Let's Talk

Hi,

I'm Mike.

 

Meet Mike D'Amico. As President of Stratford People & Culture, Mike has built a career helping organizations navigate growth, transformation, and complex business challenges. With a strategic yet practical approach to HR and deep experience collaborating with boards of directors and HR compensation committees, Mike is dedicated to designing HR solutions that align with business goals and support long-term success.

Mike is a seasoned human resources executive with extensive experience deploying HR solutions across diverse business environments. His career spans work with publicly traded companies, privately held organizations, and businesses preparing for the IPO process.

Whether advising large multinational corporations or small, family-founded enterprises, Mike has successfully navigated the complexities of managing HR operations tailored to the unique needs of each business. His expertise extends to supporting organizations in aggressive growth phases and those undergoing major transformations. Mike also has significant experience working closely with boards of directors and HR compensation committees to align HR strategies with corporate goals.

Before joining Stratford Group, Mike founded Strategic HR Consulting Canada, an accomplished HR consulting firm that specialized in providing customized strategies focused on talent management, total rewards, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. His leadership experience includes holding senior executive roles in the biotechnology, software, and telecommunications industries, further broadening his ability to understand and address HR challenges across sectors.

A recognized thought leader, Mike is frequently invited to speak at international HR conferences, where he shares insights and best practices with industry peers. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in law and sociology and an HR management certificate, along with achieving the SHRP certification – the highest level of HR certification available in Canada.

Mike DAmico_Website Headshot

Mike D'Amico, President,

Stratford People & Culture

“We consider Stratford Group a valued and trusted partner. The work they’ve done assessing our Total Rewards programs and reviewing our CEO performance and executive compensation have been exemplary – comprehensive, thoughtful and containing workable recommendations and a practical approach to implementing.  Best of all is how they work: they listen, adjust, and create a real partnership with us." 

Andrew Pateman, Canadian Blood Services

An Interview

with Mike.

Beyond our credentials, what sets us apart are the values we share and the ways we work. Every member of our team has a passion for giving back and helping organizations reach their goals. It’s why clients often tell us that when they met our people, they knew they wanted to do business with us.

 

To help you get to know us a little better, we sat down with some of our team members and interviewed them on everything from professional experience and obstacles to extracurricular activities and playlist recommendations. We thought you may appreciate seeing the personal side of our team through their shared personal insights, recommendations and hobbies.

 What do you like to listen to while working?

Well, I am more of a heavy metal fan…therefore my recommendations may be better suited for the gym than for work.

Do you have any recommendations?

• Metallica

• Van Halen

• Pearl Jam

• Stone Temple Pilots

• AC/DC

• Soundgarden


What are your favourite business books, podcasts, and blogs?

My favourite books provide business case studies. A couple I have enjoyed include:

• Shoe Dog – Phil Knight (about Nike)

• Too Big to Fail – Andrew Ross Sorkin (about the 2008 financial crisis)

I think to succeed in almost everything, comes down to being able to build trusting relationships which is why I also recommend The Speed of Trust by Stephen R. Covey



Who are you most influenced by?

There are far too many people to list…. and the list gets added to daily. However, it probably starts with my parents and how I was brought up. They had a heavy influence on the foundation I built for how I act.

• Treat everyone with respect

• Be trustworthy and always act with integrity

• Do your best and don't be afraid to make mistakes

 

What is one piece of advice you find yourself constantly sharing with your clients?

Always try to link every decision back to the business.

I have always believed the most impactful HR professionals are the ones that use a business lens to inform all their decision making.

 

How do you add value to your clients?

The one-size-fits-all solution is not going to give them optimal value. I add value by understanding their business, their challenges, knowing what is unique about their context is key. This personalized approach allows me to apply HR expertise in a way that will give them results with true added value.

 

What do you think makes Stratford unique?

  1. Relationship Building: We try to establish an ongoing relationship with our clients and like to act as an extended part of their team.
  2. Knowledge Base & Resources: We have a great breadth of expertise and experience. If I am not the best person to dig down deep on something, I can bring in another member of the Stratford team who can.

 

 What is your favourite type of client engagement?

Anything that adds strategic value. Knowing that I am adding value on something important is what I like to do.

 

Do you sit on any boards or volunteer?

I am currently the Chair of the Governance & HR Committee of the OECM Board. I just recently finished 10 years on the Board of the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa where I had been Board Chair. Previously, I was the Board Chair of BioTalent Canada and the Ottawa Region Rewards Association.

I have also volunteered my time to coach soccer for many years as my two daughters went through their youth playing days.

 

What are some of your favourite past times?

The past times I enjoy the most often involve physical activity and quality time spent with my family.

During the winters you can find me in the gym or at the Ottawa Senators games as an NHL Off-ice Official tracking the game statistics. In the summertime you can find me outdoors, in the pool with my daughters or out biking with my wife.

I also lead a family & friends investment club as another enjoyable hobby!

 

Any recommended movies or TV programs?

A few that I have really enjoyed include:

• Slow Horses
• Succession
• The Wire
• Better Call Saul

• The Office

 

Any recommendations on people to follow on their LinkedIn or social media accounts? 

My Twitter follows are related to my interests: sports, investing, business and news. I recommend people follow accounts that provide insights on their own personal interests!

 

What’s one of the biggest obstacles you’ve had to overcome as it relates to your career?

Breaking into a new career path.

I made a complete career restart at the age of 27. For the first 5 years out of university I was a prison guard in Federal Penitentiaries and realized this was not going to be my long-term career. I then took an entry level role at Nortel and ramped up academically in the area of HR.

It proved to be worth it in the long run!


Do you have any favourite quotes?

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

– Wayne Gretzky (...and Michael Scott)

 

If there is one thing you hope your clients gain from working with you, what would you want it to be?

I hope they see the added-value I provide and feel that the investment they made bringing me in was worthwhile.

 

PC Leadership Team

Stratford People & Culture.

Tell The Reader More

Strategic and hands-on HR support to attract, develop and engage talent to drive business outcomes and improve company performance.

Blogs & Features.

Speaking Engagements.

With deep expertise in HR strategy, organizational transformation, and business growth, Mike President is known for delivering impactful presentations and workshops. His experience spans diverse industries, including biotechnology, software, and telecommunications. Mike’s practical, business-aligned approach ensures participants leave his sessions with actionable insights on talent management, corporate governance, and navigating change.

Mike’s ability to translate complex HR challenges into clear, practical solutions makes him a sought-after speaker at conferences and events. Drawing from his work with boards of directors and HR compensation committees, Mike equips leaders with strategies to align HR operations with corporate goals and manage business growth effectively. Whether addressing leadership teams or speaking at large events, Mike’s goal is to empower organizations to embrace transformation and achieve sustainable success.

Contact Mike

Interested in connecting with Mike?

Whether you're looking for a customized webinar, a speaker for your next event, or a panel moderator, Mike is available for:

  • Webinars and Workshops: Book Mike to lead interactive sessions on topics like talent management, total rewards, or corporate governance. He offers practical strategies designed to support companies through growth, transformation, and change.
  • Speaking Engagements: Invite Mike to speak at your conference or event, where he shares insights from his experience working with various organizations. His presentations provide actionable advice for aligning HR strategy with business goals.
  • Consultations: Schedule a one-on-one consultation to explore HR strategies tailored to your organization. Whether your company is scaling rapidly, undergoing transformation, or seeking guidance, Mike provides expert advice grounded in real-world experience.