Ashka Wirk, Principal of Wirk Consulting, is an experienced management consultant, expert facilitator, and trusted executive coach. Supported by the Wirk Consulting Team, she works with leaders, teams, and organizations to clarify personal, professional, and organizational direction, engage key partners, develop leaders and teams, and support the capabilities to execute with confidence.
Wirk Consulting partners with you to pursue your most exciting opportunities and address your most pressing challenges.
What we do.
Are you looking to improve your organization’s performance? Wirk Consulting can help.
Strategy Formulation & Implementation.
Take your organization’s future into your own hands.
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Strategy Formulation & Implementation.
Wirk Consulting partners with you through a collaborative, robust, and engaging approach to set your North Star, align your team to a shared purpose, commit to a handful of critical goals and priorities, and map a clear path forward.
Engagement.
Ensure your change initiative succeeds.
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Engagement.
Wirk Consulting brings to bear extensive experience in engaging team members, leaders, partners, and community members to bring your organization’s key voices into the process intentionally, authentically, and effectively.
Succession Planning.
You started your business with passion, purpose, and planning – let’s keep that going.
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Succession Planning.
Wirk Consulting is the co-creator of SuccessionReady – a simple, effective, and real-world approach to succession planning for founder-owned businesses. We partner with you, your family, and key employees to plan for the future of your business.
Executive Coaching.
In a world where we jump to action, take time to reflect.
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Executive Coaching.
Wirk Consulting partners with leaders, at any level in an organization, in a thought-provoking coaching process designed to maximize your personal and professional potential – and improve your organization’s performance.
Facilitation.
There are times when you need an external facilitator to support collaboration, spark insights, and create results.
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Facilitation.
Wirk Consulting provides effective facilitation services – so you can be a part of the conversation instead of leading it – everything from “one off” meetings, to ongoing touchpoints, to immersive retreats.
Strategy Formulation & Implementation.
Take your organization’s future into your own hands.
Read more
Strategy Formulation & Implementation.
Wirk Consulting partners with you through a collaborative, robust, and engaging approach to set your North Star, align your team to a shared purpose, commit to a handful of critical goals and priorities, and map a clear path forward.
Engagement.
Ensure your change initiative succeeds.
Read more
Engagement.
Wirk Consulting brings to bear extensive experience in engaging team members, leaders, partners, and community members to bring your organization’s key voices into the process intentionally, authentically, and effectively.
Succession Planning.
You started your business with passion, purpose, and planning – let’s keep that going.
Read more
Succession Planning.
Wirk Consulting is the co-creator of SuccessionReady – a simple, effective, and real-world approach to succession planning for founder-owned businesses. We partner with you, your family, and key employees to plan for the future of your business.
Executive Coaching.
In a world where we jump to action, take time to reflect.
Read more
Executive Coaching.
Wirk Consulting partners with leaders, at any level in an organization, in a thought-provoking coaching process designed to maximize your personal and professional potential – and improve your organization’s performance.
Facilitation.
There are times when you need an external facilitator to support collaboration, spark insights, and create results.
Read more
Facilitation.
Wirk Consulting provides effective facilitation services – so you can be a part of the conversation instead of leading it – everything from “one off” meetings, to ongoing touchpoints, to immersive retreats.
Who we are.
When you work with Wirk Consulting you get…
1
Demonstrated Experience.
Ashka Wirk is the Principal of Wirk Consulting, bringing a unique blend of consulting, coaching, and facilitation expertise to help you improve your organization’s performance. She is a Certified Management Consultant (Canadian Association of Management Consultants), experienced facilitator, and Certified Executive Coach (International Coaching Federation). She has a BSc in biology from UBC and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
Ashka is a seasoned private sector leader. She began her career as head of Business Development with Okanagan-based biotechnology firm, AgriForest Bio-technologies where she designed and implemented marketing and sales strategy, built strategic business collaborations, and worked closely with the firm’s R&D team to ensure that AgriForest remained innovative to ensure its long-term sustainability. She then led the healthcare association management subsidiary of Vancouver-based StemCell Technologies, the largest biotechnology company in Canada – first as an Executive Director of several not-for-profit international and national healthcare association clients, then as CEO of the firm.
As a management consultant for the last eight years, Ashka has provided consulting support to numerous ministries and agencies in the BC public sector; to not-for profit organizations of all configurations and sizes; and to small and medium-sized private sector businesses to improve their organizational performance.
Ashka is supported by the growing Wirk Consulting Team who are committed to delivering on our firm’s promise to clients to serve as an experienced partner and trusted advisor – ensuring clients achieve real results.
The Wirk Consulting Team, will “hit the ground running” to work seamlessly in your operating context and will bring her experience to bear to support and benefit your project.
2
An Effective Approach.
Wirk Consulting’s approach to Strategy Formulation & Implementation, Engagement, Succession Planning, Executive Coaching, and Facilitation are based on best practices and have been validated through years of delivery in organizations of all configurations and sizes in the public, not-for-profit, and private sectors.
Key benefits of Wirk Consulting’s approach are:
- Bridging the “execution gap”. The greatest risk to any initiative is the gap between creating a plan and successfully implementing it. Our approach builds in guard rails to mitigate this risk by bringing key stakeholders into the process early and keeping them appropriately involved along the way so that when the project is complete, everyone has a shared understanding of the way forward – because they were involved in it.
- Developing capacity. We know we are successful when your team can do this work without consulting support. We intentionally design project plans, use a facilitative and coaching approach, and weave in opportunities to train your team on the tools, techniques, and processes we use to develop capacity in your team along the way.
- Building team. We believe that team building takes place through shared experiences – we will use your project to build your team through the work we do together.
- Fostering a continuous improvement approach. We know that when the project is done, we are only part of the way through. The rest of the journey is about implementation – our approach emphasizes checking in on progress, iterating, and continuously improving as you go to ensure your work evolves and remains relevant.
3
A Trusted Partner.
Each project that Wirk Consulting takes on is a Signature Project with Principal, Ashka Wirk, as the Lead Consultant, Coach, and Facilitator – supported by the Wirk Consulting Team. They will partner with your team on every aspect of your project, providing bespoke attention – guiding, advising, and challenging when appropriate – to ensure you, your team, and your organization are stonger because of the work that we do together.
What we’ve done.
Here are a few recent projects we’re proud to have partnered with our clients on!
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Strategy Formulation & Implementation
Vancouver Not-for-Profit Focused on Gender Equity
With a new CEO, the world emerging from a global pandemic, and the organization’s current strategic plan ending, YWCA Metro Vancouver asked, “What could our organization look like in five years if we were truly aspirational?” Grounded in their vision that in an equitable and just society, opportunities must be fair and accessible, and they must be rooted in safety and autonomy, they partnered with Wirk Consulting to envision, clarify, and roadmap a bold new strategic plan: Forward with Purpose, confirming three overarching goals to guide their decisions for programming, advocacy, resourcing and growth, along with strategic priorities and intended outcomes to align their actions in the coming five years.
Strategy Formulation & Implementation
Victoria-based Housing Society
With a new Executive Director at the helm, the Greater Victoria Housing Society engaged Wirk Consulting to provide Strategy Formulation & Implementation support to develop a new Strategic Plan, building on the organization’s nearly 70-year history of providing affordable rental housing in Victoria.
Strategy Formulation & Implementation
Provincial Minister’s Advisory Group
A Minister’s Advisory Group was established to provide strategic advice on opportunities for promoting innovation, technology adoption, and regenerative practices that support sustainable agriculture in BC and increase the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of BC’s food systems – with a particular focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation and food security. The Ministry engaged Wirk Consulting to provide Strategy Formulation & Implementation support to the 17-member Advisory Group and 8-member BC Agriculture Council Working Group to develop a Strategic Framework for Sustainable Agriculture, leveraging agriculture and agritech, and an underpinning report of recommendations to support implementation.
Strategy Formulation & Implementation
Vancouver Island Arts and Culture Organization
Emerging from the pandemic shutdown of the performing arts industry, and with a new Executive Director leading the organization, the Royal and McPherson Theatres Society needed a strategic plan to guide them toward their “new normal”. RMTS engaged Wirk Consulting to design and guide them through a Strategy Formulation & Implementation process that would result in a Strategic Plan that was grounded in reality, distilled from extensive consultations with the Board and team members.
Facilitation
Vancouver Island-based Social Services Organization
Beacon Community Services brought on Wirk Consulting to provide management consulting and facilitation support to prepare for and facilitate a Visioning Day with the Board and members of the Leadership Team – focused on exploring, discussing, and developing a shared understanding of “who Beacon is” and “where we are going”. With the recent transition of one of their major support programs, a recently developed Strategic Plan, and onboarding of new Board members, the was right for a generative conversation to guide the organization’s future decisions and actions — towards a brighter and bolder Beacon.
Facilitation
Provincial Not-for-Profit Organization and Major Provincial Hospital
The Ending Violence Association of BC and the BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre engaged Wirk Consulting to provide facilitation support for a planning session to kick off a recently funded shared initiative. The objective of this half-day session was to develop a shared understanding of their new partnership and to co-create a Project Plan.
Engagement
Provincial Cross-Sectoral Working Group
The Community Coordination for Women’s Safety Provincial Working Group was developed to help rural and isolated communities develop new models of coordination on violence against women. The CCWS Working Group engaged Wirk Consulting to seek member input into the Vision, Purpose, Goals and Strategic Priorities to inform actions to support their mandate to improve community response to violence against women and children.
The Working Group is comprised of a 35-member, cross-sectoral network of provincial government ministries and agencies (including the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Ministry of Attorney General, Ministry of Children and Family Development, BC’s Representative for Children and Youth, BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, and the BC PHSA), federal departments (including the Canadian Department of Women and Gender Equality, and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), as well as police and RCMP departments across the province, and numerous provincial family and support service organizations across BC.
Engagement
Provincial Program Delivery Organization in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector
In spring of 2023, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food made an unprecedented investment in food security to support people living in British Columbia to the tune of $200 million. They selected the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC to be a program delivery partner for many of the new programs addressing issues ranging from supply chain, local food production, and climate change resiliency. IAF engaged Wirk Consulting to engage key partners in the agriculture and agri-food sector to seek their input in program design to ensure that they would successfully achieve their intended goals and positively impact food security in the province.
Succession Planning
Family-Owned Cidery
A BC-based, founder-led and family-owned cidery and farm to table restaurant was at an important junction — they had grown their business rapidly and needed to take the time to plan for next steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of their labour of love. The founders engaged Wirk Consulting (in partnership with Catalyst Strategies), co-creators of SuccessionReady (a simple, effective, and real-world approach to succession planning for founder-led businesses), to work alongside them and their family members to develop a Succession Plan for the future of their business — to grow and scale in a structured way, transition to the next generation with intention, and leave a legacy that endures.
Succession Planning
Founder-led Health Clinic
A founder-led health clinic was at an important stage in its succession; the owner wanted to reduce the time they were spending on administrative duties and spend more time on patient care and presumptive successors had recently left the clinic. The founder reached out to Wirk Consulting (in partnership with Catalyst Strategies), co-creators of SuccessionReady (a simple, effective, and real-world approach to succession planning for founder-led businesses), to work with them and their team members to develop a Succession Plan that would ensure they could retain key staff and allow the owner to take a step back.
Executive Coaching
Senior Leadership Team of a Provincial Not-for-Profit Organization
Following the development of their new Strategic Plan, the CEO of a provincial not-for-profit organization engaged Ashka Wirk to coach them and key members of their Senior Leadership Team in 1:1 coaching engagements to help build the leadership mindset, culture, and capabilities to support the successful implementation of their Plan.
Here’s what our clients say about our work together.
01
Ashka is an exceptional business and strategic planning consultant. With her expert guidance and facilitation, we created a clear and aspirational strategic plan that will ensure we continue to meet growing affordable housing needs in Greater Victoria. She is extremely organized and knowledgeable with a thorough planning approach that teased out our bold ideas, trends, and risks to ensure our organization could be successful into the future. She was also very skillful at facilitating discussions with our leadership, front line staff, and board. What I really appreciated about Ashka was the advice she provided throughout the process while reflecting her breath of experience. I would highly recommend Ashka and look forward to working with her again in the future.
- Virginia Holden
Executive Director, Greater Victoria Housing Society
02
Ashka Wirk was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was adept at facilitating discussions with our front-line team, our leadership and our Board of Directors, ensuring everyone felt engaged and respected. Ashka pushed us to be bold and creative, and also gave us the tools to stay practical and focused. The end result of Ashka’s wonderful leadership is a Strategic Plan supported by all levels of our organization and a tactical plan that will allow us to achieve our goals. I would highly recommend working with the Wirk Consulting team.
- Claire MacLean
CEO, SHARE Family & Community Services Society
03
Ashka Wirk is an exceptional facilitator and strategic planning consultant. I have had the immense pleasure of working with her on a number of initiatives, including our recent 5-year strategic plan at YWCA Metro Vancouver where she facilitated community listening and board planning sessions. She is thoughtful, flexible and always willing to jump in with tactful advice and guidance to keep projects on track.
- Erin Seeley
CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
04
EVA BC has worked with Ashka on a number of diverse projects and initiatives over the years. Ashka always helps us move to where we want to and ensures we get where we need to. Ashka is thoughtful, intelligent, highly skilled, and a pleasure to work with. We look forward to working with Ashka again in the future.
- Ninu Kang
Executive Director, Ending Violence Association of BC
05
Emerging from the pandemic shutdown of [the performing arts] industry, our organization needed a strategic plan to guide us toward our “new normal”. We needed a plan that was grounded in reality, distilled from extensive consultations with board and staff. Ashka Wirk designed and guided us through a process that worked beautifully. We have vision, mission and values statements and a strategic framework and tactical plan on which we will focus several years. Ashka’s mastery of this process is impressive and I recommend her to anyone!
- Franz Lehrbass
Executive Director, Royal and McPherson Theatres Society
06
Working with Ashka Wirk was an incredible experience that exceeded our expectations in every way. Her professionalism, dedication, and expertise were second to none, and she went above and beyond to understand our unique business needs and challenges. She provided invaluable guidance and insights that helped us develop a strategic roadmap for our growth plan. We highly recommend Ashka to anyone looking for a strategic partner to guide their growth plan. We feel fortunate to have had her expertise and guidance throughout our journey.
- Rob Cupello
VP, Business Development, NowMedia Group
07
I hired Ashka Wirk to lead Beacon Community Services’ Board of Directors Visioning Day after she came recommended from a number of people. I was impressed by her ability to command a room and get people on board with ideas — even people who were initially on completely different pages. Ashka is extremely professional, efficient, and understands how to work with groups of professionals to develop a shared vision. I highly recommend her.
- Tricia Gueulette
CEO, Beacon Community Services
08
We engaged Ashka Wirk to help our Minister’s Advisory Group to develop a strategy and network for regenerative agriculture and agritech in BC. Ashka brings a structured, engaging, and results-focused approach to stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. She became an integral partner to the Co-chairs and the Secretariat team. You and your organization will be glad you engaged Ashka!
- Glen Lougheed
Co-chair, Provincial Minister's Advisory Group
09
I am so very pleased for this opportunity to provide an enthusiastic endorsement for Ashka Wirk. Our office engaged her consultancy services to lead in strategic plan development as well as a workplace culture pulse check. Both were done with an outstanding degree of professionalism, engagement and tact. Staff personally benefited from Ashka’s development support, and collectively, our team continues with focus and a vision that Ashka helped us set out. Highly recommended!
- Jerymy Brownridge
Private Secretary to Lieutenant Governor of BC & Executive Director of Government House
10
I highly recommend Ashka Wirk if you or your organization are considering undertaking the work of stakeholder engagement, strategic planning or change management. Ashka has a deep knowledge of strategy and change management. She is engaging, whip smart and empowers leaders and organizations to do the work required to create compelling, visions and missions and most importantly how to implement and live the goals and priorities. She has been a great asset to us!
- Michelle Koski
Former CEO, Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC
11
Ashka Wirk became my coach after we were connected through a mentorship program at UVic. Throughout the past two years she has coached me through my journey of navigating my career as a new grad, and has served as a sounding board that has helped me to pursue opportunities I might not have otherwise. I would highly recommend Ashka to other young leaders interested in a coach to help them explore, reflect, and take action.
- Emma Chester
Consultant, Deloitte Canada
12
Ashka Wirk has played an instrumental role in facilitating strategic planning with our Sophie’s Place Team to evolve and elevate the Lower Mainland’s first fully integrated Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. Ashka strikes a wonderful balance between group engagement that respects the complex dynamics of interdisciplinary teams and crystallizing a compelling strategic Vision and Plan.
- Gerard Bremault
CEO, The Centre for Child Development of the Lower Mainland
13
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ashka Wirk for several years now on multiple projects, large and small. Her experience and guidance were a key resource in leading us to develop our last strategic plan and helping to organize those strategic priorities into an achievable operational plan. Ashka takes time to invest herself in understanding the specific goals and outcomes desired and translates that understanding into logical and approachable actions that yield tangible results. I would encourage anyone looking for leadership coaching or strategic planning to consider Wirk Consulting.
- Chris Reed
COO, Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC
Wirk Consulting is a proud member of…
Demonstrated Experience.
An Effective Approach.
A Trusted Partner.