Advisory Services for Industry Leaders, Boards & Policymakers
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
Book your confidential conversation today.
In a rapidly changing world, I assist organizations, boards, and governments to navigate disruption and seize opportunities. 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.
Meet Rhonda Barnet
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.
TESTIMONIALS
Hon. Maryam Monsef
CEO, Onward | Former Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Govt. of Canada
“Rhonda leads with vision and grace. She has a strong record in raising millions of dollars 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 on your side.”
Karimah Es Sabar
CEO, Quark Venture | Former Member, Industry Strategy Council
“Rhonda brings an exceptional blend of vision, pragmatism, and purpose to every table she joins. Working with her on the Industry Strategy Council, and later through her leadership at Palette Skills, I saw firsthand her ability to bridge industry and government, inspire collaboration, and turn bold ideas into tangible national outcomes.
She is a strategic thinker who leads with authenticity and an unwavering commitment to Canada’s future competitiveness and talent growth.”
Jason Myers
CEO, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
“When I want the latest on what’s happening to address manufacturing skills and workforce development issues in Canada and worldwide, I turn to Rhonda Barnet. Rhonda’s wealth of experience in running a small manufacturing and engineering company gives her a perfect vantage point to understanding the challenges that a great majority of Canadian manufacturers face as they take on today’s market challenges, adopt new technologies, and develop the processes and people skills required for business transformation.
Rhonda can also mobilize the resources required to meet those challenges. She’s the first to say that it takes good people, good processes, as well as good leadership to ensure the use of technology can be converted into business success.”
Karen Hambug
Partner, Deloitte LLP | Strategy, Risk, and Transactions | Clean Technology
“Rhonda’s leadership impact is evident in the success stories of countless Canadians who have launched new careers across Canada’s high-potential growth sectors as a result of her strategic vision, commitment, and expertise. Throughout her long and storied career, Rhonda strengthened Canada’s national capacity for innovation, technology adoption, and the workforce of the future.
Her collaborative and inclusive approach, vast global networks, and strong partnerships across industry, government, academia, and civil society ensure outcomes that support growth, resilience, and competitive Canadian industries.”
Ready to Shape What’s Next?
Let’s discuss how I can help you navigate disruption, lead transformation, and drive measurable impact.
