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 be the news agency of the world’s most socially-generative organizations’ when asked about what excites him most about Axiom.
“There are fantastic, meaningful workplaces out there, and the voice of their team members needs to be heard worldwide. That we have a proven ability to bring that voice out, to amplify and share it, is very exciting.”
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 ground swell 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.
Jennifer Higgs, 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.
Camille Jensen, Managing Editor
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 ext. 24 or camille(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.
Michelle Strutzenberger, Generative Journalist
"I really like the strengths-based approach to journalism," says Michelle. "The strengths-based approach has benefitted me in other areas of my life as well." Michelle also enjoys the ongoing learning aspect of writing for Axiom News and the flexibility. "It fits well with my life."
Michelle is on a quest of self-improvement and appreciates suggestions, story evaluations and is always looking for feedback.
She likes the idea of a mentoring system to help keep accountability up.
"I would like to see more editorials because I think they trigger more of a response," Michelle says. She thinks it would be a good idea to post more of the thought side of what we do on our website and is looking forward to reading the founder's blog.
Michelle had never previously voted in a political election before joining the Axiom News team. Now she is a participant in the political process.
Contact Michelle: 705-741-4421 ext. 27 or michelle(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
