John MacAulay

Background

About John MacAulay

It’s been a great run, so far. Over my career, I’ve been able to combine two of my passions — and in the process help organizations achieve further success. I love public policy: the cut and thrust of raw politics, but also the trends that transform societies and economies. And with a knack for the written word, I love crafting (and delivering) a well-honed message. It’s this unique combination of skills and expertise that’s shaped my UVP: The ability to effectively reach audiences with a message grounded in a thorough understanding of the issues of the day. Here’s how it started: Following my graduate studies at Carleton’s school of international affairs (NPSIA), I spent the next four years working in the public policy realm, immersed in topics from biotechnology to innovation, housing policy, intellectual property and public engagement. In that time, I was also developing skills in digital communications and multimedia. At some point, it dawned on me: Within Ottawa’s public policy cauldron, there was a definite opportunity for someone with a unique combination of marketing chops, strategic thinking and policy acumen. And so I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey. It started with freelance work, designing reports and other marketing material for policy-focused groups. This led to web design, online marketing, infographic design, business development and communications strategy. Along the way, I’ve been able to: – Found / co-found three businesses; – Help numerous policy-focused organizations more effectively connect with stakeholders and policy makers; – Create and/or grow authoritative, trusted brands; – Implement the go-to-market campaign for an AI-focused real estate startup; and – Work closely with (and learn a boat load from) subject experts and digital creatives on numerous initiatives. For me, it’s been important to know when — and how — to take calculated risks. I’ve taken more than a few of these over the years, picking up invaluable lessons each time: – Ran a student painting franchise for two summers during university; – Hitchhiked all over Japan; – Left a regular job to start a digital marketing agency; – Co-founded an online business; and – With partners, started a real estate company in Dominican Republic. I’m looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me next!