Proven. Strategic. Discreet. Insightful. Driven.

Mike brings his passion for entrepreneurship and 20 years of experience in politics and communications to Oyster Group.

As an advisor, Mike’s reputation is built on providing business leaders smart strategies to solve their biggest challenges.

Prior to Oyster Group, Mike served as managing principal for one of Canada’s most well-known crisis communications firms, which acquired the strategic communications firm Mike previously built with talented team members in Toronto and Ottawa.

Mike serves on the board of the Ontario Brain Institute, working to help make the province a world leader in brain research, commercialization, and care.

Mike appears weekly on Global AM 640 to discuss how people and organizations respond to crisis. Mike began his career in journalism.

He lives in Toronto with his wife and family, agonizing over disappointing Maple Leafs seasons on the golf course when he can get out.

A dynamic force behind a mic and in the media, Amanda is one of Canada’s leading crisis communications and reputation management experts.

After two decades on the front lines of the most high-profile issues in Canada, her track record navigating media, business, and government speaks for itself, making her a sought-after advisor to political and corporate leaders.

A popular commentator known for her humour and sharp insights, Amanda hosts Free For All Friday, a weekly national publics affairs show on the Bell Media iHeartRadio Talk Network. Amanda is also a regular contributor to CBC Power & Politics and Toronto’s Newstalk 1010.

Amanda has previously worked as a journalist, consultant and communications advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada and the Mayor of Toronto.

When she’s not building a business or behind a mic, Amanda can be found chasing after her two young kids, wistfully remembering what it felt like to sleep.

James has spent his career managing high-stakes, high profile issues – as both a communications strategist and a lawyer.

Whether it’s a major M&A transaction, a boardroom battle, a public relations crisis or a public advocacy campaign, James has advised C-suite leaders through the storm.

James’ experience speaks to the breadth of his talent. He’s been an M&A lawyer at a leading Bay Street law firm, a lobbyist for one of Canada’s most prominent businesses, and a crisis manager at a well-known communications firm.

With a passion for private enterprise and entrepreneurship, James is also a partner in a growth equity firm focused on building Canada’s next generation of iconic global consumer brands.

Most importantly, James is a proud #girldad and husband who enjoys great food, good company, and enjoying sports and music with his friends.

Both at the centre of the federal government and in the C-suite of one of Canada’s largest public companies, Stephen has managed issues, negotiated with foreign governments, and helped shape public policy and corporate strategy at the highest levels.

A trusted advisor to some of Canada’s most consequential political and corporate leaders, Stephen has a wealth of experience on communications and reputation management, policy and campaign creation, and corporate strategy.

Stephen formerly worked for nearly a decade in the Office of the Prime Minister in different senior roles, as well as for a major Canadian Financial Institution, where he led both Canadian Banking Strategy and Communications teams. He also served for several years on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, where he chaired the corporate governance and policy committee.

Stephen is a Senior Advisor at the Oyster Group, writes regularly for TheHub.ca, a leading and respected public policy journal, and despite his best efforts remains active in federal politics. He and his wife live in the east end of Toronto, where he still somehow summons the energy to play hockey a few times per week.

Shak has a knack for turning crisis into calm. He brings over a decade of political and communications experience to Oyster Group.

Shak has advised some of the country’s leading businesses and high-profile decision-makers and is a go-to person when the chips are down (or the press is circling).

From working with a Prime Minister of Canada, advising an International Trade Minister, and working with political leaders at Queen’s Park, Shak understands the complexities of government and how to navigate public affairs.

A sought-after political commentator, Shak offers a blend of strategic insight and a dash of humour during his weekly appearances on CTV’s PowerPlay, and The Vassy Kapelos Radio Show on iHeartRadio.

Shak is versatile, reliable, and always ready to tackle the next big challenge. He ensures clients not only survive crises but come out stronger on the other side.

When the stakes are high, Shak brings the calm—and a few laughs.