Principled Leadership Institute
Our Team
The capacity to lead is rooted in the desire and ability to remain authentic to the process.
We begin there.
Like most organizations, we are only as great as the people who come together to support the journey of others. Our team is a collection of thoughtful, engaging, honest, and authentic leaders.
From ensuring a balance of mindfulness, fostering safe and balanced work cultures, to enhancing developing country's leadership capability, our team’s collective leadership research and wisdom, experience, and enthusiasm provide a solid foundation for our workshops and retreats.
Sharon Blanchard / founder
leader. innovator. coach.
Sharon has worked in the post-secondary/tertiary education sector for over 30 years in both academic and senior leadership roles encompassing international education, recruitment, enrolment management, institutional communications, governance, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Leading with integrity, honesty, and respect while upholding the absolute dignity of others has provided an undercurrent to her leadership approach in these roles.
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Sharon attained a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership with a research focused on ‘Principled Leadership’ which builds the capacity of leaders, their teams, as well as the organization. The objective of this research was to inform leadership development to promote principled and authentic leadership. Sharon continues to participate in post-doctoral research in leadership development in higher education within the Canadian and New Zealand HE (Tertiary) context.
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In addition to owning two businesses, Sharon moved into the not-for-profit sector setting up two innovative business resources for her community, as well as providing leadership development for women.
Meet Our Team
Coleen Nolan
Coleen has been a health and wellness advocate since the early 90’s, with varied experience in health promotion and the omega-3 industry. She facilitates Mindful healthy eating/living programs in the workplace and the community.
She has also been leading yoga classes in the community and workplace since 2008. More recently, she has become involved in the medical cannabis industry, promoting wellness and cannabis research with Nova Scotia’s only organic producer, Aqualitas Inc. She also advocates for the health of her community through her role as volunteer co-chair of the Chebucto West Community Health Board.
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She is a nature-lover, aspiring (currently terrible) guitarist, and loves tennis, cycling, travel and really good food. She lives in Halifax with her husband, their 3 (nearly grown) kids, and a pampered pooch & cat.
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Amy Oughton
Amy Oughton is a Speech Language Pathologist who specialises in what is considered the most fundamental of human capacities....'Communication'.
Amy is a leader in her field and runs a private practice which offers paediatric and adult Speech Language Therapy with speciality services in voice medicine and corporate communication offered nationwide.
Amy has a strong belief that people need to be able to communicate to fulfill their social, educational, emotional and vocational potential and pairs this with scientific research to create a holistic and evidence based practice.
ShelleyAnn Scott
Dr Shelleyann Scott is a Professor of Leadership, Policy & Governance, University of Calgary, Canada.
She serves as current Past President of CASEA. Shelleyann has international experience as an educator, leader, and professional developer across 15 countries.
Her leadership roles include: district curriculum leadership, associate dean, director, and coordinator roles.
Donald Scott
Dr Donald E. Scott is an Associate Professor of Leadership, University of Calgary. Don has 40 years of teaching and administration experience in schools and universities.
Don’s research includes: leadership, capacity building, and quality teaching and learning.
He is the chair/member of numerous awards committees which recognise research excellence.
John Simon
Mr. Simon is an experienced business professional operating in both multinational organizations and entrepreneurial start-up businesses.
His work experience covers a wide range of industries including travel, telecommunications, energy, government, and healthcare.
His business and technology background has allowed him to build and manage teams in the development of new business, delivering new customer solutions, and defining and implementing new corporate strategies.