Helping people see what really matters
I work with people and institutions facing difficult, real-world challenges — especially where relationships matter as much as technical frameworks. My practice grew out of decades of working with communities and governments. I move between careful listening and clear thinking so problems become addressable, not overly complicated.
Many times, I’m asked to get involved when things feel tangled. Priorities aren’t clear. Voices aren’t aligned. When moving forward requires both judgment and empathy.
I don’t come with templates. I come with attention, curiosity, and a habit of noticing what’s real underneath the noise.
What I Do
My work is about helping organizations and communities:
- Understand what’s actually going on — not just what shows up in reports
- Sort out priorities that make sense in context
- Connect people and systems so decisions land in reality
- Build agreements and shared direction that people can live with
I build trust with leaders and with the people they serve.
Experience in Brief
Over the course of my career, I have:
- Worked directly with communities — especially Indigenous communities — on planning, governance, and development
- Served in senior roles in government where policy and practice had to meet in the real world
- Helped teams translate complex issues into manageable conversations
I’m comfortable in systems and structures — but my real strength is with people.
If the issue at hand involves real human complexity — relationships, expectations, aspirations — that’s where I’m useful.
Who I Work With
I tend to work with:
- community leadership and community groups
- leaders in government and public institutions
- teams trying to make sense of competing priorities
- engagements where listening matters as much as logic
If you are responsible for people, not just programs — we’re already speaking the same language.
Let’s Talk
If this resonates with the work you’re facing, I’d welcome a conversation to explore your context and whether there’s alignment.
Ian Kenney 