User:Randyfisher

From WikiEducator

Jump to: navigation, search
Randy Fisher 'aka Wikirandy'
Employer:Consultant at The Commonwealth of Learning
Nationality:Canadian
Country:Canada
Center This user was certified a WikiBuddy by Mackiwg .
This user is a WikiNeighbour
for WikiEducator.


Please Support Me


About Randy Fisher ~ aka "Wikirandy"

I have 14+ years of experience related to stakeholder engagement, project design, coordination and implementation in business, marketing, education, public policy and HR services (i.e., education, forestry, energy, government and nonprofits (including social / immigrant services). I have also advised, trained and coached front-line staff, technical and IT specialists, middle managers and executives.

In 2008, I wrote the Winter 2008 cover story for the BC Human Resources Management Association: Mergers & Acquisitions: Are You Ready?. Currently, I am consulting to The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in Vancouver on several projects including WikiEducator (see below).

My Abilities

  • Strategic thinker, and able to operationalize / implement the vision
  • Strong analytical, investigative and synthesizing skills
  • Able to bridge business and technology worlds - excellent communication skills especially with technical folks!
  • Able to increase employee engagement, collaboration, and performance in teams, communities, and strategic partnerships
    • skilled at community development - online and face-to-face
    • able to work with diverse, multicultural employees
    • able to design and develop education / ODL / e-learning materials, communities - F2F or distributed/virtual environments, in Canada and internationally

My Education

  • 2009 - MA, Organization Management & Development, Fielding Graduate University, (WASC Member) California
  • 1987 - BJ (Journalism), post-graduate degree, University of King's College, (AUCC Member), Halifax
  • 1985 - BA (Political Science), McGill University, (AUCC Member), Montreal

Diplomas

  • 2007 - BC Provincial Instructor / Train-the-Trainer (practicum remaining), Vancouver Community College. Recognized by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education
  • 1996 - Certified Advanced Technology Manager, Canadian Advanced Technology Association (now CATA Alliance) & Learnsoft (a Newbridge Networks spinoff), Ottawa. An intensive 9-month mini-MBA in business and management skills, originally designed for high tech leaders at Newbridge)
  • 1978 - French as a Second Language, University of Quebec in Three Rivers

Certifications

  • 2001 - The Birkman Method (2001); Strong Interest Inventory (2000); Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (1999)


My Work & Consulting History

2006 - 2008 - The Commonwealth of Learning, Vancouver, BC

Coordinator, Commonwealth Executive MBA / MPA Programmes & Consortium

  • Coordinating the open and distance learning CEMBA / MPA Programmes in Commonwealth developing countries including Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Ghana & Nigeria).
  • Evaluated external consultants for course reviews and revisions; and to prepare Action Plan for converting Print-Content to Online Delivery System
  • Coordinated Executive Governing Board and Academic Board meetings and correspondence.

Facilitator, Community-Builder, WikiEducator

  • Facilitating the development of the Quality4eLearning (Q4eL) project node and WikiPublishing model.
  • Developing cluster strategy for networking ODL Learning communities for [[Learning4Content|Learning4Content] initiative (funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation).
  • Co-facilitated L4C online workshops, teaching Mediawiki editing skills. (L4C1, eL4C1, eL4C2-COL-UNESCO Workshop)
  • Facilitating WikiEducator Webconferences. Also exploring possibility of annual WikiEd conference (w/Nellie Deutsch), building on SFU-SCoPE online conference model.
  • Designed community-building activities for FLOSS4EDU workshop in New Zealand (focusing on wiki-training and Open Educational Resources (OERs)
  • Assisted in developing WikiEducator's Skills Certification Program. Co-developed WikiNeighbour & WikiBuddy concepts & resource page - with Wayne Mackintosh).
  • Conducted community needs analysis and facilitated community development, linkages and strategic partners (i.e., WikiMedia Foundation, Free Culture Movement, DimDim). Currently working on WikiEngagement page.
  • Attended the 1st (WikiEducator) Tectonic Shift Think Tank meeting at the Commonwealth of Learning, in Vancouver to discuss the future of Wikieducator and free educational content.
  • Wrote paper about WikiEducator focused on complexity theory, self-organization, and culture. Complexity Theory as Leadership Toolkit for Organizational Management - "Bridging the Digital Divide: Universal Access to Education. (This article, developed and published on WikiEducator, was required coursework in the MA program, Organization Management and Development at Fielding Graduate University.)

Facilitator, Communications Strategist, Governance

  • Designed in-country governance workshops and ODL planning sessions (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands)
  • Co-developed objectives, agenda and design of ODL Think Tank on Governance in London, UK (July 2008), attended by representatives from the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation, and regional organisations from developing countries.
  • Stakeholder communications, community facilitation and workshop design, for ODL resources in governance
  • Developed reporting template for COL's Board of Governors

Facilitator, Community Media project node

  • Facilitating the startup of wiki-releated actions as part of COL's capacity building activities for media:

Tutor (e-Learning), COL's Writing Effectively Programme

  • Tutored UN HIV/AIDS & WHO managers and administrative staff - at a distance - to improve their writing skills, under the COLeIO programme.
  • Developed companion Learner Study Guide on WikiEducator.


iCentro Networks, Practice Manager, Vancouver, 2006-present

  • An Organization Design & Development consulting practice with expertise in stakeholder engagement, facilitation and collaboration; managing change; and building sustainable communities, networks and alliances.
  • Developed Strategic Action Network methodology and organizational structure to assist client-stakeholders to achieve business objectives. Designed and facilitated BC PowerPeer Network — a supply-chain business development network of 10 alternative energy sector firms.
  • Assessed stakeholder positioning and developed engagement and communication strategies. Defined possible business impacts and cultural changes. Developed plans and strategies to respond to disruption/risk.
  • Facilitated stakeholders to gain consensus and buy-in; managed change through coaching, workshops, generative dialogue, interviews, feedback, summaries, reviews,


2005 - 2006 - Employment & JobMatch Counsellor, Family Service Agency, Vancouver, BC

  • Provided vocational counselling, empathy, resume writing, cover letters, behavioural interview strategies.
  • Provided employment support, referral, advocacy, lead-generation and job search techniques for new and recent immigrants.
  • Mentored and coached diverse, multi-cultural clientele.
  • Developed leads and contacts with employers in high tech, business and nonprofit organizations.
  • Designed and facilitated Canada Workplace Culture workshops and breakfast networking event for business professionals called “Nosh n’ Network”.
  • Designed / launched career-related web blogs to assist job-seekers and case managers.

1999-2005 — Managing Director, iCentro Corporation, Vancouver, BC

  • Launched an IT recruitment / placement firm (1999). After the dot-com bust (2001), iCentro retooled focusing on organization management and development, human performance and interpersonal networks. Formed strategic alliances with Futureworks (Seattle); Epsilon Learning & Trottier & Associates (Vancouver).

2002-2005

  • Developed slate of consulting services (including learning workshops, leadership coaching, needs analysis, surveys, data collections and facilitation) to increase innovation and build collaborative relationships and networks. Based on The iCentro Method POWER Network System™. Designed and facilitated workshops to government, nonprofits and the high tech community.
  • Expert knowledge of strategies and adult learning principles for building rapport and project implementation.
  • Designed team-building workshop for mental health case workers (ATCMHMR, Austin, TX)


1999-2001

  • Marketed and provided IT and related recruiting services in Canada and the US.
  • Focused on “reverse-marketing” candidates (i.e., advocating best-fit candidates to employers)
  • Developed and maintained strategic relationship with Microsoft Alumni recruiter.
  • Provided support and coaching to 100+ career transition professionals. Used MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory assessment tools. Conducted pre-screening, candidate assessment, background and reference checks, interview coaching and candidate-employer bridging.

2005 - Account Executive, MarketFit, Vancouver, BC (part-time)

  • Provided PR / media relations for clients in finance, foodservices and real estate.
  • Positioned and marketed a $15M private Island in Fiji as the “The Ultimate Christmas Gift”.
  • Also secured feature profile in BC Business and media coverage in US.

2003 - Program Manager, Executives on Auction, Vancouver, BC (volunteer)

  • Launched online auction — raising funds for charity by auctioning off time with executives.
  • Recruited 50+ business execs to raise money their favourite charities. 20+ business associations and media agreed to promote the auction to members.
  • Planned and coordinated ‘Benefit Lunch’ for 40+ execs, sponsors, charities, media personalities and VIPs.
  • Negotiated numerous sponsorships. Managed relationship with PR agency. Wrote and test-marketed all supporting marketing / communications collateral (online, print, electronic)

1997-1999 - Randy Fisher Communications, Ottawa, ON & Vancouver, BC

1997 - Team building / communications for Multiactive Technologies e-commerce division.

  • Coached a young and diverse team of 25 technical professionals (software engineers, IT / IS and web pros) to gel into a team. Provided onsite coaching and facilitated teambuilding workshop. The team stayed together for 3 years, and eventually went on to win a Codie Award.

1994-1996 - Project Co-Leader, Branham Group, Ottawa, ON & Miramichi, NB

  • Conducted market research studies and strategic planning process to support business growth, economic development and cluster formation ~ Branham become a leader in distance learning consulting.
    • Won a $150K contract for a regional economic development strategy in Atlantic Canada. Analyzed business case for distance learning consortium based in Ontario.
    • Conducted public consultations for community input and buy-in for regional economic development initiatives.
    • Developed a Strategic Action Plan for an e-learning institute in Miramichi, NB.
      • Conducted market research, interviews and data-gathering for feasibility studies Applied statistical and other research methods into business issues and data analysis (SPSS).

Public Relations, Writing & Communications

1990-1996 - Writing / research projects for Ottawa-based associations, NGO's, associations and the government of Canada

  • Association of Provincial Organizations ~ part of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association (APRO - Graham Taylor);
  • Canada Post; Canadian Advanced Technology Association (CATA Alliance); Environment Canada; House of Commons Public Information Office;
  • Industry Canada; Knowledge Connection Corporation (a spinoff of the Telecommunications Research Institute of Ontario, now part of OCRI);
  • National Capital Commission; National Research Council; Natural Resources Canada; Pre-competitive Applied Research Network (PRECARN) /
  • Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS)

1993 - Communications Officer, Pubic Service Commission / Training & Development Canada
1992 - Director, Communications, Public Policy Forum, Ottawa
1992 - Communications Officer, Bell-Northern Research (Northern Telecom), Ottawa
1991-1992 - Advertising / Copywriter, Minto Developments, Ottawa

Journalism

1989-1991 - Business Journalist

  • The Globe and Mail (Report on Business), Ottawa
  • The Financial Post, Montreal
  • CBC Radio (CBO) Morning, Ottawa
  • The Ottawa Citizen, Copy Editor


Coaching & Mentoring

  • 2008 - Mentoring - Human Resources, Dan Abel, BCHRMA / Worksafe BC, Vancouver
  • 2004 - Mentoring - Group Dynamics and Facilitation, Trottier & Associates, Vancouver

Publications (articles)

2008

2007

  • "Mergers & Acquisitions: Are You Ready", cover story in PeopleTalk Winter 2007 issue, BC Human Resources Management Association, (pp. 12-20)
  • "Climate Change: Opportunities for Exporters" (working title), for Export Development Canada
  • Profile: Student Services Evaluation Coordinator, in Outlook, for CGA-BC Outlook
  • Profile: Teldon Media / Printing, in Outlook, for CGA-BC

2006

  • "From 50 lb laptops to PDA's: Computer User Group Still Going Strong After 20 Years", BC Certified General Accountants association, Vancouver
  • "Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a Company on the Move", BC-Certified General Accountants association, in Outlook, Vancouver
  • Profile: Canada Export Centre, in ExportWise, for Export Development Canada

1999

  • "Cracking the New E-conomy", Washington Software Alliance: articles on information-gathering, research and team-building. Also interviewed Seattle-area high tech entrepreneurs.

Presentations

2008

2007

The Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning has grown to become one of the world’s leading conferences on learning and global development. PCF5 in London will explore how open and distance learning can help achieve international development goals and education for all. The conference theme is "Access to Learning for Development" with a focus on children and young people, health, livelihoods, social justice, conflict and governance.

2004

  • Increasing Collaboration: Network Organizations and Horizontality, by Randy Fisher and Patrick Trottier, iCentro Corporation. Presented at Riding the Winds of Change, Pacific Management Community Council, Burnaby, BC November 23-24, 2004.

Professional Organizations

2007

  • BC Human Resources Management Association (BCHRMA)
  • BC Organizational Development Network (BCODN)
  • Organizational Development Network (OD Network)


My Websites


Community Service

  • Developed two Fieldkits (Resources) for Fielding Graduate University OMD Program, 2007
  • St. Paul Hospital - Healthy Heart Resource Centre, Vancouver, 2006
  • Simcha Live! Steering Committee Member, 2005-2006
    • Launched and produced monthly music and cultural showcase. Managed team of 2 direct reports and 5 indirect reports. Recruited 25+ performers in 8 months. Developed blogs and executed email marketing campaigns.
  • Vancouver Downtown Community & Simcha Live! Member, Steering Committee, 2005-2006
  • Washington Software Alliance, Seattle, 2000

Lead interviewer: “Cracking the New E-conomy: Business Tools for Entrepreneurs, 2000.

  • Softworld Marketing Committee, Vancouver, 1998;
  • Ottawa Distance Learning Group, Ottawa, Acting Director, 1997

Contact Me!

wikirandy AT yahoo.com Vancouver, BC +1 604.684.2275

  • Gmail: wikirandy
  • Skype: wikirandy
  • Yahoo**: wikirandy




Welcome to the Organization Management and Development Page

Featuring Useful OD Resources, Readings & Strategies


My Perspective

  • Always be aware of the human factor in technology / community creation.
  • Make sure the technologies/technologists serve the users. Use every opportunity to engage others, and learn individually and collectively.
  • Know your stakeholders well, and their interests.
  • Communicate effectively, by multiple means at varying frequencies within the group and externally.
  • Wikis are a paradigm-shift - and also represent a power-shift: Remember that fear and anxiety are ever-present - before we ever started talking about MediaWiki / Wikieducator!
  • Give laggards (or perceived laggards) an opportunity to participate at their level.
  • Respond to feedback.
  • KISS..and...keep our eyes on the prize ~ individually and writ-large (i.e., Millenium Development Goals).
  • Exercise self-reflection
  • Try to find the humour / enjoy the laughter!

My Interests in Organization Management & Development

(image:comment.gif: I am pursuing an MA, Organization Management and Development, Fielding Graduate University, graduating in April 2009.)



  • Human Systems
  • Change Leadership
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Employee / Stakeholder Engagement
  • Workforce - transitions, departures, knowledge transfer / management
  • Coaching Development


Specifically...

  • Evaluating, aligning and leveraging organizational processes, dynamics, history and culture and opportunities for movement and sustainable change
  • Creating strategies for engaging stakeholders based on strengths, challenges, interests, motivations, resources and relationships;
  • Supporting organizational change (including large-scale change such as Mergers & Acquisitions), and business process improvement efforts - for measurable results;
  • Developing strategies for building rapport, facilitating sustainable groups, communities, clusters, networks and alliances using collaborative technologies

Selected Projects

  • WikiEducator - Developed a sustainable community-building strategy for a global e-learning community. Facilitating cluster development, relationship-building and partnering in 53 Commonwealth countries.
  • WikiGovernance/COLLaGE - Developing project node on WikiEducator for e-learning related to governance. Coordinating development of Instructional Design for Governance Toolkit. Designing online conversation cafe for opinion leaders in NGOs to share ideas and insights re: governance in the developing world.
  • A strategic action plan and public consultations for a community college to develop an e-learning institute — identifying and qualifying 50+ strategic partners in all aspect of curriculum design and delivery.
  • An economic development plan to attract knowledge-based industries to a remote community;
  • Market research to identify and qualify buyer behaviour and strategic partner opportunities for e-learning for major manufacturers of telecommunications equipment. (also developed business case for new e-learning consortium);
  • Feasibility studies for the launch and marketing of new environmental assessment software; and competitiveness for a research and development lab in the forestry sector;
  • A supply-chain business development network for alternate energy companies seeking opportunities in Asia and South America;
  • Workshop design and delivery for associations, government and corporate sector, including high-tech.

Angrams

Retrieved from "http://www.wikieducator.org/User:Randyfisher"
Personal tools