GWA Training

GWA Training Brokers Inc., a dynamic Halifax business that matches companies’ strategic training needs with top suppliers, continues to establish its position in the international marketplace.

President & CEO Lana Wood is traveling to Havana in November to participate in an international trade fair. In addition to promoting Nova Scotia talent and Canadian training materials, Wood will also communicate and promote the potential and benefits of EduTourism, an emerging branch of her business.

“EduTourism is traveling to another location for the purpose of education,” she says. “You might be learning about the environment, you might be taking a professional development skills course, you might be learning about their culture, religion, music and art, but more simply put, it’s travel for the purpose of educating oneself while experiencing another culture.”

Wood has a particular interest in developing the EduTourism market in Cuba. “We want to go where we’re needed and where we can make some social impact as well, and that’s one of the reasons why we focus on Cuba,” she says. “We believe we actually can help make a difference.”

Wood is also forging relationships with other countries. In addition to a contract completed in the United States in 2007 and an upcoming contract in the United Arab Emirates, GWA Training (GWA stands for Great Work Associates) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kisserup International Trade Roots Inc. Kisserup is an international trade training and business consulting company headquartered in Halifax with an office in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“GWA is a really good fit for our clients, and we can bring a global perspective to the collaboration which complements GWA’s products well,” says Melissa Cameron, Kisserup’s manager of international trade training.

The MOU focuses on the development of European markets for one of GWA Training’s key offerings, “Powerful Professional Consulting Skills Workshop.” Certified trainers guide participants through a five-step process: exploring the need; clarifying expectations; gathering information; recommending change; taking stock/closing. Calgary business Murray Hiebert & Colleagues, Inc. developed the two-day workshop which can also be broken down into modules pinpointing clients’ specific needs.

Given her international outlook, it’s not surprising that Wood appreciates her proximity to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. “Although I’m based in Nova Scotia, it’s very easy to get on a plane and go and do business wherever you need to go, whether it’s across the pond or down to the Caribbean or into the US.”

Whether expanding into international markets or serving clients closer to home, Wood brings to her work a passion for learning and an innovative outlook in keeping with her professional background.

Before starting GWA Training in 1997, she worked with the then NSTN (Nova Scotia Technology Network). “We were basically Canada’s premier Internet service company. Very few had heard of the Internet before and it was my job at the time to educate people about what the Internet is and why you should care.”

When she began her own business, Wood offered technology training then quickly increased offerings to include leadership development skills. Today, she describes the company as “a one-stop shop for all training needs,” including executive coaching, conflict resolution and negotiation.

“Basically, we’re a training outsource department for companies,” Wood says. “They contact us and put us to work for them finding the best-in-class learning solutions.” GWA’s fees are negotiated with the training vendor in the form of a brokerage fee, leaving the client to feel “free” to call and put Wood and her team to work for them.

Woods’ innovative spirit is fueled by discussing ideas with others. “It’s so important to be able to form partnerships or brainstorm with other people,” she says. “I think that’s where the true innovation happens, not just from one person but with the combined talents.”

And when she is at work, there is no place she would rather be. “I can’t wait to get in the office every morning, and that’s nice after being a business owner for 12 years and being in the training and development community for 20 years. And I always keep true to our belief that our clients deserve the best…and we’ll find it for them!”