Laura Taylor, M.A.

Chief Executive Officer

Since becoming CEO of Shared Value Solutions in 2023, Laura Taylor has focused on creating the conditions for SVS’s team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals to thrive and do their best work. She fosters strong, respectful partnerships that strengthen the impact of SVS’s work with Indigenous communities and organizations. Her approach is rooted in collaboration, creativity, careful listening, and a clear commitment to supporting the self-determined paths of Indigenous Nations.

As one of the founding partners of SVS, Laura has used her multimedia skills to help Indigenous clients communicate their successes and goals and assert their rights. She is a professional writer, social researcher, photographer, videographer, and facilitator of Indigenous Knowledge studies and related projects. Her video work focuses on telling crucial stories that shift the perspectives and open the minds of audiences ranging from community members to regulators and proponents of proposed major development projects—stories that can alter the outcome of regulatory decisions, impact benefit agreements and ultimately transform lives, communities, and companies for the better.

Laura is the author of the best-selling popular science book, The Cottage Bible (with Gerry Mackie, Boston Mills Press, 2007): “Practical, comprehensive, environment-friendly advice” (Montreal Gazette). She is also the author of a literary memoir, A Taste for Paprika (Penguin, 2005). Her photographs have been featured in many journals, magazines (including Oprah Magazine), books, and technical guides. Laura is a recipient of a Consulting Engineers of Ontario Award for Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge achievements.

Expertise

Additional Superpowers

communications | graphic design | photography | videography | facilitation | participatory communications | social research | community and stakeholder engagement | public participation | stakeholder analysis | public consultation | training