Written by Katelyn Bastos, Creative Communications student, RRC Polytech 

Leading your own organization usually begins with a plan. You outline your goals, strategies and timelines.  

But evaluating the effectiveness of your plan and identifying areas for improvement is where many people – from fledgling executive directors to seasoned CEOs – can struggle. 

New leaders may lack the wisdom to spot risks down the road. Those with decades of experience may find themselves entrenched in routines or ways of thinking that support their status quo, but stifle new growth.  

So how do you stop yourself from getting stuck? How do you know when it’s time to bring in someone with a fresh perspective and expertise? Someone who’ll examine your plan and can identify new areas for growth, or at least pieces of your process ripe for optimization? 

For many business owners and nonprofits in need of the next step, this is where a third-party consultant can make all the difference. A difference Laurie Ringaert says, can be critical. 

“A lot of nonprofit organizations didn’t have ways to evaluate their programs,” says Ringaert. “There are a lot of organizations that need help with strategic planning.”  

It was this need that sparked a fire in Laurie, to be the change she wanted to see in our city – or at least help weave it. 

Weaving Change in Winnipeg 

Laurie has always been driven by the pursuit of helping others. Throughout her career, she’s researched for, strategically advised, taught or otherwise supported people from within organizations like Canadian Center on Disability Studies, Measuring Up the North, and University of Manitoba.   

She learned what makes these organizations successful, from talent, to operations, to strategy; across healthcare, environmental and government sectors. She worked and learned from the inside, and in time, grew familiar with the common steps they’d take to grow. 

So in 2015, when she was applying for her next job at a nonprofit, she was struck with the realization that there might be a better way for her to help, and fill a gap in the nonprofit market. 

“I said, ‘Instead of hiring me as an employee, how about you hire me as your consultant?’”  

It was a risky bet for her, but most plans worth pursuing take on a calculated risk.

That moment secured Change Weavers Consulting first and longest-standing client. Laurie says it also taught her an important lesson in entrepreneurship. 

“It’s always worth a try; the worst they can say is ‘no.’” 

Adapting to A Change of Plan

Like many businesses, Change Weavers Consulting’s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2020, when in-person meetings were put on hold, Laurie had to adapt her entire skillset to offer her services virtually – something she saw as a challenge to meet her clients where they are. 

“I’m a person that loves to learn, so during that I didn’t see it as a burden, but more of an opportunity.” 

Even today, Laurie is building future success off lessons she’s learned throughout her journey.  

“I just keep evolving for my clients. In the future, I’d like to offer workshops for people wanting to transition in life.” 

Growth, Building Relationships and Lifelong Learning 

For Laurie, consulting is more than just helping businesses with their planning and evaluation needs – it’s about building lasting relationships with her clients and offering personalized solutions. Her advice for budding entrepreneurs? Start small, and build your confidence.  

“Find yourself a steady client. It helps with security, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to watch their business grow with your guidance.” 

She says it’s important to remain open, consider yourself a lifelong learner, and make sure to embrace opportunities to change.  

Laurie’s desire to see Winnipeg businesses operate at their best extends beyond her consulting practice. As a member of The Winnipeg Chamber, Laurie stays connected with fellow entrepreneurs and is always searching for ways to strengthen her network.  

Through The Chamber, she’s joined a group of consultants who regularly meet for coffee and creative brainstorming sessions. Laurie explains that being a one-person team can feel lonely at times, so the opportunity to connect with peers has been extremely helpful for her, personally and professionally.  

So whether you’re starting fresh or working to refine your plan, Laurie proves that positive change is all about weaving in the right perspective. 

Connect with Laurie on LinkedIn. 

Learn more about Change Weavers Consulting on their website.