Octopus Strategies is an accomplished, international team, focused on helping organizations to achieve world-changing goals and missions. We stand at the forefront of a new era of communication tools and tactics, constantly aware that a good story told well is timeless. We know that passion needs focus to be effective, and we believe success needs a greater purpose to be truly valued. We focus on brand, communication and fundraising strategy. We are inspired by those who have a vision of a world made better by their organizations.

Mike Rowlands | President mrowlands@octopusstrategies.com	Mike is an accomplished business strategist, entrepreneur, and leader engaged by organizations around the world to craft distinctive strategies and to deliver award-winning marketing. Mike is a member of the US Social Venture Network, and sits on the Advisory Board to the Faculty of Management at Royal Roads University. He is a Faculty member of both Social Venture Institute Hollyhock and Social Change Institute. He has presented for these events, and to chambers of commerce, business organizations and MBA candidates on brand strategy, strategic planning, and communications & media. He chairs the Vancouver Professional Chapter of Net Impact, and sits on a number of other not-for-profit boards. He has also served as a Director of his local chapter of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants. During his career, Mike has worked with a diverse range of clients, including CARE Canada; Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale; the Australian Trade Commission; and many startup ventures and not-for-profit organizations. Since founding Octopus in 2002, he has consistently grown the firm, establishing it as a leading thinker in brand strategy, and as a proponent of sustainable business practices. Mike holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United Kingdom, and splits his time between the Vancouver and London offices. He lives in North Vancouver with his wife, Tanya, and their children Ben and Emma. He is an avid skier and golfer, and a competitive mountain biker.
Erin Barrett | Managing Partner London ebarrett@octopusstrategies.com	From technology start-ups to the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, and from Save the Children to the NSPCC, Erin has helped to develop multi-million pound marketing and fundraising plans to recruit and retain donors. Working for I.T. Lab during a period of intense growth, Erin developed a marketing strategy that helped to double revenues within the year. Her experiences with the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association opened Erin’s eyes to international development at the beginning of her career. Working across 55 different countries showcased the necessity of clear international communication; an area Erin has spent considerable time working within.   While working for Save the Children, Erin travelled extensively in developing countries. Working to increase communication from field delivery to donor cemented her passion for delivering healthy returns on every campaign. Having experienced fundraising from both client and agency side, Erin was thrilled to begin working with renowned DM Agency, RAPP in 2007 where she managed the day to day donor acquisition activity for the NSPCC. Working to recruit donors through an extensive media mix including online, TV and cold mail, Erin learnt from the best the importance of testing, validating and analysing each pound invested. Recent successes include working on a 2008 DMA Gold winning online campaign, which smashed all income and donor targets. During her time off, Erin enjoys taking advantage of all aspects of London life and travel to nearby European cities.
> Photos by Jeremy Lim