Who We Are

Basically we help leaders achieve their business objectives. But there’s nothing basic about what we do.

In 2002 Dr Rosie Steeves and Barbara Ross-Denroche, two highly respected authorities on leadership and organizational development, joined forces to address a significant need in their industry for a deep, holistic, quality approach. From the outset, their goal was to be bold, to be honest, and to be steadfastly committed to excellence. The result is a different kind of leadership development company.

But let’s be clear. We don’t offer any quick fixes. And we won’t try to sell you one just to get a foot in the door. At The Refinery, our method goes deeper, turns over more stones and uncovers more untapped potential. When you work with us, you convert raw talent into high-performing leaders that will move your organization forward. This is leadership development with purpose.

Since those early days, we’ve evolved into an organization with the depth and foundation of a large consulting company, while maintaining the nimbleness and, dare we say, cheekiness, of a small entrepreneurial organization. Through all the changes, we’ve never wavered from the values that drove us to set up shop to begin with:

• It has to be good, really good
• It has to make a difference
• Loosen up and enjoy what you’re doing
• Don’t hold back
• Forget the word “should”
• Know the theory, know the real world, know yourself
• Just tell the truth
• Do what it takes to be exceptional
• No “stuff”

They are not the values you usually see in an organization. But if we have our way they will be.

Our Contributors

• Barbara Ross-Denroche, Principal
• Mark Frein, Consulting Practice Lead
• Katie Wyka, Consultant
• David Gibbons, Consultant
• Tim McGrady, Consultant – Mexico/Latin America
• Juan F. (Paco) Castellanos, Consultant – Mexico/Latin America
• Lisa Eckmyn, Consultant
• Krysty Wideen, Consultant
• Valerie Nishi, Consultant – Calgary, Alberta
• Jenny T. A. Nguyen. Marketing and Projects Assistant