SuMo Profile

We began The SuMo Experience in response to a growing need for organizations to engage their employees in new ways that would build commitment and inspire performance. Together (although sometimes we hate to admit it!) we have over 60 years experience working in and with organizations that are continually trying to sustain their momentum.

Our experience is both broad and deep. Our individual expertise in the areas of organizational development and corporate communication combined with our special brand of SuMo Energy, SuMo Creativity, and SuMo Commitment help our clients achieve lasting results while they have fun doing it.

We are both seasoned practitioners and continuing students of Appreciative Inquiry, and we both value being Associates of a worldwide consortium of AI practitioners known as Appreciative Inquiry Consulting, LLC.

Sue Derby

In late 1999 after receiving the gift of an enhanced early retirement from Xerox Canada, I launched Clockwork Communications, my own consulting practice specializing in organizational communication. During my previous 26 years at Xerox I enjoyed a rich and varied career in human resources, training and education, marketing, sales, administration and corporate communication. As Director, Internal Communications I knew I had found my niche - planning and managing all aspects of internal communication strategy, employee surveys, intranet development, event design and production, and writing and producing award-winning publications and video programs.

During that time my interest around “organizational conversation” grew substantially, and attracted me to the dialogic-based Appreciative Inquiry approach which I have found to be useful and relevant to my entire practice. I consider myself very fortunate to have been invited to help organizations in many sectors, including corporate, education, healthcare, provincial and federal government departments and not-for-profit organizations.

As a continuing long-term member of the International Association of Business Communicators I have served as a volunteer on the boards of both the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Chapters. As a past member of the Strategic Leadership ForumI was fortunate to serve on that board as Director, Membership Development. Currently I am an Associate Faculty Member of the Schulich Exective Education Centre, York University.

I am also an affiliate of the The Infinite Possibilities Initiative distributing the beautiful and inspiring silver jewelry. Click here to learn more.

Maureen McKenna

After a rewarding and varied career of 23 years at Xerox Canada, I launched my own consulting company - mentoring with MOmentum Ltd. During my time at Xerox, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in IT, distribution, manufacturing, call centres, human resources, marketing and the quality office.    It was in my final role at Xerox as Organizational Effectiveness Manager, working with the President and her staff and supporting our headquarters that I found my passion - being part of a leading edge international learning community. I discovered the profession I loved. To see people learn and grow is a joy!

I have been fortunate to have clients in many sectors - corporations (small and large), education, not-for-profit, municipal, provincial and federal government.   As a volunteer I have been honoured to be on the Boards of both Progress Career Planning Institute and Communities in Schools. Today I am mentor to a Toronto youth organization called iDREAM.   

I am currently an associate of the TAOS Institute - a community of scholars and practitioners concerned with the social processes essential for the construction of reason, knowledge, and human value.

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