) when difficult conversations need to be had about a complex problem, and artful, well-designed and empathic facilitation is required to drive a group of people to common outcomes;
2) for the planning of large events, and her uncanny ability to see the bigger picture while still focused on the very important logistical details;
3) any time a systems approach is required, as she sees dotted lines and connections across multiple streams, and she’s always willing to broker partnerships that drive meaningful and important change for the betterment of clients.”