About

Yael Blum

My aim is to be an initiator and co-creator in the realization of meaningful achievements for individuals and organizations that strive to flourish, lead well, and make a positive difference in the world. I am determined to apply my creativity, passion, courage, and wisdom to that which is truly good and worthy

I bring ingenuity, heart, and hope to the art of leadership. 

Yael Blum

I am a systems thinker working to attune to the vast complexity, staggering beauty and perplexing uncertainty of our times. I actively source ideas and perspectives that bring ingenuity, heart, and hope to the art of leadership and the practices for developing a talented, engaged, and future-fit workforce.

Since 2003 I have made leadership development and coaching my primary professional focus. A lifelong learner, I source my inspiration and learning from near and far. I have a stack of books on my desk, rely on a circle of wise colleagues for sage advice, and frequent professional seminars and practitioner retreats, whenever I can.

  • PCC Credentialed Coach (ICF)

  • Certified Leadership Circle Profile Practitioner (2023)

  • Certified Systemic Team Coach (2020)

  • Level 1 & 3 Deep Democracy (2019)

  • Certified Barrett Values Culture Transformation Practitioner (2018)

  • Art of Hosting (2017)

  • 4 Star Credible Leadership Coach (2016)

  • Theory U Foundations 2010

  • Master Certification in Systems Thinking Strategic Management, San Diego, CA (2007)

  • Certified Executive Coach, RRU, BC (2003)

  • Joint BA Anthropology & Latin American Studies, SFU, BC (1989)

  • Certificate in Liberal Arts SFU (1989)

Credentials

Values

A better and brighter world 

through collaboration, creativity, compassion, and  communication

Collaboration
Creativity
Communication
Compassion

I acknowledge and give thanks to the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations upon whose unceded land I am privileged to live and work.

"Yael has an expansive mind, unique perspective and is a creative force. She engages my intellect, my intuition and my heart on any issue or project I bring forward to work on with her. I'm reminded of my strengths, my creativity and my capacity and every engagement results in meaningful movement forward. I trust Yael implicitly."

J. McLaughlin, Former Lead Coaching Services, UBC

"I recommend Yael highly to anyone who seeks a connection with an extraordinarily creative and effective professional".

Dr. Terry Anderson, Chief Leadership Officer at Command College.org and Co-Author of Every Fire-Rescue Professional Is a Leader

"Yael’s ability to build trust—especially with the toughest and most resistant leaders—is the key ingredient. She doesn’t just deliver a curriculum; she ensures deep engagement, adaptability, and lasting impact."

Fire Chief M. Reed (ret.)

"Working with Yael has been very enlightening. She has an incredible ability to ask the right questions at the right time, helping me uncover insights I didn’t even realize I had. Her coaching has allowed me to become the best possible version of myself. I've noticed a measurable shift in how I have been able to adapt and lead my team. I can’t recommend her highly enough."

Steven L.,  Engineering General Manager

“Yael is a very special person who is not only an expert in her field of professional development – she does it with a spirit of humility and caring, which is rare. I have had the pleasure of working with – or in support of – her projects for several years. She is diligent in her actions and brilliant in her execution.”

Ken Keis Consulting Resource Group

“Yael has a calling for the development of mere mortals into outstanding leaders – her passion for this cause is undeniable, her style is engaging, and her skills are exceptional.”

Paul Anand, Sr. Project Manager BCLDB

“The coaching program has been of tremendous benefit to all of us who have participated. Our ability to organize our thoughts and approach to engaging and communicating with subordinates, peers and superiors has evolved in a positive direction. I believe our new gained knowledge and skills will have a lasting effect on our ability to lead the department and our personal lives more effectively. "

Battalion Chief P. Caceres

“Yael is creative, confident and passionate. I feel these qualities really are the heart of her facilitation. Her approach is down to earth, clever, relaxed and seems to be rooted in her own experiences. I left Yael’s workshop feeling inspired and equipped with new ideas, tools and ways of relating and being in the world around me.”

D. Pemberton,Vancouver

“It is so helpful in elected life, to emerge from all the important city issues, documents, meetings, phone calls, e-mails, letters, media and other public events, to take time to sit back, look at the big picture and decide how to be proactive rather than reactive.”

E. Woodsworth, Former City Councillor, City of Vancouver

"I found the way Yael could make sense of what felt to me at times to be a jumble of words is nothing short of amazing. I loved the way she would listen, and then ask questions, so that I could solve my own problems. Yael has inspired me to be more coach-like myself. I view myself as a "reforming knower", I now realize that there is more value in a good question, than in knowing the "right" answer."

Battalion Chief F. Morgan, Wayne Township

My Commitment

I will strive to ensure our work together is meeting or exceeding your expectations. I will continually endeavor to understand and act on behalf of your unique requirements, and adjust as needed; I will share my expertise and resources in an effective manner; I will be bold and candid in my observations; I will listen to you, learn alongside of you, and ask for clarification when necessary.

Let’s connect

I offer all prospective clients and collaborators a complimentary and confidential mutual discovery call. You (and your team) can explain what you’re aiming for, up against, and hoping to achieve. As the connection unfolds we will decide on next steps and begin scoping the terms of our potential partnership through a more structured line of inquiry.