Dr. Mark Szabo

I believe that we succeed to the level others allow. My unique skill is mobilizing people who are not yet ready to let you advance. I do this by changing the patterns of interaction that prevent them from seeing what you have to offer. Together we will turn supporters into advocates, neutrals into sources of insight, and detractors into non-factors. I am a seasoned strategy professional with global brand experience in a wide range of industries, with considerable academic research credibility and 20+ years in the trenches, and I look forward to helping you get to the next level. 

 

 SKILLS

  • Creating and executing research for fact-based decision making   

  • Getting focus in complex conflicts and challenges 

  • Mobilizing people to advance and enhance organizational goals

  • Turning strategic planning into practical execution

  • Building alignment with stakeholder engagement and facilitation

  • Leveraging the power of collaborative problem solving

  • Bridging the gaps between academy, community, and business 

  • Liaising effectively with Boards and Corporate Governance bodies

  • Creating nimble, agile organizational structures across silos

 

EDUCATION 

  • PhD - Executive Decision Making in Complex Conflicts, University of Calgary

  • MBA - Marketing & Asian Studies, McGill University

  • JD - Corporate Law, University of Alberta 

  • BA - Economics, University of Alberta

 

PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING

  • Understanding the Squishy Stuff - Making Sense of Environmental Conflicts, IAP2 North American Conference

  • Engagement Opportunities for Energy Regulators, Alberta Energy Regulator  

  • VIDEO: Design Thinking & Collaborative Problem Solving, Haskayne School of Business

  • LINK: Design Thinking in Legal Practice Management, DMI Review, 21:3, p. 44. 

  • Marketing Chinese Companies in North America, CIPEE, Dongying, China

  • Marketing Luxury During Tough Times, DM News

  • Using Personas to Create a Luxury Brand Experience, Luxury Interactive, London

  • How Widgets Can Dismantle Your Silos, iMedia Connection 

  • Branding 101, Exporters and Importers Association of Alberta

  • Making Agencies Work, Strategy Magazine

  • Web Art and Science, Strategy Magazine

  • Thought Leaders Shape Consumer Opinions, Strategy Magazine

 

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Law Society of Alberta 

  • International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)

  • International Association of Business Communicators 

 

PERSONAL  

  • Advanced sailing & navigation certification from Canadian Yachting Association 

  • Music producer, writer and bass player  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuyITRlwqew) 

  • Conversant in German and pretty good at Mandarin Chinese