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Ariane Laird
CEO
Ariane Laird is the Founder of ConnectsUs and leads the company with perspective gained from over 20 years experience in Finance, Administration, and Human Resources in U.S. and Canadian organizations of varying size and industries.
Passionate about clarity and accountability, Ariane often found herself frustrated with the lack of ready-made business practices solutions available in the market, and decided it was time to alleviate that pain for everyone. A straight-shooter with a clear sense of purpose and values, she formed a team of HR professionals, writers, trainers and employment attorneys to create the first ConnectsUs product, ClearSite™, a foundation of workplace practices representing what everyone in a well-run organization needs to know.
Ariane has worked with over 25 organizations of various sizes and industry - both established and entrepreneurial. Prior to founding ConnectsUs in 2003, Ariane was a Senior Human Resources Consultant acting as a part-time VP of Human Resources for various organizations. Between 1990 and 2000, Ariane held senior HR positions in such organizations as Glenayre Electronics and Infowave Software where she gained extensive exposure to HR practices in the U.S.. During this time, she co-founded the High Tech Exchange Group (HRTG) a group of Human Resources Practitioners in the BC Technology industry. In 1990, she relocated from Montreal where she worked in various Finance and HR roles for over 10 years in the Canadian head offices of Avon and Amcor (formerly Twinpak).
Ariane is a member and partner of BCTSVP, HRMA, and FWE and a founding member of Brockton Preparatory School. She lives in North Vancouver, B.C. with her family and is passionate about going green and supporting environmental sustainability by donating 2% of profits to the David Suzuki Foundation.
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Ivana Misci
Strategic Marketing
Ivana has been working with ConnectsUs since 2005 and is responsible for all aspects of the marketing function. Upholding the company's focus to be customer driven, Ivana helped lead the transformation of ConnectsUs' direct sales model to a successful online marketing model.
Ivana has over 15 years of marketing experience building global brands and driving sales for some of the world's most innovative and successful companies. She is an accomplished corporate strategist and marketer. Her marketing and product plans have created over $20 million dollars of revenue opportunity for the companies she has worked with such as Electronic Arts and Telus. Ivana's achievements in the area of web development and online strategies, including email marketing, affiliate programs, ecommerce, online advertising and search engine optimization are a significant asset for increasing web traffic and conversions. Ivana holds a BBA from Simon Fraser University (BC) and an MBA from Stanford University (CA).
When she is not working, Ivana is spending time with her family, and is an accomplished athlete, and an avid mountain biker.
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Sylvia Yung
General Manager, Canada
Sylvia Yung comes to ConnectsUs with 25 years business experience across the retail, hospitality, consumer products and real estate industries. Sylvia spent 6 years overseas supporting executive teams of Procter & Gamble and The Peninsula Group through rapid organizational change during the Asian economic boom.
Returning to North America in 1996, Sylvia focused on leveraging the strengths of entrepreneurs/ founders of established firms to catalyze explosive growth. Sylvia’s knack for connecting people and systems in ways to maximize forward traction has resulted in triple digit growth.
"Every organization has its own idiosyncrasies on the road to becoming a fast company", says Sylvia. "But there is one common thread in their success. It’s not just about deciding what to do, it’s how you connect what you say to what you do that counts. Organizations need clear messaging to tell people why and how to get things done. It sounds simple but it’s not easy."
Sylvia joined ConnectsUs in 2005 having held executive positions in Administration, Systems Integration, Marketing, Human Resources and Organizational Development. "ConnectsUs is all about what I’ve been doing in the last 25 years - Connecting People to Organizational Life".
Sylvia is a member of HRMA. She and her husband continue the never-ending renovation of their 1910 heritage home. She keeps up with her 2 teenagers and chocolate Labrador through martial arts training and outdoor activities.
Elysha Zaide
Administrator
Elysha Zaide has recently joined ConnectsUs to assist in all aspects of administration, including customer service and general office duties.
Her strong work ethic and creative initiative promise to ensure that the ConnectsUs high standards are not only upheld but exceeded.
Prior to joining ConnectsUs, Elysha worked in Corporate Services at the PNE, where she was not only responsible for organizing 100 years of files but was also first in line to put her hand up as a roller coaster testing volunteer each year!
Elysha also has strong backgrounds in multimedia development, graphic design, marketing, and business. She is also an accomplished musician and DJ with passions for yoga, environmental sustainability and social consciousness.
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Shandele Yuen
Customer Service
Shandele Yuen is responsible for administration for online marketing and website initiatives, fulfillment, and supporting over 1000 customers.
Her organization skills, attention to detail and genuine passion for service ensures the customer is taken care of. Shandele is also a true technical troubleshooter!
Prior to joining ConnectsUs, Shandele worked as a Customer Service Manager at McDonald’s where her mandate was to ensure that the corporate showcase franchise was as close to perfect as possible. Even fingerprints on the entrance doors were under constant scrutiny!
Outside of work, Shandele is continuously improving her skills to include graphic design, and web usability as it relates to the customer service. In her spare time, Shandele can be found kickboxing, enjoying outdoor activities, and is an active member of Toastmasters.
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