Dr. Steven Whiteside

Dr. Steven Whiteside

Director, Business Development and Industry RelationshipsBD recruitment, Faculty, Staff

Dr. Steven Whiteside holds a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems and an MA in Human and Organizational Development from Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA. In addition, Steve holds an MA in Leadership from Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, completed the Provincial Instructor Diploma Program at Vancouver Community College and has training in Evidence-Based Coaching.

Steve's teaching philosophy is an intricate tapestry woven from threads of integrity, honesty, openness, safe spaces, inclusion, open-mindedness, collaboration, non-judgment, humility, emotional intelligence and equality.

Expertise and Experience

Steve is a Communicator, Relationship Builder, Strategic Thinker, Community Leader, Speaker, Facilitator and Executive Coach.

Steve is a successful entrepreneur who has owned five Academy of Learning colleges. He has worked in the Private College industry for over three decades and is passionate about training. He has sat on the Private Career Training Institutions Agency board and is its past President.

Steve was the Chief Operating Officer of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and currently owns the Franchise Leadership Center, where he works with organizations to help build more robust and effective relationships. Furthermore, Steve is an Executive Coach focused on teaching strategic planning, emotional intelligence, team building and leadership, allowing organizations to experience growth and accomplish their goals.

Steve has delivered workshops and has spoken to US and Canadian Government agencies, large and small businesses and many individually run and franchised organizations.

Publications and Scholarly Activity

  • Impact of Executive Coaching on Small Businesses and Franchises. Fielding Graduate University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2014.
  • What Characterizes an Effective Franchise Relationship? Royal Roads University, 2009

Volunteer Activities

Steve is a highly involved member of his community, having served on boards and holding various leadership positions. He has dedicated over seven years to the ALS Society of BC Board, serving as both president and director and has also held treasurer and vice president roles with the ALS Society of Canada. Furthermore, Steve has lent his expertise to the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver as a board member for over two decades, helping to organize their largest fundraiser. As a devoted Shriner, he has also held the esteemed position of Past President (Potentate) of the Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon.

Steve is currently holding the position of treasurer at the Canadian Association of Public Speakers BC.

Contact Steven on LinkedIn.