Hi, I’m Charles.

I am a cultural anthropologist by education. Jim Collins once referred to me as a social alchemist! I like that description, as I believe I have a deep capacity to understand human connections, empathy, and the potential for growth and transformation. I consistently seek to understand the underlying dynamics that shape relationships and social systems. It is from this foundation of understanding that I facilitate dialogue, promote inclusivity, and foster collaboration among diverse groups of people.

I recognize and pay close attention to the interconnectedness of individuals and the collective impact they have on one another. I seek to create spaces where authentic connections can flourish, and where individuals can recognize and harness their shared power to effect positive change.

I bring a blend of compassion, intuition, and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics. I often seek to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and bridge divides. I am passionate about inspiring and empowering others, helping them tap into their unique strengths and perspectives for the betterment of society.

Charles Holmes is sitting in an executive chair.

“I seek to use the power of human connection, empathy, and understanding to catalyze positive transformation, fostering harmonious relationships, and creating a more just, compassionate, and inclusive world.”

  • “Charles recently facilitated an extremely important meeting of approximately 100 leaders from all CGA affiliate organizations across Canada. His facilitation was instrumental in helping to build understanding and alignment. Keeping a group this size, with diverse opinions, engaged and focused on building collaborative potential was not an easy task, but he managed to bring the group along and focus on the decisions of the day. I admired the fact that he quickly grasped the issues the organization was facing and could relate immediately to what was required.”

    Anthony Ariganello, CEO, Certified General Accountants of Canada

  • “We came, we saw, we laughed, we cried but more importantly we walked away far better informed, prepared and equipped to handle the challenges ahead. The process for enaging us—our management team and our board, was well designed and exceeded the expectations of our entire management team. Many thanks for making this process a complete success for us.”

    Don Rolfe, CEO, Credential Group

  • “Charles Holmes lived up to his advanced billing. He allowed us to set our own objectives and he assisted us in ensuring we had a meaningful progressive dialogue. He made sure we focused on our issues and that the communication was open and meaningful. He promised us that we would have enjoy ourselves within the scope of the session and he delivered.”

    Howard Bogach, Chair, Credential Financial Inc.

  • “Charles is a marvel at making connections. He meets hundreds of talented people in large conferences and yet remembers each of their unique strengths and needs and connects them effortlessly with people whom they need to meet. Charles did a remarkable job of facilitating a motley group of 80 energetic and unruly geniuses that unleashed the power of their ideas. People left feeling heard and knowing they learned a lot from the others. No egos bruised and no ideas left unspoken. Amazing.”

    Udiyain Jatar, VP Marketing, Coca-Cola

  • “Using CE Holmes Consulting facilitation team for my national Quaker Foods and Snacks sales meeting led to an improved dialogue with the field! With the professionally facilitated cafe style conversations we built connections across the sales, marketing, supply chain and finance functions. Our recap was captured in a rich feedback document and also in beautiful images! I would recommend their team to manage meeting design that, in our case, included, music, visual artist, exceptional meeting facilitation and documentation of the outcomes.”

    John Maples, VP Sales, Quaker Food and Snacks

  • “Charles is an outstanding coach! He gave immediate, honest feedback to our top team about how we are doing and what to change in our behaviours. In my personal coaching session, he helped me affirm my ‘opportunity’ areas and, more importantly, helped me better understand the impact these have on other people (and, therefore, on my leadership ability). He gave me great guidance and invaluable tips to develop my leadership further.”

    Ece Aksel, General Manager, PepsiCo Foods, Turkey

  • “Charles provided a fun and comfortable environment. His interactive style and probing questions engaged the group. He guided us to identify our challenges and helped us realize the improvements that are in our power to implement.”

    Neil Matheson, Management Services Division, Ministry of Education

  • “Charles did an incredible job of maintaining a positive tone, while drawing out the participation of a diverse and opinionated group of leaders. His approach was ideal for an experiment like this (Meeting of Presidents and Board Chairs of all Post Secondary Education Institutions in BC).”

    Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education

  • “Charles Holmes has facilitated several business workshops at the Vancouver Port Authority, including most recently our 2-day Senior Leadership Corporate Retreat, which is attended by our President, VPs and Directors. Charles did an outstanding job, with participants in unanimous agreement that he was the best facilitator that we have ever had.”

    Christine Diocheky, Vancouver Port Authority

  • “The design and content of this session was perfectly suited to our participants. You created an open, non-threatening learning environment, which was fun and highly participative. You have a great skill in asking questions, inviting participation, guiding the discussions. We generated the kind of focus and clarity that I think will help guide this organization for years to come.”

    Ingrid Alderson, Director of the OWLS group, GVRD Parks