Anushka Shahjahan

Role: Joined First Work’s team to lead a research, strategy development and engagement planning project to support the modernization of the Canadian Government’s Youth Workforce Development Strategy.

Outcome: Delivered a detailed analysis of existing strategies, opportunities and trends as well as a comprehensive report highlighting recommendations and executable strategies to consider and implement.

• Led the project through primary and secondary research, analysis, insight generation and stakeholder engagement phases.
• Facilitated conversations between key stakeholders, including policy writers, service providers, industry leaders and at-risk youth to assess how strategy is translated and policy is implemented across Canada.
• Generated insights and recommendations highlighting areas for enhancement of the strategy implementation process at national, regional and community levels.
• Developed a $2 million business plan to form a National Council to ensure congruence between strategy, policy and implementation programs at national and regional levels for youth workforce development.

Other Projects:

• Supported a revenue diversification and sustainability planning process for a Bangladeshi Association.
• Designed and supported the Annual General Meeting, Board restructuring and organizational policy review process for a Canadian organization.

Role: Worked with over 30 clients in leadership, specialist and supportive capacities for research design, strategy development, cultural transformation and sustainability planning engagements.

Outcome: Led the firm’s largest strategic planning projects by conducting in-depth research and market analysis, building client relationships and understanding clients’ businesses, industries and audiences.

• Drove the development of strategies for government ministries, universities, hospitals, Canada's largest pharmaceutical banner, mental health service providers, associations, not-for-profit organizations and major private sector clients including Fortune 100 Companies.
• Conducted interviews, focus groups and surveys with c-suite level executives, target audiences, local leaders, policy developers, competitors, partners, staff and other stakeholders.
• Through extensive industry analysis and research I identified trends, emerging issues, opportunities, consumer insight, and competitive advantage of organizations to help clients navigate market demands and optimise their business.
• Developed and communicated persuasive presentations and reports to secure buy-in and transform insight into business initiatives.
• Supported business growth by writing and supervising the preparation of winning proposals.
• Successfully designed multiple workstreams by ensuring appropriate resource allocation and risk mitigation when managing projects end-to-end.
• Collaborated with and managed cross-functional teams by communicating effectively and maintaining a clear set of objectives while multi-tasking in a fluid, high-pressure environment.
• Line managed junior colleagues and built a high-performance culture.