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ABOUT

As a former Chief Executive Officer I clearly understand that the bottom-line strength of a business is directly related to the health, well-being and engagement of its people and the mindfulness of its leader. I work with leaders and their teams to integrate a ‘healthy business’ approach within their workplace culture and to respectfully and intuitively lead themselves and their workplaces from the inside out.

I am an optimistic and curious professional who believes it is important to leave things better than I found them. I am very clear on my core values and strengths as a person and a leader: self-awareness, resilience, creativity, respect, integrity, teamwork and FUN (that’s a big one).

I prioritize my own well-being and quality of life by balancing work and play and always looking for an opportunity to integrate both.

I am an avid sports enthusiast who loves the outdoors. At any time you might find me with my life partner Eric, under the stars and enjoying among other things, back-country canoe camping, sailing, running, pilates, yoga, meditation, cooking, gardening, learning something new or loving the arts. My heart races when I spot a good fixer-upper!

I am amazed and inspired by animals (especially my dog Mira-my VP of Fun), nature, thoughtful design and kindness. A great red wine is also appreciated.

 

Read My Story

Inside Health and Business Consulting

Founded in 2005 to address the growing demand for evidence-based best practices that lead to healthy corporate cultures, business strategies, programs and training that address the challenges of the modern workplace. To maximize and support employee health, well-being, productivity and engagement and transfer that to job performance and bottom-line business success is the imperative.

The mission of IHBC is to help leaders inspire a more positive and productive work culture that translates into total well-being for themselves, their team and their organization.

 

Let's Work Together

What Clients Are Saying

  • I first met Mary-Lou MacDonald in her role as CEO of AWARE-NS. She quickly became an important mentor and coach to me. She was the keynote speaker for our provincial executive symposium on Mental Health. She inspired and motivated leaders from across the province in a powerful call to action which will not be easily forgotten. Her deep knowledge and subject matter expertise come from both an expansive study of the latest research as well as profound personal experience. She is an undeniable agent of positive cultural change.

    George Marshall
    CEO Saskatchewan Hospitality Safety Association

  • Mary- Lou is one of the most passionate leaders within the Wellness community that I have had the pleasure to work with, focusing on creating healthy and engaging employees and workplaces. She is entertaining and knows what she is talking about. I would highly recommend Mary-Lou as your next Wellness Consultant

    Joan MacLeod
    Director Human Resources and Administration, Halifax Port Authority

  • Mary-Lou MacDonald is a consummate professional whose expertise is in helping individuals and organizations to create healthy workplaces and workplace wellness solutions. I would highly recommend Mary-Lou to potential clients

    Allan Ebedes
    President & CEO, Excellence Canada

  • Mary-Lou is so engaging and real and raw, and the humour that she brings and the courage that she shows that is possible when you speak from a place of what you really believe. She is very dynamic, organizations and corporations really need now what Mary-Lou has to offer.

    Angela Thurston
    Empowering Women To Thrive

  • Mary-Lou is that authentic leader that we are all looking for, that leaders are looking for. Her humour is captivating…she is a natural story-teller…she will move people in your organization to be the kind of leader she is today.

    Dianne McCoy
    Spiral Effects Coaching and Consulting

  • I have worked with Mary-Lou MacDonald in her role as CEO of AWARE-NS and as a Member of the Advisory Council to the NS Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. She is a leader who listens; a motivator who inspires; a coach who really cares - all wrapped up into a true professional who brings energy and excitement wherever she goes (exceptionally so to workplaces). Mary-Lou is the 'real thing.

    Jeff Brett
    Former Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union
    Independent OHS Consultant

  • Mary-Lou is a speaker that owns the room, she is captivating, motivating and has you in the palm of her hand when she is speaking.

    Deborah Connors
    Well-Advised Consulting
    Founder, Better Workplace Conference

  • Mary-Lou is a very entertaining speaker, she captivates her audience but she’s also done her research. She has lived those roles of the people she is here to serve. She brings that rare combination of entertaining, practical wisdom that she has also lived.

    Carla Reiger
    The Artistry of Change
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