Hear from people I’ve worked with

  • I have known Chris O'Gorman for over 15 years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the most impactful leadership mentors I have worked with. From the beginning, Chris stood out for his ability to genuinely connect with people and inspire them to think differently. His approach to leadership development is both thoughtful and transformative, rooted in helping individuals discover their own solutions rather than prescribing them outright. One of Chris’s greatest strengths is his capacity to create meaningful change through personal reflection and thoughtful questioning. Rather than offering direct answers, he challenges people to think deeper, fostering a sense of ownership and personal growth. This unique approach makes his coaching highly effective and lasting. Over the years, I have seen firsthand how Chris’s guidance helps individuals unlock their potential. Whether working with leadership teams or mentoring individuals one-on-one, his commitment to personal and professional growth shines through. Chris’s genuine care for people sets him apart – he truly wants to see others thrive and succeed. Chris’ inputs to me on my personal leadership journey were enormously helpful in my taking on bigger responsibilities in my company. As Chris embarks on his own consulting practice, O'Gorman Consulting, I have no doubt that he will continue to positively impact leaders and organizations. His dedication, insight, and empathy make him an invaluable partner in leadership development.

    Mahesh Srinivas, Global Head of R&D at Nuage Networks from Nokia

  • I had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with Chris O'Gorman during his tenure as Principal of Organizational Development at Payments Canada. Chris's exceptional leadership and strategic vision were instrumental in driving transformative initiatives that enhanced organizational effectiveness and fostered a culture of continuous improvement.​ His executive coaching expertise has helped me refine my leadership skills, navigate complex challenges, and elevate my strategic thinking. Through Chris’ insightful guidance, I’ve gained clarity in decision-making and developed a more effective leadership style. His team development strategies strengthened collaboration, improved communication, and fostered a culture of trust, professional development, and accountability. The impact on team productivity and morale was truly remarkable. Chris's deep understanding of organizational dynamics and his ability to implement innovative development strategies significantly contributed to Payments Canada's mission of operating secure, efficient, and resilient payment systems. He was​ instrumental in designing and implementing high-impact programs tailored to our organizational goals. Their ability to align leadership development with business strategy has resulted in measurable improvements and employee engagement across the board. Beyond his professional expertise, Chris is a compassionate and inspiring leader who consistently empowers those around him. His expertise, insight, and commitment to growth make Chris an invaluable partner in professional and organizational success. His dedication to nurturing talent and promoting a positive work environment has left a lasting impact on the organization. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris for his outstanding contributions to organizational development and his unwavering commitment to excellence.

    Segun Bewaji, Ph.D.; Associate Director, Liquidity Analytics & Wholesale FTP - Global Markets; Royal Bank of Canada

  • Working with Chris has been a transformative experience for me. His leadership coaching style is grounded in empathy, clarity and accountability. I have personally benefited from his ability to challenge my thinking, support my growth and help me become a more effective and strategically minded leader. He does not just give advice, Chris asks the right questions that help you uncover insights about yourself and your leadership style. What also sets Chris apart is his exceptional facilitation skill, whether in a one on one setting or leading a team session, he creates an open and safe environment where real conversations happen and growth begins. Over the years, I've witnessed the impact he's had on others through the various development programs he's led, helping people be more self aware, shift mindsets and reach their potential.

    Judy Li, Director, Enterprise Data & Technology Governance, Payments Canada

  • I had the pleasure of engaging with Chris as my leadership coach both in my previous role running an established international organisation and in my newer role setting up a startup. His guidance was invaluable to my personal and professional development. Chris’ deep knowledge of processes, human dynamics and business operations and his thoughtful reflections and interventions helped to uncover solutions sets to various challenges that every leader faces. His approach, to not just give answers, but rather collaboratively work through problems was especially valuable for me and has provided me with tools that I frequently draw on. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone in a leadership position, especially those looking to grow.

    Nathanial Matthews; Co-Founder and CEO, Planetary X

  • Working with Chris has been a huge boost for my career and our whole company! He created a coaching program that really helped our entire workforce, and I've personally benefited a lot from it. It's helped me grow professionally and achieve more than I thought possible. Chris is great at connecting people who can help each other out. Thanks to him, I've built a strong professional network that still helps me today. He is skilled at pairing people together in ways that benefit everyone. What I appreciate most about Chris is how supportive and understanding he is. He always makes time for me, offers valuable insights, and encourages my decisions. He helps me develop strategies that have really moved my career forward. His coaching has made a big difference, not just for me, but for the entire workforce. I highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a dedicated and insightful coach.

    Mathieu Charette, Manager, Payment Systems Operations; Network & Directory Services, Payments Canada

  • In my roles as EVP, Sales, Support & Execution for Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai-Bell and later as President, Portugal & Spain for Alcatel-Lucent and later for Nokia, Chris was far more than a coach and strategic advisor to myself and to my team. Chris provided expert guidance and highly effective facilitation skills in multiple strategy sessions we celebrated in Asia and Europe, and he boosted the impact of these critical meetings to the next level. Chris became a key part of my global teams during his time at Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia. And he remains as a trusted reference for whatever decision I should take. NO one can be better than his team could be. Having Chris around has been fundamental to building the best teams, and I consider him a fundamental part of my decision process wherever I am, wherever I plan to go.

    Roque Lozano, Network Infrastructure Middle East & Africa, Senior Vice President, Nokia

  • During his time at Payments Canada, Chris created and led targeted development programs for leaders and high potential employees. These programs expedited transformational change at Payments Canada, as they were designed to focus on enhancing leadership behaviours that aligned with our mission to modernize payments in Canada. Chris was an excellent coach and facilitator to leaders across the organization, enabling them to confront and deal with challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Chris contributed to a culture of growth and development that was an essential component in the execution of our business strategy.

    Gerry Gaetz, Global Adviser, TCS; Former CEO, Payments Canada

  • Chris has a unique ability to elevate teams and drive change. His strategic thinking allows him to analyze complex problems and create innovative solutions that enhance organizational excellence. His creative ideas and servant leadership inspire those around him, fostering a culture of growth and learning. I highly recommend Chris to any organization whose leaders are looking for significant growth and meaningful change.

    Jeffrey Edwards, Founder, The MakeWell Performance Group

  • Chris was an excellent colleague—anytime I needed help or advice on presentations, idea generation, or preparing for a tough conversation, he was always available and more than ready to assist. His impact on Payments Canada was profound, adding immense value through his thoughtful approach to coaching and development. The strength and well-rounded nature of our workforce stand as a testament to his incredible abilities as a coach, leader, and mentor.

    Andrew Goodfellow, Talent Acquisition Manager, Payments Canada

  • Chris O’Gorman is the coach’s coach. With his help I grew to value my innate qualities and developed a genuine curiosity for those around me. Years later, I still have Chris’ voice in my head quietly reminding me to be curious about the situation. This message is a gift that I share with my own teams. You cannot go wrong with engaging Chris for leadership development.

    Martin Kyle, Chief Information Security Officer; Teck Resources Limited 


  • I had the pleasure of working with Chris O’Gorman when he served as Principal for Organizational Development, and I can’t recommend him enough. Chris is not only incredibly professional and reliable, but he also has a unique ability to connect with executives and leadership exactly where they are. He has an innate ability to build strong, trusting relationships across the organization, creating an open, collaborative environment. What really stood out was his ability to push leaders to make tough decisions when needed—always with a thoughtful and strategic approach. He cared deeply about the work he was doing and was genuinely invested in helping the organization succeed. Chris’s insight and dedication made him a valuable colleague and a key contributor to our success.

    Penny Dockrill, Director, People & Culture, Mental Health Commission of Canada

  • Being part of Chris O’Gorman’s 2020 Influencer program was one of the most transformative experiences of my professional journey. Chris has an incredible ability to create a safe, comfortable space for deep reflection, meaningful learning, and genuine connection. During the program, I engaged in some of the most profound inner work I’ve ever done - work that continues to shape my perspective long after the session ended. Through Chris’s thoughtful leadership, our cohort shared life-shaping stories, forging an inter-company bond that extended far beyond the program itself. It was an experience that was not only rewarding but truly impactful, and I’m grateful to have been part of it.

    Candice Baltare, Founder & Managing Partner, Attention Strategy Inc.

  • Having had the pleasure and privilege of partnering with Chris for the last several years, I have witnessed firsthand his exceptional ability to co-create and deliver relevant and impactful leadership development programs that support leaders in roles of systems change and well-being. His creative and collaborative approach have consistently driven meaningful outcomes for leaders and teams alike. Chris has a talent of bridging theory to practice, ensuring that learning experiences are not only insightful but also actionable. His strategic mindset and systems orientation, coupled with his attention to exploring key business questions, makes him an invaluable consultant to any organization seeking to enhance leadership capability. Chris is an outstanding business leader with a relentless curiosity and a sharp focus on finding solutions.

    Sarah Dougherty, Senior Advisor, Talent Strategy & Culture, FinDev Canada

  • Working with Chris' strategic coaching empowered me to lead with greater clarity and confidence, resulting in measurable improvements within my team. His insightful guidance was invaluable!

    Marc-Andre Favreau, Manager, High Value Payment Systems Operations, Payments Canada

  • Chris is a wonderful human being. I will always remember sitting in his training, he created a safe space for us to engage in insightful discussion. Many of these topics were not easy and required us to see it from a different perspective. Chris always pushed us to see the situations differently which allowed us to better understand the people and situations we may have thought were challenging. But never let us off the hook on what we could do next! Action was always part of his coaching, which I always appreciated! Chris also was an amazing career & leadership coach, always creating time and space to help me process my challenges and as mentioned above always gave me action and homework holding me accountable to the changes I want to make in myself or decisions I needed to make! I will always be grateful to Chris' support as a young woman in technology trying to find my way in the big corporate world. He has the ability to make the room feel safe and engaging! He has a calm and unassuming way to help others engage and see the possibilities! Thank you Chris!

    Tracey Allen, Vice-President, IT Procurement, Nokia

  • Participating in the Leading Challenging Conversations program led by Chris O’Gorman was a valuable experience. Chris created a thoughtful and supportive environment that made it easier to explore complex interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. Through his guidance, I developed stronger skills in active listening, strategic thinking, and conflict resolution. I now approach difficult conversations with more clarity and confidence, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and navigate high-stakes discussions. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have learned from him and would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to strengthen their communication and leadership skills.

    Ify Idigbe, Policy Lead, Payments Canada

  • When you have a remarkable team, leading from behind while scanning out in front is no mean feat. The coach you need in your corner has to recognise your limits - and help you expand these. Regardless of the day, the context, the particular challenge, Coach Chris helps me find in myself exactly what I need. OG Consulting delivers world-class, high-octane, transformative leadership expertise.

    Mark Zeitoun, Director General, Geneva Water Hub

  • Chris is an invaluable asset. His expertise in coaching, strategic planning, and leadership development has a profound impact. Chris helps navigate complex challenges with clear, data-driven strategies while fostering innovation. His coaching has empowered me to become a more effective decision-maker.

    Dan Nolan, Associate Portfolio Manager, IPC Securities Corporation

  • Chris' advice and coaching proved invaluable in many of my day-to-day and larger leadership decisions. He's not just a nice guy, he is thoughtful, strategic and actually cares about your own career journey and success

    Charl Ackerman, Director of Policy, Payments Canada

  • I had the pleasure of working alongside Chris for over a decade, during which time he provided invaluable mentorship and guidance. His insight fundamentally shaped the way I approach my role as an HR professional—an influence that has been especially vital in the fast-paced, unpredictable world of high tech. Thanks to Chris’s support, I’ve developed the tools and perspective needed to successfully navigate my career while consistently adding value to the business.

    Paul Hebert, Global HR People Partner, Optical Networks, Nokia 

  • Working with Chris O'Gorman was a game changer for members of my leadership team. He quickly identified key development opportunities for two of my direct reports and provided targeted coaching that delivered real, measurable results. Within a few months, I saw significant improvements in their confidence, communication, and overall performance. One team member stepped up to take on more strategic responsibilities, while the other recognized and embraced their reality vs. fighting it. Chris has a rare ability to build trust, challenge constructively, and create lasting behavioural change. I would highly recommend him to any leader looking to elevate the performance of their team.

    Bryce Cooper, Vice-President, Constellation Software Inc. 

  • Chris is a tremendous coach and facilitator. During our time working together, he was a trusted advisor, ever ready to listen to the variety of puzzles facing our business or my team. His experience in supporting leaders through challenging scenarios, balancing both an empirical and humanistic approach (the numbers and the people), allowed us to find solutions to operational and strategic issues. His ability to ask the right questions helped me surface deeper insights about the scenario, and my own thinking/beliefs, allowing for growth and progress. 

    Andrew Holyome, CIO at Assent Inc.

  • It's not often that you come across someone who brings a consulting mindset to a role within a corporate HR department, but Chris is that unique someone. I had the privilege of working in partnership with Chris while at Alcatel-Lucent and Nokia on multiple occasions and on various internal consulting projects over 15 years. We partnered on corporate leadership development, training, and organization development projects over those years with a great deal of success due to Chris' skills and contributions. First and foremost, Chris is a deep and active listener and always brings that inquisitive mindset to any interaction. This stands out immediately to anyone who works with him, whether you are in a coaching relationship, a leader looking to improve their team, or a colleague looking for feedback. While scoping out any project, he uses that skill to begin with a focus to understand the broader context of the organization, the history, and the leaders with whom he's working to ensure that he brings a comprehensive plan for consideration. And while in the process of implementation, he is relentless in assessing progress, in searching for alternative avenues to be more impactful, and in being agile enough to pivot as needed. Through the years of working together, Chris and I formed a strong partnership as we engaged primarily with internal Sales professionals who could be a tough audience. Chris' pragmatic approach to these projects was a key contributor to the successes we had over the years. I would highly recommend him to any organization who was interested to partner with him on leadership development, coaching, organizational development or facilitation opportunities. I can confidently say that any organization won't regret the choice to engage with him.

    Julie Liptak; Talent & Business Partner, Vantiva Broadband & Video; Former Leader, Americas Human Resources, Nokia