Amanda Friesen
Toronto,ON
Summary
Results-driven Change Management & Workplace Strategy Leader with a proven track record of leading large-scale transformations across diverse sectors. Skilled in driving strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and organizational resilience to ensure successful adoption and lasting outcomes.
Specializing in building strong stakeholder relationships, crafting clear communication strategies, and implementing data-driven solutions, Amanda drives meaningful transformation with a collaborative and creative approach. A trusted advisor, she is known for delivering exceptional client service, fostering long-term partnerships, and empowering teams to thrive in evolving environments.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Change Management
Salvation Army
03.2022 - 01.2024
- Developed and executed change strategies to drive adoption, minimize disruption, and sustain transformation outcomes.
- Led enterprise-wide initiatives, including org restructuring, real estate optimization, training implementation, and social services reform.
- Partnered with executives and cross-functional teams to align change initiatives with business goals while mitigating risks to people, processes, and systems.
- Provided strategic direction to change agents and leadership, ensuring consistent application of methodologies and effective change management.
- Designed and implemented communication, training, and knowledge transfer strategies to enhance engagement and long-term success.
- Established impact assessment frameworks and performance metrics to measure success and drive continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with project managers, HR, and internal communications to support seamless execution and sustain outcomes.
- Provided governance committees with progress updates, insights, and mitigation strategies to ensure informed decision-making.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with executives, functional leaders, and key stakeholders to drive lasting change.
Senior Manager, People Change Management, Enterprise Programs and Optimization
CIBC
12.2018 - 02.2022
- Led change strategy for transitioning 23 office locations to CIBC Square, introducing a new workplace model.
- Managed end-to-end change activities across business units, client groups, and IT.
- Assessed readiness, identified risks, and developed mitigation strategies.
- Executed change plans, including communication, sponsorship, coaching, and resistance management.
- Ensured adoption and sustainability through strategic leadership support.
- Equipped leaders with communication, training, and knowledge transfer strategies.
- Advised executives on change decisions and implementation.
- Influenced and negotiated to align business objectives with change initiatives.
- Served as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders.
Senior Change Management & Workplace Strategy Lead
LoyaltyOne
09.2013 - 12.2018
- Led change management for critical workplace initiatives, including a $40M HQ relocation and new workplace strategy for a 200,000 sq. ft. LEED Gold-certified building.
- Developed global real estate strategies to align workplace solutions with business goals, enhancing collaboration, engagement, and cost efficiency.
- Designed and executed change management strategies to drive adoption of new business processes, technology, and organizational structures.
- Led change management for the implementation of HR initiatives, including the implementation of a new employee recruitment program, learning and development tool, corporate responsibility initiatives and online registration portal.
- Coached senior leaders on change sponsorship, providing communication, presentation, and training materials.
- Integrated change management into project plans, ensuring seamless execution and increased employee adoption.
- Created and managed internal communications, including websites and newsletters, to keep employees informed and engaged.
- Spearheaded cross-functional strategy meetings, embedding change management into execution frameworks.
- Developed internal marketing campaigns and engagement strategies to enhance employee experience and retention.
Business Development & Sales Agent
Oakley Canada
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Stantec Architecture Ltd.
National Manager, Corporate Partner Programs
Kids Help Phone
National Manager, Corporate Development
Kids Help Phone
Education
Diploma of Graphic Design -
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
London, ON01.2003
Skills
- Change management expertise
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder engagement
- Relationship building
- Influencing skills
- Training and coaching
- Process Improvement
- Creative and energetic
- Communication strategies
- Impact assessment
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Risk mitigation
- Business process mapping
- Continuous improvement
- Project coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certificates
- Change Management Certification, Prosci
- Effective Collaboration Strategies, Schulich Executive Education Centre
- Leading Through Change, Canadian Management Centre
Volunteer Experience
- Sunflower House, 2024-2025
- Dr. Rita Rox Kina Minagok, 2023-2024
- CIBC Run for the Cure, 2019
- Yonge Street Mission, 2018
- Ronald McDonald House, 2018
- Covenant House, 2018
- Horizons for Youth, 2017
- Breakfast Club of Canada, 2016
- Walk so Kids Can Talk, 2007-2011
Timeline
Director, Change Management
Salvation Army
03.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Manager, People Change Management, Enterprise Programs and Optimization
CIBC
12.2018 - 02.2022
Senior Change Management & Workplace Strategy Lead
LoyaltyOne
09.2013 - 12.2018
Business Development & Sales Agent
Oakley Canada
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Stantec Architecture Ltd.
National Manager, Corporate Partner Programs
Kids Help Phone
National Manager, Corporate Development
Kids Help Phone
Diploma of Graphic Design -
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts And Technology
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