Tapestry of My Career
Born a creative thinker, I entered high school science fair competitions that culminated in an expense paid trip from Winnipeg, Manitoba to an International Science Fair in London, England. Subsequently, I entered a career focused on people and health, as a registered dietitian. Three interwoven threads: people, health and innovation – depict the tapestry of my career.
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As a frontline health care professional at four hospitals, I observed issues that impeded timely and effective service. I assumed a management position with dedicated time to focus on a human resource strategy, process improvement, and balancing cost savings with high quality, health service delivery.
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I designed a business strategy with policies, procedures and an engagement plan that entailed ongoing realignment to match changing requirements and sustain an annual savings of $100,000 for 20 years. Two subsequent initiatives focused on redesigning processes to improve quality and timeliness of health service delivery, this had broad impact and spread across Canada and into the United States. Another project bridged a gap in service by upskilling employees, this required creating an education program - as none were available - and 52 copies were sold internationally. As a volunteer for Dietitians of Canada, I was the principal investigator for a two-phase national survey research project and conceptualized an advanced practice framework with themes that link to an inventive mindset and transformational leadership. Four of my initiatives were published in peer reviewed journal articles, while others were published and presented elsewhere.
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While working full-time, I completed a Master of Arts in Education at the University of Toronto. My thesis delved into Pask’s Conversation Theory which explored thinking styles, among the most effective are versatile thinkers who can maintain the big picture perspective while drawing in only the essential details. This stimulated my professional interest in how thinking at both an individual and corporate level is closely tied to organizational effectiveness and capacity for major innovation.
Deborah (Ellen) Wildish BHEc, MA, RD
Following four hospital mergers, my position was lost through management restructuring. Two years later, I was rehired by the same health care organization as an Innovation Project Manager where I polished my quality improvement skills and studied strategies to align corporate culture to prepare for, implement, spread and sustain change.
Due to a financial business decision during COVID-19, my position was eliminated. Determined to build upon my diverse skill set and accomplishments - over 100 publications and presentations, 10 operational reviews and an Innovation Award for re-engineering processes, I committed to the launch of my next venture and this is how Cinder to Flame consulting emerged.
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Cinder to Flame’s name depicts resilience, transformation and passion for sustainable, quality living. As a Corporate Health, Culture and Innovation Strategist, my business goal is to help solve complex corporate and system challenges by aligning people for major innovation to promote well-being of clients and communities.
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