Founders’ Lessons: Building a Communications Consultancy from the Ground Up

Building a consultancy is exciting, and often harder than it looks.

Founders’ Lessons is a CPRS Vancouver event designed for communicators who are thinking about founding something of their own or who are already in the early stages of building a consultancy.

Join Theodora Jean, Founder of Coldwater Communications and Past President of CPRS Vancouver, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a communications consultancy from the ground up. She’ll share candid lessons from her journey – including what worked, what didn’t, and what she wishes she had known earlier.

Most recently, Theodora led public relations activity for organizations across industries, such as Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Vancity, UBC and McGill.

The conversation will be moderated by Fiona Forbes, who has deep experience across media and agency.

This session is ideal if you are:

• Considering founding a consultancy,
• Recently launched and navigating the early days, or
• Just interested in hearing from great people in the industry!

Date: February 4, 2025

Location: Leger Vancouver Office (Venue Sponsor), 885 Dunsmuir St, Suite 230

Time: 5:30-7:30 pm

Light food and beverage will be provided.

Advance registration required. Capacity is limited.

Creative Partner: Vitalwave Agency

Theodora Jean, Founder & Managing Partner, Coldwater Communications

Theodora Jean is an award-winning communications strategist and the Founder of Coldwater Communications, a boutique PR agency recognized three years running as Small Agency Team of the Year. With over 18 years of experience in public relations, she leads high-impact, cross-sector campaigns spanning tech, government, non-profit, and entertainment, helping organizations tell impactful stories and navigate complex communications landscapes. She was recently honoured with the 2025 Entrepreneurial Leadership Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and has served in leadership roles with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and CPRS Vancouver. Theodora holds a Master’s in Communication from the University of Ottawa and an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University. She has also completed executive education at Harvard Business School focused on leading professional service firms and entrepreneurship.

Fiona Forbes, On-Camera & Media Training Expert, Coldwater Communications

Fiona Forbes is a dynamic TV powerhouse with over 20 years experience both in front of the camera as a host and behind the scenes as a producer. Known for her vibrant presence and sharp interview style, she has chatted with everyone from A-listers to Prime Ministers, rock stars to astrophysicists, earning multiple awards and nominations along the way. Fiona became a household name as the host of the acclaimed talk show The Rush (formerly Urban Rush), where her ability to connect with guests and audiences made her a standout in Canadian media. She continues to produce meaningful content, champion charitable causes, and bring her signature wit to every project she touches. Fiona currently works with Coldwater Communications as a media training expert and lives in her hometown of Vancouver alongside her eternally smiling dog, Chewbacca.

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