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Who We Are
We humanize business communication so that people can build better organizations.
We are a diverse group of skilled and creative professionals. United by a clear mission and guided by a single purpose.
We are and have been business leaders and owners, communications consultants, coaches and instructors for clients in a wide range of companies and industries.
Individually and collectively we’ve shaped the thinking of leaders, managers and their teams and helped them articulate powerful ideas that matter and inspire.
Welcome to Distinct
Rob Borg-Olivier
Founder & Principal
I’m inspired, moved, provoked and encouraged by great communication. By its compelling arguments, powerful stories and elegant writing. By how it helps us build relationships, shape thinking and make things happen.
And I’ve been fortunate enough to make a career out it.
For the past seventeen years, I’ve advised, developed and coached hundreds of leaders, managers and teams to communicate their thinking persuasively and inspirationally.
Today we find countless opportunities for great communication. Consider the many challenges and disruptions being faced head-on by passionate, talented people figuring out new ways to build better companies. Think of the new ideas and stories forming each day in our organizations.
But in my view, these great things we’re doing at work are not properly reflected in how we discuss or present them. You’ll find the essence of this argument elsewhere on these pages. I encourage you to take a look.
My passion for the craft, combined with a natural curiosity for how we can do things better, has led me to this moment.
I founded Distinct because I believe we need to evolve and humanize how we build relationships, generate ideas and express our thinking in business.
We look forward to working with you to create and empower exceptional thinkers, passionate speakers and better humans in your organization. One great idea at a time.
Caylen Walker
Program Manager
My fascination with communication developed early, while working for several years in the fashion industry. In an environment that often supports very little conversation, I observed, and quickly learned, the importance of articulating a vision and using persuasive language when selling talent and ideas.
I pursued my passion for language in higher education, obtaining an Honours Specialization in Linguistics from Western University and a post-grad Corporate Communications Certificate from Humber College. During my studies I became enthralled with syntax – how intentional order and articulation can help us convey messages – and how we can use this to dictate our needs and ideas in business.
With Rob as a mentor throughout my studies, I was fortunate to be among the first to explore his Human-Centred Persuasive Communication methodology. These ideas and principles at the core of Distinct’s work immediately resonated with me.
My eye for organization and process, combined with a professional background in project management, allows me to apply my knowledge and passion with meticulous attention to detail in my role at Distinct.
Outside of work, I’m often found in yoga, a practice I’ve held steady in for many years. In fact, my pandemic passion project was completing my yoga teacher training – virtually!
Naomi Koit
Senior Facilitator and Coach
We live in a world of distractions. Words matter. The right stories resonate. That’s why I’ve built my career in communications. I’m passionate about helping people achieve their objectives with strategic storytelling that cuts through the clutter and delivers measurable results. I enjoy finding innovative ways to use communications tools in support of corporate objectives while navigating the constantly connected digital world we live in. Put simply, I love helping leaders figure out what they need to say and how they should say it to achieve business objectives.
In addition to being a senior facilitator with Distinct, I run a communications consulting company that specializes in transformational change – the type of change that
completely reshapes an organization. From small startups to global corporations, I have helped organizations through complex change across industries. As a Certified Change Agent (CCA), I’m at my best when coaching leaders, collaborating with teams on strategy design, creating compelling communications, and helping employees through every step of the change curve.
On a personal note, I recently traded one beautiful, rainy seaside climate for another by moving from Vancouver, B.C. to Cork, Ireland. In my free time I enjoy competing in somewhat obscure contact sports like rugby, Gaelic football and Aussie Rules footy. I also play violin, guitar and have a recording and distribution deal as a singer-songwriter.
Craig Choffe
Consultant
I have been passionate about the human side of business for over 25 years. As a professional speaker, facilitator, and executive coach I have delivered hundreds of programs to thousands of leaders world-wide. The programs are focused on the vital skills we need as leaders (and humans).
Since early 2012, I have helped executives, partners, and senior managers navigate challenges and exceed their goals in the disciplines of communication, leadership, conversations, and time.
My career includes holding several senior learning and development roles for some of Canada’s biggest banks. My practice works with global professional services firms and financial institutions.
I am a huge believer in the power of the spoken word. From orations by Presidents and Prime Ministers, to TV shows, movies, and lyrics, nothing inspires me more than great communication.
I live with my family (Kathy and Mason) in Aurora, Ontario (just north of Toronto).
Kate Lynch
Senior Facilitator and Coach
For twenty years I’ve been using my background as an actor and a voice teacher to help people in many fields achieve their full potential as powerful, inspiring speakers.
I passionately believe that by building osn strengths you already have, and offering simple but effective tools to develop in other necessary areas, everyone can develop their innate leadership.
A life in the theatre has taught me the power of holding a room with a strong narrative, a grounded physical presence and a rich and flexible voice that not only carries meaning, but also emotion, excitement, passion.
Nancy Hicks
Senior Facilitator and Coach
I’ve spent my whole career in professional communication. For decades I’ve instructed, coached, and inspired powerful interpersonal communication through various media, on stage and in learning forums of all kinds.
A teacher at heart, I instill confidence in people and move them to action, igniting positive change. I love the nuances and critical differences in multi-cultural communication and am experienced internationally as a speaker and leader. My voice has always been my main tool, both as a professional singer in classical and musical theater, and as an on-air spokesperson reaching an audience of millions for eleven years at QVC.
After earning my master’s in theology from Palmer Seminary of Eastern University, I launched an international Speaking Ministry that raises up women across the globe. I engage daily with over 30,000 global followers across all communication platforms. Through this work I ignite confidence and power in people who then embody these attributes through their own effective communication.
In my downtime, I love to hike in the woods or go for meandering walks in the city, and enjoy long, thoughtful conversations over a fabulous meal with good friends and family.