Hi! I’m Dr. Dawn Henwood,
Founder of Clarity Connect
Hi! I’m Dr. Dawn Henwood, Founder of Clarity Connect
Hi! I’m Dr. Dawn Henwood,
Founder of Clarity Connect
"I’m an idealist. In a world that’s lurching from one crisis to the next, I believe solutions are still possible if we can harness the creativity of the human spirit and accelerate innovation. However, if we’re to invent our way out of the mess we’re in, we need innovators to be strong communicators who can make their ideas heard and foster collaboration."
"I’m an idealist. In a world that’s lurching from one crisis to the next, I believe solutions are still possible if we can harness the creativity of the human spirit and accelerate innovation. However, if we’re to invent our way out of the mess we’re in, we need innovators to be strong communicators who can make their ideas heard and foster collaboration."
That’s where I come in. I started my career as a professor and have crossed the great divide between the Ivory Tower and the Rest of the World. My PhD in English (University of Toronto) has given me a springboard for collaborating with clients in business and government, in areas as diverse as healthcare, environmental engineering, housing, veterinary medicine, consulting, sensor technology, and more.
As a recovering academic, I’ve learned how to translate my geek-speak into business-speak and government-speak. Now, I draw on that background to help others bridge the knowledge gap between their zone of expertise and the world where their potential collaborators live.
Because I have a researcher’s brain, my work doesn’t derive only from my lived experience. It’s grounded in scholarship from multiple fields, including rhetoric (the art of persuasion), narrative theory, communication studies, and learning science.
At the same time, for me, communication will always be a profoundly human activity rather than an exact science. I don’t just help clients clarify their ideas; I help ignite their creativity, re-shape ideas into new concepts, and connect deeply with the audience they want to influence. Human creativity and human connection, not Plain Language, build relationships and move ideas into action.
By my reckoning, I’ve now taught or coached more than 2,000 people, including university students in computer science and business, IT consultants in a Big Four firm in the US, project managers developing new vocational schools in Nigeria, startups seeking funding, and researchers and engineers across various disciplines. With each new group, I learn something new to share with the next one!
That’s where I come in. I started my career as a professor and have crossed the great divide between the Ivory Tower and the Rest of the World. My PhD in English (University of Toronto) has given me a springboard for collaborating with clients in business and government, in areas as diverse as healthcare, environmental engineering, housing, veterinary medicine, consulting, sensor technology, and more.
As a recovering academic, I’ve learned how to translate my geek-speak into business-speak and government-speak. Now, I draw on that background to help others bridge the knowledge gap between their zone of expertise and the world where their potential collaborators live.
Because I have a researcher’s brain, my work doesn’t derive only from my lived experience. It’s grounded in scholarship from multiple fields, including rhetoric (the art of persuasion), narrative theory, communication studies, and learning science.
At the same time, for me, communication will always be a profoundly human activity rather than an exact science. I don’t just help clients clarify their ideas; I help ignite their creativity, re-shape ideas into new concepts, and connect deeply with the audience they want to influence. Human creativity and human connection, not Plain Language, build relationships and move ideas into action.
By my reckoning, I’ve now taught or coached more than 2,000 people, including university students in computer science and business, IT consultants in a Big Four firm in the US, project managers developing new vocational schools in Nigeria, startups seeking funding, and researchers and engineers across various disciplines. With each new group, I learn something new to share with the next one!
I’ve developed multi-level programs, self-paced courses, and the Technical Writing Certificate program at Dalhousie University, which has been running for more than 10 years. I’ve also written two books on business communication: A Writing Guide for IT Professionals (Oxford University Press) and Business Writing for Innovators and Change-Makers (Business Expert Press). Now, I’m wondering what the next one will be!
I’ve developed multi-level programs, self-paced courses, and the Technical Writing Certificate program at Dalhousie University, which has been running for more than 10 years. I’ve also written two books on business communication: A Writing Guide for IT Professionals (Oxford University Press) and Business Writing for Innovators and Change-Makers (Business Expert Press). Now, I’m wondering what the next one will be!
In 2024, I launched the Microcredential in Communication Skills for Knowledge Mobilization through Dalhousie University's Faculty of Open Learning.
As far as I know, this is the first program of its kind in Canada. It provides a hands-on learning opportunity for professionals in academia, healthcare, and industry. Through practice and feedback, participants build both skills and confidence to accelerate research translation and their career.
In 2024, I launched the Microcredential in Communication Skills for Knowledge Mobilization through Dalhousie University's Faculty of Open Learning.
As far as I know, this is the first program of its kind in Canada. It provides a hands-on learning opportunity for professionals in academia, healthcare, and industry. Through practice and feedback, participants build both skills and confidence to accelerate research translation and their career.
In 2024, I launched the Microcredential in Communication Skills for Knowledge Mobilization through Dalhousie University's Faculty of Open Learning.
As far as I know, this is the first program of its kind in Canada. It provides a hands-on learning opportunity for professionals in academia, healthcare, and industry. Through practice and feedback, participants build both skills and confidence to accelerate research translation and their career.
All of this experience shapes the way I work with clients
today as an executive coach, team coach, and group trainer.
Ready to elevate communication skills in your organization?
All of this experience shapes the way I work with clients today as an executive coach, team coach, and group trainer.
Ready to elevate communication skills in your organization?
All of this experience shapes the way I work with clients
today as an executive coach, team coach, and group trainer.
Ready to elevate communication skills in your organization?
“I worked with Clarity Studio to facilitate a seminar for early career researchers on effectively communicating their expertise to industry partners. Dawn consistently delivered high-quality work that surpassed my expectations. Her attention to detail, innovative ideas, and flawless execution were evident in every aspect of her work. It was clear that she possesses a profound passion for what she does. We saw positive results within weeks of the seminar!”
Ben Goldberg, Managing Director, Industry Engagement and Customer Experience, Office for Commercialization and Industry Engagement, Dalhousie University
