The 2024 Best Small Firms to Work For: Level5 Strategy

CLIENT INDUSTRIES SERVED: Financial Services, Insurance, Retail & Consumer, Private Equity, Energy, Government agencies, Not-for-Profit, Lottery and Gaming

CONSULTING SERVICE LINES: Strategy rebuild, Strategic planning, Enterprise strategy, Customer experience, Executive facilitation & alignment, Brand strategic planning, Brand implementation

Level5 Strategy is an insights-driven management consulting firm. We help our clients unlock sustainable, profitable growth and exceptional value by specializing in strategy and transformation through the lens of their brand. We inspire our clients, and each other, to grow and thrive. Since our inception in 2002, we've worked with over 300 clients across B2B, B2C, government and not-for-profit sectors in Canada, U.S. and other parts of the globe. Level5's list of clients includes: Canadian Tire, Loblaws, Canada Goose, Sport Check, SickKids, Toronto Pearson, Girl Guides, Home Depot and the San Jose Sharks, among many others. CMAG: What characteristics and elements would you attribute to your firm's inclusion as a Best Firm to Work For?

Level5 Strategy's inclusion as a Best Firm to Work For can be attributed to its strong culture, which is built on six core values: ambition, openness, integrity, collaboration, caring, and accountability. These values foster a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel empowered, valued, and motivated. The firm's commitment to continuous learning, community involvement, and regular recognition of exceptional work also play a significant role.

CMAG: Are there any specific programs or initiatives that contributed to you being included as a Best Firm?

At Level5, we believe in the power of togetherness and community. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We work hard to create a safe environment that cultivates inclusivity and fair access to opportunities, where diversity of thought, background, and lived experiences are celebrated and valued. We have several initiatives that help to hold us accountable to this goal including:

Life@Level5 – a team dedicated to driving our culture calendar for the year by planning, organizing and facilitating firm-wide events that bring our people together on a regular basis to connect and have fun

Meaningful Impact – a team focused on driving our social impact strategy in areas such as youth, education, poverty and mental health with opportunities to get engaged through charitable giving, low bono services and/or volunteering activities

DEI – a team comprised of individuals across every role at the firm as well as external subject matter experts, tasked with stewarding our DEI strategy and identifying improvement opportunities throughout the firm Comprehensive Feedback System: Regular feedback and coaching through annual 360 reviews, quarterly check-ups, and spontaneous recognition.

CMAG: In describing your firm, what would you say sets it apart from other consulting firms?

Level5 Strategy stands out due to its unique culture that emphasizes learning, laughter, and diversity. What really sets us apart is more about how we do it, rather than what we do and that ultimately starts with our people. The firm empowers its employees by giving everyone a voice and encouraging them to play to their strengths. The flat organizational structure and open-door policy up to the President facilitate regular communication and performance measurement. Additionally, the firm's commitment to community involvement and regular recognition of exceptional work sets it apart.

CMAG: Where your workforce is concerned, what would you say your priorities look like for the upcoming year and beyond?

Our top priority remains consistent with what it has always been: a dogged focus on our clients, our team, and our community. We firmly believe in maintaining our purpose, to help our clients and each other grow and thrive, which has been the backbone of our firm since our inception over 20 years ago.

CMAG: What opportunities do you see as the most promising?

We have built tremendous momentum over the first half of the year and believe this will continue for the foreseeable future. I am most excited by our team and believe we have what it takes to grow our firm into new service areas and markets as the needs of our clients continue to evolve. We thrive on the opportunity to be our clients' trusted business partner, supporting their own growth and transformation journey. We are constantly leveraging technology to enhance consulting solutions, and deepening relationships with existing clients by offering innovative and tailored strategies.

CMAG: What market forces do you see as the most challenging?

Rapidly changing technology landscapes, and increasing competition in the consulting industry. Adapting to these challenges will require agility, continuous learning, and a strong focus on delivering exceptional value to clients.

CMAG: What impact do you think Best Firm to Work For honors will have on your employees? The firm overall? Clients?

Being a Best Firm to Work For has a very positive impact on our firm on a number of fronts. For our firm and our employees, it is a testament to the deliberate effort we put into our team and culture, and a constant reminder for how important this work is to continue on a go forward basis. For our clients, it underscores our commitment to our team, attracting and retaining top talent, and our ability to ensure we bring the best of Level5 to every project we deliver. We are very proud to be recognized as a Best Firm to Work For and look forward to maintaining this status for years to come.