Homepage3 — Mussio La Grassa

At Mussio La Grassa, we put you first.

We are a team of senior trainers, coaches and management consultants specializing in communications, organizational development, management and leadership. We are seasoned and experienced in the workplace, boardroom and classroom. We don’t try to baffle you with jargon. We help you with real know-how.

Our job is to achieve your desired outcomes.

Our thought leadership is in reputation management, leadership ethics, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, government relations and strategic communications. We know it takes wisdom to lead and wisdom to follow. We share our knowledge and expertise through our courses. As Certified Training and Development Professionals (CTDP) we design our workshops with hands-on learning.

You learn, apply and gain new skills you can use at work with confidence. Our course manuals are designed as resource manuals to give you post-training support.

Our team of coaches, advisors and consultants provide a broad range of services from change realization, executive development to strategically transforming organizations. Our communications and stakeholder expertise support all of our projects.

Let us help you surpass your own expectations.

Lucy La Grassa

PhD, MCC, CTDP

Lucy is an entrepreneur and consultant at heart and a coach and trainer by profession. Yes, she’s vested in your bottom line. She’s also vested in helping you develop your organization and your employees. Her mantra is to serve and lead with integrity.

A former reporter with CBC Radio Canada International, government communications advisor, publisher and serial entrepreneur best define the route she took to becoming a partner in Mussio La Grassa Inc. Lucy is a Marketing Certified Consultant and a Certified Training and Development Professional. She has a PhD in Organizational Development and Transformational Education, specializing in leadership ethics.

She has been training, coaching and consulting for over 20 years. Lucy is a Chair for The Executive Committee (TEC-Canada). She chairs Peer Advisory Boards of CEOs and does one-to-one coaching and issue processing to improve decision-making.

Her friends call her driven and her family call her busy. An avid poet, her favourite thing to do is to contemplate. Well, that and making wine.

Dr. Laurence B. Mussio

MCIPR, CTDP

Dr. Mussio’s career has spanned the academic, corporate and government spheres. He is an acclaimed expert on the long-run experience of corporate strategy and public policy. He has written numerous books, articles and conference papers on a wide range of subjects. In Spring 2020, McGill-Queen’s University Press published Whom Fortune Favours: The Bank of Montreal and the Rise of North American Finance, a monumental, independent, two-volume study of BMO Financial Group. Dr. Mussio has taught in the undergraduate and graduate programs of several universities, including McMaster, Syracuse and York (Toronto).

Dr. Mussio has led countless sessions for government and corporate organizations on communications, reputation management and a host of other subjects. His dynamic teaching style has earned him accolades and awards over the years. Dr. Mussio is also a co-founder of the Long Run Initiative, a not-for-profit initiative focused on connecting academic experts, corporate executives and public policy makers together to discuss historical trends that shape key contemporary challenges. Dr. Mussio currently teaches in the Schulich School of Business at York University in the realm of global management and strategy, and sits on the International Advisory Board of Queen’s University Belfast’s Management School.

“The art of communication is the language of leadership.”

— James Humes

Learn how we can work together

Our Team

Joan Allison, ACC, CDM
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Solutions Coach

Joan Allison, ACC, CDM
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Solutions Coach
joan@mussiolagrassa.ca

Joan is a solutions-driven Associate Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. (ACC – ICF) experienced at community outreach and stakeholder engagement in both the public and private sectors. She has also been certified in Emotional Intelligence, offering EQ-i and EQ360 assessments.

She specializes in strategic marketing for B2B and B2C. She has high-level communications expertise providing advice to bankers and government ministers alike. Joan is a Certified Digital Marketer (CDM) and is Certified in Teaching and Developing Online Courses. She has led high profile integrated advertising campaigns such as the launch and rollout of Full-Day Kindergarten, Child Care, the revised Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Joan also designed and facilitated the Ontario Cabinet Office’s course on Integrated Marketing for communications, policy, and program staff province-wide.

She has a wide range of experience working internationally and has lived in the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Greece. Joan held senior product development and marketing roles in emerging banking technologies such as telephone banking, online banking, and credit card marketing.

Joan has a Marketing Management Certificate from Ryerson University and is a graduate of the management program at Ivey Business School.

Brodie Church, CTP
Trainer + Consultant
HR Advisor

Brodie Church, CTP
Trainer + Consultant
HR Advisor
brodie@mussiolagrassa.ca

Brodie is a passionate and versatile facilitator specializing in management development, customer service, conflict resolution, performance management, sales and communications.

He is a Certified Training Practitioner (CTP) experienced at coordinating, developing and delivering adult learning solutions for public and private sectors. Brodie has exceptional interpersonal skills with a results-oriented attitude. He has a strong creative problem-solving approach to every project with a personal goal of exceeding expectations.

Brodie is also an experienced human resources manager and coach with extensive expertise in employee relations, recruitment, staffing, compensation, training, resource planning and career development. He skilfully manages internal and external relationships and constructively leads corporate business initiatives.

He is a graduate of Queen’s University and has a license in Investment Funds in Canada.

Gillian Williams McClean, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Communications Advisor

Gillian Williams McClean, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Communications Advisor
Gillian@mussiolagrassa.ca

Gillian Williams McClean is a Senior Communications Strategist and ChangeDriver™ Master Practitioner (CDMP).

Gillian’s training, coaching and consulting practice is focused on change realization and organizational transformation; communications planning and direction; issues identification and management; community engagement; media relations, social media and online marketing; research and professional writing.

Among her wide range of experience is her eight-year role as Director of Communications & Marketing and Public Relations & Health Promotion at two multi-site hospital corporations where she led public engagement to over two million residents. She directed internal teams and external agencies in advocacy, advertising, marketing, government relations, public relations and crisis management.

Gillian is known for her exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills that build rapport; her ability to inspire stakeholders at all levels, and her laser focus on aligning corporate objectives with results.

Gillian holds a degree in mass communication and sociology, with a minor in psychology. She is a longstanding member of the International Association of Business Communicators, where she has participated as an Ovation Award Judge.

Fausto Natarelli, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Public Private Partnerships Advisor

Fausto Natarelli, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Public Private Partnerships Advisor
fausto@mussiolagrassa.ca

Fausto’s is an experienced leader, coach and consultant on large capital project development and delivery, strategy development, policy and operational policy communications and issues management and human resources management. He is ChangeDriver™ Certified Practitioner (CDMP) specializing in change realization.

Fausto has deep and broad experience with multi-jurisdictional, billion dollar public and private infrastructure partnerships. He was the Project Director of the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) Initiative between Canada and the United States. His team of 55 multi-disciplined professionals successfully navigated major milestones including multi-jurisdictional approvals.

He excels in highly complex, high-profile and contentious provincial and regional municipal environments. Fausto was the Director of the Yonge Subway Extension Project for York Region Rapid Transit Corporation and former Director for the Hurontario Light Rail Rapid Transit Project for Metrolinx among other ground-breaking projects.

Fausto is also a seasoned negotiator with experience in P3 funding applications.

He is an Adjunct Professor within the Master of Arts Program, Public Policy, Administration and Law at York University. He was awarded the Alumnus of the Year award for outstanding contribution to public administration, supporting and mentoring students, alumni and young professionals

Fausto has a Specialized Honours BA in Public Policy and Administration from York University, a Public Executive Program Certificate from Queen’s University and a Leadership Program Certificate from the Niagara Leadership Institute.

Anthony Paolucci, iBBA, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Business Advisor to the C-Suite

Anthony Paolucci, iBBA, CDMP
Trainer + Consultant
Business Advisor to the C-Suite
anthony@mussiolagrassa.ca

Anthony has extensive knowledge in financial services sector and is a business advisor to the C-Suite.

He brings a highly engaged, collaborative approach to analyzing needs, steering strategic growth and driving change in organizations to achieve intended outcomes.

He worked for TD Bank Financial Group and Canada Trust (formerly) in senior positions. He was a financial advisor and analyst to the Senior Vice President of the biggest retail regions ($63 Billion in assets). He led multiple banking projects in Wealth, Asset Management (Mutual Funds), Insurance, Small Business and Commercial Banking. He also spearheaded campaigns involving up to 5,000 employees and successfully created Centres of Influence.

Anthony is known for tackling complex financial, operational and business issues creatively, intelligently, assertively and articulately. He combined his love for sports with his international, entrepreneurial spirit to work with Nike and Jeuventus FC for over 8 years.

He is a graduate of international business from Schulich School of Business and specialized programs from SDA Bocconi (Milano, Italy), Swiss Finance Academy (Verbier, Switzerland) and Columbia University (New York, USA). Anthony is also a ChangeDriver^TM Master Practitioner (CDMP) with expertise in change realization.

Anthony specializes in the knowledge, brand, technology, app, construction and restaurant industries.

Cathy Sobocan, MA
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Speaker Coach

Cathy Sobocan, MA
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Speaker Coach
cathy@mussiolagrassa.ca

Cathy is a highly-acclaimed media trainer and speaker coach for business executives. She has designed and delivered numerous courses for colleges, universities, and the private sector including: Public Speaking, Presentation Skills, Media Training, Talk Like TED, Reporting and Interviewing for Radio and Television, Radio Documentary and Television Current Affairs.

She brings extensive on-air media experience. Cathy was a news anchor, reporter, senior news writer and show host in Canada and New York City including the business news anchor for Wall Street Journal Radio.

Cathy was a member of the programming team for TEDx Toronto for six years. She was the event’s voice and performance coach and speech writer helping speakers deliver their “Idea Worth Spreading” with confidence.

Cathy has a MA in Broadcast Journalism from Carleton University, a graduate diploma in Voice Coaching from York University, a BA in Communication Studies and Vocal Music from the University of Windsor, and a Radio Broadcasting Diploma from Humber College. She’s a member of ACTRA, VASTA and RTDNA.

Anthea Gomez,CHRE
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Leadership and HR Advisor

Anthea Gomez, CHRE
Trainer, Coach, Consultant
Leadership and HR Advisor
anthea@mussiolagrassa.ca

Anthea has extensive Human Resources leadership experience that includes developing HR strategies, assessing effectiveness of existing HR functions and establishing HR functions. She has developed and facilitated leadership development programs for new leaders and developed and successfully executed succession plans. In her corporate work, Anthea has served as a trusted HR Advisor to the president and senior leaders.

Her warm and open approach when working with others allows for quickly identifying the root of leadership and organizational challenges. Examples of her work in this area includes serving as an internal coach to senior leaders to drive effective collaboration; and conducting assessments on the health of organizational projects to address impending risks.

Anthea has her Canadian Human Resources Executive designation from the Human Resources Professional Association and has been recognized as one of the top 25 HR Professionals in 2016 by the Canadian HR Reporter. In alignment with her interests in Human Rights, she completed a program on the U.N. Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women [CEDAW] through OISE [Ontario Institute of Studies in Education].

Carole Adriaans,
Event Planner and Manager
Stakeholder Engagement Strategist

Carole Adriaans
Event Planner and Manager
Stakeholder Engagement Strategist
carole@mussiolagrassa.ca

Carole Adriaans is a sought-after event planner and manager known for her meticulous attention to detail and protocols. She has planned, organized and managed international, national and regional events for prominent figures on the world stage such as President Nelson Mandela.
She has extensive experience in government and cultural protocols, cultural traditions, benefit galas, sponsorship events and producing community and stakeholder engagement events. Carole focuses her talents and expertise on pressing social issues such as access to education, women’s issues, Indigenous affairs, HIV/AIDS and health.

Carole is passionately committed to diversity, equity and inclusivity events and working with Indigenous leaders in Canada. She founded South African Women for Women and the Zenzele Development Organization.

Our Clients

Our Strategic Alliances

Our strategic alliance with Wilson Strategic Management brings expert business transformation strategies including technology solutions and organizational processes to MLG. https://wilsonsm.com/

Our strategic alliance with Barnes Management Group brings an empathic approach and integrative thinking to solve problems from diverse perspectives with a world view. http://barnesmanagementgroup.com/

One Smart World brings to MLG a psychometric system with a 4 Dimensions Inventory. The on-line interactive instrument identifies individuals’ preferences in thinking strategies, emotional intelligence and resilience. www.onesmartworld.com

Artha Learning Inc. is an award-winning, full-service learning design firm that specializes at the intersection of technology, instructional design and learner experience. https://arthalearning.com/

Nikolov Consulting Ltd. brings expert analytical thinking and innovative digital solutions to MLG. They know how to effectively use data to solve important strategic questions. https://www.nikolovconsulting.com/

Mohit Rajhans is an award winning Media Leader who has spent a better part of his career working with Canada’s biggest media brands and on some of Canada’s leading edge content innovations. https://www.thinkstart.ca/

TGT brings a range of business software and solutions, including Social Media Driver©, Web Content Management and Mobile Device Management security to MLG’s clients. It specializes in digital measurement tools and assessments. MLG is proud to adopt TGT’s technology to measure social capital for municipalities, hospitals, NGOs and not-for-profits. http://www.tgtsolutions.com/

ThinkOn is the only Canadian cloud computing provider able to host Federally Protected workload. ThinkOn specializes in secure data protection, storage and application hosting. ThinkOn maintains multiple security and reliability certifications including; SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001/27017/27018 and PCI DSS. It brings its Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) capabilities and commitment to data privacy to help MLG create innovative solutions for its clients. https://www.thinkon.com/

Insightful Strategies brings to MLG deep insights, analysis, implications and impacts behind government policy and politics on society, businesses and organisations across various sectors. They conduct bespoke research, stakeholder engagement, strategic analysis and innovative solutions. Led my Michael Aziz, they advise elected officials, community organisations, and businesses on how to navigate highly-sensitive political contexts. michael@insightfulstrategies.ca

Whether it’s training, coaching or consulting we treat every project – like a project. We use a team approach.

In fact, company partners Laurence and Lucy have been working as a team for over 15 years as trainers, coaches and consultants.