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Mike Ross
CHRO for La Maison Simons
Professional Background
Mike Ross is an accomplished Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at La Maison Simons, a prestigious Canadian retailer known for its commitment to quality and community engagement. In this vital role, Mike oversees a diverse community of approximately 5,000 employees, driving initiatives that enhance workplace culture, employee satisfaction, and strategic innovation. Leveraging his multifaceted background, he has shaped HR strategies that resonate with the organization's core values and mission, ultimately fostering a thriving work environment.
With extensive experience in numerous sectors, Mike has honed a unique skill set that combines his insights in people, culture, and business strategy. His evolution into a thought leader in HR is marked by a passion for service and empowerment, seeking to uplift others and contribute positively to the dynamics of organizational culture.
Education and Achievements
Mike's academic credentials are as impressive as his professional journey, underscoring his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. He studied for his MBA at McGill University, known for its rigorous curriculum and strong emphasis on innovation and management. Additionally, he attained a Juris Doctor (JD) from the esteemed University of Toronto Faculty of Law, equipping him with robust legal acumen beneficial in navigating complex HR landscapes.
Moreover, Mike holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, which has enriched his understanding of global affairs and the intricacies of public policy – critical components in any organizational setting. His international exposure was further enhanced through a Law school exchange program at the National University of Singapore, providing him with a diverse perspective on legal frameworks and international business practices.
Mike began his academic journey by earning a Bachelor's degree with Honors in Political Science, focusing on Political Theory and Philosophy from Concordia University. This foundational education grounded him in analytical thinking and a deep understanding of political dynamics, complementing his extensive professional pursuits.
Notable Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Mike has held several prestigious positions that reflect his versatile expertise. He was formerly a Lecturer in Management at McGill University, where he shared his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of leaders. This role enabled him to influence budding professionals and researchers in the field of management, imparting practical insights gleaned from his own experiences.
Mike co-founded Vocaprep, an EdTech startup dedicated to enhancing educational access and outcomes, which he successfully sold in 2019. This entrepreneurial venture illustrates his innovative spirit and dedication to harnessing technology for educational advancement.
He also served as the Founder and Managing Partner at Juniper Advisers, a role that allowed him to leverage his consulting capabilities to guide organizations in strategic transformation and human capital management.
His impressive tenure at McKinsey & Company as a consultant equipped him with strategic perspectives from some of the world’s leading businesses, honing his skills in problem-solving and strategic advising.
Additionally, Mike took on the role of Managing Director (Private Equity) at Sprott, where he oversaw significant investment portfolios and contributed to driving corporate growth strategies in the private sector.
Before stepping into the world of human resources, Mike worked in Product and Marketing at eBay, showing his adaptability across various functions, including technology and consumer relations. His role as a Project Manager during the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Negotiations at Adam Smith International reflects his ability to handle sensitive cross-cultural issues, leading to valuable skills in diplomacy and negotiation.
In the legal arena, Mike began as an attorney at Bingham McCutchen LLP, where he cultivated a strong foundation in law that continues to serve him well in his current HR role.
Achievements
Mike Ross's journey is marked by numerous achievements that reflect his leadership and innovative thinking. His ability to combine insights from multiple disciplines—law, business, education, and international relations—enhances his approach to human resources and cultural strategy at La Maison Simons.
His entrepreneurial success with Vocaprep not only underscores his innovative mindset but also showcases his commitment to making a difference in the educational landscape. His transition from academia to corporate leadership demonstrates his versatility and adaptability in various environments.
Moreover, Mike's thought leadership in HR is gaining recognition, with his
Highlights
Vancouver Book event - Saturday June 22nd Hi Vancouver friends - wanted to let you know that the amazing folks at Helicon Books in North Van are hosting a free book event for “Intention: The Surprising Psychology of High Performers” on Saturday, June 22nd at 6-7:30pm. Refreshments and new perspectives will be served! Come on by and I'll see you there! If you can't make it, please tell your Vancouver-based friends and colleagues - all are welcome!
More details in the Eventbrite invite linked in the comments

New Podcast alert! I had a great conversation about leadership, motivation, and our new book "Intention: The Surprising Psychology of High Performers" with Tineke A. Keesmaat the other day on her LeaderLab Podcast - check it out here: https://lnkd.in/eXx47bVm
