Dr. Richard (Rick) J. Goossen

 

Dr. Richard (Rick) J. Goossen is a meaning-driven entrepreneurial leader who serves an extensive network of entrepreneurs and family/business owners built over decades of client contributions, collaboration, research, public speaking, and volunteering, impacting approximately 100,000 leaders annually. 

Rick is Chairman of the ELO Group, which has grown since 2005 to provide comprehensive resources for meaning-driven entrepreneurial leaders: family business / strategic planning consulting; Forums (i.e., conferences), peer advisory group network, and a week-long leadership program at the University of Oxford.

Rick is a sought-after strategic counsel and chair/advisory board member working with a range of clients in terms of size (from small specialized consultancies to billion dollar enterprises) and industry (manufacturing, retail, hi tech, etc.). 

Over the course of his career, he has served, and continues to do so, on countless boards of business and non-profit organizations due to his unique combination of legal training, business experience and consulting practice.

From 2019 to 2023 he worked with Nicola Wealth, the fastest-growing independent wealth management firm in Canada, as an associate in a business development capacity, and has now transferred to a referral relationship with the firm.

Rick has extensive experience doing business in Asia and previously worked in Hong Kong for five years for a leading law firm, a City of London-based merchant bank and some entrepreneurial ventures.

He is a professional public speaker. He has spoken at industry conferences and universities around the world. In addition, he is highly experienced in MC'ing events and conducting Q & A sessions. One of his most recent books is titled, Public Speaking Laws of Success.

Rick is a professor. He has taught entrepreneurship, strategic management and business law as an adjunct professor (BBA and MBA programs) and guest lecturer at universities around the world. 

He has edited five books and authored eight books on the topics of entrepreneurship, leadership and meaning/calling. Two of the books he authored are available in six translations. He has also written over 1,000 blog posts and articles. Much of his writing is on work and meaning. 

In terms of credentials, Rick earned a Ph.D. from Middlesex University, London, UK; a Masters of Law (LL.M.) from Columbia University, New York City; a Juris Doctor (JD) from McGill University, Montreal; and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) (Hons.) (First Class) from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. Rick was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the Province of British Columbia, Canada and voluntarily withdrew his membership to focus entirely on business pursuits.

Rick has been a Visiting Scholar at Regent's Park College, University of Oxford and St. Stephen's House, University of Oxford. He has worked with prominent University of Oxford professors and business leaders since 2018 to deliver the ELO Oxford Leadership Program. 

Rick has been recognized for his expertise and contributions in various ways. He was awarded the "Alumnus of the Year" by Columbia Bible College. He was offered the "Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal" in recognition of community contributions across Canada. He has also been recognized at various conferences in Canada for his contribution to the business community.