Advisory Services for Industry Leaders, Boards & Policymakers

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a blue shirt and earrings, smiling in a workshop or industrial setting with machinery and tools in the background.

From factory floor to global stage.

Building the workforce and industries of tomorrow.

“I advise executives, boards and policymakers to build resilient organizations and a more inclusive economy for all.” - Rhonda Barnet

Let's talk strategy

Book your confidential conversation today.

  • I support organizations, boards, and governments to navigate disruption and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

  • With over 35 years of executive leadership, board governance, and national policy influence, I bring trusted expertise at the intersection of industry, workforce, and leadership.

  • My mission: supporting leaders to connect innovation, strategy, and workforce transformation so that they can build resilient organizations and a more inclusive economy for all.

Advisory Services

Policy

  • Advising governments and associations on industrial and workforce policy.

  • Shaping strategy for economic development and sector growth.

  • Providing evidence-based counsel on innovation, skills, and inclusive workforce participation.

Strategy

  • Guiding boards and executives through strategic renewal.

  • Supporting transformation in manufacturing, industry, and workforce development.

  • Helping organizations scale, restructure, or prepare for disruption.

Speaking

  • Keynotes on innovation, industrial transformation, and future of work.

  • Moderating high-level panels and global policy discussions.

  • Inspiring audiences on women’s leadership and inclusive workforce growth.

Book a Consultation

Meet Rhonda Barnet

Group of four diverse women and a man holding a large frame at a corporate event. The frame has the logo of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters and a speech bubble with #WeCanDoIt! The women are smiling and dressed professionally. The background appears to be an indoor setting.
A woman with short blonde hair, wearing glasses and a blue patterned blazer, speaking into a microphone.

Why Work With Me

With 35+ years across industry, policy, and executive leadership, I bring a rare blend of hands-on experience and systems thinking.

I have scaled manufacturing firms, launched national skills programs, and helped shape Canada’s industrial and workforce strategies.

Rhonda Barnet’s Experience

  • Former CEO of Palette Skills, launching the Upskill Canada initiative backed by a $250M federal investment.

  • Former President & COO of AVIT Manufacturing, scaled a family-owned business into a global automation firm.

  • Past Chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – first woman to hold this role in the organization’s 150 years history.

  • Member of the Federal Industry Strategy Council – advising the Canadian Government on economic recovery and growth following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

  • Governance roles with NGen Canada and the Electrical Safety Authority.

  • Founder of CME’s Women in Manufacturing and Junior Achievement’s FemSTEAM.

  • Global Voice on Innovation and Skills – speaker at the World Manufacturing Forum, Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society, and the World Economic Forum.

EMAIL RHONDA

TESTIMONIAL

“Rhonda leads with vision and grace. She has a strong record in raising millions through grants and partnerships. She is a great collaborator and a steadfast advocate for women’s safety, health and economic security. Her projects fill labour shortages by building the pipeline of people with STEM skills. She’s a great person to have by your side.”

Portrait of a woman with dark curly hair, wearing a black top and a necklace, smiling outdoors against a green background.

Hon. Maryam Monsef, CEO, Onward | Former Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Govt. of Canada

Ready to Shape What’s Next?

Let’s discuss how I can help you navigate disruption, lead transformation, and drive measurable impact.