Forty Under 40

Donna Baker, co-founder and managing partner, Keynote Group

June 26, 2018

Editor's Note

Each year, OBJ and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce choose 40 of the region’s top young entrepreneurs and business executives and recognize them for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.

In these profiles, OBJ highlights some of this year’s recipients – their impressive accomplishments, what drives them and how they like to spend their downtime away from the business world.

See the full list of recipient profiles here and be sure to check out OBJ’s coverage of the 2018 gala here.

Birthplace: Cambridge, UK

Company: Keynote Group helps organizations find, ensure fit and retain top talent.

Education: Bachelor of science in psychology, University of Birmingham (2001)

OBJ360 (Sponsored)

City Building: Ottawa-based firm builds state-of-the-art LEED-certified Platinum building — the first of its kind for the University of Ottawa.

The University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences building was designed and constructed within 24 months, a point of pride for WSP in Canada (WSP), which was the prime designer

Experience full service strategic property management with Sleepwell Property Management

Since 2005, Sleepwell Property Management has been at the forefront of residential and commercial property management in Ottawa and the surrounding regions. What began as a local venture has grown

Charitable involvement: Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation, Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Family Enterprise Xchange

Biggest biz achievement: Keynote Group being named one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies by OBJ in 2018.

Biggest biz obstacle: Making the tough decisions to exit two of the original partners in Keynote Group.

Biggest influence: My husband and business partner, James. He makes me be the best version of myself and ensures that we are always moving forward and trying new things.

Biggest lesson learned: That you cannot do it all yourself. You need to build an incredible team around you in order to fully achieve your potential.

First job: Delivering newspapers

Advice I’d give the younger me: Set massive goals that make you think past your current reality.

What’s left to do: Professionally, to see how successful we can make Keynote Group. Personally, to raise our two boys to become well-rounded, respectful individuals.

Favourite pastime: Running

I’m currently reading: The Long Road to Boston by Mark Sutcliffe

Favourite movie: Harry Potter – all of them.

Favourite song: Human by The Killers

Favourite local pro sports team: Ottawa Senators

Favourite local summer event: Ottawa Bluesfest

Preferred social media platforms: Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram