Laura Blythe
Vice President, Strategy (Acting) at CWB Group- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Linda MacLean
I had the privilege of reporting to Laura for two years in her role as Vice President, People and Strategy at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. She is a dedicated HR professional who is forward thinking and always acts with integrity and courage. Laura’s ability to proactively lead organizational discussions to inform decision making at the start of the Covid Pandemic was invaluable. She was quick to adapt to new realities, and change course if needed. She has a growth mindset that inspires her teams to achieve and feel valued. Laura is an amazing people leader and would be an exceptional asset for any organization.
Rachel Stanford
I was extremely fortunate to report to Laura while she was the VP, People and Strategy with St. Joseph's Healthcare Center. Laura is a strong leader that brought inspiration, vision and mentorship during a very challenging time. Laura rose to the challenges faced with COVID19 and remained calm, positive and focused while still keeping the well-being of her team in mind. I am extremely grateful for my time with Laura but only wish it had been for longer. Laura will continue to raise the bar as a leader.
Linda MacLean
I had the privilege of reporting to Laura for two years in her role as Vice President, People and Strategy at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. She is a dedicated HR professional who is forward thinking and always acts with integrity and courage. Laura’s ability to proactively lead organizational discussions to inform decision making at the start of the Covid Pandemic was invaluable. She was quick to adapt to new realities, and change course if needed. She has a growth mindset that inspires her teams to achieve and feel valued. Laura is an amazing people leader and would be an exceptional asset for any organization.
Rachel Stanford
I was extremely fortunate to report to Laura while she was the VP, People and Strategy with St. Joseph's Healthcare Center. Laura is a strong leader that brought inspiration, vision and mentorship during a very challenging time. Laura rose to the challenges faced with COVID19 and remained calm, positive and focused while still keeping the well-being of her team in mind. I am extremely grateful for my time with Laura but only wish it had been for longer. Laura will continue to raise the bar as a leader.
Linda MacLean
I had the privilege of reporting to Laura for two years in her role as Vice President, People and Strategy at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. She is a dedicated HR professional who is forward thinking and always acts with integrity and courage. Laura’s ability to proactively lead organizational discussions to inform decision making at the start of the Covid Pandemic was invaluable. She was quick to adapt to new realities, and change course if needed. She has a growth mindset that inspires her teams to achieve and feel valued. Laura is an amazing people leader and would be an exceptional asset for any organization.
Rachel Stanford
I was extremely fortunate to report to Laura while she was the VP, People and Strategy with St. Joseph's Healthcare Center. Laura is a strong leader that brought inspiration, vision and mentorship during a very challenging time. Laura rose to the challenges faced with COVID19 and remained calm, positive and focused while still keeping the well-being of her team in mind. I am extremely grateful for my time with Laura but only wish it had been for longer. Laura will continue to raise the bar as a leader.
Linda MacLean
I had the privilege of reporting to Laura for two years in her role as Vice President, People and Strategy at St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph. She is a dedicated HR professional who is forward thinking and always acts with integrity and courage. Laura’s ability to proactively lead organizational discussions to inform decision making at the start of the Covid Pandemic was invaluable. She was quick to adapt to new realities, and change course if needed. She has a growth mindset that inspires her teams to achieve and feel valued. Laura is an amazing people leader and would be an exceptional asset for any organization.
Rachel Stanford
I was extremely fortunate to report to Laura while she was the VP, People and Strategy with St. Joseph's Healthcare Center. Laura is a strong leader that brought inspiration, vision and mentorship during a very challenging time. Laura rose to the challenges faced with COVID19 and remained calm, positive and focused while still keeping the well-being of her team in mind. I am extremely grateful for my time with Laura but only wish it had been for longer. Laura will continue to raise the bar as a leader.
Credentials
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Board Dynamics for Executives
Institute of Corporate DirectorsAug, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Long-Term Care Administrator
AdvantAge Ontario - Advancing Senior CareSep, 2019- Nov, 2024 -
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management InstituteDec, 2015- Nov, 2024 -
Commissioner for Taking Affidavits
Ontario Ministry of the Attorney GeneralFeb, 2011- Nov, 2024 -
Alternative Dispute Resolution
University of Windsor Faculty of Law -
Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL)
HRPA - Human Resources Professionals Association
Experience
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CWB Group
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Canada
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Public Safety
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100 - 200 Employee
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Vice President, Strategy (Acting)
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Mar 2023 - Present
Excited and honoured to take on this acting role (in addition to my Talent & Culture responsibilities). Working with an amazing group of leaders to develop CWB Group's integrated multi-year strategic plan.
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Vice President, Talent & Culture
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Nov 2020 - Present
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, I am an integral member of the Executive Team, representing the employee voice at the leadership table; supporting CWB Group’s organizational transformation; driving and championing innovation and cultural change; building high-performance, client-focused and collaborative teams; and providing progressive leadership to all aspects of the HR function.
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St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre Brantford
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Canada
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Hospitals and Health Care
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President, People & Strategy
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Nov 2019 - Nov 2020
In addition to my VP role at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph (SJHCG), I worked concurrently as VP, People & Strategy at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford (SJLCB). SJLCB is a member of the St. Joseph’s Health System and is leader in long-term care, palliative and hospice care, and community outreach programs. In addition to my VP role at St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph (SJHCG), I worked concurrently as VP, People & Strategy at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford (SJLCB). SJLCB is a member of the St. Joseph’s Health System and is leader in long-term care, palliative and hospice care, and community outreach programs.
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St. Joseph's Health Centre Guelph
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Canada
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Hospitals and Health Care
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President, People & Strategy
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Oct 2018 - Nov 2020
Reporting directly to the President, I was accountable for leading the development of the organization’s strategic plan and ensuring its successful implementation. My responsibilities also included leading, developing, and implementing the aligned People Strategy. My functional oversight included: Human Resources, Volunteer Services, Library Services, Occupational Health & Wellness, Enterprise Risk Management, Infection Control, Clinical Education, and Communications. As a key member of the senior executive team, ensured effective functioning of both organizations; represented SJHCG as a core member of an early adopter Ontario Health Team. Served as Incident Manager for SJCHG’s COVID-19 response and led the IMS response team. Show less
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Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)
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Canada
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Insurance
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700 & Above Employee
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Director; HR Strategy, Governance, and Talent Programs
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Jun 2017 - Sep 2018
- Oversaw the development and execution of WSIB's HR StrategyManaged teams accountable for: - HR Compliance - inclusive of legislative compliance, HR policy and guideline development, the employee investigations function and respectful workplace programming - Leadership and Talent program development - inclusive of performance management, succession management, executive development, high-potential program, employee orientation, new manager program, experienced manager program, Director program - Employee Experience - accountable for employee engagement survey, action planning, integration and the employee value proposition development and rollout - Project Management - accountable for the development, monitoring and controlling of the HR roadmap - Process Optimization - accountable for building continuous improvement into the HR function Show less
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Director; HR Strategy, Policy and Compliance
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Dec 2014 - Jun 2017
- Responsible for leading the development of HR strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and the mitigation of key HR risks- Oversaw HR planning functions, cross-divisional integration and communications - Introduced and championed quality management and continuous improvement initiatives- Stood up and oversaw an HR Project Management community of expertise- Created an HR compliance functional area
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Director; Strategy, Leadership and Learning
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May 2014 - Feb 2015
Accountable for three main areas:- HR Strategy, planning, integration, and process improvement- Leadership development- Corporate learning and technology
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Project Manager, Strategic Transformation
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Nov 2011 - Apr 2014
• As a key member of the HR senior leadership team, contributed to the creation of the workforce and workplace of the future by aligning work with organizational priorities• Set the HR product and program development foundation for the WSIB in response to the Corporate Strategic Plan• Provided an integrated view of HR activities connected with the transformational agenda across the WSIB• Evaluated appropriate resourcing and coordinate efforts of 100+ member HR division to ensure successful delivery of HR services• Defined project scope and deliverables, develop project plans, managed project activities throughout project lifecycle• Introduced Lean and CI principles and practices into the HR division• Led business continuity planning for the Corporate Services cluster Show less
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Project Manager, Strategic Business Services
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Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
• Managed the development and implementation of short-term disability, wellness, and attendance management programs for the organization's 4,300 employees
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HR Business Partner
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Aug 2007 - Sep 2011
• Provided strategic HR services to management teams in Kitchener, Guelph and Toronto in all HR functional areas • Facilitated the resolution of complex employee and labour relations issues, using a consultative, diagnostic approach• Coached and mentored managers to respond effectively to people problems • Managed learning and development staff
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Adjudicator
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Aug 2004 - Jul 2007
• Managed claims from initial entitlement through return to work or labour market re-entry, ensuring consistency with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act
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Economical Insurance
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Canada
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Insurance
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700 & Above Employee
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Training Specialist
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Sep 2001 - Aug 2004
• Led senior management to identify and prioritize organizational development needs; obtained buy-in from key stakeholders• Managed teams of Training Developers, internal partners and external suppliers through the design and development of technical and soft-skills training solutions • Instrumental in the establishment of ELITE: the Economical Learning Institute for Training and Education; planned all ELITE course curriculum• Researched and implemented various OD initiatives including succession planning and career development programs Show less
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Training Developer
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May 2001 - Sep 2001
• Developed a 12-step training design and development process utilized to create all technical training across the organization• Applied knowledge of adult learning and appropriate instructional technology to design and develop technical training schools, organizational effectiveness programs and workshops• Crafted corporate communications in support of various HR initiatives
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LIVE Consultants
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St. Jacobs, ON
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Education Program Writer/Developer
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Apr 1997 - Apr 2001
• Designed creative, engaging, and practical management education and learning solutions in support of the strategic direction of 10 key clients including Rockwell Automation, Stock Transportation and CIBC • Managed projects from needs analyses through presentation of finished product to client • Created training materials including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, audio/video scripts, simulations, inventories, role plays, self-assessments and case studies • Wrote client newsletters, press releases, trade show material, speeches and other corporate communications Show less
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Education
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2010 - 2011
The University of Western Ontario - Richard Ivey School of Business
Executive MBA, Cross-enterprise leadership -
2015 - 2015
Queen's University
Leading a Mentally Healthy Workplace Certificate Program -
2013 - 2015
University of Waterloo
Certificate in Project Management -
1996 - 1999
Conestoga College
Human Resources, HR Management -
1994 - 1995
Wilfrid Laurier University
MA, Political Science -
1990 - 1994
Wilfrid Laurier University
BA, Hons., Political Science -
2016 -
Canadian Board Diversity Council
Get on Board - Level 1, Governance Education Program
Community
