About Kirk McKay
Kirk McKay is an experienced Management Consultant and a certified Business Coach with 40 years of expertise in addressing business challenges and facilitating change.
He has worked with major multinational corporations, including IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Visa International. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of Consilium Coaching & Consulting Services Ltd, a Canadian company that provides renovation services for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Kirk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco, USA, and a Master’s in Business Facilitation from Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. His professional credentials include Project Management Professional (PMI) and Certified Business Coach (ICA).
What do you need to create a prosperous business?
I have coaxed plans out of a wide range of people. I have guided business owners to make radical changes to failing or stagnant businesses. My proven process maximizes your time and effort while minimizing the stress that often paralyzes entrepreneurs. It will also alleviate your concerns about taking your business to the next level. If you have the following, you are ready:
- A firm that's prepared to handle more business
- The recognition of the value that a clear vision backed by a solid action plan can have
- An openness to collaboration
- A willingness to work on your business instead of just in your business
- A belief in the power of your vision to change your client's and staff's lives for the better
- 4 to 6 hours per week for up to four months.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
“I am writing to provide a strong letter of reference for Consilium and Writer4Elements, who recently collaborated with us to develop a grant proposal for our Newcomer Professional Mentorship Program. Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in crafting a compelling and professional application that reflects our vision and goals.
From the outset, the teams at Consilium and Writer4Elements demonstrated exceptional communication and a deep understanding of grant-writing best practices. This personalized approach ensured the grant proposal authentically represented our objectives and the impact we aim to achieve in the community.
Thanks to their efforts, we feel confident that our proposal stands out in a competitive funding environment.
I wholeheartedly recommend Consilium and Writer4Elements to any organization in need of grant-writing services. Their expertise, professionalism, and collaborative approach make them invaluable partners in achieving funding goals.”
Michael Austin
Program Coordinator
Medicine Hat Area Employment Mentorship
“Kirk is a pleasure to work with, a very good listener, detailed and organized and asked questions that gave him a good understanding of the operational aspects of my practice, and a knowledgeable business coach. Should you require a thorough strategic plan or a business coach, I recommend you give Kirk serious consideration.”
Roy Freeborn
Owner, Freeborn Financial, Calgary, Alberta, in association with Experior Financial Group.
“Working with Kirk I have found his advice to be instructive, sound and easy to grasp. … I have no doubt that with Kirk’s guidance in preparing our business plans, we will be successful in attaining our goal.”
Elizabeth Todd
Director, Bimbadeen Estates, Mount View, NSW, Australia
“… absolutely brilliant. It’s an absolute testament to your capabilities and something you should be very proud of. I think your writing is very clear and simple. The format is professional and easy to follow.”
Kirrily Dear
Owner/Director, Eyes Wide Open Consulting, Sydney, Australia
“Kirk demonstrated his extensive experience and skill in business and also his ability to quickly understand the complex needs of small business in Australia.”
David Baumgarten
Director of Business Buddies, Sydney, Australia
FAQs
What makes you different?
I am very flexible and adaptable, and I love to discover the best way to do something, to innovate to solve issues. My track record over the last 35 years has shown an aptitude for resolving difficult business problems successfully. My Master’s in Business Facilitation from the University of Victoria, Australia, has provided the formal business training and coaching structure to allow me to tackle the most intransigent problems.
I have skilled managers running my work streams. Why engage you?
Department managers tend to focus on what makes their responsibilities work the best. They seldom see the big picture across the company or the internal motivations of the owner. My work should never be seen as a threat. I can help everyone succeed by providing a unified strategy for every department that meets the owner’s needs. For example, most managers are unaware of the unique value the company provides to its customers. With everyone keeping a consistent branding message, productivity improves, and customer engagement increases.
How do you measure success?
Revenue and profit. When you become more in tune with where you need to go and why, who your customers are and their situations, then you will see more sales and higher profits. It’s that simple.
What's your process?
Consilium uses the exclusive MOVE process. I help owners clarify their motivations, their vision and their ideal client. We take the time to understand the business environment and create a strategy that focuses on the right clients while improving operations to handle current and future challenges.
To put this strategy into action, we develop a clear plan that details what needs to change. I also offer coaching to help carry out the plan and make sure everything is implemented successfully.
Do I need more than an idea for a strategic plan?
Absolutely not. You don’t even need much of an idea. I have drawn plans from the most inexperienced owners. I have worked with owners in every phase of the plan creation process — from concept to first draft to implementation. What helps most is to have a good idea of why you run a business, where you want to go and why your customers should care. If you don’t know all that, I am skilled at helping you figure that out.
What would I do with the plan I build?
Three big things, not to mention the incredible joy that comes from seeing your thoughts and ideas in a clear form that can drive you and your business.
First, putting your ideas to paper clarifies them for you and others who read the plan, such as the management team and key staff.
Second, it’s a great guide for all staff when dealing with your clients and performing any necessary role in your business. The strategic plan should affect how you work in every department.
Third, nothing separates you from your competitors better than understanding your unique value, how it applies to your business and customers, and having a solid action plan to turn your vision into reality.