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.

A calm hand in high-stakes environments, Matt is an expert in reputation management and corporate risk.

With a career defined by navigating Canada’s biggest crises, his ability to manage the intersection of media and government makes him a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and Boards during their most critical inflection points. Matt previously served as a principal at a crisis communications firm, and a senior strategist and issues manager to Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In government,  he was a key issues advisor on the COVID-19 response, financial sector policy and international trade negotiations.

An active political strategist, Matt remains at the forefront of issues shaping the national conversation. He has led political war rooms, and managed campaigns for several prominent Liberal politicians.

Matt is a Board Member with the Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR), and holds a Masters of Professional Communications from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Outside of work and politics, Matt is an avid traveller and scuba diver.

Michael Cooke is a veteran journalist, editor, and media strategist with deep global experience in newsroom leadership, public affairs, and crisis communications. Most recently, he joined Oyster Group, a public affairs firm specializing in high-stakes strategy and media navigation.

He was appointed by Canada’s Governor-General to the Independent Advisory Board on News Media Eligibility under the CRA, and continues to serve on the board of the Michener Foundation.

Internationally, Michael works across Africa and South Asia, leading long-term media development projects with the support of the UN Democracy Fund, FOJO Swedish Media Institute, and Journalists for Human Rights (JHR). His focus has been on helping build investigative journalism capacity in countries such as Bangladesh, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—often under complex and politically sensitive conditions.

Michael has held Editor-in-Chief roles at major newspapers in Toronto, New York,  Chicago,  and Vancouver, and was a founding editor of the National Post. His editorial career began in the UK at age 16, including stints at the South London Press, and Sunday Express.

His global journalism work spans countries including Afghanistan, Uganda, Myanmar, India, and throughout Tunisia. A committed educator, he has taught journalism for WAN-IFRA, JHR, and other international organizations, with a strong focus on human rights and training women journalists.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by Trent University for his human rights work, and was, elected a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and previously held a Southam Fellowship at Massey College, University of Toronto.

Now focused on democracy-building, humanitarian causes, and crisis media management, Michael continues to advise clients navigating reputational risk and institutional transformation in an evolving digital world.

Michael is a citizen of Canada, USA and the UK. He is fluent in English and French.

Karen Restoule is Director of Indigenous Affairs and a Senior Fellow at Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and a strategic advisor on complex public and policy issues, working with CEOs and senior executives to shape strategy and drive results. 

Restoule brings a rare breadth of experience. She advised clients at one of Canada’s most well-known public affairs firms; served First Nations leaders on matters related to justice, law, community development, and sustainability; and, led Ontario’s administrative justice system as a public sector executive. She also co-founded BOLD Realities, driving initiatives to advance the industry-Indigenous relationship.  

She is a graduate of the University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall’s Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources, and Governments, and the University of Ottawa’s French Common Law Program, where she was inducted into the Faculty of Law Honours Society for using her legal education to make significant contributions to society.  

A sought-after voice, Restoule regularly contributes to news media, radio, and conferences across Canada and abroad on Indigenous economic and governance reconciliation, particularly as it intersects with the resource development industry. She also provides commentary aimed to address critical gaps in Canadian understanding of Israel and the Middle East, combat growing antisemitism, and counter extremism.  

Restoule is Ojibwe from Dokis First Nation, who are signatory to the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. 

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.

A calm and credible voice under pressure, Charlsie is one of Canada’s most trusted storytellers.

Prior to joining Oyster Group, she spent more than 15 years as a senior correspondent with CBC News. As host of Marketplace, Canada’s leading investigative consumer program, she held powerful institutions to account and guided Canadians through complex issues with clarity and care.

Canadians will also recognize her from CBC’s Olympic coverage.

Charlsie began her career in journalism after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from St. Joseph’s University, where she competed as an NCAA Division I field hockey player.

She also holds certificates in Strategic Public Relations from the University of Toronto and Journalism New Media from Sheridan College.

When she’s not advising clients, Charlsie can be found chasing after her two young kids or a tennis ball.

A sharp strategist in politics and media, Isha helps leaders shape narratives that win headlines and protect reputations.

Her career has been dedicated to helping leaders frame their story, navigate tough news cycles, and master the moment. As a Senior Consultant at Oyster Group, she advises leaders through high-stakes issues, shaping strategy, managing risk, and creating stories that stick.

Isha previously served as chief spokesperson to Ontario’s Ministers of Education and Energy and Mines, working through front-page stories and media firestorms with a steady hand and sharp instincts. She has also supported Fortune 500 clients through complex communications and high-stakes public policy battles across Canada.

When she’s not wrangling words or steering media strategy, you’ll find her discovering new restaurants in Toronto and debating politics over a cocktail.

Elizabeth brings a spark to everything she touches. From working with Canada’s largest multi-national organizations in energy, healthcare, and education, to navigating the twists and turns of all levels of government, she knows how to get things done. Her time in provincial government was all about turning complex policy analysis and cross-ministry programs into impactful, streamlined strategies that get results—no red tape holds her back.

With an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Arts in English Literature from Western University, Elizabeth’s academic background shows her commitment to thoughtful, sharp communication.

When she’s not solving client problems, she’s on the ice coaching skaters to become Canada’s next Olympians or cheering on Red Bull Racing—because let’s face it, she knows how to pick winners.

Isla is a 3rd year student at Wilfrid Laurier University pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration with minors in French and Environmental Studies, as well is in the Co-op program.

Isla’s background includes experience in communications, business development, and strategic problem solving. She has been recognized as a finalist in multiple case competitions, where she worked on teams to develop feasible solutions and present strategic recommendations to industry leaders.

As an intern at Oyster Group, Isla supports clients through media monitoring, social media audits, administrative work, briefing materials, and communications work, including assisting with crisis and issue management.

Outside of work and academics, she is a varsity athlete, competitive sailor, and loves travelling and attending concerts.