Robin Turnill, MHRM, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPCC (she/her)

Managing Consultant, People & Culture

Robin has over 20 years of executive, management and consulting experience in both the public and the private sectors, as well as non-profit organizations. She has held several senior HR leadership roles, and been a Chief Operating Officer for a large community healthcare organization. Through her consulting work, Robin has provided strategic HR services to an extensive portfolio of clients in the legal, financial, health, education, utilities, hospitality and transportation industries, as well as municipalities and regional districts.

Her industry and practical knowledge are complemented by ten years of academic experience gained as a Human Resources BBA Instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s School of Business. A frequent guest speaker at professional events, and on panels and podcasts, Robin has spoken on an array of topics including pay equity, organizational culture, and HR trends and best practices. She is a regular contributor to CPHR BC & Yukon’s PeopleTalk magazine.

Robin is a community-minded individual and volunteers her time and expertise with several non-profit organizations. She is a Board Director for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR BC and Yukon) and for Kids Up Front Foundation Vancouver. As well, she is the Chair of the Employer Advisory Committee for Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Robin has been the past Vice-Chair of the Board of both Greater Vancouver Community Services Society and Electric Company Theatre.

Robin has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from York University, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and a Post-Diploma in Human Resources Management from BCIT. She has a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and is a Certified Professional Coach (CPCC) through the world-renowned Co-Active Training Institute. Robin holds her designation in the United States from the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and has been conferred the highest designation in HR in Canada as a Fellow Chartered Professional in Human Resources (FCPHR).

Kristina Kovacevic, MSc (she/her)

Director of HR Consulting Services

Kristina brings an empathetic and intuitive approach to all her clients' needs. Previously serving as Director of Human Resources for a national design and build firm, and with over a decade of managing the operations of her family business, she understands the needs of both small and large businesses across various industries. Kristina's areas of expertise include employee relations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, HRIS implementation, and employee attraction and retention.

As a first-generation immigrant to Canada and having worked across multiple industries, Kristina has a deep understanding of diverse cultures and working styles. She holds a Master of International Business degree from the University of Hertfordshire, a Bachelor of Business Administration, and an advanced diploma in Human Resources from Capilano University. Kristina is also working towards earning the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation this year.

In her free time, Kristina enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures, focusing on health and wellness, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Hassib Hasanzadeh, J.D, M.B.A.

Senior Consultant, People and Culture

Hassib’s extensive academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Criminology and a Minor in Psychology. He then completed a Juris Doctor and Master in Business Administration Dual Degree as he was most interested in the ability to think like a lawyer and utilize it in conjunction with shrewd HR and business skills within a non-law environment. To further develop himself as a well-rounded HR leader, Hassib continued his academic and professional pursuits by obtaining his Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation, a Certificate in Organizational Coaching, and an Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate among other certificates. Hassib is also now in the midst of an Equity, Diversion, and Inclusion Certificate.

Hassib practiced law for 7 years in mostly corporate and commercial law before he ultimately transitioned into Human Resources work at large and highly complex multi-unionized public sector and municipal institutes. Hassib has gained comprehensive experience with unionized and non-unionized employees through his work as a HR Generalist as well as his work specializing in Labour Relations. He has experience with employment and labour legislation, performance management, succession planning, policy development, unionized and non-unionized recruitment, WorksafeBC matters, grievance hearings, mediations, arbitrations, collective agreement interpretation and bargaining as well as hundreds of workplace investigations.

Hassib has also coached entrepreneurs as well as employees of all career stages from entry level positions to executive directors and associate vice presidents from various organizations. Hassib’s love and appreciation of coaching is intertwined with his passion for perpetual growth and self-discovery as well as genuine and whole-hearted conversation. Although he does not limit himself to any collection of topics that he coaches on, the coaching topics that he finds most exciting are confidence, leadership, career, decision-making, and health and wellbeing. In his non-directional coaching approach, he helps clients look inward to discover all the insights already embedded within them.

Outside of work, Hassib enjoys hiking, photography, and is an avid world traveler having travelled to over 30 countries.

Cindy Theriault, PCC, CPHR, MIR

Coach and Senior Consultant, People & Culture

Cindy has been in the business of people and organizational performance for 25 years through her work as a Human Resources executive and Professional Certified Coach. She successfully led Human Resources divisions for reputable Fortune 100 companies including DuPont, Johnson Controls and The Boeing Company.

In 2013, she obtained her Certified Professional Co-Active Coaching (CPCC) designation from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She is also a designated Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation . Cindy holds an Organizational Psychology Honours degree from Western University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations from Queen’s University. She is fluently bilingual in French and English.

As a coach and HR professional, Cindy draws on her experience with organizational dynamics, culture, Human Resources and leadership to offer unique insight and guidance for targeted and effective professional development. Fluently bilingual in French and English, Cindy provides consulting and coaching services in both languages.

Cindy believes that coaching is for everyone: she coaches at all levels, including high-potential contributors, managers, and executives. Using her engaging and candid style, Cindy helps her clients overcome obstacles, access their own wisdom and their strengths to accelerate their professional and personal growth. She is known for wearing her passion for excellence and people’s performance on her sleeve. Cindy also values having meaningful, break through conversations.

Dessie Barton, BBA, CPHR Candidate (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Dessie, holding a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, is a valuable addition to the Pivot HR Services team, bringing a versatile skill set and dynamic energy. Throughout her professional journey, she has showcased exceptional organizational and communication skills. Her leadership experience, including serving as the former Captain of SFU's Dance Team, underscores her ability to foster engagement, teamwork, and creative solutions. Dessie's dedication to excellence is evident through her consistent achievement of Dean's List and President's List accreditations, showcasing her commitment to academic and professional success.

With a results-oriented mindset, adaptability, and a passion for collaborative environments, Dessie is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the clients we serve at Pivot HR Services. Her alignment with the company's mission of providing exceptional and customized HR solutions makes her an excellent fit for our team.

Renata Intropedi, BA (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Renata partners with organizations to cultivate strong, positive cultures and empower teams. With over 15 years of experience in labor relations, recruitment, and people analytics, she crafts solutions that align seamlessly with organizational objectives and excels at building strong relationships at all levels. Renata is known for her enthusiasm, sharp analytical mind, and team-oriented approach. Renata's expertise extends beyond traditional HR practices, encompassing a vast knowledge of the healthcare sector in Canada and the global financial industry. Her strong focus on strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving drives impactful results. As a skilled communicator and facilitator in both English and Portuguese, Renata builds trust and guides teams through change with a collaborative approach.

She holds a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in HR Management from Kwantlen University, a Bachelor's degree in International Relations, and courses in Leadership and Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. Renata is a certified practitioner in multiple assessment tools, including Thomas International's DISC, TEIQue, and HPTI. She is also a Design Thinking certified professional and an active member of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA Canada).

On a personal note, Renata loves to travel and explore new places, and she enjoys planning trips and events. She also values feeling part of the community, enjoying local events, and supporting local businesses.

Jasmin Aujla, DHRM, Cert. Con Res, Cert. Change Mgt (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Jasmin is a collaborative and empathetic HR professional whose passions lie within strategic planning, equity, and inclusion. After gaining experience in operational HR, and being recognized for her work in employee retention and engagement, she transitioned to consulting as a means to further amplify her impact in the workplace.

Jasmin’s formal education spans HR management, change management, and collaborative conflict resolution. She is currently pursuing studies focused on behavioural insights at UBC to enhance her change management and conflict resolution skill set. Jasmin combines a passion for understanding human behaviour with practical skills in managing organizational dynamics to prioritize employee well-being and operational excellence.

In her free time she loves to spend time outdoors with family and friends, plan her next adventures, and experiment with new recipes and art projects.

Jeremy Turnill, BA, B.Ed (he/him)

Consultant & Finance Manager

Jeremy Turnill has been an integral part of the Pivot HR Services team since its inception with his focus on business strategy and financial management. Seasoned in talent acquisition, Jeremy has a particular interest in working with the public sector, as well as the construction and skilled trade industries, to help support their hiring needs. Trained initially as a firefighter at the outset of his career, Jeremy has had a rigorous focus on first aid and safety which he enjoys putting to use in the workplace, having served on several Occupational Health and Safety Committees. Jeremy also spent many years as an educator and has extensive expertise in the learning and development space. Jeremy has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Simon Fraser University as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of British Columbia, and has his certification in Leadership in Education.

A major sports aficionado, Jeremy has been a coach for over a decade for a variety of youth sports (including those played by his two children). Jeremy is also a Board Director for the North Shore Avalanche Hockey Association.

Niruja Nagarajah, BA, HRM (she/her)

Consultant, People and Culture - Toronto based

For rapidly changing companies who are looking to build mature HR practices, Niruja is a leader who creates systems that are simple enough for today, yet easily adapt for tomorrow.

With her strong background in program management, she quickly grasps organizational priorities and has a bias for action. Never shy in a boardroom, Niruja uses data to tell meaningful stories that align staff, management, and executive levels. Niruja’s mission is to nurture a company’s employee experience as much as their customer experience.

Beyond being a passionate people & culture advocate, Niruja spends her time diversifying her professional background. She is an instructor at U of T’s School of Continuing Studies, and is a Strategic Advisor with VentureLab.

Her career highlights include leading an organization through a slew of critical M&A activity - where they acquired not one but three businesses. In her most recent project, playing a critical part in the transformation of an organizational design and cultural evolution.

Kate Hughes, BA, MMus (she/her)

Consultant, People & Culture

Kate joins Pivot with over 15 years of experience as a People & Culture leader, primarily in the technology space. From start-ups to global corporations, Kate has partnered with leaders/executives from across organizations to build effective teams, create tailored solutions, enhance business efficiencies and thoughtfully improve the employee experience. Kate is known as a trusted business partner, one who strives to understand all perspectives prior to crafting solutions, and is creative and collaborative in her approach to her work.

Kate’s professional career began as a performing musician – believe it or not, there are many parallels between music and working with people. It’s critical to be prepared, be able to pivot with little notice, to always know your audience and to do your best to leave them feeling that they were part of every aspect of what was presented.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Dalhousie University, a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and is a Certified International Trade Professional.

Outside of her career, you can find Kate at the hockey rink or baseball field cheering on her kids or hiking the North Shore mountains of B.C. Kate recently challenged herself with learning how to play hockey and even joined a team. She is still waiting to be drafted!

Gaby Fisch, MBA (she/her)

Coach, Facilitator and L&D Specialist - Toronto based

Gaby Fisch is a coach, trainer and consultant specializing in learning, culture, and organizational development. She is a curious lifelong learner, completing her BA in cultural anthropology, followed by her MBA, coaching certification and a consistent stream of professional development courses and self-study.

For the past seven years, Gaby has been engrossed in learning and teaching about the neuroscience of emotions, behaviour and change - and how we can harness this understanding to the benefit of relationships, both within and outside the workplace.

Gaby brings over 17 years of broad experience in HR, coaching, facilitation and consulting, gained through a unique combination of corporate, non-profit and tech start-up experience, as well as her coaching and consulting practice. Born in Mexico, Gaby is fluently bilingual in Spanish and English.

Gaby spent over five years with the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, in a variety of HR leadership and Talent Development roles. Most recently, Gaby was Chief People Officer at Inkblot Therapy, and she currently serves as an Executive-in-Residence at the Ryerson Venture Zone. Gaby is a keen advocate for building deliberately developmental organizations, and loves documentaries, podcasts and nature-based travel.

Richard Grimes, CPHR (he/him)

Senior Consultant, People and Culture

Richard is a strategic and analytical people and culture leader who brings over 13 years of Human Resources experience in the management consulting, technology and hospitality sectors. As a trusted advisor with his clients, Richard focuses on building effective business relationships with all stakeholders and partners with the business leaders to meet the people and culture objectives as aligned with the corporate strategy.

Recognized as a passionate coach and mentor at all levels, Richard is driven to succeed through his effective leadership, strong work ethic and sense of humour. Richard's experience spans both unionized and non-unionized work environments.

Richard is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), holds a Bachelors of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Victoria, an Honours Diploma in Human Resources Management from BCIT and Labour Relations Certificate from Algonquin College.

As an avid mountain biker and skier, if you cannot find him, he is likely somewhere in the mountains.