Deirdre Freiheit
Vice President, Canada
Deirdre is an Erickson Certified Professional Coach (ECPC) trained at both the ACC (Associate Certified Coach) and PCC (Professional Certified Coach) levels. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation.
Deirdre moved to coaching after a 30+ year career in the not-for-profit sector, 22 as CEO. She led three organizations, two at the national level and a third at a large community-based organization where she held a dual role as CEO of two corporations, the first being the operational side of the business and secondly, its fundraising Foundation.
During her non-profit career, Deirdre served on the Board of Directors of Ottawa Inner City Health as Second Vice Chair and as Chair of The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa. She also served as a member of Health Canada’s Expert Committee on Substance Use. Previous roles included lay member of the Institute Advisory Board for Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and a lay reviewer on the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada’s research grant review panel. She has experience as a political staffer at the constituency level and on Parliament Hill.
In 2023, Deirdre was awarded an Honourary Degree from Algonquin College for her contributions to her community. She was named Ottawa’s 2022 Communicator of the Year by the Ottawa chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, their highest achievement given annually to a leader or team who demonstrates excellence in the field of communications. Additionally, she was honored with the Order of Ottawa in 2023.
Deirdre is a passionate advocate for blood, organ and tissue donation and is a dedicated blood donor. Having undertaken many volunteer roles over the years, her time as a volunteer at Roger Neilson House, a paediatric residential hospice, stands out as a life affirming and life changing experience.
As someone who has utilized a professional coach for over 20 years, Deirdre strongly believes in the power and value of coaching. Understanding what it can bring to our personal and professional lives, knowing that the answers come from within when we hold space for inquisitive, generative, honest and authentic conversations, Deirdre brings those values to her coaching clients who are comprised of C-Suite executives, emerging leaders, and individuals from all walks of life who seek guidance in becoming their best selves. She embraces the Pourquoi Pas philosophy that people are at the centre of everything and unlocking that which holds us back is the key to self reflection, discovery and fulfilment.
Those who know Deirdre would describe her as someone who cares about her community and enjoys contributing to it in a variety of ways. She is often found with a tea in hand. She enjoys a good book, usually something autobiographical or inspirational. She listens to podcasts while driving and indulges in celebrity interviews for fun, political discussions to stay informed, and health and wellness for self-improvement. If you were to have dinner with Deirdre, she would opt for simplicity and great conversation, paired with a robust glass of cabernet sauvignon, or a sparkling water with lime. Her favourite people are her family, friends, colleagues, and friends she has yet to meet. Her yellow lab is the neighbourhood greeter and in early December 2023, Deirdre will take on a new and exciting role as a first time grandma.
Reach out to info@pqpci.com
