Clever Rabbit, Inc.
DEBORAH WATRING-ELLIS
Crafting cunning responses to difficult challenges
WHO IS THE CLEVER RABBIT?
Who I Am
I am an entrepreneur with a proven track record for helping companies enhance earnings through improved customer experience and sales performance.
I also apply my years of experience to help purpose-driven organizations (non-profits) become strong and sustainable.
I am a dual citizen of the US and Canada currently living in Perth, Ontario.
CLEVER RABBIT
Vision
My vision is to live in a world where all organizations – non-profits, corporations, and small businesses – optimize their resources and keep focused on their purpose
Professional Profile
In 1986 I “took the leap” and left a successful career at BellSouth to start a consulting practice. In the years that followed, Watring & Associates, Inc. evolved into a multi-million dollar, multinational company. We were recognized as experts in how to sell applications for a public network-based communications service called Centrex.
Watring & Associates was unique in many ways:
We were a virtual company of approximately 40 independent consultants who worked cooperatively toward a common business vision.
Our team and our clients spanned the Western Hemisphere even before the Internet was available to facilitate our activities.
Both team members and clients demonstrated unprecedented loyalty to to the company and our mission even through difficult times.
Our work was so respected that we never invested in marketing our services...all our business came by referral and reputation.
In 2001, I moved to Toronto and merged Watring & Associates with Edge Interactive Marketing to become Trajectory Business Performance - a marketing services company that focused on sales performance improvement in front line sales organizations.
In 2006, Trajectory was purchased by Pareto Corporation, one of Canada’s top 50 fastest growing companies. The sale of the company allowed me to return to my roots as a freelance consultant.
Professional History
MY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
PRINCIPAL, CLEVER RABBIT, INC.
2007 - PRESENT
In this role, I’ve provided subject matter expertise and created measurable results in the areas of training and performance improvement to corporate clients (e.g. Rogers Telecommunications, PC Financial, Bell Aliant, High Liner Foods, Halifax International Airport Authority, et al).
PRESIDENT, LUNENBURG CULTURAL ALLIANCE
2017 - 2018
I founded this organization to consolidate the voice of multiple local non-profit arts organizations for advocacy and gaining economy through shared services.
PRESIDENT, LUNENBURG FOLK HARBOUR SOCIETY
2015 - 2018
My objective in taking this position was to help an organization with a long and successful history secure a solid future by developing sustainable business and succession plans.
DIRECTOR - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CLIENT SERVICES, PARETO CORPORATION
2006 - 2007
Upon purchase of our company, I managed the transition to integrate Trajectory Business Performance into Pareto operations.
VICE-PRESIDENT - CLIENT SERVICES, TRAJECTORY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
2002 - 2006
I was one third owner and a member of the senior management team at this company that was created by merging Watring & Associates and Edge Interactive Marketing.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, WATRING & ASSOCIATES, INC.
1986 - 2002
I owned and operated this professional consulting practice specializing in sales in the telecommunications industry across North and South America.
STAFF MANAGER - MARKETING SUPPORT, BELLSOUTH SERVICES, INC.
1983 - 1986
In this position, I designed, developed, documented and implemented methods and procedures for customer service operations.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, AT&T INFORMATION SYSTEMS
1983
After the divestiture of the Bell System, I designed, sold and directed implementation and maintenance of complex business communications systems for the largest electric utility in the southeast United States.
COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT, SOUTH CENTRAL BELL
1978 - 1983
In this role, I designed, sold and implemented telecommunications systems for professional services businesses, e.g. attorneys and accountants.
VARIOUS POSITIONS
PRIOR TO 1978
During college and right after graduation, I held various jobs in the transportation and real estate industries as well as working in civil service including employment with United Parcel Service and the United States Air Force.
Educational Experience
POST-GRADUATE WORK, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
1976-1977
Post-graduate study toward an MBA with emphasis in Management Science
BACHELOR OF ARTS, INDIVIDUAL DIRECTIONS, CARSON-NEWMAN COLLEGE
Magna Cum Laude graduate with majors in Psychology, Religion, and Education
1972-1975
Awards and Recognition
WHO'S WHO AMONG AMERICAN EXECUTIVES
2000
For outstanding business leadership
TOP EMPLOYEE BELLSOUTH SERVICES
1984
For leadership contributions in the implementation of an order by the Department of Justice for Equal Access
"BEST IN GROUP" AT AT&T NATIONAL SALES SCHOOL
1982
For outstanding performance in basic sales training
SOUTH CENTRAL BELL ACHIEVER'S CLUB
1981
For outstanding achievement of sales objectives
OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
1980
For outstanding sales achievement
WHO'S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
1975
For outstanding leadership in campus activities
MORTAR BOARD
1975
National recognition of outstanding achievements - academic and social - by senior women
HARRY BECKWITH
“The greatest successes come not from giving people what they want but from providing them with something they never could have imagined."
Let's Connect
41 McLean Boulevard
Perth, ON K7H 2Z2
613 390 1003
