We help meaning-driven business & entrepreneurial leaders succeed by offering support through our peer advisory groups, leadership programs, business conferences, and consulting services.
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We help meaning-driven business & entrepreneurial leaders succeed by offering support through our peer advisory groups, leadership programs, business conferences, and consulting services. Read More Here
Unique Curriculum
The curriculum of the Leadership Program is rooted in ELO’s unique “Meaning-Driven Leadership.” The five aspects of this approach have been developed with the input of Christian marketplace and entrepreneurial leaders in our leadership programs and via interaction with instructors from Oxford and Harvard. During the Leadership Program, one day will be allocated to each of the five aspects of Meaning-Driven Leadership. Read More Here
SERVICE AREAS
Toronto and Surrounding Area
Having gone through a year of significant transition with my business I found the 1:1 coaching and mentoring extremely valuable to help navigate my next steps. I have really enjoyed learning and growing with my fellow peer advisory group members and seeing the successful ways they are handling today's business challenges. It’s also amazing to watch fellow ELO members using their business as a tool to give back to their employees, their community and advance the kingdom. I am continually humbled with the size and significance of their giving and the impact they make in the charitable areas they are passionate about." - Owner & Leader, Recycling Technology Company
"I’m very pleased with the learning sessions – the guests are always high-quality presenters. The 1:1 sessions have been beneficial and Rick is a trusted counselor. The networking and group sessions are noteworthy as well." - Senior Executive, $3 Billion Revenue Company based in the Maritimes
"I am a part of other entrepreneurial groups, however ELO truly puts Christ in the centre of every discussion and covers so many practical business topics that you won’t typically hear from sermons or a home group, and certainly never in a typical secular “business setting.”” - Chairman & CEO, International Property Development & Hotel Group
"I have found the group discussion during the PAG meetings to be incredibly insightful and transformative to both personal and practical aspects of my business and the resulting expression of faith as an entrepreneur!" - Owner & President, Electrical Contracting Company
"The 1:1 coaching sessions provided within the context of the PAG are a valuable component of the program. As a business leader, it can be difficult to press “pause” and take time for introspection. These sessions both encourage and challenge by guiding personal development, providing accountability, and creating a safe space from which to assess current challenges and strengths within the business." - Family Owner & Senior Executive, Canada-wide retail business with over 30 locations and 350 staff
"As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand how challenging and isolating the journey can be. That's why I'm so grateful for the ELO Peer Advisory Group program. It has provided me with a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are facing similar challenges. The group meetings, learning sessions, and networking opportunities have been invaluable for connecting with others, learning from their experiences and insights, and even making some great new friends. This program has truly enriched my life as an entrepreneur and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for support and guidance in their business endeavors."- Co-Founder & Leader, Software Company
"The 1:1 sessions have proven to be a valued time of coaching and personal reflection for self-improvement at a senior executive level. Every leader should both be a coach to those coming behind and be coached by someone who has been there ahead of you. As a executive leader, sometimes it is hard to find an appropriate coach, but ELO has proven that they can provide what senior leaders need." - Owner & Leader, Engineering/Consulting firm
"ELO is a credible and focused program that allows faith based entrepreneurs an avenue to realize they are not alone. While you grow your company, you can be on mission as well. ELO provides a forum for reflection on how to do business the right way, providing practical teaching on business related topics and an incredible peer group of some of Canada's most successful companies. What's not to like?"- CEO/Owner, Serial Entrepreneur, Vancouver
Dr. Richard (Rick) J. Goossen is a meaning-driven entrepreneurial leader. He serves an extensive network of entrepreneurs and family/business owners built over decades of client contributions, collaboration, research, public speaking, and volunteering, impacting approximately 100,000 leaders annually.
Rick is Chairman of the ELO Group, which has grown since 2005 to provide comprehensive resources for meaning-driven entrepreneurial leaders: family business / strategic planning consulting; Forums (i.e., conferences), peer advisory group network & week-long leadership programs at the University of Oxford and Harvard University.
Rick is a sought-after strategic counsel and chair/advisory board member working with a range of clients in terms of size and industry. He works at Nicola Wealth, the fastest-growing independent wealth management firm in Canada, where he focuses on business development and family business dynamics.
Rick has extensive experience doing business in Asia and previously worked in Hong Kong for five years. He is a professional public speaker. He has taught entrepreneurship, strategic management and business law as an adjunct professor (BBA and MBA programs) and guest lecturer at universities around the world. Rick has edited five books and authored six books on the topics of entrepreneurship, leadership and public speaking. Two of the books he authored are available in six translations.
In terms of credentials, Rick earned a Ph.D. from Middlesex University, London, UK; a Masters of Law (LL.M.) from Columbia University, New York City; a Juris Doctor (JD) from McGill University, Montreal; and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.) (First Class) from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Rick was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and voluntarily withdrew his membership to focus entirely on business pursuits.
Rick has been a Visiting Scholar at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford and St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford. He has previously collaborated with Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford. He has worked with prominent University of Oxford professors since 2018 to deliver the ELO Oxford Leadership Program. Through ELO he is working as a partner with the Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University to deliver the ELO Harvard Leadership Program.
Rick has been recognized for his expertise and contributions in various ways. He was awarded the "Alumnus of the Year" by Columbia Bible College. He was offered the "Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal" in recognition of community contributions across Canada. He has also been recognized at various conferences in Canada for his contribution to the business community.
