WHY Communicate is my dream
My name is Heather Whyte.
After 30 years of executive experience building trust as the accelerator behind highly-successful associations and corporate brands, I took an intentional pivot to follow my passion – to make a difference by helping associations that are the backbone of Canada’s economy grow and create social and environmental benefit.
Building the type of customer, member, and employee trust that drives lasting growth and sustainability takes leadership from the top. And it takes time, commitment and multiple targeted, integrated communications and marketing efforts. That is why I am now partnering with leaders of associations who often can’t afford full-time specialized strategic marketers to elevate and future-proof their organizations.
WHY Communicate partners with leaders and their teams to adapt and refresh their strategic plans to create meaningful, long-term connections with members, customers and employees. Either through fractional or project-based contracts, WHY Communicate helps associations deepen connections with their members to achieve their vision, mission and goals.
I bring to the table the wisdom and experience of a career spanning over 30 years, starting as one of Canada’s top business journalists, to building communications strategies for large financial institutions such as CIBC and Fidelity Canada, to being a senior executive at professional associations where I used my passion for innovation and value creation to develop economic and social benefits for Canadians.
Over these decades of experience, I have learned from the people around me the power of inclusive leadership, collaboration, and, of course, the business skills needed to grow sustainable organizations. I’ve learned new ideas and gained different perspectives from my colleagues, my team members at all levels, and my family, friends, and peers. By adhering to my values, ethics and believing in open communication, equality and diversity, I’ve had built a wealth of knowledge and experience that I want to use to help others.
WHY Communications exists so I can help associations and other small organizations build the strategic plans, brand value and outreach that they need to contribute to the Canadian economy, society and environmental sustainability.