Career Transition:
If your employer has provided you with Career Transition Support through Optimum Talent, click here to get started.
Get Support With:
- Career planning and assessment
- Resume development and optimization
- Creating your professional online profile
- Networking training and events
- Interview preparation
Ronald Dahms joined Optimum Talent in 2005 as Managing Partner, to contribute his solid experience in business development, marketing and strategy.
During his career, Ronald successfully held several executive positions within major corporations such as Bombardier, Desjardins and Export Development Canada. Prior to this, he worked nearly a decade for The Great-West Life Assurance Company.
Ronald holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Toronto and has completed the Executive Program in Strategy and Organization from Stanford University-Graduate School of Business.
Ronald is the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Montreal Rehab Institute. He is also a very active member of the “Young Presidents’ Organization” where he held the role as Chairman of the Quebec Chapter and also served on the Canadian Executive and on a committee of the International Board of Directors.
He serves or has served on many boards of directors in the business and educational community.
Jocelyn Bérard is National Practice Leader, Leadership Assessment and Development at Optimum Talent. In this role, he is responsible for the Organizational Psychology growth plan while developing the level of quality that sets the firm apart in its field, by maintaining a team of proficient professionals that can meet the needs of its clients.
Jocelyn has extensive Canadian and international experience in the areas of human resources and business management in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia, in a variety of industries such as telecommunications, auto manufacturing, health care, retail, aerospace and banking. His interventions focus on Talent Management, especially in the area of leadership assessment and development, performance management, succession management and selection best practices.
Fluently bilingual in French and English, Jocelyn holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Resources, a Master Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and an Executive MBA. Jocelyn’s book, titled “Accelerating Leadership Development”, was published by Wiley and focuses on leadership assessment, leadership development and succession management.
Sandra Boyd is National Practice Leader, Career Transition at Optimum Talent. She brings over 20 years’ experience in Career Management and Career Transition.
Samantha Wood leads our Executive Search team in Central Ontario. With 12 years of search experience throughout North America, her expertise spans multiple functions in both the public and private sector including sales, marketing, human resources, operations and engineering at the Director level through to C-suite.
Samantha has been in a leadership capacity for over 15 years and has grown successful teams both in the recruitment industry as well as in her former role of Regional Sales Manager for a wireless communication company. Hiring, mentoring, engaging and motivating top talent has always been a priority for Samantha, which has provided her with first-hand experience and appreciation for her clients’ needs.
Samantha graduated with a Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Western Ontario. She continuously leverages her education by approaching each search with a proven methodology. She believes that the right research, broad thinking and overall client and candidate commitment is what drives a comprehensive and fulfilling recruitment experience.
Lori joined Optimum Talent in 2016 and brings with her a decade of experience working with national and global talent management firms. She began her career in digital marketing in 2005 and over the proceeding 13 years, she has continued to broaden her digital marketing expertise and expand her overall marketing and communications acumen to include brand management and strategy development for technology and professional services businesses.
In 2007, Lori transitioned into a leadership role with Intelex Technologies, where she led a team of 7 marketing professionals in the execution of a multi-channel marketing strategy and brand refresh. Since then, she has held various leadership roles, leading both centralized and remote teams in Canada and the United States.
Lori is known for her strategic approach to the evolving nature of marketing and for being an exceptional brand advocate. She prides herself on her communication skills and ability to translate complex concepts into approachable and effective language.
Lori holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Guelph.
Vice President, Corporate Development
780.432.5490 ext. 4421
mschwann@optimumtalent.com
Megan joined Optimum Talent in 2008, enthusiastic about delivering consulting services in Edmonton’s business advisory practice. There she spent several years working with our clients with a focus on strategic planning, change management and post-merger integration projects. As the firm evolved, Megan joined the Corporate Services team to shift her focus internally to corporate development and growth initiatives. She has been an integral resource in expanding our operations across the nation, both organically and through acquisition. She has served as the Controller, responsible for all aspects of finance and accounting. In her current role as Vice President, Corporate Development, she is focused on supporting the planning, organization, and execution of corporate initiatives aligned to the strategic priorities of the firm.
Committed to serving her community, Megan is an active member of the Stollery Women’s Network Fundraising & Donor Recognition Committee. She has also proudly served as President of the Junior League of Edmonton and Treasurer of Edmonton’s YWCA. Passionate about health and wellness, Megan was previously a Motivator at YEG Cycle and an Ambassador for Kit and Ace. Megan holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, along with a Certified Managerial Accounting designation.