Peter Pula, CEO

Peter thrives on being at the intersection of so many organizational movements. "We get to see new things developing," he says. "We see the desire to make a difference on the rise, especially where trust and transparency are hallmarks of an organization’s culture."

Peter would like to see more exploration of the values and practices common to Axiom’s client family.

“If they were shared we'd have a very strong collection of ideas that could lead to a new way ahead for society in general,” he says. “If we can make a contribution by heaping loads of attention on the various strengths of our clients, and connecting people, maybe we help can find new, best ways forward.”

Peter cites our mission statement, ‘to co-create a life-giving news network for a renewed and thriving world' when asked about what excites him most about Axiom.

“There are fantastic, meaningful workplaces out there. The voice of their team members needs to be heard worldwide. Our intention is to bring their narratives out into the open. We will do what we can to connect organizations to a sense of contributing to a renewed and thriving world. We hope to be part of cultivating to an economy of connecting strengths.”

When these workplace communities forge partnerships and work together they will be the leaders of the future, he says.

Peter would also like to see Generative Journalism embraced by mainstream media. “We become what we behold. Media has a tremendous impact on what we behold, but all too often their worldview is critical, skeptical, degenerative. If mainstream media would apply a more generative and constructive discipline to their work they could make a huge difference in the lives of millions. They could trigger a new age.”

As to working at Axiom, Peter says, "We starve our problems and feed our strengths and successes. When something goes differently than we would have liked we just take that as a nudge to do something differently. It’s like living in an oasis when you stay focused on what's working."

Contact Peter: 705-741-4421 ext. 28 or peter(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Fraser Wilson, President

Fraser is drawn to Axiom’s ability to liberate people and elevate the culture and potential within organizations.

“Axiom can bring work to life by celebrating people and their accomplishments every day,” he says.

He joined Axiom News as president after years of experiencing Generative Journalism from an end-user perspective while he was OMNI Health Care’s CEO, one of Axiom’s pioneering clients.

His passion is to heighten the awareness of Axiom and the power of storytelling.

“I am forever meeting somebody that tells me of an organization that they know could use and needs our service. They speak of poor culture, little communication and much less reward and recognition,” says Fraser.

He says many people are waiting to be acknowledged or appreciated, and many more are looking for the opportunity to play a bigger game and rise to their potential to have a greater impact at work and in life.

“By engaging people in stories and speaking to their strengths, we lift their spirits, enhance their significance and encourage them to do more and be more,” says Fraser.

“Multiply that by telling stories every day and we create a groundswell movement towards possibility and potential. Now that’s meaningful work,” he says.

“Once more organizations embrace the power and influence of storytelling I believe we will make the world a better place — one person at a time, one story at a time.”

Contact Fraser: 778-478-9740 or fraser(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Michelle Strutzenberger, Newsroom Chair

Michelle admits to an initial uncertainty in her early Axiom News days about this organization-based, strengths journalism the agency was pioneering under the leadership of founder Peter Pula.

A significant part of what’s changed for her, she says, is seeing, through her experience with Axiom in particular, the potential for business to be a real agent for world benefit, to use Appreciative Inquiry thought leader David Cooperrider’s terminology.

She’s also come to be convinced and see how knowledge worker organizations can be very effective systems for aligning people’s strengths in such a way that their weaknesses are irrelevant, with benefits for the team members, organizations and society.

It’s been suggested that Axiom News is at the front end of a renaissance of the original vision for journalism, or a version of it. Only we’re turning the traditional approach on its head; rather than acting as society’s watchdog towards a vision of social good, we’re “creating the world we want to see” by asking life-giving questions.

"While we continue to evolve and hone that approach, just being on the path is thrilling," says Michelle. "Storytelling the world we want to see into being -- to me it feels like some of the greatest work there is to do."

Contact Michelle: 705-741-4421 ext. 27 or michelle(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Camille Jensen, Development Associate

Camille is thrilled to work in a field she is passionate about with an organization that practises constructive and solutions-based journalism.  

What she loves best working at Axiom News is the ability to highlight how people are making a difference through their work, every day.

“Working at Axiom we actually witness transformational change take place. Through a news program people develop a sense of community, and with each new story, ownership over their contribution to the bigger picture.

“Now that is what journalism is all about.”

Through her work Camille feels she is making an impact, which feeds her commitment and pursuit for constant improvement.

Working with a team of diverse and talented people she appreciates how different strengths expand her own understanding and work.

Contact Camille: 705-741-4421 or camille(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Jennifer Neutel, Story Advocate

"I was fortunate to find Axiom News. The desire here is to help organizations find solutions. At Axiom News we know that by focusing on what is working and doing more of those things that everybody wins," says Jennifer.

"At journalism school I felt like I was in the wrong place. We asked questions about the problems. At Axiom News, we ask questions and write stories in order to spark ideas that lead to actions which lead to positive change."

Jennifer's passion lies in asking the best questions ever. She applies an 'appreciative' approach to asking the best questions to draw out best practices and draw attention to what's working in an organization.

In answer to the question about what she likes most about Axiom News she says, "the mission and vision. I like contributing my skills to helping other people make a difference. I want Generative Journalism to become the internationally recognized media model."

Contact Jennifer: 705-741-4421 ext. 26 or jennifer(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Yvonne Hollandy, Graphic Designer

"This is not an average company," says Yvonne.

"We are part of a movement. I feel motivated about actually making a difference. I was concerned that in my line of work as a designer that I would be involved in non-meaningful work," Yvonne says.

"Making a difference creates team camaraderie. Everyone is open to ideas. Anyone can put anything on the table and never feel put off," says Yvonne.

Yvonne also enjoys the flexibility of the Axiom environment.

"Flexibility creates balance and means there is no resentment towards work," says Yvonne. "I am able to take care of things both personally and professionally. I can focus on what I'm doing wherever I am."

Contact Yvonne: 705-741-4421 ext. 22 or design(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Deron Hamel, Generative Journalist

"I have freedom that I've never had before at work. It took me awhile to get accumstomed to it. I'm empowered and trusted to find my own way. I invented my own role," says Deron.

"We have a supportive team and we can bounce ideas off of each other. I work best with a change of scenery so I work from home and at the office. It's great."

Deron is genuinely interested in what people (clients) are doing.

He most enjoys going out and meeting clients. "It gives greater context to our work when we can actually witness what's going on," says Deron.

"I would like to see Axiom News move into new sectors. I'd like to work with more companies doing innovative things," Deron says.

Contact Deron: 705-741-4421 ext. 23 or deron(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Natalie Hamilton, Generative Journalist & Photojournalist

"There is nothing like Axiom News out there," says Natalie. "I really like the uniqueness of what we do."

"There was a quick turning point for me just after I started at Axiom News," Natalie reflects.

"A long-term care home we write for suffered a tragedy with one of its residents. The CEO called us. We had stories up in a couple of hours before the mainstream press had a chance to respond.

"Our stories were a tribute to the resident and identified the transparency of the home in dealing with the situation," says Natalie.

"We teach organizations about themselves through the news and also help them handle tough times. The uniqueness of this facet of journalism offers a third-party perspective," says Natalie.

Natalie also enjoys developing specialized knowledge in certain areas such as healthcare and becoming an expert on the issues in that field. Educating clients and communities is critical, she says. The knowledge that is developed through the interview and storying process is shared organically through the involuntary networking of stories.

Natalie appreciates the opportunity to work both independently and as part of a supportive team with similar values.

Contact Natalie: 705-741-4421 ext. 40 or natalie(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Lisa Bailey, Generative Journalist

Axiom News is opening Lisa’s eyes to a new way of journalism through the practices of Appreciative Inquiry and asking catalytic questions.

“It’s important to record history as it is happening and that’s what journalism does. But you can also be forward-thinking in trying to facilitate change for the better and there can be a deeper meaning to journalism if you adopt some of the measures that we have,” she says.

Bailey has a variety of newspaper reporting and editing experience from across southern Ontario.

She enjoys working with her colleagues at Axiom and in an environment that focuses on teamwork. She also enjoys interviewing people from a variety of sectors, such as long-term care and engineering.

Her hope for the company is that it grows and inspires other journalism outlets to adopt Appreciative Inquiry practices and focus on using journalism for positive change.

Contact Lisa: 705-741-4421 ext. 25 or lisa(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

Ryan Rogers, Generative Journalist

Bio coming soon.

Contact Ryan: 705-741-4421 ext. 29 or ryan(at)axiomnews.ca.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristian Partington, Generative Journalist

“I’ve always felt language is a tool with the power to change things for good or ill,” says Kristian. “It can focus on all that is wrong and bring readers or listeners into a negative space, or it can highlight the strength of a given situation and empower those same people.”

Kristian joined Axiom News in early 2011 and says he instantly found a place where he could use his passion for people and the written word as a tool of empowerment.

“As soon as I pursued my first story here, focusing on strengths-based changes and AI principles, I realized I was a part of a movement, a true recognition within organizations that there is a better way to engage their people and collectively move towards a better future,” Kristian says.

The variety of organizations that Axiom News serves appeals to Kristian’s diverse interests and backgrounds.

“With one story I’m speaking with a visionary who furthers the goal of a society that’s truly inclusive of people who have developmental disabilities, and the next I’m discussing an engineering firm’s dedication to environmental sustainability,” he says.

“Each conversation and each article has the power to inspire others, and that’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.” 

Contact Kristian: 705-741-4421 ext. 24 or kristian(at)axiomnews.ca.