Achieve SUCCESS through
Purpose & Connection

At Activate Coaching and Consulting, we help leaders and teams thrive. Through personalized coaching and strategic solutions, we foster connection, build resilience, and align vision with values. Guided by a strengths-based approach, we partner with you to navigate complexity and achieve impactful, lasting results.

+ Our Story

+ Meet Shaneef Karmali

+ Our Guiding Principals

+ The Activate Approach

+ Who’s the “We”?

OUR STORY

Inspiring Leadership. Building Connection. Creating Legacy.

At Activate, we believe that leadership isn’t just about achieving results - it’s about creating environments where people and organizations thrive. Our practice is founded on the principle that purpose-driven leadership and collaboration are the keys to build resilient teams and driving sustainable growth.

Our work is rooted in a commitment to equity, inclusion, and actionable transformation. Whether, we’re coaching leaders, aligning teams, or guiding organizations through change, we partner with you to create meaningful impact that lasts.

Why We Do What We Do

Leadership and organizational success don’t happen by chance - they’re cultivated through intentional action, shared vision, and strategic alignment. At Activate, we aim to help leaders and teams:

Build trust and connection.
Foster resilience and adaptability.
Align purpose with strategy to achieve meaningful results.

We’re here to help you navigate today’s challenges while building a legacy of impact for the future.

What Shapes My Perspective

Having lived and worked in Kenya, Ireland, the U.S., and Canada, I’ve developed a multicultural lens that informs everything I do. These experiences have taught me how to navigate complexity, foster authentic relationships, and guide clients toward sustainable growth in diverse, interconnected environments.

What Drives Me

I’m passionate about creating spaces where leaders and teams feel supported, challenged, and inspired to achieve meaningful success. My work is guided by three core principles that drive both individual and organizational growth:

Collaboration: Strengthening relationships, fostering inclusion, and driving collective success.
Purpose-Driven Growth: Aligning vision with values to create sustainable business impact.
Integrity: Cultivating trust, accountability, and ethical leadership for long-term success.

Meet Our Collaborators

Meet Shaneef Karmali, COC, ACC
Founder | Organizational & Team Coach | OD Consultant

Hi, I’m Shaneef Karmali, the founder of Activate Coaching and Consulting. I created Activate because I believe in the power of leadership to transform not just organizations, but people’s lives. With over two decades of experience across industries like retail, hospitality, and real estate, I bring a global perspective and a systems-focused approach to every engagement.

As an ICF-accredited coach, I specialize in helping leaders align their purpose with strategy, strengthen their emotional intelligence, and build cultures of trust and connection. My approach combines coaching and consulting, so we can address both personal leadership development and organizational transformation.

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

PQ Coach
Certified in Team Development Essentials
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
Certified EQ-i 2.0 + EQ360 licensed practitioner
International Coaching Federation (ICF Member)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources and Accounting), Simon Fraser University

Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.

- Simon Sinek

Discover how we can help

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Commitment to Excellence

Through continuous learning and cutting-edge practices, we deliver tailored, impactful solutions that meet the complexities of today's challenges.

Diversity &
Equity

We champion diverse perspectives and ensure every voice is valued, driving innovation and cultivating cultures of belonging.

Purpose-Driven Solutions

We align strategies with core values, helping leaders and organizations achieve sustainable growth while building a legacy of resilience and impact.

Connection & Collaboration

Meaningful relationships are at the core of transformation. By fostering trust, equity, and inclusion, we create environments where individuals and teams thrive together.

WHAT WE DELIVER

At Activate, we deliver more than solutions - we guide leaders, teams, and organizations towards transformational growth. Through a strengths-based and systemic approach, we ensure measurable outcomes that align with your values and goals.

Clarity of Purpose

Define what matters most.

We help leaders and organizations align their vision with core values to inspire action and guide decision-making. With our support, you’ll develop a clear path forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

Resilient Leadership

Lead with confidence and adaptability.

We build emotional intelligence and foster a growth mindset, equipping leaders to navigate complexity, embrace challenges, and empower their teams.

Stronger Teams

Create high-value-adding, cohesive teams.

We strengthen collaboration, trust, and communication across diverse groups, ensuring teams work seamlessly toward shared goals.

Sustainable Growth

Transform challenges into opportunities.

We design strategies for long-term success, helping organizations innovate while maintaining alignment with their culture and values.

How We Deliver Results

Tailored Programs: Customized coaching and consulting solutions designed to address your unique challenges and objectives.
Proven Methodologies: Leveraging Emotional Intelligence, Systems Thinking, and Positive Intelligence frameworks for impactful and lasting change.
Collaborative Approach: Partnering with you every step of the way to co-create strategies that inspire results.

Explore Our Services

THE ACTIVATE APPROACH

From discovery to action, our process is designed to deliver measurable results by aligning collaboration with strategy. Here is how we guide you through transformational growth:

DISCOVER

Through assessments, in-depth conversations, and interactive workshops, we explore your challenges, goals, and aspirations. This phase uncovers what’s truly needed for meaningful transformation.

DEPLOY

We equip your leaders, teams, and organization with tools, frameworks, and ongoing support to ensure sustained growth and success beyond our collaboration.

DELIVER

Strategies come to life as we execute through coaching engagements, team workshops, and consulting initiatives. This ensures measurable progress and tangible impact.

DESIGN

We collaboratively co-create actionable plans and strategies that align with your organization’s values, culture, and long-term objectives.

Why It Works

Our collaborative and strategic approach is built to ensure clarity, measurable outcomes, and lasting impact for every client. Together, we transform ideas into action and goals into achievements.

WHO'S THE WE?

At Activate Coaching and Consulting, “we” represents more than a team - it embodies a dynamic network of experienced professionals united by a shared purpose: helping leaders, teams, and organizations thrive.

Our approach is grounded in collaboration. By partnering with trusted experts in coaching, consulting, and facilitation, we bring diverse perspectives, specialized skills, and innovative strategies to every engagement. Together, we co-create solutions that are tailored to your unique challenges and aligned with your vision for the future.

Why This Matters?

We believe that collaboration is the key to transformation. Our network brings a depth of knowledge and a breadth of experience that enables us to meet your specific needs and deliver measurable impact.

When you work with Activate, you’re not just hiring a consultant - you’re gaining a team of dedicated partners invested in your success.

Meet the Collaborators

Explore the talented professionals that partner with Activate and discover how their expertise can help you achieve your goals.

Finance & Operations Strategist

Andrew Duncan, CPA (he/him)

Andrew is a results-driven Finance and Operations Strategist specializing in process improvements, accounting process automation, and system software conversions. With over 15 years of experience, Andrew has honed his skills in managing complex datasets and collaborating across departments to execute strategic projects, all while maintaining detailed financial oversight. Andrew’s entrepreneurial spirit and strengths in Maximizer, Achiever, Analytical, Learner, and Ideation enable him to continuously challenge the status quo and drive professional growth. His passion for improving efficiencies and creating effective internal controls has been a cornerstone of his success, helping clients ensure accurate financial reporting and informed decision-making. A CPA since 2012, Andrew brings a wealth of experience from the banking industry and extensive audit experience. His ability to streamline processes and reduce costs makes him a valuable resource to clients seeking to enhance their operational efficiency. Outside of his professional life, Andrew enjoys cycling, traveling, and gardening. His dedication to process improvements and automation, coupled with his extensive experience, make him an integral part of the Activate Coaching and Consulting network.

Operations & Human Resources Consultant

Genevieve Van Ginkel, PHR (she/her)

Genevieve is a values-driven Director of Operations and Human Resources at Kindship LLC. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the cosmetics, technology, and logistics industries, she is a customer-centric leader passionate about enhancing client experiences. She holds a PHR certification. Genevieve excels in optimizing operational processes to create seamless experiences for clients and employees, driving organizational profitability. Her commitment to accountability and personal ownership has fostered a legacy of leaders who have advanced to senior roles under her guidance. Her career highlights include leading multi-unit teams, improving employee and client experiences, and increasing profitability. As a District Manager for Public storage, she boosted profits by 14% in one quarter and successfully turned the business around in three months. At Apple, she opened and led Quebec’s first retail shop, managing vendor relations and large-format operations. Fluent in English and French, Genevieve is dedicated to helping people build confidence and achieve success. Based in Gig Harbour, WA, Genevieve enjoys exploring the PNW, playing tennis, biking, travelling and engaging in creative projects. Her passion for paper crafts provides and outlet for her creativity.

Design & Branding Specialist

Jemima Bliss (she/her)

Jemima is a seasoned design and branding specialist with extensive experience in transforming creative visions into tangible results. With a robust background in design and marketing, Jemima excels at helping businesses craft compelling brand identities and effectively communicate their value propositions. Her expertise spans various industries, including retail, real estate, and digital media, making her a versatile asset to any team looking to enhance their brand presence. Jemima's approach combines strategic thinking with a deep understanding of market trends, enabling her to deliver innovative solutions that resonate with target audiences. Whether it’s through visual branding, marketing campaigns, or digital content creation, Jemima brings a wealth of knowledge and a creative edge to every project she undertakes. Her passion for design and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable partner for any organization looking to build and grow their brand.

Leadership & Performance Coach

Siobhann Williamson, M.Sc, ACC, COC (she/her)

Siobhann is the Founder of Firecracker Coaching, bringing a vibrant and energetic approach to personal and professional development. An ACC credentialed member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Siobhann adheres to the highest ethical standards. Her relational coaching style creates a safe space for clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. With a strong background in sales and extensive experience in the Medical Technology industry, Siobhann holds a BPHE from the University of Toronto, an MSc from the University of Alberta, and a Certificate in Organizational Coaching from UBC. She is also certified in EQ-i 2.0 and EQ360 assessments for leadership development. Siobhann helps leaders and future leaders develop critical skills, increase their impact, and achieve their full potential. She has partnered with former high-performance athletes to apply key learnings and habits to professional performance, focusing on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of high performance. A lifelong learner and physical activity enthusiast, Siobhann recently added 1:1 Coaching Outdoors to her services. Firecracker Coaching reflects the dynamic energy exchanged in collaboration with highly motivated professionals.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Coach

Shobna Kannusammy B.Eng, ACC, COC (she/her)

Shobna is an entrepreneurial leadership coach and small business consultant, with a unique background as an engineer turned pastry chef. With over two decades of experience in diverse professional environments, she excels in building successful teams, networks, and charitable organizations. Drawing from her rich experiences across different countries and cultures, Shobna offers a unique perspective that fosters deep and meaningful engagements with her clients. Shobna is a UBC Certified Organizational Coach an ACC-designated coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is also a certified EQ-i 2.0 + EQ360 practitioner, skilled at recognizing and valuing individual strengths in group settings. As an entrepreneur, she takes pride in her iconic bakery in downtown Vancouver and her role as a nationally recognized judge on Food Network Canada. In her downtime, Shobna enjoys dancing, cooking for intimate dinners, dabbling in art with her son, and collecting stationery. She is dedicated to philanthropy, serving as a board member for multiple charitable organizations. Shobna’s coaching process focusses on partnership, insight, and clarity, empowering her clients to pursue their ambitions with self-empowerment, courage, and vulnerability.

JEDI Strategist and Organizational Coach

Dr. Rachael E. Sullivan, PhD, COC (she/her)

Rachael is an Equity & Diversity Strategist and Organizational Coach with exceptional adaptability, connectedness, empathy, ideation, and strategic thinking. Using her training in Sociology, Rachael understands human relationships and connections as interdependent systems. She brings a calm and centred approach to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) work, capitalizing on building rapport and deep listening to ensure EDI principles work within local contexts. Building on critical reflection and systems thinking. Rachael’s approach involves identifying immediate opportunities for ‘quick wins’ and also locating high leverage points within a system to ensure EDI practices are incorporated throughout. In addition to her work as an Equity & Diversity Strategist, Rachael is an experienced Organizational Coach. She skilfully addresses conflicts within a system, allowing opposing vies to be expressed. Using Deep Democracy facilitation, Rachael can support the processing of ineffective interpersonal dynamics to strengthen team dynamics and decision-making processes. Rachael is committed to putting principles before personalities, both when working with groups and individuals. Her collaborative approach empowers individuals to set and achieve their goals, while meeting them where they are in their journey.

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Achieve SUCCESS through Purpose & Connection