Professional
Contact UsBy teaching life skills, Spotlight shows young adults how to represent the most important brand they’ll ever wear—themselves!
Spotlight programs help instill confidence and resiliency in youth. These interactive, virtual sessions help teens develop life skills like making great impressions in person and online, effective communication, stress management, interview techniques and creating effective resumes.
OUR CURRICULUM
Spotlight is a 4-week virtual experience designed to help teens and young adults grow in 4 key areas:
- Communication
- Presentation
- Self-Awareness
- Confidence
Our program is divided into three distinct curricula: Spotlight Junior (ages 11-14), Spotlight Senior (ages 15-17), and Spotlight Young Professionals (18-21).
Note: Each of our sessions is 60 minutes in duration and takes place via video conferencing. Up to 12 participants per session. Each cohort will be divided into age-appropriate groups.
Pricing
$299/Participant for a 4-week program, based on a minimum of 4 participants.
Junior Program
Ages 11-14
Spotlight Junior helps to build confidence and provides useful tools, helping young adults to:
- Find self-confidence through self discovery
- Make great first impressions
- Communicate impactfully both in person and virtually
- Manage stress with coping tools
- Handle awkward situations with empathy and grace
Senior Program
Ages 15-17
Spotlight Sr. prepares young adults for the post-secondary and professional worlds, helping them to:
- Build confidence by identifying strengths & unique qualities
- Refine your professional profile and resume with expert help
- Make great first impressions in person and online
- Enhance your interview skills
Young Professionals
Ages 18-21
Spotlight Young Professionals prepares young adults for the professional world, helping them to:
- Optimize your LinkedIn profile
- Craft a stellar resume, CV, and cover letter
- Be positively memorable in interviews
- Network more effectively with increased confidence
- Communicate their strengths clearly & compellingly
stand out from the crowd
Contact us to learn from the Spotlight Team about how our programs can help you succeed!
I will admit that I felt forced by my mother to attend Spotlight. However, I was pleasantly surprised—I am a very shy person and this program helped me improve my social skills in a really fun way. Now, I feel more confident in myself and my abilities.
- Vanina, Robert Gravel Student (Montreal, Quebec)
Spotlight is a must-have program for every young adult, and will be on my daughter’s future resume. It gave her confidence to complement the investment we are making in her private school education. Plus, the facilitators made the experience fantastic.
- Tina, Mother to a Branksome Hall Student
When I first started Spotlight, I didn’t know what to expect. Now, I’m so glad I chose to do it! It taught me how to create a professional profile, making me feel more prepared for when I apply for part-time work. I also learned important stress management techniques that have helped me become less anxious.
- Mimi, Trinity College Student
Spotlight was transformational for my son. The program got him focused on what he wants to become and how to get there —and he actually enjoyed it. His little sister saw the fun he had (and the skills he learned) and felt left out, so she is now enrolled as well. I want to take Spotlight myself!
- Elena, Mother to an Appleby College Student
Spotlight gave my boys (13 & 15) ‘life learning’ beyond the school curriculum. They learned skills and strategies that will allow them to standout in virtual learning environments, understand their strengths and know how to use them to be a better leader, brother and friend. The Spotlight facilitator was positive and enthusiastic, helping the group to brainstorm subjects that are real to young men and challenge them to think, take initiative and interact with one another. Before they started, my boys were not sure how the program would benefit them — they’ve just signed up for another Spotlight program!
The program was well-organized, and the team was incredibly professional. Spotlight exceeded my expectations.
The program was well-organized, and the team was incredibly professional. Spotlight exceeded my expectations.
- Suzanne Rogers, Mother to two Upper Canada College Students
Meet Our Team
Alexandra Blum – Founder
An award-winning leader who develops industry-leading products, services and marketing programs, Alix’s work has helped shape the trajectories of some of the world’s most respected brands (including Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Adidas and Saks Fifth Avenue). Alix currently sits on the advisory boards for Ivey Business School and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Brett Richards, Ph.D. – Advisor
Brett Richards, Ph.D., is the founder and President of Connective Intelligence Inc., a niche consultancy which specializes in the development of customized training and organizational development solutions in a wide range of industries, globally. Dr. Richards offers deep expertise in organizational growth and transformation, executive development, team dynamics, innovation and strategic thinking. Brett is the developer of two leading edge tools that assess the ability of leaders and organizations to grow through innovation and adaptive change. Brett is an experienced facilitator and developer of tools to improve thinking agility and emotional intelligence.
Brett completed his Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems and is a published author in both business and academic publications. He recently wrote a book for business leaders called, Grow Through Disruption: Breakthrough Mindsets to Innovate, Change and Win with the OGI.
Dana Ly – Learning Architect
Dana is a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP). He has 8 years of career coaching experience working for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) at Next-Steps Employment Centre.
He has successfully coached and helped hundreds of job seekers — from students to new graduates — to effectively navigate their careers. Whether it is helping his clients build their personal brand, craft a tailored resume, or effectively preparing for interviews, Dana has coached his clients in developing a comprehensive job search strategy and action plan.
He has worked with over 100+ employers across Toronto, assisting them with recruiting new hires; therefore Dana has a keen understanding of the needs of hiring managers and what they are looking for in a good candidate.
He is incredibly passionate about working in the Digital Learning space and helping people build a career they love. He is also a certified DiSC and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) practitioner, where he coaches individuals and groups in developing self-awareness and cohesive teams.
Jill Spidle – Business Development
Jill Spidle is a senior sales executive with a background in teaching and volunteering in the public and private education systems. Jill has her Bachelor of Education with a Special Education designation and is passionate about promoting programs that help children strive to be the best they can be. As a mother of three children, Jill knows the challenges of parenting and educating a family in the complex and competitive world.
Jarred Parent – Facilitator
A Training Specialist with one of Canada’s largest Financial Services companies and Head On-Ice Instructor at a Hockey Academy for almost 10 years. Jarred is a certified Trainer through Langevin Learning Services. Jarred has an extensive background in team settings having played competitive hockey before starting his professional business career. His energetic yet patient personality brings the best out in the group he is working with. Jarred’s goal is to make everyone feel comfortable, build confidence, and have fun while working together.
Clarence McLeod – Facilitator
Clarence McLeod is one of North America’s only Guilded Butlers, and a personal favourite of Her Majesty, The Queen. Known for his sharp wit, this world-renowned expert will give you the learning experience of a lifetime—and offer a few laughs along the way!
Clarence manages Silver Lining’s learning and development team, and has spent over 30 years perfecting the art of personalized, genuine service in the international world of luxury hospitality. His experience includes:
- Former Chef Concierge and Corporate Director of Fairmont Gold at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
- Honorary Lifetime Member: Les Clefs d’Or Canada
- Member: The Guild of Professional English Butlers
- Aide de Campe for numerous celebrities, heads of state, and royal families
Jack Jelinek – Facilitator
Jack is an experienced and enthusiastic leader who brings his love of personal development and entrepreneurial spirit to the Spotlight team! Jack is a recent graduate from the Richard Ivey School of Business, where he specialized in entrepreneurship and was heavily involved on campus as the two-term president of a major student organization. He also served as the Head Prefect at Appleby College his graduating year, 2015-2016. Since graduating from university, Jack is the co-founder and CEO of a brewery start-up and works part-time at a private equity firm, Ursataur Capital Partners. Jack’s hope is to build strong connections and encourage a growth mindset in all Spotlight participants!
Alex Grant – Facilitator
Alex is a mindset coach and former NCAA gymnast. She has led motivational workshops and coaching sessions with thousands of students and athletes across Canada speaking on resilience and self-identity. Her work has impacted over 10,000 people of all ages including varsity athletes, corporate executives, women’s groups, and young entrepreneurs.
She believes when we get curious about who we are, we open the door for deeper and more fulfilling connections. Alex can’t wait to facilitate personal growth and self-learning in our Spotlight sessions and looks forward to getting to know each of our participants!
